Is this the First All Blacks Squad of 2016?

The most intriguing All Blacks squad in years will be named on Sunday ahead of the All Blacks’ season opening series against Wales next month.

Of main intrigue, is who will replace long time stalwarts, Tony Woodcock, Keven Mealamu, Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Ma’a Nonu and Conrad Smith, all of whom have now said goodbye to the hallowed black jersey after close to 600 caps in total.

As is the case each year after a Rugby World Cup, the door for selection is more open than before and with 6 vacancies in the starting lineup up for grabs, it is no wonder that the intensity of the New Zealand Super Rugby sides has been hotter than ever.

32 names are expected to be named. Here is my tip for the side (by position) –

Props – Wyatt Crockett, Owen Franks, Joe Moody, Charlie Faumuina, Ofa Tu’ungafasi

Hookers – Dane Coles, Codie Taylor, Nathan Harris

Locks – Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Luke Romano, Patrick Tuipulotu

Loose Forwards – Jerome Kaino, Sam Cane, Ardie Savea, Matt Todd, Elliot Dixon, Kieran Read (captain)

Halfbacks – Aaron Smith, TJ Perenara, Brad Weber

First Fives – Beauden Barrett, Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Cruden

Midfielders – Malakai Fekitoa, Ryan Crotty, Charlie Ngatai

Outside Backs – Ben Smith, Julian Savea, Waisake Naholo, Israel Dagg, Damien McKenzie

Notes –

·         New caps – Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Damien McKenzie and Elliot Dixon
n    Nathan Harris is in as the 3rd hooker for his first cap since his debut against the USA in 2014. I've gone for him over Hika Elliott as the tried and tested option. 

·         Beauden Barrett is also in as fullback cover

·         Ofa Tu’ungafasi can cover both sides of the scrum and has been part of the All Blacks wider training squads in the past.

·         Victor Vito is heading overseas at the end of the Hurricanes season so is unavailable for selection.

·         Sonny Bill Williams and Liam Messam are unavailable for selection due to their involvement in the New Zealand Sevens side.

·         Nehe Milner-Skudder and Tawera Kerr-Barlow are also unavailable due to injury.