Who Will be New Zealand’s Team at the 2019 World Cup?

The new world cup cycle is underway, and players are retiring, moving, climbing, or falling. Sure things at this world cup will not be so sure in four years time, and team selections are definitely one of the more fluid elements of our game. With that in mind, we at RBP have selected who we think will be the New Zealand team for the next world cup.

1. Joe Moody:

This will be a problem area for the All Blacks, and it is one of very few. They don’t seem to have a clear cut replacement at the moment, and with Tony Woodcock retired, Wyatt Crockett will be 36 at the next tournament, Charlie Faumuina will be 32, and Joe Moody will be 31. Moody will likely be the selection, but the All Blacks will be praying he doesn’t get hurt.

2. Dane Coles:

Less of an issue here. Given his style of play, I am going to assume that Dane Coles will still be a factor in 2019, but at 32, that is not a guarantee. Even if he is not, Codie Taylor is a good option that will also be challenging for a spot.

3. Atu Moli:

This is a big call, especially with the likes of Nepo Laulala still in the reckoning, but Moli is a big time prospect for New Zealand. His size and athleticism make him a very special player, and Ben Tameifuna struggles to break into the New Zealand setup should give him a golden opportunity.

4. Brodie Retaillick Captain:

At 24 he has 47 New Zealand Caps, a World Cup, and a Player of the Year Award. Clearly, the Chiefs lock is something special, and I think he would make for an excellent All Blacks captain. Barring injury he should still be in the setup, and would love to get his hands on another Webb Ellis Cup.

5. Patrick Tuipulotu:

Unlucky to miss out on this year’s tournament with an injury, the 22 year old has been climbing the ranks in New Zealand for some time. He is an astonishing athlete, and will be able to fill the void left by Sam Whitelock quite easily. He plays with a different style to Whitelock, but is every bit as talented, and could cause quite a stir at the World Cup.

6. Ardie Savea:

Lighting quick, absurdly powerful, and very talented, Savea was a sensation for the Hurricanes this season. A potent finisher and brutal tackler, Savea is reminiscent of his brother, and will give the All Blacks are devastating array of weapons in the back row.

7. Sam Cane:

Long touted as the heir to Richie McCaw, Cane now has the opportunity to claim the 7 jersey as his own. The 23 year old has no shortage of potential and has already captained the All Blacks. His is a name that Northern Hemisphere sides will come to dread.

8. Akira Ioane:

It’s possible that Kieran Reid will still be in the reckoning at 34, but for the sake of argument I am going to assume otherwise. Ioane dominated Super Rugby and the Junior World Championship, and have no doubt that he is being groomed as a long term replacement for Reid. He is also an excellent athlete, and has the potential to be a really special player.

9. TJ Perenara:

The livewire scrum half has already been pushing Aaron Smith hard for a spot in the starting XV, and he can only grow as a player. His electric pace and superb vision led the Hurricanes in their run to the final, and saw them score some stunning tries as well. A great young talent.

10. Lima Sopoaga:

This is another big call, but the Highlanders No.10 made a huge impression this season. His dizzying array of skills and superb kicking both from hand and off the tee saw him gain inclusion in the All Blacks side, and then he was outstanding in his first start, when they took on the Springboks. With Beauden Barrett and Aaron Cruden to beat, he has his hands full, but I suspect he can pull it off.

11. Julian Savea:

“The Bus” will be 29 at the next world cup, and his incredible abilities should see him stay in the mix. Savea is probably the world’s most well rounded finisher, leading to many comparing him to, or even saying he is better than the late Jonah Lomu. One thing is for sure, Savea is a devastating weapon, and will give the All Blacks a big edge.

12. Malakai Fekitoa:

Injury disrupted his 2015 season, but Fekitoa is an outstanding athlete with a wide array of skills. He has the potential to be developed into another Ma’a Nonu, and that really is saying something. With power, pace, and agility, Fekitoa is a very well rounded player who will make for an excellent option at 12.

13. Charlie Ngatai:

One of the stars in a resurgent Chiefs team, Ngatai has been pushing for All Blacks inclusion for some time. With excellent vision and physicality, he is a good choice for New Zealand as they look to replace their devastating pairing of Ma’a Nonu and Conrad Smith.

14. Tevita Li:

Li has been unstoppable at the Junior World Championship for two years now and is still only 20. His pace and power have seen him become the highest try scorer in tournament history, all while he put on a show for the Blues in Super Rugby as well. When Li gets his chance in the All Black jersey, I think he will be something special.

15. Nehe Milner-Skudder:

The 2015 breakout player of the year, Milner-Skudder’s electric step and change of pace make him something special, even on the world stage. He didn’t seem at all phased by the increasing quality of his opposition, scoring at will in Super Rugby, The Rugby Championship, and the World Cup.

So there you have it, the team that will defend New Zealand’s title in 2019 and continue the quest for a third consecutive Webb Ellis cup. But can they do it?