28/32 for ABs predictions mate. Team chemistry between Finlay & DMac? would you prefer BB and Finlay and DMac at 15? Perofeta coming on for BB slot DMac into 10 role. come 2nd half pick n go

Can't argue with anyone there.

Can't wait

Accurate selection, similar to mind, but I'd like to see Tosi and Williams together on the bench, both over 145kg. They'd possibly be our future point of difference. I'd also try a 6-2 split and prefer Latimar's quicker pass. Both Christie and TJ have slow passes that help the opposition rush D. But they will pick Christie and TJ. 1) de Groot 2) Taylor 3) Lomax 4) Tuipulotu 5) S Barrett (CPT) 6) Finau 7) Papalii 8) Savea 9) Latimer (quicker pass) 10) D Mac 11) Clark 12) J Barrett 13) Ioane 14) Reece 15) B Barrett 16) Aumua 17) Williams 18) Tosi 19) Vaa'i 20) Jacobson 21) Blackadder (Razor bias) 22) Christie 23) ALB

I'd be surprised if the actual starting side isn't exactly the same as yours haha

The ease of most selections is probably a good sign. It is a new team but it feels pretty settled. It’s only really the choice of wings and maybe halfback where there is any debate. For me, the selection here is what I agree with.

TuipoloTU. If you're going to do this its important to get the names right

Pretty close i think. However, i reckon Razor will start ALB for a few reasons. 1. ALB form this year has been outstanding in comparison to Ioane. Proctor has been good but they will go for experience & ALB has been in the AB midfield since 2016. 2. Razor i think will stick to specialist centres for defensive reasons. The amount of times over the previous world cup cycle i saw Ioane make the wrong defensive read @ 13 which either started a buildup to a try or resulted directly to try was too many. Everyone says hes really good at scramble D, but thats usually because hes the one that made the wrong decision in the first place & has to gas it back to make the tackle. 3. Bench cover. On this match day 23 there is no 10/15 cover. If Beaudy goes down who's going to play 15? If DMac goes down Beaudy to 10 but then whos going to play 15? Starting ALB @13 means they can then have Ioane on the bench to cover wing/centre & Stephen Perofeta as 10/15 cover. 13 ALB, 22 Perofeta, 23 Ioane.

Aumua at 2, Taylor impact of bench.

Hey Tim, that's a solid and strong looking team .a mobile and fast side that will be difficult to beat I think

Best selections leave Blackadder out he's prone to injuries he can play against Fiji

I’m not so sure you have thought of player management Who needs more game time and who needs to be rested especially from playing super rugby final ?

That's a good pick, the exception being Perenara for Christie.

your selection is sound and I like.

Looks like the test side to me 👍

Solid squad 👌 I believe in this first test, form will take a back-seat to skillsets, fit and experience in the eyes of the coaches. Wouldn't be surprised given it's the first test for this administration, that they front-load this squad with more "known quantities" then look to loosen things up in the second test should they win. In saying that, could see Razor going with Blackadder at 6 and Jacobson on the bench.

We never learn anything. Pick fav and end up like Foster. Razor? I support you 100% but pick most saders player that no form and outclassed by othe team in beyond belief. Yes! They play under you. Thats a club or super. This is our National team . You have to pick the very best to take on the world. I believe you the man to take us to the future ❤.

He knows his stuff, that would be my team too

1.degroot 2.aumua 3.lomax 4.barrett 5.tuipolto 6.papali 7.savea 8.sititi 9.pernara 10.Perofeta 11.clarke 12. Jordie 13. ALB 14. Reece 15. Barrett

Good forwards pack like it

Thats a good team. I would swap Patrick for Tupou and Clarke for Telea

DMac is not a good AB 10... too short... too light as 10 or 15...

E. De Groot C. Taylor T. Lomax S. Barrett P. Tuipolotu S. Finau D. Papali’i A. Savea F. Christie D. McKenzie C. Clarke J. Barrett R. Ioane M. Telea S. Perofeta A. Aumua O. Tu’ungafasi P. Tosi T. Va’ai W. Sititi T. Perenara B. Barrett A. Lienert Brown

6 blackadder 7 savea 8 jacobsen or sititi.. 11 reece 14 Narawa

ALB is way too slow & weak when head to head to his size. 7 Savea, 8 Papalii Telea should start over Clark, Barrett should start 10 & Mckenzie at 15. 22 Proctor, 23 Clark.

Your really picking choker mc Kenzie what happened in the Bledisloe he choked and we nearly lost to Aust what happened in the final his forwards worked really hard to turn the ball over only to watch mc Kenzie kick it straight back to Auckland must of broke there hearts he will be lucky to be names Robertson won't tolerate the 1 man band mc Kenzie thinks he is wow you picked a big game choker