Now that the season is over I thought i'd add a few players where stock went up and a few players where stock went down across the AB season
Stock Up
Akira Ioane - The new starting 6. Terrific in both his appearances - was arguably the best All Black on the field during the time he was on the field in both games. Interesting to hear that they are working hard with him on his set piece work - it's paying off.
Tupou Vaai - a lot of raised eyebrows when he was named in the ABs but he exceeded expectations for someone so young. Can play at this level.
Nepo Laulala - was late across to Australia due to birth of his child but in the final test he was sensational in probably his best performance in black and won the starting tighthead jersey in my viewing.
Will Jordan - did more in 6 minutes than Jordie did in 6 tests....
Caleb Clarke - young and still learning but a hell of a lot more impactful than George Bridge. Just needs to tidy up his finishing.
Stock Down
Jordie Barrett - not entirely his fault as he has been played out of position on the wing. However, he didn't impress at fullback in Brisbane either. Personally I think he's a 12 being played out of position in the outside backs. He's really not adding much at all currently on the wing - for all his height it's not paying off in winning high balls and he doesn't have the pace or footwork for wing.
Codie Taylor - has slipped back to be clearly the backup hooker. He's lucky that Aumua is still promise and not production.
Shannon Frizell - he's athletic but just doesn't have the physical presence to make an impact against tough teams. He suits Super Rugby but not confrontational/attritional test rugby. There's a quite a few promising young 6s around in NZ so he could find himself slipping well back very quickly (Grace, Tu'u, Robinson etc)
TJ Perenara - Really poor in his one start in Brisbane. He just doesn't do the core role of a halfback well enough. Lucky for him he's somehow worked his way into being an untouchable member of the squad. 20 year old Fakatava looks to be an All Black in waiting - his form in the Mitre 10 Cup was amazing. ABs need some young blood in the squad next year at 9.