The All Blacks XV must embrace youth now—or risk falling behind forever.
When Rassie Erasmus made seven changes to South Africa's lineup after failing to beat the All Blacks at Eden Park, it wasn’t just a tactical shift—it was a statement. His bold rotation showcased not only the depth of his squad but also his unwavering faith in emerging talent. The result? A record-breaking defeat for New Zealand, proving that strategic squad rotation can pay off in unexpected ways.
Erasmus’ approach highlights a critical advantage the Springboks now hold: depth. While New Zealand once dominated with this same strength, the All Blacks under Scott Robertson have been hesitant to fully trust their extended squad in winnable matches—such as against Italy in 2024 or a weakened French side earlier this year. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is Robertson’s caution holding back the next generation of All Blacks stars?
To his credit, Robertson has made some daring calls that worked. Young talents like Leroy Carter, Simon Parker, and Fabian Holland have thrived under his watch, proving they belong at Test level. Quinn Tupaea’s standout debut at No. 13 further reinforces the potential waiting in the wings. Fans have been begging for this kind of bold selection—so why the hesitation elsewhere?
The problem? Persistent reliance on underperforming veterans like Rieko Ioane and Sevu Reece, who no longer deliver at Test level. Meanwhile, rising stars like Luke Jacobson and Samipeni Finau flash brilliance but struggle with consistency, particularly in discipline. If Robertson truly wants “four deep” in every position, as he’s claimed, it’s time to stop waiting for emergencies and start investing in form players now.
Take Caleb Tangitau: a dynamic winger whose Super Rugby Pacific injury derailed his All Blacks chances. His raw speed and try-scoring prowess scream future Test star—yet he’s sidelined. And this is the part most people miss: New Zealand’s pipeline of talent is overflowing, but without opportunities, potential withers.
Enter Jamie Joseph. The newly appointed All Blacks XV head coach faces a pivotal task: bridging the gap between Super Rugby and Test level. His role isn’t just about winning—it’s about preparing players for the global stage. As he put it, “My job is to create an environment that challenges players and prepares them to win on the world stage.” With assistants like Cory Jane and Jamie Mackintosh, Joseph must balance development and experience—but the focus must tilt toward youth.
Last year’s All Blacks XV included players like Hoskins Sotutu and Emoni Narawa, who’d already cracked the All Blacks. While valuable, this missed the point. Clayton McMillan’s selections leaned too heavily on known quantities, leaving few spots for untested talent. Only a handful—like Fabian Holland and Quinn Tupaea—made the leap to Test rugby. So here’s the burning question: Should the All Blacks XV prioritize grooming unknowns over recycling fringe All Blacks?
This year, Joseph must gamble. Players like Cooper Roberts (a Tasman standout), Dylan Pledger (a halfback prodigy), and Oli Mathis (a Sevens sensation with loose-forward versatility) deserve shots. Even raw talents like Eli Oudenryn or Maloni Kunawave could blossom under the right guidance. The goal? Ensure that by 2027, these players aren’t just ready—they’re seasoned.
Let’s be clear: This isn’t about discarding experience entirely. Some seasoned Super Rugby players will anchor the squad. But if New Zealand waits too long to blood its next generation, the All Blacks will pay the price as veterans retire. The All Blacks XV exists to future-proof the national team—so why waste it on players who’ve already plateaued?
Now it’s your turn: Do you trust Robertson’s gradual approach, or is it time to go all-in on youth? Should the All Blacks XV be a proving ground for unknowns, or a safety net for near-Test-ready players? Sound off below—the debate starts now.
