There were six new caps in the squad of 32 All Blacks named at the weekend. ODT Online rugby writer Jeff Cheshire looks at what the new men will bring to the black jersey.
Elliot Dixon
Versatility springs to mind when you think of Elliot Dixon. The Highlanders loose forward has been in All Black discussions for a while now and it would have been surprising if his name wasn't read out yesterday. Capable of playing on both flanks and at No 8, Dixon brings physicality, speed, strength and a high work rate. The Highlanders have often used him in a ranging role, where he stays wider on one side of the field. That has given him room to run in space, but he also gets through plenty of work in support and on defence out there. Kieran Read does something similar for the All Blacks, making it lucky Dixon is capable of tightening up and excelling in close. He is strong in the physical exchanges, both with the ball and on defence, and never stops working. At set-piece he is a reliable target in the lineout and contests the opposition ball well too.
Liam Squire
There are few better ball-running forwards around than Liam Squire at the moment. The No 8 has gone from strength to strength with the Highlanders this year, stepping in to fill the sizeable hole left by Nasi Manu. In the open field he is as dangerous as most backs with ball in hand. His explosiveness and turn of pace make him hard to pull down and he has made several outstanding runs already this year, including scoring a long-range try against the Waratahs. In closer he is just as dynamic, nearly always going forward in contact to provide momentum, while bringing an offload to keep the ball alive and means he often commits two defenders. Defensively he gets through plenty of work, making his tackles and getting around the field quickly. It is a long time since the All Blacks have picked two specialist No 8s in a squad, making Squire's selection even more impressive.
Ardie Savea
It was always a question of when, rather than if, Ardie Savea would be picked for the All Blacks. The loose forward has been on the radar for a while now, making it hard to believe he is only 22. His pure strength is obvious. With ball in hand he is a beast, just as capable of breaking tackles in close as he is running in space out wide. He has all the skills, enabling him to set up teammates and offload in the tackle. Defensively he is strong in the tackle and makes plenty of them. The question surrounding him has been what is his best position, possessing a blend of qualities of each of the loose forward positions, without truly filling any of them. This year he has really emerged as an openside flanker. While retaining the other aspects of his game, his speed around the field and breakdown work have improved. It wouldn't be a surprise to see him used as the loose forward to come off the bench; the impact he could make has potential to be game-changing.
Seta Tamanivalu
Two years ago Seta Tamanivalu was the star of the ITM Cup. In a Taranaki team that created waves by winning their first national title, it was he who stole the headlines in a team that contained Waisake Naholo, Charlie Ngatai, James Marshall and James Broadhurst. A quiet 2015 saw him somewhat fall off the radar, but he has been a handful for defences in a dangerous Chiefs backline this year. A centre in the Malakai Fekitoa mould, Tamanivalu is a direct runner with strength and pace. He runs good angles and has proven hard for defences to pull down, making him a threat from anywhere on the park. At 23, he remains somewhat raw and has potential to get better as he refines his distribution game. If you want someone to tear a defence to pieces though, Tamanivalu is your man.
Damian McKenzie
There hasn't been a more slippery player than Damian McKenzie during this year's Super Rugby competition. The Chiefs fullback has an eye for a gap and the speed and agility to take it. On the counterattack he is dangerous and coming into the line he times his run well and hits good angles to split the defence. He has a solid boot, with a reasonable kicking game in general play, and he is a goal kicking option if needed too. McKenzie brings utility value, being a dangerous playmaker at first five-eighth and will likely be used as an option on the wing too. He is still young and relatively green, but there are few better prospects around. The odd mistake would not be unexpected at the next level, but that comes with his ability to create something from nothing, which should translate well.
Ofa Tu'ungafasi
Only three All Blacks in history have been bigger than the 129kg Ofa Tu'ungafasi. The Blues prop was perhaps the biggest surprise in the first All Black squad of the year, but the need for someone who can play both sides of the scrum is understandable. Tu'ungafasi brings strength and reasonable athleticism for a player of his size. He is not a prop who will get through the work of a Josh Hohneck or Brendon Edmonds, but is likely to make his presence felt with what he does do, particularly when running the ball. In the scrum he is strong and his ability to play both sides adds to his value in the squad. At 24, he is young for a prop and could be important looking to the future if he can continue developing.
Tom Franklin (named as injury cover)
If you want a lock with a complete game, look no further than Tom Franklin. Athletic, skillful, hard-working and physical, Franklin has excelled in a variety of ways for Otago and the Highlanders. He brings all the traits typical of the hard-working tight forwards that personify the Highlanders. On defence it is not uncommon to see him reach double figures in the tackle count, while providing physicality in contact. On attack gets around the field well to support at the ruck. But he is just as adept playing a more open game. He is capable of running the ball and has the ability to pass, offload and even kick on occasion, making him a threat to the defence. It wouldn't be hard to imagine him in the passing forward role the All Blacks often use in the midfield, but could also be used in a similar manner to Sam Whitelock around the park. In the air he is as good as anyone, providing a reliable target in the middle and back of the lineout, while being safe under the high ball at kickoff time.
