Why the ‘All Blacks XV’ rebrand is a cynical move by New Zealand Rugby – Stuff

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Patrick Tuipulotu will lead the All Blacks XV in next month's matches with Ireland A and the Barbarians.

Sam Wilson is a Stuff sports reporter

OPINION: Hands up if you'll be setting your alarm for the small hours to watch the All Blacks XV tackle Ireland A in Dublin next month?

Me neither.

In an already overcrowded sporting calendar, the introduction of the newly-branded, Leon MacDonald-coached team essentially a 'New Zealand A' smacks of overkill and cynicism on the part of New Zealand Rugby.

Billed as a high-performance pathway for Ian Foster's All Blacks, the bean counters at Rugby House no doubt view this shiny new venture as a potential money-spinner to help them recoup some of the losses from the last few Covid-plagued years.

Hence why the 'All Blacks' brand has been co-opted once more (much like the 'All Blacks Sevens') to give the side a prestige it really doesn't warrant.

Of course, there are some very fine rugby players in MacDonald's recently announced squad for the two tests against Ireland A and the Barbarians in Dublin and London, not least blockbusting Blues lock Patrick Tuipulotu, who will lead the side during their sojourn of Europe.

The 28-strong group contains an intriguing mix of raw promise and big-match experience, with big prop Tamaiti Williams and veteran halfbacks TJ Perenara and Brad Weber at very different stages of their careers.

ALL BLACKS

All Blacks coach Ian Foster names his squad for the tests against Japan, Wales, Scotland and England.

But to suggest that their performances against a patchwork Irish side and a hastily thrown together BaaBaas outfit will strengthen their claims for a place in Foster's squad for next year's Rugby World Cup in France is stretching credulity.

Indeed, it's difficult to see these two meaningless matches as anything more than a cynical marketing ploy from New Zealand Rugby, who are seemingly intent on hoodwinking the public into believing the actual All Blacks are in action in order to put more bums on seats and bring more eyeballs to TV screens.

And answer me this, does New Zealand really need three senior men's national representative teams?

Isn't it enough to have the Mori All Blacks? This proud and historic side dating back to 1888 has traditionally served as a breeding ground for future All Blacks, taking the scalps of the British and Irish Lions, England and Ireland among others down the years.

Apparently not, and that's why we've been treated to breathless press releases and saturated media coverage for a team partaking in what are effectively glorified training matches on the other side of the world (also, did anyone consider the carbon costs?).

And next time you New Zealand Rugby rattle on about their concerns over player welfare, forgive me if I tune out.

There is already too much rugby being played, from the busy international calendar to Super Rugby and the domestic NPC competition that is nearing its conclusion.

A recent study conducted by the University of Glasgow found rugby players' were 2 times more at risk of brain disease than the general public. The chances of developing Parkinson's from brain-rattling concussions was three times higher. To mitigate that risk, surely the amount of competitive fixtures across the globe needs to be reduced, not increased.

A short break from the game to recharge the batteries ahead of a February start to next season would appear to be more beneficial to those in the All Blacks XV environment than yet another run-out at the end of a long, hard season.

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Why the 'All Blacks XV' rebrand is a cynical move by New Zealand Rugby - Stuff