Since Jerome Kaino left his post, the All Blacks had been waiting for a player to step up and claim the No. 6 jersey as their own. In 2023, Shannon Frizell finally did. Now he’s heading overseas and the All Blacks are back where they started. Christopher Reive looks
The candidates to fill the All Blacks’ void at No. 6 in 2024
Akira Ioane – Blues
Extending his time with New Zealand Rugby for another two years is a clear indication that he still holds All Blacks aspirations. At 28 years old, time is still on his side and his talents are a known commodity. He can be a bulldozer with the ball in hand and a strike weapon from close-range set pieces. What has worked against him in the past has been his work rate, and although he had forged his way into regular playing time under Ian Foster’s reign prior to 2023, Ioane will now have to work to impressive the new regime at the helm of the All Blacks and prove he belongs at the highest level.
Luke Jacobson - Chiefs
Strong at the breakdown with a decent running game and one of those “concrete shoulder” players who like to make sure their opponent feels it when they make a tackle, Jacobson ticks all the boxes for a hard-working, physical presence on the field. Jacobson has spent most of his time at the back of the scrum over the last couple of years for the Chiefs, and earned his way back into the All Blacks squad in 2023 after falling out of favour last year. It would be a true shock to see anyone displace Ardie Savea from the All Blacks No. 8 jersey, but Jacobson’s history on the blindside and ability to cover all three positions in the back row is a big bonus when it comes to selection.
Cullen Grace – Crusaders
If the All Blacks are looking for a lineout-jumping blindside, Grace could be the one to play his way into the squad. Like Jacobson, he operates primarily at No. 8, but Grace can play at lock or on the blindside and is an absolute workhorse. There are similarities between he and Blackadder, right down to the questions over their durability, as Grace has spent his fair share of time unavailable due to injury as well. A good, consistent season for the Crusaders in 2024 could see him add to his one All Blacks test cap.
Scott Barrett – Crusaders
With Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retallick moving on, it’s far more likely we will see Scott Barrett continue his role at lock with the All Blacks, particularly with Scott Robertson preferring him there during his time with the Crusaders. However, Barrett has made four test starts on the blindside and gives the new selection panel a bit of room to move should they wish to blood a new locking combo. He’s athletic and has the engine to go for 80 minutes at test level.
Christopher Reive joined the Herald sports team in 2017, bringing the same versatility to his coverage as he does to his sports viewing habits.