The 2025 All Blacks season offered glimpses of progress but not enough consistency, especially in the backline.
Planet Rugby’s end-of-year ratings highlighted several big names who failed to rise to Test standard — and whose international futures may now be under serious pressure.
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Cortez Ratima — Rated 5/10
Bio: Cortez Ratima is a halfback for the Chiefs.
Planet Rugby’s view:
"Has not really improved since last year, which will be a concern. Ratima has a sharp pass and is pretty quick around the fringes, but his service is too slow at the moment and his kicking game is not up to Test standard. There were some good cameos, but he needs a big year in 2026."
"Has not really improved since last year, which will be a concern. Ratima has a sharp pass and is pretty quick around the fringes, but his service is too slow at the moment and his kicking game is not up to Test standard. There were some good cameos, but he needs a big year in 2026."
RUCK Verdict:
A lively, gifted halfback — but still far too raw. Test rugby exposed his inconsistency, and unless his kicking and tempo improve drastically, he risks sliding down the depth chart.
A lively, gifted halfback — but still far too raw. Test rugby exposed his inconsistency, and unless his kicking and tempo improve drastically, he risks sliding down the depth chart.
Billy Proctor — Rated 5/10
Bio: Billy Proctor is a Hurricanes centre.
Planet Rugby’s view:
"the answer at 13, but it never happened for the Hurricanes star. There is a lot to like about this game on a purely technical level, but it failed to translate into consistent top-quality performances."
"the answer at 13, but it never happened for the Hurricanes star. There is a lot to like about this game on a purely technical level, but it failed to translate into consistent top-quality performances."
RUCK Verdict:
An intelligent, well-rounded midfielder — but 2025 felt like a year of missed opportunities. He’s not out of the conversation, but he’s no closer to securing the jersey than he was 12 months ago.
An intelligent, well-rounded midfielder — but 2025 felt like a year of missed opportunities. He’s not out of the conversation, but he’s no closer to securing the jersey than he was 12 months ago.
Sevu Reece — Rated 4/10
Bio: Sevu Reece is a winger for the Crusaders.
Planet Rugby’s view:
"Heavily involved early on before dropping out of contention midway through the Rugby Championship. Finished on a high by touching down twice against Wales in their final game of the year, but you have to think the end of his Test career is nigh."
"Heavily involved early on before dropping out of contention midway through the Rugby Championship. Finished on a high by touching down twice against Wales in their final game of the year, but you have to think the end of his Test career is nigh."
RUCK Verdict:
Still dangerous on his day, but those days are becoming rarer. Reece needs a full, dominant Super Rugby season to stay relevant — otherwise younger wings will overtake him.
Still dangerous on his day, but those days are becoming rarer. Reece needs a full, dominant Super Rugby season to stay relevant — otherwise younger wings will overtake him.
Anton Lienert-Brown — Rated 4/10
Bio: Anton Lienert-Brown is a midfielder for the Chiefs.
Planet Rugby’s view:
"Similar to Reece, you feel that his Test days appear numbered. Featured here and there, but didn’t really do anything special. Lienert-Brown’s best game came against Wales, where he was used primarily on the crash, but it was an underwhelming year for him."
"Similar to Reece, you feel that his Test days appear numbered. Featured here and there, but didn’t really do anything special. Lienert-Brown’s best game came against Wales, where he was used primarily on the crash, but it was an underwhelming year for him."
RUCK Verdict:
A classy veteran who looked off the pace in 2025. His experience remains valuable, but with several young centres pushing through, time is no longer on his side.
A classy veteran who looked off the pace in 2025. His experience remains valuable, but with several young centres pushing through, time is no longer on his side.
Rieko Ioane — Rated 3/10
Bio: Rieko Ioane is a Blues outside back.
Planet Rugby’s view:
They wrote: " Robertson was desperate to keep Ioane in the team, and the hope that he would eventually find his form, but it never materialised. He had the ideal chance to stake his claim for 2026 against Wales, but the Leinster back was decidedly mediocre, which summed up his campaign"
They wrote: " Robertson was desperate to keep Ioane in the team, and the hope that he would eventually find his form, but it never materialised. He had the ideal chance to stake his claim for 2026 against Wales, but the Leinster back was decidedly mediocre, which summed up his campaign"
RUCK Verdict:
A player once feared for his pace and explosiveness now looks short of confidence, precision and defensive reliability. Unless he produces a statement season in 2026, his long All Blacks tenure may be coming to an end.
A player once feared for his pace and explosiveness now looks short of confidence, precision and defensive reliability. Unless he produces a statement season in 2026, his long All Blacks tenure may be coming to an end.
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- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
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