This list disregards injuries and focuses on a 23 that is all fit, the best case scenario. This is my fantasy team, it’s not the one I think Razor and co will end up selecting but it’s definitely what I believe to be very close to our in form team. Feel free to add who you think and why. With the news of Leicester Fainga’anuku returning to sign with Tasman for the 2025 Bunnings NPC, I would assume that immediately establishes him in the frame for selection. STARTING Front Row 1. Tamaiti Williams 2. Codie Taylor 3. Fletcher Newell All crusaders front row, our scrum and line-out have been terrific thus far and will only get better once big T is back. Codie is like a fine wine, these are prime years for a hooker and he’s sticking to that mould. Engine Scott Barrett (c) Fabian Holland Scooter keeps captaincy, I prefer Ardie but Razor and Co will stick with their man, let’s not forget either that when in form and on song Barrett is a damn good player himself. Holland has a very long career ahead of him barring injury; it’s not the size of him that’s the key point to this future either, it’s the brain. Loose Tupou Vaai Ardie Savea Wallace Sititi This back row has everything needed for test level. Big body physicality at 6, dynamism and leadership at 7 and a proper ball playing number 8. Gives us 4 line-out options. Halves Cam Roigard Beauden Barrett Cam Roigard is quietly building into the best 9 in the world. Barrett has improved vastly also this year with his kicking from the tee being near perfect. Would love to see Ruben Love also get a shot at 19 but this is what our best option is here and now. MidField Jordie Barrett Leicester Fainga’anuku Say what you will about Jordie Barrett, he’s the best 12 in the world on form right now and his stint at Leinster was excellent. Leicester Fainga’anuku provides proper attacking power in the midfield and is truly good enough to slot back in. Outsides Rieko Ioane Will Jordan Ruben Love Rieko stays at 11, once again say what you want about him but as an athlete and a defender he is simply too good to leave out, At this point it’s safe to say it doesn’t matter where Will Jordan plays, he just needs to play. Ruben Love showed me enough in that first test start he not only deserves another crack but will thrive once comfortable. RESERVES Samisoni Taukeiaho Ethan de Groot Tyrel Lomax Patrick Tuipulotu Du Plessis Kirifi / Christian Lio Willie Noah Hotham Damian McKenzie Timoci Tavatavanawai Big Sam has Brodie Mcalister breathing down his neck to take that bench spot which is great news. Our replacement props have great proven chemistry. Patty T will dent the world’s greatest defensive line if given a 5m run up. Between Kirifi and CLW it’s a coin toss, I can’t seperate them so I put them both here and I’ll leave it up to you. Hotham > Ratima thus far, that little chip kick over the top over the weekend was a great example of heads up footy. Damian still hasn’t found the rhythm at INTL level, starting to look like he’s got a home on the bench. TT rounds up the bench, turnovers in the last 20 minutes, direct running and a license to roam off his wing should be encouraged. And now you can all tear me to pieces in the comment section if you like.   submitted by   /u/Far_Tomatillo_785 [link]   [comments]