Liam Coltman, Rieko Ioane, TJ Perenara, Anton Lienert-Brown, Ardie Savea and Damian McKenzie of the All Blacks stand for the national anthem. Photo / Getty
Liam Coltman, Rieko Ioane, TJ Perenara, Anton Lienert-Brown, Ardie Savea and Damian McKenzie of the All Blacks stand for the national anthem. Photo / Getty
The signing of Aaron Smith adds to an impressive list of All Blacks already locked in after this year's World Cup.
And while there are questions over the immediate post-tournament plans for stars like Beauden Barrett, Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock — who may take up short term options overseas— they remain in the All Blacks' schemes for the 2023 World Cup.
The new All Black coach will have a decent base to work from, even if a couple of very big names will be missing initially.
There are issues of course, including what effect the continual loss of fringe players like Jordan Taufua will have on the standards in New Zealand rugby.
There are wider issues such as the state of Super Rugby, but in terms of straight contract battles the All Blacks are winning the war.
New Zealand Rugby has put all its eggs in one basket - the All Blacks and their pursuit of World Cup glory - and the national body continues to succeed in holding players against the power of European and Japanese money.
Here's a run down on the All Blacks' contract status.-
Midfield backs Ngani Laumape - 2021 Anton Lienert-Brown - 2020 Jack Goodhue - 2020
Wings Rieko Ioane - 2022
Utilities Damian McKenzie - 2021
Signed to the end of this year
Kieran Read (signed with Toyota Verblitz, Japan) Owen Franks (signed with Northampton) Ben Smith (signed with Pau, turned down one year NZR option extension) Liam Squire (signed with Red Hurricanes, Japan) Jordan Taufua (signed with Leicester) Jackson Hemopo (signed with DynaBoars, Japan, for 2020) Luke Whitelock (signed with Pau) Nehe Milner-Skudder (signed with Toulon) Ryan Crotty (signed with Kubota Spears in Japan) Brodie Retallick Jack Goodhue Beauden Barrett Jordie Barrett Richie Mo'unga Sonny Bill Williams Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi Liam Coltman Nathan Harris Kane Hames Shannon Frizell Waisake Naholo Matt Todd Israel Dagg
