Why was Hoskins Sotutu Left out of Razor's All Blacks? - 2024

[@noprobs3393]

Why do you even question the omission ? ..is it a CLICKBAIT FISHING THINGY , just 2 getfeedback on your YTubby channel ?.

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Talking about player omissions is normal in sports discussions. It's all about sharing different viewpoints and sparking conversation among fans

[@elkanovitch]

Goes to a sports discussion channel and disses sports discussion. We've got a genius here. Pretty much anyone with a head for rugby is discussing Sotutu's omission.

[@littlellama8405]

Its the question which every single person that clicked this asked. Including you. Thanks @TwoCentsRugby for doing the research for us. We appreciate your time and effort.

[@joedennehy386]

And here you are giving it.

[@markthompson7817]

Actually I appreciate the clarity of his stats. And omissions of this kind are a great topic of discussion, it’s what makes being a Monday morning quarterback back so much fun for us old retired guys shouting out clouds.

[@Cuchufly]

From an outsider point of view, as I see it, the Hurricanes and the Chiefs style of play resembles more to the style of the ABs; more running with the ball and passing while they're running; almost all the passes and runs that Sotutu made in super rugby were more like in close range, like the Blues game we saw all season, crushing and overwhelming defenses with the big guys, one phase after another. I'm not saying that Sotutu can't play like that, but it's easier for me to picture Iose or Sititi running at full pace with the ball, meanwhile I see Sotutu crushing defenses more like a prop (BTW he look waaay more muscular and heavy than 2 years ago when he was faster and agile). Greeting from Chile.

[@Leoatwallacerockhole]

Like your comment on style of play. Although Blues ground down opposition their style was predictable and boring (NH teams) scrum kick lineout drive score. It worked and they won but boring hopefully with Razor and Wayne in the background the AB's will play an exciting game. With lots of tries. He has 4 years to get it right.

[@Tom_McMurtry]

Sititi made more post contact metres than sotutu

[@artetaDagoat]

Lakai and Iose...

[@HighBoss]

@@Tom_McMurtry Where do you get that stat.

[@SuperEdge67]

Wallace Sititi is an X factor player. Happy to see him picked. He’s young and the last thing we want is some European club snapping him up.

[@lateralus6512]

I think it was a good pick. They can potentially mould him into something special over the next few years. He is young natural talent.

[@markthompson7817]

If Ardie starts and plays the usual 60 minutes, we need players who can come on and make an impact. Sotutu was great this year in a dominant blues pack who ground other teams into the dust but I think Sititi is the better impact player, three points down with ten minutes to go I would rather have Sititi coming on. Now if Ardie was hurt and could not start I would Sotutu to start, the Sititi to come off the bench.

[@mapachehombre1581]

Hoskin Sotutu maybe watching the ABs v Eng with interest he's eligible to play for England if coach Steve Borthwick comes aknockin

[@davidcorkill6810]

Great overview with the numbers to provide perspective. Enjoy your channel. Yeah Sotutu could be seen as hard done by but you can't pick everyone. Remember another number eight controversy with Bring Back Buck?

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Yeah man exactly - back row is very competitive - especially with Savea 100% starting

[@qwalitala1924]

Sotutu come and play 8 for Fiji 🇫🇯

[@motodudu]

If I remember correctly, Fijian weren’t too keen on him when he played against them in sevens, he came across as arrogant.

[@qwalitala1924]

@@motodudu Didn't even know that he played 7s for NZ.

[@johndiamond6931]

​@@motoduduwhat? Sotutu never played for the NZ 7s you twit, you are confusing Akira Ioani with Hoskins Sotutu.

[@JustAnotherView101]

Thanks for all the work to show us these stats

[@Dunnerstunner369]

Some direct interesting stats: In 12 games in Super Rugby, Sititi made 133 tackles and missed just nine. Sotutu made 143 tackles - he missed 21 Sititi conceded 3 penalties Sotutu conceded 12 penalties

[@MichaelEnright-gk6yc]

Penalties against England would be an easy win for England. England would rather kick their way to victory than score tries.

[@robjolly2460]

IMO - More of a surprise was Peter Lakai non-selection - can cover all 3 positions, dynamic on both sides of the ball, more upside & more leadership experience.

[@LegendaryWizball]

Maybe another season then he’s in. Or he’s in after these 3 games.

[@sprigcs]

Hes been called up to train with the squad already. Which makes sense because hes not that far off.

[@LegendaryWizball]

@@sprigcs Has he?

[@Zac-pu6fi]

@@LegendaryWizballlakai, love, darry, havili and bower are training with the squad as cover players

[@LegendaryWizball]

@@Zac-pu6fi I knew those 4 but did not think it included Lakai.

[@Trajan2401]

Sometimes I think people get too carried away with stats instead of going on gut instinct or intuition.As for Sotutu he is his own worst enemy not replying to calls and putting up things online that he shouldn't be isn't helping his cause

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Attitude may be a factor aye, hard to know from the outside

[@alexn6060]

What has he been putting up online?

[@Trajan2401]

@@alexn6060 apparently things like the most hated player etc which might not seem much but it's doing him no favours.

[@StoneWii]

​@@TwoCentsRugbyHe's to loud for an allblack.

[@gc4610]

He’s too much of a sook, Razor doesn’t fall for guilt tripping

[@jordanious7711]

Stats never tell the full story. Statistically Matt Todd was one of the best players of all time but really failed to make selections. Like you said it could even just be coach preference or they think 1 will match up better against England. It seems pretty clear to me that they only wanted 1 new cap per position (which makes sense) and for all we know the plan could be to change half the team step by step over the next few years.. in which case theres no need to rush Sotutus selection. Especially with so many potentials unavailable.

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Yeah stats are definitely only just one factor aye. Sititi may be there more for future development, especially if Ardie is 8

[@Both-Barracuda]

Not statistically. Matt Todd is the greatest ever

[@Ivanos-p4n]

@@Both-Barracudastop it

[@thefobbie0034]

@@Both-Barracuda Yeah now we got Papali'i at 7 - yay!!!!!

[@timmado8441]

Matt todd what a joke

[@tarutso]

Awesome stats thanks mate. Bit hard to interpret in isolation / in a vacuum. Turnovers or tackles need to ideally be evaluated given the context. There may be game-changing turnover vs middle of the field soft turnover, etc. I’m sure the coaches aren’t just looking at these sorts of stats by themselves and will be informed by the context

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Absolutely

[@HighBoss]

Wow where do you get these stats from? I've been searching for a stats resource for super rugby for ages. Anyway, very nice and thoughtful analysis. I think a lot of people have been looking at these stats in quite an isolated fashion but you've done a much better job of contextualizing them here so well done. Another stat that you didn't cover was the offloads where Sotutu is second in the comp. This is probably why his try assist stat is so much higher than the others. When you consider that in line with your stats on how much more inclined he is to pass, I think it shows he's a clearly a different kind of 8 who is instead looking to create space and put his teammates into it rather than just bash it up. Generally teams are looking for that precious gain line from their 8s at the top level (would be interesting to see the stats on that) so maybe that counts against him although it didn't seem to be a problem for the blues who prized that above all else this year. With all that said though, it was his work on the other side of the ball that was called out, not his work with ball in hand. I think your stats show his tackling is clearly below average compared to the others although it could be argued not criminally so.. The stat highlighting his higher rate of getting turnovers could be relevant as it could be like you say, he is looking to jackal rather than getting involved in the tackle, but that also doesn't covered for the missed tackles. Still, it's work on the other side of the ball, and he's good at at least that aspect of it. Overall it looks like Sotutu could just be a bit of a square peg for a round hole. It's a tough way to be in a game that generally want it's pieces to fit together like a well oiled machine.

[@Sentz89]

Was thinking that could be why he wasn't picked. Definitely great attacking skills that are useful on the counter or threatening inside the 22. But i guess we are not really lacking in that department where others can cover. Only the first series and backing the boys and coach 💯 lets get it 💪

[@lockk132]

Worked out with Taukeahau back ,playing Papali'i,Sititi and Williams with Tosi,then the pack Weight is 966kg !!!

[@jacquesbooysen3773]

lol glad to hear I'm not the only one trying to get to that 1000kg pack

[@lockk132]

@jacquesbooysen3773 the great news is ,by using 2 ABs eligible locks from super rugby,I have achieved a pack weight of 1002kg

[@jaredwilson28]

@@jacquesbooysen3773 I think England may get a bit of a surprise with how big we are

[@JKMeZmA]

I wonder if there is some kind of logic to how share of carries and possession would be with both a Sotutu and Savea in the back row. As well as how that impacts possible tackle stats and turnovers. Maybe there is some stats modelling which the selectors are using, which could maybe show something we’re not seeing. I’d reckon there’s maybe something to whether the make up of their back row, works with Ardie Savea, as he is very much carry and turn over heavy, and that was always balanced out by Sam Cane and Shannon Frizell for the bulk of the other work on and off the ball. Maybe if they had Sotutu and Savea in there, there would be some gap opening in how they want to do non carry work? I think sadly he is playing well, but maybe just doesn’t fit the model of how the ABs feel about the way they do back rows. Pretty gutting though for him as he’s been so good for a while. I could see Ardie move to 7, and have different options at 8, but I think the mould of an AB 7 has been so defined by a macaw and cane model, it may be hard to break away from that with a more dynamic player like a Savea or Ben Earl style player.

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Yeah I really think it's quite possible that Ardie being 8 just means there's no spot for him. Whereas Sititi may be one more for the future

[@garethpearce5255]

Oh nice analysis. Where do you find these stats? I was hunting around yesterday but coukdnt find anything detailed. I would like to have seen Blackadder in this group too. I guess they see Blackadder covering 6, but not so Sotutu? Robertson was pretty vague with his reasoning, so hards to know what he's seeing or not seeing in Sotutu. Those numbers you showed didn't show any major flaws, other than they wanted him to make more tackles, but as you pointed out, the Blues defensive plans may have revolved around Papalii making the tackle and Sotutu trying to make a turnover 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@Formakiwi]

Blackadder´s selection a clear case of favoritism: hasn´t played enough minutes this year and looked heavy, sluggish and uninspired most of those he did manage. On top of that he´s been monstered by international forward packs in most of his previous starts in Black, most embarrassingly against Ireland in ´21, where his noticeable inability to impose himself on the breakdown cost the ABs valuable possession.

[@battfishvoodoo-rl8qr]

Im sure the coaches will whip him into shape

[@kerrymolloy5912]

youd be hardpressed to raise a fart on a bellyful of beans ,trotting out this load of BS,

[@carlthomas7101]

You’re all crap

[@rugbybubblebryce1958]

Thanks Mark, appreciate the stats and discussion starters. Unlike the general consensus, I didn't wonder why no Sotutu? Has nothing (liar!) to do with supporting the Chiefs. ;) Not so long ago Sotutu seemed to be struggling with performance consistency, so I guess that's why he stood out in Super this year. Which was awesome to see. His tackling stats have never really been outstanding though. He's a bloody good player btw and will probably wear the Black again later this year? My first reactions to this team selection was who is kind of paired up in the front, mid, backs from their super season teams. The men don't have that much time before the first games so maybe some of the selection pics also require a strong bond, a kind of, oh, those guys work together well type thing. Familiarity. Knowing how they can tackle, or step, or pass is one thing. Bonding is understanding the size and speed that person does everything, it makes two become one, which equals quicker instinctive response times... and I think we all know that hesitation has everything to do with missing chances. Stoked that Sititi has the chance to learn from the current leaders. Think he'll continue to get better each year and stand out even more.

[@tinman85]

could you maybe share the lineout stats in an infographic as well? I feel like those would heavily favor Sotutu either

[@MrCrumbs94]

Be interested in hearing the thoughts for not considering Du'plessis Kirifi. Arguably Blackadder was only chosen because of his affinity with the crusaders. Between Hoskin, Kirifi and Adder, Dup had the highest tackle success rate, most turnovers won and was a defensive powerhouse with less games played. (other than adder at 10) Yes he might not be as strong offensively but arguably the AB's pride themselves on defense... Just curious!

[@Tom_McMurtry]

Kirofos a bit small I think. Not quite as dominant

[@HighBoss]

I think Kirifi's good enough but he's an out and out 7 so is up against jacobson and dalton. Only thing those guys really have on him is size and maybe a little bit more flexibility to cover other positions. Kirifi probably a better fetch than both but that seems less desirable these days for whatever reason.

[@Waevar]

Thanks for the comparison & stats. Great start but this needs to be a 'all AB loosies' comparison chat, therefore including the just as contentious Blackadder selection. All AB loosies need to be able work across all loosies positions. A 'ALL AB' loosies comparison would reveal more. & my 'Prof. Nerd' input ; For relevance, context & usefulness performance stats should only be shown in the % /portion of relevant related activity, otherwise there's no context. Most obvious is number of games / time played but also eg 1- tackles + missed Ts and turnovers % of his total tackles turnover respectively as team tactics not the player, may put him outside the tackle / turnover zone. 2- Ball carries metres - affected by team tactics not the player, SO, divide by number of times player actually received the ball. 3- Etc, again, stats should only be shown as % /portion of relevant related activity.

[@joedennehy386]

I think he looks for plums, then often has a rest. Just like Akira Ioane, great with the ball in hand

[@JohnBooysen-fg6dv]

Thanx Mark💪🏽

[@TwoCentsRugby]

No problem 👍

[@Frank-rx8ch]

Sometimes could be based on 1s a,b,c & d on an off the field. Attitude, behaviour, character & discipline.

[@kerrymolloy5912]

Frank youve got it right . if thos e three are deficient in any way at this level its a gift of points to the opposition.BTW has razor said anything about sotutu being permanently out of ABS contention ..no thought not ,lot of parochial knowalls stirring the pot.

[@howardlee8590]

Flanders slept on for sure too, feel with out brodie and whitelock having more lineout options be important given lack of height in ab second row now

[@battfishvoodoo-rl8qr]

Remember stevenson last year, every one cryed..but can you see why they didn't pic him..bad defence.

[@Tom_McMurtry]

Sotutu might pick carrying only when there's more space ahead instead of crash balling it as much as the others which is needed for setting up things. Also sotutu's post contact metres were a fair bit less than sititis post contact metres from memory

[@matthewwaaka5983]

Was Jacobson's stats only when he played number 8 or for the whole comp? Plus would love to know how many rucks they hit? I guess out of those guys only Jacobson is a captain, leader and someone the team looks to when they need a big play. Also there's the attitude problem 🤔 but there always room for improvement.

[@Unkle685]

Each super rugby coach has their style of play...the new Blues coach style won the trophy tho.. however it did not meet the stats sotutu needed to be in the new ABS coach's squad.. however there is still time and patience for sotutu to be included. 🙏

[@marksharman8029]

He is an awesome young player. He needs to be in the frame, if not in the team. Obviously losing him at this age (over seas) would be incredibly stupid. He can more easily be brought into line with current requirements; than say ... waiting for a talent like him to rise.

[@nabaasagongo3293]

Tough one for Sotutu.

[@gordongraff9727]

I’m not too big on Jacobson .I prefer iose but that’s me

[@Tom_McMurtry]

I prefer Ethan and Iose too

[@zaheerlarey1294]

Very nice feedback and breakdown of stats. The off the ball stats would also make for interesting reading. Scott clearly has a vision in mind. For the past 5 years, we had the Saders playing well and winning SR, and yet players never got selected, and the AB's played a different style of rugby. We are not in competition with the rest of the world, we are in competition with the top 5 nations. Hoskins and most players can play test rugby, but we need to prepare for the top 5 nations. Work rate off the ball, getting off the deck, making your next tackle, and hitting your next ruck will become important. There's no gaps or people you just run over anymore. It will happen no, and then, but the top 5 nations have nothing between them, really. The AB's needs workhorses in the pack. There are enough x-factor players in the backline.

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Interestingly I just found another source for ruck stats - Sotutu is hitting 4.8 rucks on D per game, Sititi 5.4 - so edge to Wallace But offence ruck stats Sotutu is 17, Sititi 12.6 - so bigger edge to Hoskins So yeah maybe it's the tackle, defensive rucks... maybe it's the attitude... maybe a combo aye!

[@HighBoss]

@@TwoCentsRugby What are your stats sources? Interesting stuff. Not surprised to see Sotutu dominant offensive ruck stats given how the blues played this year.

[@uluibaut]

Plenty of fire power in the AB selection for scoring points. The stats show that Sotutu will be a risk for turnovers, conceded penalties and missed tackles when in matters in high pressure games against big Northern Hem teams. But it wouldn't have hurt to have him on the bench for more Ab game time experience for his own growth. It is what it is.

[@andrewah-voa8408]

Uso great stats..... Satutu's form for super rugby & ma'i was 12 tries n contributed greatly to the title...

[@corbanbenthannon2081]

Love these kind of videos!

[@ebnlesaitken1113]

Was Jacobsons stats when he was at 8? As he spent a lot of his time on the side…… Going on your stats, not sure why was left out only the coaches can really answer that but maybe because he has already been in the environment they think it might be a good chance to see how Wallace goes and with the other loose forwards that can cover 8 there just may not have been enough room for him. On Ardie, I would actually rather him at 7 if we were confident enough at 8….. Also thought Peter Lakai must have been very, very close to making the team

[@cytu1198]

Just hope Sititi isn’t picked like ‘Sowakula’.

[@archvermin]

I certainly hope not. I feel for Sowakula - he simply couldn't translate his SR form into test performance.

[@geotruthnz7013]

It's sad to say it but I also wonder about personality that maybe doesn't fit with the normal Rugby Union coaches. In Sotutu's interviews he seems to struggle to communicate clearly when compared to other All Blacks so I wonder if the coaches like Jason Ryan has struggled to get a relationship with Sotutu. Just proposing another possibility which may be completely wrong.

[@mayIseeplease]

Sometimes it's an attitude thing, is he teachable, fun to be with, encouraging to other players, helps build team unity etc?

[@craigwells3655]

Yeah, as much as I like Sotutu, he does seem troubled somehow. Has anyone ever seen him smile? The ABs need a strong family culture and that tense energy needs a bitta love, or therapy. Happy that Havili isn't in. Can't put my finger on it, but the word ego comes to mind. Clever but somethings not right.

[@archvermin]

Maybe Razor decided he could get better synergy out of his choices I guess? Our best loose trio combo going into the RWC last year was Frizzel-Cane-Savea. He likely sees Blackadder as being able to fill Cane's shoes. Reckon the line-up will probably be Papalii-Blackadder-Savea

[@aristonjermainefoster6253]

😢Flanders slept on

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Yeah was trying to look at guys who played a bit more 8 though 😅

[@fijianz1]

Fiji will take him thank you... Sotutu is a game breaker and is more creative with his passing game and a monster with scoring tries when close to the line

[@BeraVukialau]

No thanks we have Canakaivata and Mata at 8.Not forgetting Derenalagi and young Motikiai Murray.

[@sly4x692]

He picked Blackadder ahead of him. Could be Ardie 7 .. Sotutu 8 anyway the Fiji backrow does not care if it's Sititi, Sotutu or Sitotu lol .

[@kevinrombouts3027]

Hoskins in, Jacobson out. He should not be ignored. He has x factor. I haven't seen x factor from Blackadder. Sotutu in. I can understand if he chooses to leave NZ.

[@Tom_McMurtry]

Ethan has x factor supreme re doing everything like a flying missile and not being scared for his body. Which unfortunately probably leads to all his injuries. Jacobson does the hard graft 24/7 but doesn't seem that exceptional apart from mindset

[@stevenscoringe359]

If Sotuto leaves NZ based on not being picked in the first squad, this shows he is weak in the mind and can't hack it. Razor's coaching team would have talked to him stating why and what he has to do to make the team, but that doesn't mean he won't be picked for the Northern tour

[@mwasy2713]

Love a numbers geek

[@naph67]

I can see why Razor would look at picking Sotiti over Sotutu. Personally I wouldn't have picked Sotiti, but I always think that AB coaches need players to invest in long term. If he thinks he can make Sotiti a long term pick then that's fair enough. Sometimes these picks don't pay off I.E. Toeava but we have had some legendary bolters like Richie picked early.

[@CrudupZopf-ns4dr]

Robertson will always be in the crusader selection huddle 'psst psst👎😂

[@Nomad_47]

Hey man, been watching since 2019 world cup. All the way till last years world cup. Been out of youtube quiet a while and just clicked on this video just now. And man it's still the best rugby infor channel

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Cheers man!

[@babu7141]

They have missed someone like Sotutu and Clarke - two players with the most line breaks and metres gained in Super Rugby and both in form and winners this year. Samipeni and Sevu could take a seat. Remember also, the best line of defence is attack - the ABs shouldnt be so negative......

[@camwells9726]

I think you got to be careful looking at those tackle stats , it may have a bit to do with the blues dominating possession and also we don’t know the coaches game plan , it may have suited cottor to utilise him more as an attacking weapon. I’m not defending Hoskins , but I do believe he is a unique talent and i believe it would be a tragedy if he was allowed to walk away and play for England who he qualifies for if not selected over the next 18 months .

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Yeah I checked the Blues total regular season tackling stats with the Chiefs - and it was about a 2% difference. But the difference between Chiefs/Blues and Canes was pretty big (Canes made a LOT more)

[@geotruthnz7013]

nice work, i wonder about ruck stars as well

[@njabulov.hadebe9102]

Hoskins very similar to Hacivah Dayimani from South Africa. Very great players who excel in every direction but the national coaches.

[@Dunnerstunner369]

Not overwhelming stats by Sotutu but kind of sums him up. I bet his GPS stats would struggle against the high work rate players in there. Push over try's are very flattering... Especially when they were against some pretty tiring and weak defence in some games. I'd be curious to know how many minutes Iose played compared to Sotutu since there is a direct comparison there of Try's and assists. From memory he didn't start as many games this season.

[@HighBoss]

Sotutu played an immense amount of minutes this season (I believe somewhere around 1200), far more than the other 8s, although the stats in this video appear to be 'per 80m'. Sotutu had to do a lot of full 80s as it seems that Cotter prefer to bring on Choat for Dalton most games. Wouldn't be surprised if Sotutu's numbers started to fall off late in games or at the back end of the season (wasn't obvious to the eye tho).

[@adriansokraa8641]

Top try scorer, only missed 2 games, totally in form....Ethan should have been left on side to have more game time... Sotutu was dropped before world cup, and has worked during off season and shown during this season. As mentioned by Sir John Kirwan what else does he need to do to prove he deserves to be an all black

[@axxey]

Sotutu also had one of his worst performances, pretty non existant despite a dominant blues performance in the final. The week before that the hurricanes loosies were also convincingly dismantled by the chiefs in all 3 positions. Sotutu dropped the ball cold a whole bunch in unforced errors as well, which doesn't show up in pure stats much. He's also been selected before and not impressed at all for the allblacks in the past. His reaction to the non selection may also reflect his temperament, which isn't all shown on the field stats either. I personally would have liked it if neither Savea or Beaudan Barret were available this year, it's a long time until next world cup. Blackadder(hardly any play, it's good to be a crusader selection), Jacobson and Finau(both with poor discipline, despite some harsh calls). All 3 very lucky in selection amongst very competative super rugby loosies. Hoskins unlucky in being an 8 only with Savea there. Sititi started 8 when Jacobson was injured and was too good to drop so jacobson just played a different position, went from strength to strength. Curse of success, chiefs loosies were much harder tested and showcased in a loosing pack than the go-forward blues pack as well.

[@patrickgrogan3578]

What's Sam Cane in the wider squad for , he's retiring and he definitely doesn't play either side of the ball. He's just a waste of space.

[@sijacquz]

The most important slide is the tackles per game. Sotutu isn't so great going backwards.

[@irockmozart12]

Sometimes we just have to let people do their job and we support them 110%😂 #Blues&ABs4lyf

[@jasoncugs]

My 2 cents... The way I see it... is sotutu an amazing player... yes maybe one of the best. In a one Man sport he would be a champion...but rugby is a team sport...a combination of all the parts if you will. Don't want to compare but Rassie doesn't always pick the best player but the one that fits in with the team... think Libbok being excluded, at some stage Bongi over Marx, although that changed as time went on but some stage people thought he was crazy for Making Marx an impact player off bench.

[@retimanahaerewa5430]

Sotutu has been made a scapegoat as Ardie slots into number 8 above the form player with no games played in super rugby.Sabbaticals love them or hate them. Other NZ based form players have held starting positions ie DMac 10 Perofeta 15. Love to see Sotutu answer the criticism from Razor and Ryan but add to what he already does ie scoring tries and assisting tries.Sotutus stats will make the loosies stats v england look silly.

[@FJM992]

Correct me if I’m wrong but this is just a squad selection to beat England and Fiji. Which will be easily done. Then more players can be looked during the Rugby Championship later.

[@kitdyer8968]

Blackadder shouldn't been there he's prone to injuries and off a poor performance by the Crusaders this season Sotutu should been picked full stop

[@inokedelai2105]

palagi stratage😮😊😅

[@Tom_McMurtry]

Blackadder played well and won the crusaders games in the fee games he did play in. Including being the best loosy when they beat the blues

[@kenaristainton8746]

Its more the work in the rucks, blowing out and counter rucking.

[@Pajita84-l6p]

See the big picture , the only reason the want sititi to put on that black jersey is that they don’t want Samoa to get him first , after that they’ll dump him and move on to the next , same thing happened to Gus Sowakula na Sotutu 😂😂😂 NZ rugby at it best 🤦🏾🤦🏾🤦🏾

[@D4N1CU5]

Think it depends on what the ABs want their 8 to do. If they want a defensive powerhouse over a try scoring machine then Sotutu may not be the best choice. I also don't think it's crazy to assume that test match footy is such a different environment that his run meters and try scoring and try assist stats are kind of meaningless because he for sure won't be carving up the boks or the English the way he did the tahs or whoever. I don't know.

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Yeah meaningless is probably a bit much, but it's definitely not the same kettle of fish. Sotutu still had tries against the Chiefs, scored one in the semi, set up one in the final, I think he even set up two against the Saders when the Blues lost. So yeah it's not all 'flat track bully' kind of stuff. But yeah there's criticism that he's not been able to convert Super Rugby performance levels into test success in the past

[@D4N1CU5]

@@TwoCentsRugby Yeah but also you don't pick an 8 on try scoring ability or try assists, you pick an 8 on their ability to tackle, hit rucks, get front foot ball and jump in the lineout. I think pilfering and lineouts are a genuine point of difference for Sotutu (and I would have picked him ahead of Jacobson and Sititi) but his try scoring ability isn't or maybe shouldn't get him ahead of someone with a better tackle % or workrate, especially if a lot of those tries come from him being used in a way the ABs don't intend to use their 8, sitting out on the wings instead of in midfield for example. It's like looking at a hooker scoring 10 tries in a season and setting up a couple then wondering why they don't get picked ahead of Malcolm Marx. As a wobs fan I'm glad he's not there because any combination of Papali'i, Savea, Blackadder and Sotutu looks like a nightmare for the opposition. Any chance of a wobs squad video? I know it's a bit late but still interested in your thoughts. Edit: Ha! Hit refresh after posting this comment and there's the wobs video. Great timing :)

[@jpowell2603]

Sotutu not making it in to the ABs is now old news! What I want to know is how the hell did Ethan Blackadder make the team!!?? What has he done all season to get picked?? Oh thats right hes from the crusaders just like razor 😴😴💤

[@sloanekahukiwa7457]

sotutu needs to do more mahi of the ball effort plays

[@kingoftheworld53]

If Sotutu gets more air time he becomes more dangerous, razor is a crusaders man.

[@MrKripple1]

Seems like Hoskins is a worse Ardie (hard to compete with the best player in the world currently), Ardie is going to play every game for 80 minutes. As much as it is a shame he's not in the squad, he just doesn't fit in with only 33. That spot is worth more using on someone else in a different position. As soon as Ardie retires Sotutu will be the next best.

[@djjjewelz]

Blackadder shouldn’t be there at all the guy literally played 3 games ridiculous.

[@glennwoods2462]

Wow, Razor copping a lot of flak not selecting Hoskins..... He's free to go to Fiji next year, and through his Mother, England... Steve Borthwick sitting next to Hoskins at a Ponsonby Cafe next month might be interesting 🤔

[@DRE-HRUYAN]

Sotutu will make it hes the future pretty much 👍🏾

[@motodudu]

His already worn the jersey, move to Europe or Japan and focus on making as much money as he can while he’s at peak. Prepare for his retirement.

[@Olivierstreet]

I for sure thought Brayden would be the 8 to get in the squad but he's somehow been shut out of the conversation all together

[@howardlee8590]

On defense too you also have papalili who leads super rugny in tackles lol its kind of like asking ardie to tackle as much as sam cane in all blacks

[@TwoCentsRugby]

100% that's a factor, although a guy like Iose still managed heaps of work even though Lakai was tackling only fractionally behind Papalli (Dalton 14.7 per 80 minutes, Lakai 14.2)

[@thefobbie0034]

@@TwoCentsRugby Yeah then you look at Papali'i's carries and turnover stats for a 7 - low! Papali'i s AB stats are approx tackles = 12-14 per game carries = 2-3 per game turnovers = 1-2 per game!

[@enekavc2332]

I feel for the guy...but he is young and he still will play for the All Blacks... sometime along the way.Besides...Ardie...will probably retire soon...😢😢

[@janetihaka799]

Hurricanes had a very good half back can’t remember his surname,Cameron something,he didn’t make the ABS either WHY?????

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Cam Roigard - yeah he's out long term with an injury sadly mate

[@tonyvincent9146]

Sotutu was really Hard done by - SIMPLE - If he disappears overseas Razor is to blame!

[@hlumelomtimba2059]

Blackadder should’ve have made it

[@Jon-bk2yw]

Dunno why hoskins was left out difficult to know from the outside.the back row does look solid and i think they'll go well against a tough determined England side

[@abloccd]

goes missing when plays for the ABs

[@TwoCentsRugby]

He's had a couple of years to develop since then though, only like 25 years old now

[@Tom_McMurtry]

​@@TwoCentsRugbyyeah he looked a lot gruntier at the hard yards this year with the ball Hoskins did

[@Freshman704]

Hmmm so Iose was robbed i see

[@Albertouy]

More upset about lakai and iose not being picked but sititi fully deserves it

[@howardlee8590]

Didnt sotutu lead all super rugby in tries and try assists

[@Bro-Fi-ik1rf]

And 2nd in conceding penalties, 1st place at not putting a smile on his face.

[@TheFreeMarkets]

Maybe he should play first five then.... 😅

[@Tom_McMurtry]

Missing post contact metres which Sititi wins very easily

[@TwoCentsRugby]

If you've got a stat for it I'll check it out!

[@mungoblizzard6114]

Easy to make heaps of tackles when you NEVER have the ball.. Blues are the best at retaining possession and always score when they enter the opposition 22m.. must factor that in when taking tackle count

[@nocturnalrites1652]

Bang on. My Highlanders need to copy the Blues style to a degree and get some decent ball to play with instead of defending for 40 minutes and scoring consolation tries when the game is done.

[@mitakon21]

Great presentation..charts are awesome...Sotutu will still make the ABs..😊

[@faileleitupua2674]

I believe the ab coach is a stupid pitch.

[@thomasalexander6797]

Iose unlucky not to be selected on these stats

[@Steadyvibes09]

Biggest mistake razor did was not picking sotutu instead he picked a rookie over experience and how well hoskin played this year he should have been in the a.bs 🤦

[@paulthomson2288]

The players raw stats need to be put into context with their team stats otherwise they are almost worthless.

[@jamescooper-hope6930]

1) Not much in it with the stats. 2) Super rugby in 24 is levels below the intensity of international rugby, so how much can we actually read into these stats? From the games i watched, basic handling errors and weak defence are a more pressing concern. 3) The strength of the team the Boks named against Wales is going to test these young fellas like never before in only a couple of games time. They'll need to be mentally prepped for an all out defensive confrontation way beyond super rugby standards. 4) Good news is, RWC is three years away. So plenty of time for these guys who missed out yesterday to get their chance.

[@isaacstocking7746]

Super rugby I'd pretty close to test rugby especially finals rugby also the boys got bullies by the Welsh for 65 minutes but they had a combined caps of 146 that's less than the boys front row

[@richardscanlan3419]

@@isaacstocking7746 finals rugby is reasonably close to test rugby.The regular season games.. not so much.

[@CLYDEMORE]

this selection has me vexed 💀

[@nickpointon5138]

Is it not the All Blacks coaches job to pick the best players? If you don’t gel or there is a perceived attitude problem then isn’t it your job to fix that? That’s why you get paid the big $$$ Hoskins is different. Needs a coach to put an arm around and back him. Stern Vern managed it….

[@reu6819]

I think they should put more emphasis on current form, reward a good club season. I think this would drive more competition for spots on the ab team

[@kokorice123]

He's already locked in the ABs but Sititi isn't, Sititi might have a lot to prove but it's only logical to lock him in in case he turns out to be a Savea 😂

[@amberstevens1295]

If you knew anything about the Sotutu family…a lot of these comments about his personality, being ‘arrogant, unable to communicate & unhappy’ wouldn’t be said. Have you ever met an ‘unhappy Fijian’ before? A teachers kid who couldn’t communicate? He comes from a family with athletic DNA and high expectations especially for respect, manners and humbleness. Don’t use Hoskins character to support non-selection

[@markthompson7817]

So if that is true, why didn’t he reply to the coaches? Why is he posting his opinions on social media. Not all teachers kids are articulate, not all Fijians are happy. (I am a teacher who works with a lot of Fijian kids.)

[@amberstevens1295]

@@markthompson7817watch the profile piece sky sport did on him if you would like to see another side to him. Whatever happened last year ‘phone call, no reply…’ he was only 22 yrs old and perhaps being left out of the AB’s ‘23 was punishment/consequence enough. For all we know @markthompson7817 his ‘24 outstanding season was driven by his lessons learned

[@steveosullivan4211]

This side is selected for 2/3 games only. The loose forwards work at a unit, so who fits into this concept. Plus, which I disagree with, but there is a long way to go before next WC. The AB's need to start WINNING every, every , every game. Now this is the time to develop, combine and install into the AB's the will to win the game for the entire duration of the game, plus the game is 23 players now on game day, 30 to 35 outside that, youth is required for WC in 4 yrs.