How the All Blacks can line up for the Rugby Championship

The All Blacks have announced their 36-man squad for The Rugby Championship, which includes seven newcomers to the surprise of the fans who have already purchased tickets to the home games.

While we are in the world cup year, with the 2023 Rugby World Cup set to kick off in France, it also concerns everyone with tickets to the global event if this is the right call.

With the 33-member squad listed, here's what a hypothetical 23-man All-Black squad would look like for the Rugby Championship.

15. Will Jordan

The All Blacks have a history of experimenting with the fullback position in World Cup years, sometimes with disastrous results and costing games. However, Will Jordan has been in impressive form and has primarily played on the right wing for the All Blacks. With Beauden Barrett's indifferent form and Jordie Barrett's move to inside center, it could be the perfect time to give Jordan a chance at his preferred fullback position. As a genuine fullback, this move for Jordan won't differ from the positional switches in previous World Cup campaigns.

14. Emoni Narawa

Emoni Narawa had a standout Super Rugby Pacific campaign, culminating in an impressive performance in the final to the delight of the Chiefs fans, who had their final-day tickets. Given that he was initially selected over Shaun Stevenson in the squad, Narawa could be the preferred choice for the starting role at right wing.

The All Blacks selectors will want to see if Narawa's form translates well to the Test level.

13. Rieko Ioane

After a solid finish for the 2022 season with the All Blacks, there is no reason to change or experiment at center. With Anton Lienert-Brown unavailable and no other new player coming in, it makes sense to continue giving Rieko Ioane time at center. This is especially important since Jordie Barrett only recently transitioned to inside center.

The more Tests Ioane and Barrett get together, the better it will be for the All Blacks, as they are currently the best midfield combination.

12. Jordie Barrett

Jordie Barrett took over the second five-eighth position in 2022 and played three Tests in that role against the Wallabies, Wales, and England. It would benefit Barrett to have a Test against Argentina and South Africa, where he will face physical challenges. The set-piece will be different against the Springboks compared to the Wallabies, providing valuable learning experiences for Barrett.

11. Leicester Fainga'anuku

Leicester Fainga'anuku was the standout wing in Super Rugby Pacific. His attacking game is more complete, with better distribution and offloading skills than George Bridge or Sevu Reece.

Additionally, defensively, Rieko Ioane and Caleb Clarke have yet to form a strong partnership. Addressing the weaknesses in the All Blacks' back line is crucial, and Fainga'anuku deserves an opportunity to showcase his abilities again.

10. Damian McKenzie

Despite lacking game management skills in the Super Rugby Pacific final, Damian McKenzie showed glimpses of his best form while playing as a flyhalf for the Chiefs this season. Mckenzie is a fan favorite for everyone with Super Rugby tickets, and he will want to make it count.

McKenzie needs game time before the World Cup as the long-term option for the All Blacks at number 10, just in case injuries strike. Defensively, McKenzie is more reliable than Richie Mo'unga, and with the guidance of Joe Schmidt, he can further develop his ability to control the game.

9. Cam Roigard

Cam Roigard's inclusion in the squad suggests that the selectors see potential in him. Now is the time to test his abilities at the highest level. While Aaron Smith is a known quantity, and to a lesser extent, Finlay Christie, Roigard needs to be allowed to prove himself within the All Blacks system. Starting him in a few Tests will help assess his potential and determine if he is a genuine prospect for the World Cup squad, potentially surpassing Brad Weber or Folau Fakatava.

8. Luke Jacobson

Luke Jacobson has been selected for the All Blacks for the first time since 2021, thanks to his strong performances in Super Rugby Pacific. To test himself against one of the strongest loose forward units in the game, Jacobson should start against the Springboks. It would also benefit him to play against the Pumas, who possess a formidable back row with Pablo Matera. Managing the workload of Ardie Savea is crucial, and providing some load management for him would be good.

7. Sam Cane (c)

Sam Cane is set to lead the All Blacks this year, and his on-field presence will be vital for a team with several inexperienced players. Despite a yellow card in the Super Rugby Pacific final, Cane demonstrated consistent form for the Chiefs. He should start in all three Tests during the Rugby Championship, and All Blacks hope he lives up to expectations when they head to Eden Park with tickets.

6. Scott Barrett

Scott Barrett has primarily played as a lock for the Crusaders this season, but he is clearly in Ian Foster's plans as a blindside flanker for the World Cup. Starting Barrett at number 6 will provide him valuable game time in a position where he is expected to feature throughout the Test season. While Shannon Frizell is a known quantity, Samipeni Finau might eventually make his debut off the bench.

5. Tupou Vaa'i/Josh Lord

With Sam Whitelock likely to be rested for a significant portion of the campaign, Tupou Vaa'i or Josh Lord should be given a starting opportunity. Despite limited game time, Lord has been consistently selected, indicating the selectors' faith in his abilities. This is an opportunity for both locks to gain valuable experience.

4. Brodie Retallick

Brodie Retallick brings a wealth of experience to the team, especially with Sam Whitelock nursing an Achilles injury. Retallick suffered a shoulder injury during the Rugby Championship in the last World Cup year but managed to make a comeback for the World Cup while not fully fit. This time around, he hopes to stay healthy and contribute significantly.

3. Tyrel Lomax

Having established himself as the first-choice tighthead last year, Tyrel Lomax should continue to start, along with the rest of the revamped front row, with an unbeaten run in 2022. While there is a depth crisis in the front row, avoiding wrapping up the starting props in cotton wool is essential. Lomax and his front-row counterparts are in their prime, and giving them game time will be beneficial. Tamaiti Williams can provide an impact off the bench, forming a formidable duo with Lomax.

2. Samisoni Taukei'aho

With Ardie Savea or Akira Ioane not in the starting lineup, Samisoni Taukei'aho is needed as a ball carrier and the best hooker option. He excels at generating front football and should be included in the matchday squad.

1. Ethan de Groot

Although Ethan de Groot had some inconsistent performances for the Highlanders this year, he was impressive in the black jersey in 2022. He should be picked as the starting loosehead prop until he has a poor showing in the national team. De Groot's ability to hold his own against any pack was evident in his contributions against the Springboks last season.