Winners And Losers For The All Blacks In 2022

The All Blacks 2022 season will be remembered as a turbulent time for the men in black. Last year the All Black lost a home series to Ireland 2-1 and the first test to South Africa in Mbombela. The All blacks won the Ellis Park test against the Springboks 35-23 to save their Rugby Championship hopes and secure the Freedom Cup.

John Plumtree and Brad Mooar were let go after the Ireland series defeat. They were Foster's assistants. Plum tree has been hired by USA Eagles and MOOAR by Gwent Dragons. Joe Schmidt and Jason Ryan were promoted to the All Blacks' coaching team.

Laulala lost his place in the All Blacks' starting line-up after starting 11 tests in 2021 at tighthead prop. Tyrel Lomax became the established tight head prop and Angus Ta'avao registered a start ahead of Laulal. Lulala started against Scotland and England, but his performance against England could spell the end of his All Black career.

Pita Gus Sowakula was selected for the Rugby Championship but hasn't been picked since. Jason Ryan took over the All Blacks' forwards coaching. He is not the only forward to lose standing since Ryan's appointment.

Leicester Fainga'anuku had a difficult start to the season with Crusaders. He was dropped for Sevu Reece for the decider and surpassed by returning Caleb Clarke for Rugby Championship. Faeringanuku was picked for Northern Tour but withdrew for personal reasons.

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck didn't get the most of his opportunities in 2022. He was used off the bench against Ireland and Japan. Jordie Barrett is now an option at second five. David Havili, Quinn Tupaea, Anton Lienert-Brown and Jack Goodhue are potential options in 2023.

Ethan De Groot made a successful return to the All Blacks fold after suggestions by Ian Foster that he needed to work on his fitness and work rate before the Ireland series. Nepo Laulala, Karl Tu'inukuafe and Ofa Tuungafasi were selected with less mobile props. DeGroot was selected under new forwards coach Jason Ryan.

Tyrel Lomax started the second test against the Springboks in the famous Ellis Park win in 2022. He went on to start all of the remaining Rugby Championship fixtures and the Wales and England tests on the end-of-year tour.

Samisoni Taukei'aho was a key player for the All Blacks in 2022. He was the first-choice hooker for New Zealand. Tau kei’aho impressed in his first start against the Wallabies. He also played well against Argentina and the New Zealander.

Dalton Papali'i was the form openside of Super Rugby. He started for the All Blacks after captain Cane got injured. Papali'I played well against Wales, Scotland and England. He is unlikely to replace Caine as captain. The captain is the incumbent. All Black's captaincy will be decided in 2022.

Ioane finished the year cemented as the All Blacks' best option at center heading into 2023. The Blues midfielder became a much more efficient playmaker as season progressed. Ioane's defense went to another level in 2022. He held up numerous players over the line, including a key stop on Andrew Kellaway in Melbourne.

Joe Schmidt will be the assistant coach of the All Blacks in 2022. He will stay out of spotlight and away from the media duties, but will have a hands-on role on the field overseeing the small details.