ALL BLACKS SQUAD for SOUTH AFRICA: Who Plays Fullback? Kirifi & Hotham Unlucky

The All Blacks squad to tour South Africa is out and the boys have questions. Seven wingers but no out-and-out fullback, only three halfbacks, five injury-prone locks, and Damian McKenzie named at first five but destined for the back field. Justin Marshall and Kieran Read drop into what it's actually like touring the Republic: altitude, boot parties, beer cans at the bus, and why four Tests in a row is like playing four finals.

Plus: Ethan Blackadder back from the wilderness, how to build the loose trio around Ardie Savea, the unlucky ones (Du'Plessis Kirifi, Noah Hotham), what happens if Richie Mo'unga gets the call, and how you even prep a squad for games every three days.

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📑CHAPTERS

00:00 Intro 00:31 First reactions to the squad 02:31 Seven wingers — so who plays fullback? 04:12 Only three halfbacks: Ratima on the bench all tour? 05:02 George Bell and the fourth hooker call 06:31 The lock stocks: injury concerns 08:04 Bench impact — matching the Bomb Squad 10:20 6-2 split or backline flexibility? 15:18 Ethan Blackadder back from the wilderness 17:44 We need our best ball carriers carrying 20:13 Harvey Norman Next Gen Moment: Timoci Tavatavanawai 22:07 The unlucky ones: Kirifi & Hotham 25:44 What the selectors want from their loose forwards 30:54 Building the game plan around Ardie Savea 34:05 The Josh Jacomb surprise 36:48 What if Richie Mo'unga gets the call? 37:58 Playing in South Africa: altitude & atmosphere 41:46 Touring the Republic: boot parties & hospitality 44:52 Games every three days — how do you prep? 46:48 Where should the Test team play? Tour strategy 49:11 First Test excitement & why the timing is perfect 50:26 Wrap-up ─────────────────────────────

📩 GOT A QUESTION FOR THE LADS? Email the team at: info@goodbadrugby.com

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