End of Year squad bolters? Name yours here.

[cashead]

The core team will probably be quite predictable, but there will probably be a fair few extras taken along due to the Barbarians and mid-week fixture against a France XV side. This means it'll be a bit of a bolter-festival with plenty of new faces to complement the grizzled veterans.

Hookers
Ricky Riccitelli

Riccitelli would be the long-term option, at age 22, and has been a part of the squad this year as injury cover, so would have some familiarity with the calls.
His main competition would be James Parsons, who would be the experience/form option, as he's been playing rather well for a North Harbour team that has played better than anticipated, and would be a valuable leader for the dirt trackers.


Props
Pauliasi Manu
Atunaisa Moli

The coaches are clearly interested in both guys, with Manu being surprisingly overlooked (although Hames has made a strong case for his ongoing inclusion). Manu ain't getting any younger, and this is as good a time as any to pull the trigger on him.
Moli, on the other end of the scrum, is clearly rated as having a big future, and his current apprenticeship would be more than ideal prep for an overseas trip.

Locks
Tom Franklin
Jarrad Hoeata

Franklin's been on the fringes for a while now, and has put in a fairly consistent series of performances for both the Highlanders and BoP. Like with Manu, he'd be ideal as a back-up/midweek guy.
Hoeata made a surprise return to NZ from Wales, where he has been a core part of a surging North Harbour team. At 33, he'll be a bit long in the tooth, but he'd also add a valuable physicality and versatility as a lock/loose forward that Hansen clearly values.


Loose Forwards
Akira Ioane

After several false starts, the elder Ioane will probably finally get an opportunity this time.


Halfback
Bryn Hall
Brad Weber/Gus Pulu

Hall's played strongly all year, and was part of a champion Crusaders team, where he upped his game considerably. Due to the likely expanded nature of the squad, I expect 4 halfbacks, with the 4th spot contested between Brad Weber and Gus Pulu, both of whom have been All Blacks in the past.


Five-Eighths
Richie Mo'unga

An already accomplished first-five, I expect Mo'unga would be brought along as the 3rd 10, a spot previously occupied by Lima Sopoaga.
Hopefully Bryn Gatland gets the nod as an apprentice.


Back Three
Matt Duffie

With Milner-Skudder being out for the year again, Duffie should stand as a clear-cut choice. He's a reliable defender, and is probably the best player under the high ball without any test caps.


Utility Back
Richard Buckman

Some here have already derided him as lacking "test class," and whatever, but the Barracuda has proven himself to have deceptive pace, solid decision-making and reliable defence. The fact that he was called in to a training squad earlier proves the coaches are interested, and his ability to play in the midfield and anywhere in the back three quarters surely must make him an asset for any coach.

[scuzzaman]

I don't see enough of the local players to express an opinion on them here, but the All Black's centre pairing is a visible weakness in an otherwise solid organisation.

SBW looks like a guy who needs to be left out for a couple of games to remind him that he's supposed to retain possession not chuck it away. That opens up possibilities to try different combinations, and the non-test games especially are ideal opportunities to experiment.

I also appreciate his reputation and presence set him up for additional attention on the field, so this may be a bit unfair, but All Black rugby isn't supposed to be easy.

[Lizard]

Aumua

[zer0]

Jack Goodhue.

[J Dory]

Aumua

+1, though not sure he qualifies as bolter, I'd be suprised if he doesn't go.

[rowan]

Aumua

Agreed!

[scuzzaman]

Just been watching some video of Aumua and I'm impressed. He's a pocket rocket, a mesmerising combination of power and pace.

I can see why you wouldn't call him a bolter; he's got class written all over him.

[cashead]

He's likelier to be an apprentice rather than a squad member, IMO.

[morepork]

Is Ardie Savea likely to get a shot at 7 ahead of Cane?

[cashead]

The fixtures are:

Bledisloe III (21/10)
Barbarians (4/11)
France (11/11)
France XV (14/11)
Scotland (18/11)
Wales (25/11)

I'd imagine Cane would definitely start the France and Wales games, Savea will likely start at least 1 of the other fixtures.

[scuzzaman]

He's likelier to be an apprentice rather than a squad member, IMO.

Right.

That makes sense, I guess.

[rowan]

The fixtures are:

Bledisloe III (21/10)
Barbarians (4/11)
France (11/11)
France XV (14/11)
Scotland (18/11)
Wales (25/11)

I'd imagine Cane would definitely start the France and Wales games, Savea will likely start at least 1 of the other fixtures.

That's an easy tour for the All Blacks. I think they'll take the chance to experiement and blood a few youngsters in the test side.