While speculation remains as to whether the All Blacks will name their Rugby Championship squad on Wednesday, former representative Stephen Donald has suggested the four changes he would make to the national side.
After suffering a 2-1 series defeat to Ireland which culminated last weekend, many have called for some huge changes to be made ahead of the upcoming six-Test Championship.
However, with injuries and current form in mind, ‘Beaver’ Donald has thrown up four bolters for the next All Blacks squad.
So, who has he selected?
Ethan de Groot
The Highlanders prop was a standout for the franchise amid a season to forget, with many believing he was unlucky to have missed the previous series.
All Blacks’ coaches favoured departing prop Karl Tu’inukuafe over de Groot on the grounds of fitness and power, but may now look to make that replacement.
De Groot has four international caps to his name, having debuted in 2021, and with injury to Aidan Ross and Angus Ta’avao’s suspension, he seems a likely inclusion for the Rugby Championship squad.
Beaver says: “We’ve got a potential prop issue with Aidan Ross’ injury.
“If (Tu’inukuafe) doesn’t get replaced by Ethan de Groot this time around … we got told the reasoning why he wasn’t the first time around – fitness and they wanted to make sure they won the Irish series.
“It just doesn’t make sense now to not try and blood Ethan going forward.
“He’s shown enough to deserve that.”
Tom Robinson
After a phenomenal season with the Blues, the uncapped Robinson was unfortunate to have been overlooked to face the Irish.
However, Donald believes injury to Scott Barrett and concussion symptoms to fellow lock Brodie Retallick may provide an opening for the Aucklander to make the squad, as he has the ability to cover both lock and blindside flanker.
Beaver says: “The Brodie Retallick, Scott Barrett potential double-whammy is an issue.
“Obviously Scott Barrett, under the current coaching regime … is seen as a six as far as the top 15 goes, which may change … but we just have to presume he’s a six-lock.
“All of a sudden does Tom Robinson come into the consideration because he’s done the lock-six thing?”
Cullen Grace
Should Scott Barrett be ruled out for part of the Championship, Grace seems a fitting replacement in the black jersey.
The 22-year-old has previous experience in international Tests and enjoyed an impressive stint with the Māori All Blacks in their two matches against Ireland.
His versatility in the forwards gives him another advantage over his opponents, and Donald believes he has more than earned the right to return to the national side.
Beaver says: “Cullen Grace is the obvious one.
“The drums are just beating so loud; you’d imagine he comes in for someone.”
Brad Weber
Despite having three capable halfbacks to contend with in the national side, Weber seems a likely inclusion to face South Africa, Argentina and Australia.
The Chiefs' co-captain adds another dimension to the field of play and was a standout for the Māori All Blacks in their recent series.
While Aaron Smith, Finlay Christie and Folau Fakatava each had moments of flair against the Irish, Donald is sure the 31-year-old will make the cut.
Beaver says: “The only other contentious issue around the original announcement was probably the nines.
“Brad Weber, I think, certainly didn’t go backwards in the Māori camp.
“It goes without saying he gets a nomination.”
While the naming of Ian Foster’s squad may not take place on Wednesday as scheduled, it is certain to be announced within the next week as the side prepares to face the Springboks on August 7.
The match will take place at Mbombela Stadium in South Africa at 3:05am (NZST) as the All Blacks look to bounce back from their series defeat to Ireland.