Dark horse test candidates

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Name the guys that you reckon are potentials for earning a test cap this year, preferably by position. This includes potential bolters later in the year. It's effectively a list of guys you rate, and you believe are worth monitoring the progress of.

1. Pauliasi Manu (Blues), Daniel Lienert-Brown (Highlanders)
2. Ricky Riccitelli (Hurricanes)
3. Atu Moli (Chiefs)
4. Tom Franklin (Highlanders)
5. Michael Fatialofa (Hurricanes)
6. Jimmy Tupou (Blues), Jordan Taufua (Crusaders), Brad Shields (Hurricanes), Blade Thomson (Hurricanes)
7. -
8. Brad Shields (Hurricanes), Blade Thomson (Hurricanes), Akira Ioane (Blues)
9. -
10. Richie Mo'unga (Crusaders), Otere Black (Hurricanes), Ihaia West (Blues)
11. Melani Nanai (Blues), David Havili (Crusaders)
12. Jordie Barrett (Hurricanes), Richard Buckman (Highlanders)
13. Matt Faddes (Highlanders)
14. Matt Duffie (Blues)
15. -

Manu and Lienert-Brown have both been quiet achievers with their respective provinces, and Manu has already been part of the set-up in the past.

Riccitelli appeals as a utility front-rower, and he's shown in the past that he can handle reasonably big occasions, with some impressive performances for the Canes in the play-offs last year.

Moli was an impressive scrummager for the Mooloos last year, and it's likely that the All Blacks would've been keeping tabs on him. He may also be encouraged to consider looking elsewhere to get regular game time. He's also had a solid debut season for the Chiefs last year, making the most of the opportunity that came his way when Laulala got injured, so Hansen would probably be at least aware of him.

Franklin is in the same boat as Manu, as a guy who's been part of the set-up before.

Fatialofa would be someone that it's possible the coaches would've taken note of last year, with his athleticism. He's still a raw prospect, and he may see time at a training camp with the ABs.

Tupou and Thomson would be playing for the same spot as a blindside/lock and both have played well for their respective provinces/SR teams.
Shields and Ioane would be contesting a spot as a 6/8, as the likely incumbents (Kaino and probably Messam) aren't getting any younger.

Taufua has spent time in the Crusaders set-up as a reliable defender at blindside, who's finally getting his time in the 6 jersey. A bit lacking in height though, which could count against him.

Mo'unga, West and Black are all young prospects at 10, and with Cruden's imminent departure, they'll be contesting the spot that Sopoaga recently moved on from (3rd 10). West is a bit flighty, and Black doesn't get enough game time as he's stuck behind Beauden Barrett at the Canes. Had Piers Francis been eligible, I'd have listed him here.

Jordie Barrett is basically an All Black in waiting, so it's a matter of when, rather than if. Buckman though, is like Crotty in that he plays smart, makes the right call, has unexpected pace and unlike Crotty, has tremendous utility value, being able to fill in just about anywhere in the backline.

Faddes has also been a quiet achiever with the Highlanders and Otago, having played strongly for both sides in the last couple of seasons. Not a flashy player, but makes the right calls.

Havili also has the utility value that Buckman brings, being able to play on the wing or at 12. He also comes with a monster boot.

Duffie and Nanai are the now typical wing/fullback players. Nanai has the better strike rate in terms of tries, but Duffie is one of the most reliable players under the high ball going around.


Openside already has 3 prospects, and as much as I like Blake Gibson and the Pryor boys, and as talented as Mitch Karpick is, it's unlikely that all three of Cane, Ardie Savea and Todd will all be injured.

Halfback is also a highly congested position, and with 5 players with recent test experience available, I doubt there'll be any new caps here.

Likewise with fullback - Dagg, Bender and utilities with extensive fullback experience like the Barretts make it unlikely there'll be newbies here.