Noting that foster said there may be a few from the all blacks squad who join the all blacks XV squad.

Also I imagine zarn Sullivan and salesi rayasi were unavailable.

My main reaction is surprise and disappointment at the lack of Jonah nareki and Josh ione. Both offer something different - nareki makes things happen out of nothing, Josh ione has a skip out pass like no other, which would enable us to get to the outsides against fast rush defences.

Also hoped songster would get a go - reckon he could even play a Scott barrett like 6 role. But I wasn't surprised to see Gallagher.

And pita-Gus, no pita-Gus, surprise surprise.

I wouldn't have minded Peter lakai either.

Midfield is interesting. Confirmation of why Levi aumua was in neither the fiji or samoa squads earlier in the year. Bailyn Sullivan I'm not a hundred percent convinced on despite my getting excited about him prior to super rugby starting this year. Not sure he has the handling skills of an all black . Nankivell I like but not sure he'd make an impact at international level. Heem, sure I can see the appeal there, especially as he can cover wing and midfield. Wouldn't have minded an umaga jensen or poihipi. But I imagine rts will play in this side anyway, at least for one game.

You have to say there is a bit of crusaders bias in the forwards, as might be expected from jason ryan.

Will be interesting to see if razor picks for the barbarians any New Zealanders who missed out just to prove a point. Or perhaps even others who have left NZ rugby, eg Karl and laumape.