Following the recent unveiling of the All Blacks XV squad, New Zealand Rugby has received backlash for the name of the nation’s newest side
While the team has been formed as a means of feeding into Ian Foster’s squad, many believe Leon MacDonald’s men deserve their own entity away from the All Blacks.
NZ Rugby World editor Jim Kayes doesn’t like the connotations of the All Blacks XV, saying New Zealand Rugby have overmarketed and diluted the brand by linking the two teams together.
“I don’t like it,” Kayes told SENZ Mornings.
“I don’t like the way that … the name ‘All Blacks’ is being misused; I believe.
“I think the All Blacks are the pinnacle team in New Zealand and New Zealand Rugby has made a big mistake by overmarketing and diluting the brand.
“I just don’t like it attached to other teams (including the All Blacks Sevens); those teams should be allowed to establish their own identity.
“That’s not saying anything negative towards those teams, it’s only about the name.”
SENZ host Ian Smith has supported Kayes’ views, saying he’s never believed in second-string sides and a name change should be considered if this is to become an ongoing team.
“I’m not a big believer of A teams … over the years I’ve just kind of thought that all it signals for them straight away (is), ‘You’re second best’,” Smith said.
“If it’s to be an ongoing thing … then perhaps if we’re going to send a side over (it should be called the) Aotearoa XV or something of that (kind) so it’s its own unit that you look for.”
Following the Māori All Blacks’ success against Ireland in June, Smith believes they should have been afforded more opportunity at the international level ahead of the MacDonald’s XV as many of the players will now represent both outfits.
“I personally would like to see the Māori All Blacks go overseas and spread the culture a bit further,” Smith added.
“The reason I say that is because they are an identity, they are a side that people want to watch already and within their ranks, let’s face it, they’re providing the backup group anyway.”
While the name is unlikely to change, the All Blacks XV will begin their preparations for the northern hemisphere, with their first match set for November 4.
MacDonald’s side will take on Ireland A in Dublin before heading to London to face Scott Robertson’s Barbarians F.C later in November.