Sotutu had a standout performance this season. But Razor made a few comments, which was interesting. 1. This is a slim down version, but it will be the team to take on England. 2. They were looking at players covering both sides of the ball. Stats wise, Sititi was better in tackles, and I think post run meters compared to Sotutu. Additionally, there might be open doors yet, and I'm keen to see what Razor does next. We, as fans, just need to stand behind the team.

They all deserve to be there. Let’s see how Razor gels this team together. Exciting.

Players have been selected to play a specific style says Razor. Judging by the mobility factor alone in his forward pack, they will obviously crash the ball up, get the pill on the front foot and leave D-Mack and the backs to polish off. Razor also said players were selected for their Defence as well as Offence. So expect a strong attacking defence to match their offence from this team. Look for devastating runs and tackles from the loosies as they shine at both ends of the paddock. Joining them will be the entire tight five, again highlighting the selection criteria of big, mobile attacking forwards who are willing strong defenders. The entire team is chosen for their hard-working ethics on and off the ball so expect to see the outside backs grubbing around rucks and mauls to win the ball. If this plan materialises then Razor and his coaches have done well in selecting a balanced team fit for purpose. Well done and fingers crossed.

Great analysis and I agree with you about Sotutu. I feel for the guy

Watch his previous games with abs

Big shocks on some names missing...but that is what happens when there is a lot of depth. Sotutu omission...that's a shocker...but the selected team is good enough...only small worry on No.9.

Razor has picked a big squad, congrats to the debutants! Interested to see what the ones who missed out needed to work on.

Great side, especially on the forwards. Re Sotutu - yes we had a good season with the blues. But to be honest he never set the ABs on fire in his dozen or so matches. I will put it this way - would he be a first choice pick for SA, England or France?

It makes sense that they have 3 locks since some of the loosies can move to lock if needed. We got a lot of great loosies,so no worries there. Probably who to develop will be the question. The front row selections were good. They will try and develop that front row to contest the SA scrums. Their 10 selection will indicate dual playmaker setup like before. It's just more obvious now. Jordie + Proctor is a good combo. I'd pick that second to Jordie + Ioane. ALB to cover 12 if needed, but Proctor can also do 12. Overall, it's pretty solid. It will be interesting what style they will play with this squad.

they want more work on defence from Sotutu say coaches

Satutu earnt ABS selection, should have had a shot over Crusader Blackadder, Plummer was the best improved player of SR and was accurate(If he was in the RWC 2023 final NZ would have been champs), calm n steady, should have got a shot even over fellow Blues, Perefeta. Riccarteli, Tupaea, Lakai, n Akera were all outstanding, but unfortunate.

razor's first squad man geez chill out with the sotutu thing (4.45 onwards) he could become the best #8 in the country ..don't freak out on the first selection list because he's not there.

Who have selectors targeted as their specialist no1 fullback? If its Perofeta, i am not so confident with him. Just an opinion though. Hope for the sake of the team and country he proves the selectors faith .

Blackadder ? , he’s injury prone and slow while sotutu sits out

Disappointed where hokins situtu

You're kidding right? Sotutu is not a good international number 8. Sure he scored tries in super rugby but we need a number 8 that will smash the opposition at international level. He is too small and does not stand his ground in tackles. He is similar to akira in terms of disappearing at crucial times when tackles need to be made. I am not surprised at all that he wasn't chosen. I wouldve have been surprised if he did get picked. He needs to have more mongrel in him to make it in the all blacks.

Hoskins not being selected is due to the following: He does not have that Mongrel in him, he's not hard on defense and he has attitude problems. Glad he's not there

Why are you always so shocked?. What is it with you Brits, lol?.