Selections were much the same and results too. The All Blacks had their semi-annual loss to Argentina, couldn\u2019t beat South Africa<\/a> and didn\u2019t seem to be playing a demonstrably better brand of footy.<\/p>\n Well, 2025 has started relatively positively before a ball\u2019s even been kicked.<\/p>\n I\u2019m thrilled to see Billy Proctor<\/a> getting a game at centre, which will be good news for the man he\u2019s replaced \u2013 Rieko Ioane<\/a> \u2013 and Sevu Reece<\/a> too.<\/p>\n This time Handre Pollard is back for real<\/p>\n Unlike Ioane, Proctor will pass the ball, which means both wings named to play France<\/a> in Dunedin on Saturday, as well as fullback Will Jordan<\/a>, might do more than just chase kicks.<\/p>\n The naming of Beauden Barrett<\/a> at first five-eighth is a bonus on that front too.<\/p>\n Ioane, who made his name on the left wing but has become ensconced at centre, was shifted out to the flank during games last season. The only problem was the game plan solely revolved around the running game of then-10 Damian McKenzie<\/a>, meaning Ioane saw no ball.<\/p>\n Proctor is basically a Test rugby novice. It\u2019s dangerous to project too much about how good he could become or heap too much pressure upon him to deliver transformative results in the meantime.<\/p>\n However, Robertson has tinkered here. He\u2019s rewarded form, rather than reputation and that augurs well.<\/p>\n If there was a surprise, albeit a pleasant one, in the 23 to start the season it was the naming of Tupou Vaa\u2019i at blindside flanker.<\/p>\n Injuries have played a part in some of those named in the pack, but Vaa\u2019i\u2019s selection indicates a nod towards the Springboks.<\/p>\n Size matters and shifting Vaa\u2019i to the flank from lock, while having Samipeni Finau<\/a> to add heft from the bench, suggests the All Blacks are entertaining the idea of a power game.<\/p>\n You can\u2019t be passive forever. You can\u2019t look at South Africa\u2019s forward riches and almost take the attitude that their size and depth is unfair. At some point you actually have to confront it.<\/p>\n Fabian Holland, at lock, is an indication of that as well. He\u2019s a big man with a big future and it\u2019s refreshing not to see him consigned to duty as training paddock cannon fodder for the first few months of his All Blacks career.<\/p>\n I probably wouldn\u2019t have started Jordie Barrett<\/a> at 12, given he\u2019s not played rugby in this country for a while. But the man is a vice-captain in this team and was never in danger of being made to watch from the stands.<\/p>\n Head-to-Head <\/p>\n Last 5 Meetings<\/p>\n Average Points scored<\/p>\n![\"Video](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/spacer-new.png\")
<\/p>\nThis time Handre Pollard is back for real<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/1751528954_301_811.png.webp\"\/)
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