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The Blues confirm departures of two All Black props among nine leavers
By Ben Smith
The Blues have confirmed a post-World Cup move to France for All Black prop Nepo Laulala who has signed with a Top 14 club, while another All Black Alex Hodgman also has been farewelled by the club.
The Blues confirmed the news in a tribute video but did not fully disclose where 32-year-old Laulala is headed, only to say he would be reunited with the 'Big Uce'.
That would suggest Laulala is headed to big spenders Montpellier where former teammate Karl Tu'inukuafe has signed.
Laulala had re-signed with NZR on a one-year deal for 2023 and will leave New Zealand as a Super Rugby centurion after stints with three clubs, the Crusaders, Chiefs and Blues.
He has represented the All Blacks 45 times since his debut in 2015 and was a key member of the 2019 World Cup squad.
Laulala and Hodgman join Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Beauden Barrett as All Blacks moving on from the franchise.
A surprise among the departures was emerging star Caleb Tangitau, currently with the New Zealand U20s and capped by the All Blacks Sevens in 2022, who was listed as 'headed to Paris in 2024'.
The 20-year-old has yet to debut in Super Rugby and his departure would almost be unprecedented for a top age-grade New Zealand talent.
Other departures include experienced lock James Tucker, son of former All Blacks assistant Taine Plumtree, flanker Tom Robinson, and fullback Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens.
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I guess the other option would be to start ALB, he's looked good in the 12 so far when he starts and sets up those outside him. But that would mean putting the vice captain on the bench, which is unlikely. Another option would be to drop Reiko to the bench and play Proctor, though he's gone home so that's not going to happen either.
Both of those players just offer more of the soft distribution skills good centres learn from playing their careers there. Unfortunately that's what's lacking with the current combo.
Go to commentsWhatever let's see if this load of waffle is still valid in 2 years time. ABs will rise we have a lot of new talent coming through. The NPC was the highest standard for years. The game is changing to suit the fast pace we like to play. We get to play the Springboks more, including the franchises, which will make us better! Overall I am optimistic. I will add having watched the England game multiple times we made most of the play. England are an awesome physical team, but you can expect the All Blacks to get better and better at executing the chances. It could easily have been 5 tries to one instead of 3 to 1.
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