Ten out of 15. Not bad, Hep.
My colleague, Steve Hepburn, did a fair job when, in 2019, he wrote a speculative piece on how the All Blacks’ starting XV would look at the 2023 World Cup.
No fewer than 10 of his selections were indeed in the squad in France, and seven — Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, Ardie Savea, Sam Cane, Brodie Retallick, Tyrel Lomax and Codie Taylor — started in the final.
He gets a couple of raised eyebrows for George Bridge, TJ Perenara, Isaia Walker-Leawere and Atu Moli, however.
Four years is a long time in professional sport, so this exercise can be a real crapshoot. But come with me as I try to predict who will play for the All Blacks in the 2027 Rugby World Cup final in Australia.
Fullback
Easy start. Will Jordan did not have a great 2023 final but he will be in his absolute prime in 2027, and back in his favoured fullback position. Incumbent custodian Beauden Barrett is long in the tooth and heading overseas. A wildcard could be Payton Spencer, son of Carlos, while Ruben Love offers utility value.
Wingers
World Rugby breakthrough player of the year Mark Telea should still be at the top of his game. With Jordan moved to the back and Leicester Fainga’anuku chasing bigger bucks overseas, there is a gap on the other side. Caleb Clarke and Emoni Narawa should still be around. Sevu Reece is a bit of a forgotten man but is just 26. There is a lot to like about Macca Springer, even if he plays for the Crusaders. New Highlanders recruit Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens is clearly one to watch. Is Shaun Stevenson a flash in the pan?
Midfielders
Jordie Barrett will be nearing the end of a great All Blacks career — and could he even be captain? Rieko Ioane will hardly be ancient in 2027 — he will be 30 — but he has a lot of miles on the clock and might be playing further afield by then. Anton Lienert-Brown, David Havili and Quinn Tupaea could still be around. Billy Proctor might get a chance. This year’s bolter, Dallas McLeod, is a Razor favourite and it would not surprise to see him turned into a centre.
First five
Richie Mo’unga has chosen to leave, Damian McKenzie might not be playing on these shores in four years, and Stephen Perofeta could remain the nearly man. Fergus Burke and Aidan Morgan will be given a chance at some stage, and Taha Kemara and Josh Jacomb are on the radar. But let’s go for two wild guesses: promising Hurricanes playmaker Harry Godfrey, and exciting New Zealand Schools first five Rico Simpson.
Halfback
Life after Aaron Smith? Help. Cam Roigard — what happened to him in France? — will be a superstar by 2027. Finlay Christie is a handy third option in a World Cup squad. Folau Fakatava will hopefully have led the Highlanders to a Super Rugby title. The one to watch is Noah Hotham.
No 8
The extraordinary Ardie Savea will be 34 in 2027, and his body has been through the wringer. He is guaranteed to be remembered as an All Blacks great but this is a tournament too far. The cupboard is bare-ish behind him but Peter Lakai has intriguing skills and Cullen Grace is still young.
Flankers
Sam Cane has another year or so in him at the top level but will not be there in 2027. Dalton Papali’i and Luke Jacobson have never really convinced. Samipeni Finau shows promise, while Highlanders Nation will be outraged if their beloved Billy Harmon does not earn a black jersey at some stage. Those of us who watched the New Zealand Schools team this year are convinced openside and captain Oli Mathis will be a star. Ethan Blackadder will be great if he stays fit.
Locks
Scott Barrett — hopefully staying on the field — will be the elder statesman of the pack. He has to be joined by the Highlanders’ Dutch dynamo, Fabian Holland. Josh Lord will also be in his prime, and Naitoa Ah Kuoi and Zach Gallagher are intriguing prospects.
Props
Ethan de Groot and Tyrel Lomax are going nowhere. Youngsters Fletcher Newell and Tamaiti Williams should also be around, so prop could be an area of real consistency. Xavier Numia and Rohan Wingham could be bolters.
Hooker
Dane Coles is finished and Codie Taylor is nearing the twilight years. Samisoni Taukei’aho is set to be crowned king, and East Otago lad George Bell is the prince. Asafo Aumua as the third option. Southland’s Jack Taylor as a wildcard?
