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All Blacks 2024

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  • F Frank

    @Bones said in All Blacks 2024:

    @Frank didn't he use more players though? Which could imply it's experience at the next level down that counts...

    Which of the new players he has introduced are going to be at the same level as the more experienced heads in front of them?

    I really don't know enough about their team to say.

    Their 10 is certainly an upgrade.

    Has he found another lock anywhere near as good as Etzebeth - no
    Flankers as good as Steph De Toit, Kwagga Smith of Kolisi - no

    Other positions I am not sure.

    What it looks to me is that while he has introduced players, the key point of whether they be as good as the predecessors is largely unknown. (and could be unlikely)

    I think there may be significant step downs coming (hoping - haha)

    BonesB Online
    BonesB Online
    Bones
    wrote on last edited by
    #7377

    @Frank wouldn't that then fly in the face of what Razor is trying to say?

    1 Reply Last reply
    1
    • Chris B.C Chris B.

      @gt12 said in All Blacks 2024:

      @Chris-B said in All Blacks 2024:

      @dogmeat said in All Blacks 2024:

      @Chris-B said in All Blacks 2024:

      After winning vs Oz, Oz, Japan, England and Ireland, the nay-sayers had somewhat quietened and there were even - god help us - a few vaguely positive comments. People "could see where Razor's taking the team".

      So, the nay sayers should have been quietened by two wins, one very shaky, over a poor Wallabies side, a walkover against Japan, yet another close call versus a very limited Pomgolia and a decent showing up against an Ireland who are clearly in decline?

      I'm stating that as a fact. If you look at the Ireland thread after the match and the France thread pre-match, there was actually - for once - a small degree of positivity.

      As soon as we lost to France, that evaporated.

      Ok, this feels like bait, but I’ll play.

      These types of selections may be entirely forgivable, if we won. But we didn’t.

      I don't know why you think it's bait, because you're at least partially agreeing with me.

      I'm saying that if you win everything is forgiven - except a lack of style. 🙂

      Victor reckons Razor can lose and people would be happy with that if he'd picked the Baby Blacks.

      I reckon if he loses nothing is forgiven.

      Not just Razor - every All Black coach. Remeber Sir Ted wondering if he'd be able to live in NZ if they'd lost the 2011 final.

      canefanC Offline
      canefanC Offline
      canefan
      wrote on last edited by
      #7378

      @Chris-B said in All Blacks 2024:

      @gt12 said in All Blacks 2024:

      @Chris-B said in All Blacks 2024:

      @dogmeat said in All Blacks 2024:

      @Chris-B said in All Blacks 2024:

      After winning vs Oz, Oz, Japan, England and Ireland, the nay-sayers had somewhat quietened and there were even - god help us - a few vaguely positive comments. People "could see where Razor's taking the team".

      So, the nay sayers should have been quietened by two wins, one very shaky, over a poor Wallabies side, a walkover against Japan, yet another close call versus a very limited Pomgolia and a decent showing up against an Ireland who are clearly in decline?

      I'm stating that as a fact. If you look at the Ireland thread after the match and the France thread pre-match, there was actually - for once - a small degree of positivity.

      As soon as we lost to France, that evaporated.

      Ok, this feels like bait, but I’ll play.

      These types of selections may be entirely forgivable, if we won. But we didn’t.

      I don't know why you think it's bait, because you're at least partially agreeing with me.

      I'm saying that if you win everything is forgiven - except a lack of style. 🙂

      Victor reckons Razor can lose and people would be happy with that if he'd picked the Baby Blacks.

      I reckon if he loses nothing is forgiven.

      Not just Razor - every All Black coach. Remeber Sir Ted wondering if he'd be able to live in NZ if they'd lost the 2011 final.

      The expectations of the NZ rugby public have been tempered by the results of the last few years....

      1 Reply Last reply
      1
      • F Frank

        @SammyC said in All Blacks 2024:

        Long time listener, first time caller 😊

        This season hasn’t surprised me at all, I’ve been a part of the local rugby scene in Chch for a number of years….. and have had a few dealings with both Razor and Jase Ryan.

        Razor has no interest in building depth past the next world cup, he’s all about his own legacy and wants to win the world cup with NZ and then go and win it with England or someone else. Becoming the first coach to win it with 2 different countries.

        Rightly or wrongly, he thinks picking all the old blokes is the way to do it.

        Jason Ryan is a bit of a prick and hates Hoskins Sotutu.
        Jason is very good at holding grudges. There’s a number of people around the traps down here that have been cut off by for disagreeing with him (or just not giving him the accolades he thinks he deserves).

        Despite the above, I am still glad we have these guys and not Foster.

        Really intereesting scuttlebutt Sammy.

        On Jason Ryan, well, the forward pack is VASTLY improved under him.
        Perhaps you have to be a bit of a prick to drive that improvement.

        The average age of our players is significantly less than the Boks.

        Rassie is attempting to build depth, but just how many of those coming through will be top level test players is hard to gauge. Especially when the more experienced heads depart.

        (Bongi 34, Steph De Toit 32, Kwagga Smith 31, Etzebeth 33, Kolisi 33, Mostert 34, De Allende 33, Kolbe 31, Le Roux 35, Kriel 30, Am 31, Mapimpi 34)
        https://all.rugby/club/south-africa/squad
        In fact , if you look at the squad, there are very few young ones in there at all.

        SmutsS Offline
        SmutsS Offline
        Smuts
        wrote on last edited by
        #7379

        @Frank squad renewal is hard. Especially when you’re trying to replace proven Champions.

        Still, I’m only worried about three players:

        Bongi
        Malherbe
        Eben

        And even then I’m not so worried about them as about their positions:

        1. Just aren’t that many right-sized humans with the right mentality for them: and
        2. it takes serious time and care to mature those few into greats in those positions.

        Bongi and Malherbe were both shit when they first made the bok team. I used to wonder how stellar they must ‘ve been around a braai to keep getting selected. Took at least 3/4 years before I started to see what successive Bok selectors had seen.

        Even Eben who was an obvious monster took a few seasons to get to Bok standard and a few more before I believed he was reaching Bakkies’ levels. And before that I used to worry that Bakkies wasn’t a solid replacement for Krynauw Otto who I thought was a poor man’s Wiese.

        So Rassie better hurry up and find the next Eben, it would be shit to get into the situation you’ve had to suffer through replacing Brodie. Where you know the guy in the squad isn’t really up to snuff, but he’s sucking up caps and next thing you know he’s your captain.

        1 Reply Last reply
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        • B brodean

          Can anyone explain the amazing balance Robertson describes with Cane, Sititi and Savea?

          I thought Kaino, Read and McCaw were balanced and this new trio is nothing like that.

          boobooB Offline
          boobooB Offline
          booboo
          wrote on last edited by
          #7380

          @brodean said in All Blacks 2024:

          Can anyone explain the amazing balance Robertson describes with Cane, Sititi and Savea?

          I thought Kaino, Read and McCaw were balanced and this new trio is nothing like that.

          Balanced? They were arguably the greatest loosforward trio to play the game. Not sure we have that cattle now ... regardless of "balance".

          Unfair comparison.

          R 1 Reply Last reply
          2
          • Victor MeldrewV Victor Meldrew

            @Machpants said in All Blacks 2024:

            @Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2024:

            @canefan said in All Blacks 2024:

            @Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2024:

            @dogmeat said in All Blacks 2024:

            It's more his intransigence and apparent lack of coaching nous that concerns me.

            That is what has really surprised me.

            Always thought he'd struggle initially (despite his fluffers claiming there was no difference in SR Test coaching) and take a few Tests to come right, but the continuing inconsistency and lack of player development together with his hankering for mediocre overseas players - at the end of the season - has been really unexpected.

            His reputation for being a players' coach, and an innovator have not been apparent. Yet. Watched Scott Hansen on Aotearoa Rugby Pod last night. Boy he spouts some shit when you actually listen. It's all layers, and shit

            I hope that off-season he or someone at NZR takes a good long look at things to see what the real problems are, Someone experienced and from outside like Cotter would provide some good honest input and support.

            Another year like this one would be a real waste

            This is key, he hasn't grown the squad, but also hasn't won enough with the experience he kept - worst of both worlds

            NZH year review article

            https://archive.ph/Yicvx

            10-4 could easily have been 8-6. Livable-with if he'd been clearly developing new players. But he hasn't.

            boobooB Offline
            boobooB Offline
            booboo
            wrote on last edited by
            #7381

            @Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2024:

            10-4 could easily have been 8-6.

            But it wasn't.

            Could easily have been 14-0. But it wasn't.

            The latter would have had us dancing in the street, and not questioning anything. Not that 4 losses is a good thing, but that record will keep him honest and not resting on laurels.

            1 Reply Last reply
            3
            • Chris B.C Chris B.

              @ARHS said in All Blacks 2024:

              @Chris-B said in All Blacks 2024:

              @gt12 said in All Blacks 2024:

              @Chris-B said in All Blacks 2024:

              @dogmeat said in All Blacks 2024:

              @Chris-B said in All Blacks 2024:

              After winning vs Oz, Oz, Japan, England and Ireland, the nay-sayers had somewhat quietened and there were even - god help us - a few vaguely positive comments. People "could see where Razor's taking the team".

              So, the nay sayers should have been quietened by two wins, one very shaky, over a poor Wallabies side, a walkover against Japan, yet another close call versus a very limited Pomgolia and a decent showing up against an Ireland who are clearly in decline?

              I'm stating that as a fact. If you look at the Ireland thread after the match and the France thread pre-match, there was actually - for once - a small degree of positivity.

              As soon as we lost to France, that evaporated.

              Ok, this feels like bait, but I’ll play.

              These types of selections may be entirely forgivable, if we won. But we didn’t.

              I don't know why you think it's bait, because you're at least partially agreeing with me.

              I'm saying that if you win everything is forgiven - except a lack of style. 🙂

              Victor reckons Razor can lose and people would be happy with that if he'd picked the Baby Blacks.

              I reckon if he loses nothing is forgiven.

              Not just Razor - every All Black coach. Remeber Sir Ted wondering if he'd be able to live in NZ if they'd lost the 2011 final.

              Geez, you come across as a Razor apologist. I don't mind if we lose against the best, provided we are moving towards a good strategic plan.
              What I am disappointed with this year is what I see as an overall lack of intelligence in so many things around the AB's. Every turn it seems like gut reactions taking things back to tried and true. Against Italy it felt like watching the Crusaders, grinding out an ugly win.

              I think we, the fans, have largely driven this by demanding that the ABs never lose. Look at what happened to Fozzie after his run of half a dozen losses. Hansen losing to Ireland for the first time. Hart's horse. Every RWC elimination - except maybe Laurie, but he had Suzy to blame.

              There's a very clear message sent to the AB coaches - don't lose!!!

              The point I'm making to Victor.

              Edit: @mariner4life Snap!

              Sorry that my effort to inject a little bit of positivity into the discussion just makes me a Razor apologist. I'll try to be more dismally negative in the future so as not to not to disrupt the wake! 🙂

              boobooB Offline
              boobooB Offline
              booboo
              wrote on last edited by
              #7382

              @Chris-B said in All Blacks 2024:

              Every RWC elimination - except maybe Laurie, but he had Suzy to blame.

              And low expectations

              1 Reply Last reply
              0
              • A ARHS

                @Chris-B said in All Blacks 2024:

                @gt12 said in All Blacks 2024:

                @Chris-B said in All Blacks 2024:

                @dogmeat said in All Blacks 2024:

                @Chris-B said in All Blacks 2024:

                After winning vs Oz, Oz, Japan, England and Ireland, the nay-sayers had somewhat quietened and there were even - god help us - a few vaguely positive comments. People "could see where Razor's taking the team".

                So, the nay sayers should have been quietened by two wins, one very shaky, over a poor Wallabies side, a walkover against Japan, yet another close call versus a very limited Pomgolia and a decent showing up against an Ireland who are clearly in decline?

                I'm stating that as a fact. If you look at the Ireland thread after the match and the France thread pre-match, there was actually - for once - a small degree of positivity.

                As soon as we lost to France, that evaporated.

                Ok, this feels like bait, but I’ll play.

                These types of selections may be entirely forgivable, if we won. But we didn’t.

                I don't know why you think it's bait, because you're at least partially agreeing with me.

                I'm saying that if you win everything is forgiven - except a lack of style. 🙂

                Victor reckons Razor can lose and people would be happy with that if he'd picked the Baby Blacks.

                I reckon if he loses nothing is forgiven.

                Not just Razor - every All Black coach. Remeber Sir Ted wondering if he'd be able to live in NZ if they'd lost the 2011 final.

                Geez, you come across as a Razor apologist. I don't mind if we lose against the best, provided we are moving towards a good strategic plan.
                What I am disappointed with this year is what I see as an overall lack of intelligence in so many things around the AB's. Every turn it seems like gut reactions taking things back to tried and true. Against Italy it felt like watching the Crusaders, grinding out an ugly win.
                What I would like to see is the innovative moves, strategies and player management that Razor supporters said would be a given. NZRU giving a 4 year contract looks pretty dumb to me currently. It all smacks of a lack of strategic plan and just running with what came naturally, or what deals with social media opinion.
                I dont mind us losing sometimes if we develop a national style that fits with our ethos to run the ball wide as per schools, npc and super rugby. It invokes passion in players and supporters. And we will have plenty of skilled players developing to play that way. But having your two key AB plays as scrumming for penalties and having your quickest player looking to just crash into opponents instead of running into space or looking to set up others, does my head in.
                I do worry that NZ Rugby is losing its soul and ethos, initially with Silver Lake and secondly with how this latest regime seems to be doing anything for short term results and image.
                NRL and cricket look a bit more appealing currently.

                boobooB Offline
                boobooB Offline
                booboo
                wrote on last edited by
                #7383

                @ARHS said in All Blacks 2024:

                Against Italy it felt like watching the Crusaders, grinding out an ugly win.

                Isn't the way the Saders grind out wins in 'Test Match style' one of reasons we al wanted Razor?

                1 Reply Last reply
                2
                • TimT Offline
                  TimT Offline
                  Tim
                  wrote on last edited by
                  #7384

                  If you want to make a comparison between the ABs and the Boks, if you don't confront the reality of four consecutive losses then you're wasting everyone's time.

                  taniwharugbyT 1 Reply Last reply
                  5
                  • TimT Tim

                    If you want to make a comparison between the ABs and the Boks, if you don't confront the reality of four consecutive losses then you're wasting everyone's time.

                    taniwharugbyT Offline
                    taniwharugbyT Offline
                    taniwharugby
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #7385

                    @Tim although 2 of those were not in 2024...

                    1 Reply Last reply
                    0
                    • boobooB booboo

                      @brodean said in All Blacks 2024:

                      Can anyone explain the amazing balance Robertson describes with Cane, Sititi and Savea?

                      I thought Kaino, Read and McCaw were balanced and this new trio is nothing like that.

                      Balanced? They were arguably the greatest loosforward trio to play the game. Not sure we have that cattle now ... regardless of "balance".

                      Unfair comparison.

                      R Offline
                      R Offline
                      reprobate
                      wrote on last edited by
                      #7386

                      @booboo said in All Blacks 2024:

                      @brodean said in All Blacks 2024:

                      Can anyone explain the amazing balance Robertson describes with Cane, Sititi and Savea?

                      I thought Kaino, Read and McCaw were balanced and this new trio is nothing like that.

                      Balanced? They were arguably the greatest loosforward trio to play the game. Not sure we have that cattle now ... regardless of "balance".

                      Unfair comparison.

                      A better comparison might be the aussies trying to play 2 x 7s and it being shit, even though both their 7s were better players than their other loose forward options.
                      The initial comparison might be unfair due to player quality, but it's still a fair point re balance. And it's even worse if you look at the whole squad and add DP, LJ, EB, CLW, PL. Basically everyone except Finau is smaller than both Kaino and Read, and none of them are McCaw.

                      D boobooB No QuarterN 3 Replies Last reply
                      1
                      • R reprobate

                        @booboo said in All Blacks 2024:

                        @brodean said in All Blacks 2024:

                        Can anyone explain the amazing balance Robertson describes with Cane, Sititi and Savea?

                        I thought Kaino, Read and McCaw were balanced and this new trio is nothing like that.

                        Balanced? They were arguably the greatest loosforward trio to play the game. Not sure we have that cattle now ... regardless of "balance".

                        Unfair comparison.

                        A better comparison might be the aussies trying to play 2 x 7s and it being shit, even though both their 7s were better players than their other loose forward options.
                        The initial comparison might be unfair due to player quality, but it's still a fair point re balance. And it's even worse if you look at the whole squad and add DP, LJ, EB, CLW, PL. Basically everyone except Finau is smaller than both Kaino and Read, and none of them are McCaw.

                        D Offline
                        D Offline
                        darylmitchell
                        wrote on last edited by darylmitchell
                        #7387

                        @reprobate

                        DP is taller and heavier than Read, heavier than Kaino, Sititi is 3kg heavier than Kaino, heavier than Read, Blackadder is the same height and weight as Kaino. Lakai is 110kg the same weight as Kaino.

                        Savea is really the only outlier, Jacobson and Cane are same weight as McCaw, I don't think you could be further off the mark.

                        B 1 Reply Last reply
                        0
                        • D darylmitchell

                          @reprobate

                          DP is taller and heavier than Read, heavier than Kaino, Sititi is 3kg heavier than Kaino, heavier than Read, Blackadder is the same height and weight as Kaino. Lakai is 110kg the same weight as Kaino.

                          Savea is really the only outlier, Jacobson and Cane are same weight as McCaw, I don't think you could be further off the mark.

                          B Offline
                          B Offline
                          brodean
                          wrote on last edited by brodean
                          #7388

                          @darylmitchell said in All Blacks 2024:

                          @reprobate

                          DP is taller and heavier than Read, heavier than Kaino, Sititi is 3kg heavier than Kaino, heavier than Read, Blackadder is the same height and weight as Kaino. Lakai is 110kg the same weight as Kaino.

                          Savea is really the only outlier, Jacobson and Cane are same weight as McCaw, I don't think you could be further off the mark.

                          Papali'i is listed as 193cm which I think is pretty close to the mark and Jacobson is a similar height. De Groot is listed as 190cm.

                          alt text

                          Kaino is listed as 196cm and Read 193cm but I wouldn't be surprised if these figures were the other way round.

                          alt text

                          Savea is listed as 190cm and Rieko is listed as 189cm but Rieko is clearly taller

                          https://www.alamy.com/paris-france-9th-sep-2023-l-r-rieko-ioane-and-ardie-savea-of-new-zealand-line-up-with-the-mascot-before-the-rugby-world-cup-2023-match-at-stade-de-france-paris-picture-credit-should-read-paul-thomassportimage-credit-sportimage-ltdalamy-live-news-image565959935.html?imageid=D9130A28-B471-452B-B954-E8BD16CF2BD8&p=1420363&pn=2&searchId=30b634f4a2521b45e1aaa8d4b6150882&searchtype=0

                          Akira is listed as 194cm and Suafoa is listed as 196cm

                          https://prodcdn.sporty.co.nz/cms/14254/newsarticles/145083_wo.jpg

                          I'd say a lot of the listing figures seem like BS.

                          Canes4lifeC 1 Reply Last reply
                          2
                          • BovidaeB Offline
                            BovidaeB Offline
                            Bovidae
                            wrote on last edited by
                            #7389

                            Kaino's height was inflated like Savea's now. Ardie is shorter than Sititi too.

                            1 Reply Last reply
                            0
                            • R reprobate

                              @booboo said in All Blacks 2024:

                              @brodean said in All Blacks 2024:

                              Can anyone explain the amazing balance Robertson describes with Cane, Sititi and Savea?

                              I thought Kaino, Read and McCaw were balanced and this new trio is nothing like that.

                              Balanced? They were arguably the greatest loosforward trio to play the game. Not sure we have that cattle now ... regardless of "balance".

                              Unfair comparison.

                              A better comparison might be the aussies trying to play 2 x 7s and it being shit, even though both their 7s were better players than their other loose forward options.
                              The initial comparison might be unfair due to player quality, but it's still a fair point re balance. And it's even worse if you look at the whole squad and add DP, LJ, EB, CLW, PL. Basically everyone except Finau is smaller than both Kaino and Read, and none of them are McCaw.

                              boobooB Offline
                              boobooB Offline
                              booboo
                              wrote on last edited by
                              #7390

                              @reprobate said in All Blacks 2024:

                              @booboo said in All Blacks 2024:

                              @brodean said in All Blacks 2024:

                              Can anyone explain the amazing balance Robertson describes with Cane, Sititi and Savea?

                              I thought Kaino, Read and McCaw were balanced and this new trio is nothing like that.

                              Balanced? They were arguably the greatest loosforward trio to play the game. Not sure we have that cattle now ... regardless of "balance".

                              Unfair comparison.

                              A better comparison might be the aussies trying to play 2 x 7s and it being shit, even though both their 7s were better players than their other loose forward options.
                              The initial comparison might be unfair due to player quality, but it's still a fair point re balance. And it's even worse if you look at the whole squad and add DP, LJ, EB, CLW, PL. Basically everyone except Finau is smaller than both Kaino and Read, and none of them are McCaw.

                              Yes. Agree with that.

                              1 Reply Last reply
                              0
                              • R reprobate

                                @booboo said in All Blacks 2024:

                                @brodean said in All Blacks 2024:

                                Can anyone explain the amazing balance Robertson describes with Cane, Sititi and Savea?

                                I thought Kaino, Read and McCaw were balanced and this new trio is nothing like that.

                                Balanced? They were arguably the greatest loosforward trio to play the game. Not sure we have that cattle now ... regardless of "balance".

                                Unfair comparison.

                                A better comparison might be the aussies trying to play 2 x 7s and it being shit, even though both their 7s were better players than their other loose forward options.
                                The initial comparison might be unfair due to player quality, but it's still a fair point re balance. And it's even worse if you look at the whole squad and add DP, LJ, EB, CLW, PL. Basically everyone except Finau is smaller than both Kaino and Read, and none of them are McCaw.

                                No QuarterN Offline
                                No QuarterN Offline
                                No Quarter
                                wrote on last edited by No Quarter
                                #7391

                                @reprobate said in All Blacks 2024:

                                @booboo said in All Blacks 2024:

                                @brodean said in All Blacks 2024:

                                Can anyone explain the amazing balance Robertson describes with Cane, Sititi and Savea?

                                I thought Kaino, Read and McCaw were balanced and this new trio is nothing like that.

                                Balanced? They were arguably the greatest loosforward trio to play the game. Not sure we have that cattle now ... regardless of "balance".

                                Unfair comparison.

                                A better comparison might be the aussies trying to play 2 x 7s and it being shit, even though both their 7s were better players than their other loose forward options.
                                The initial comparison might be unfair due to player quality, but it's still a fair point re balance. And it's even worse if you look at the whole squad and add DP, LJ, EB, CLW, PL. Basically everyone except Finau is smaller than both Kaino and Read, and none of them are McCaw.

                                Yeah, the balance of Kaino, McCaw and Read worked well because each had strengths that complimented each other. Kaino was the enforcer making dominant tackles, McCaw with the extremely (inhumanely in McCaw's case) high work rate being influential on defense and at ruck, and Read excellent ball in hand both close in and wider out. Of course there is overlap in their roles but the players key strengths are what was important.

                                This year the only way to achieve that balance was having Finau at 6, but he's very young and a complete rookie so throwing him in the deep end was stupid and didn't work. Then we've played Blackadder at 6, meaning we had two 7s and one 8, then we've played Sititi at 6, meaning we have one 7 and two 8s. As well as Sititi has played, having him at 6 upset the balance of the trio and we paid for it, especially during the RC where our loosies were outplayed basically every game.

                                These problems were obvious as soon as the first squad was announced. One rookie 6, a host of 7s, and two 8s with one a rookie. You replace Blackadder with Akira and Jacobson with Sotutu and we suddenly have a lot more talent and a lot more options.

                                M R 2 Replies Last reply
                                2
                                • No QuarterN No Quarter

                                  @reprobate said in All Blacks 2024:

                                  @booboo said in All Blacks 2024:

                                  @brodean said in All Blacks 2024:

                                  Can anyone explain the amazing balance Robertson describes with Cane, Sititi and Savea?

                                  I thought Kaino, Read and McCaw were balanced and this new trio is nothing like that.

                                  Balanced? They were arguably the greatest loosforward trio to play the game. Not sure we have that cattle now ... regardless of "balance".

                                  Unfair comparison.

                                  A better comparison might be the aussies trying to play 2 x 7s and it being shit, even though both their 7s were better players than their other loose forward options.
                                  The initial comparison might be unfair due to player quality, but it's still a fair point re balance. And it's even worse if you look at the whole squad and add DP, LJ, EB, CLW, PL. Basically everyone except Finau is smaller than both Kaino and Read, and none of them are McCaw.

                                  Yeah, the balance of Kaino, McCaw and Read worked well because each had strengths that complimented each other. Kaino was the enforcer making dominant tackles, McCaw with the extremely (inhumanely in McCaw's case) high work rate being influential on defense and at ruck, and Read excellent ball in hand both close in and wider out. Of course there is overlap in their roles but the players key strengths are what was important.

                                  This year the only way to achieve that balance was having Finau at 6, but he's very young and a complete rookie so throwing him in the deep end was stupid and didn't work. Then we've played Blackadder at 6, meaning we had two 7s and one 8, then we've played Sititi at 6, meaning we have one 7 and two 8s. As well as Sititi has played, having him at 6 upset the balance of the trio and we paid for it, especially during the RC where our loosies were outplayed basically every game.

                                  These problems were obvious as soon as the first squad was announced. One rookie 6, a host of 7s, and two 8s with one a rookie. You replace Blackadder with Akira and Jacobson with Sotutu and we suddenly have a lot more talent and a lot more options.

                                  M Offline
                                  M Offline
                                  Machpants
                                  wrote on last edited by
                                  #7392

                                  @No-Quarter said in All Blacks 2024:

                                  This year the only way to achieve that balance was having Finau at 6, but he's very young and a complete rookie so throwing him in the deep end was stupid and didn't work

                                  Yet Sititi did and less experienced than Finau

                                  Victor MeldrewV 1 Reply Last reply
                                  2
                                  • No QuarterN No Quarter

                                    @reprobate said in All Blacks 2024:

                                    @booboo said in All Blacks 2024:

                                    @brodean said in All Blacks 2024:

                                    Can anyone explain the amazing balance Robertson describes with Cane, Sititi and Savea?

                                    I thought Kaino, Read and McCaw were balanced and this new trio is nothing like that.

                                    Balanced? They were arguably the greatest loosforward trio to play the game. Not sure we have that cattle now ... regardless of "balance".

                                    Unfair comparison.

                                    A better comparison might be the aussies trying to play 2 x 7s and it being shit, even though both their 7s were better players than their other loose forward options.
                                    The initial comparison might be unfair due to player quality, but it's still a fair point re balance. And it's even worse if you look at the whole squad and add DP, LJ, EB, CLW, PL. Basically everyone except Finau is smaller than both Kaino and Read, and none of them are McCaw.

                                    Yeah, the balance of Kaino, McCaw and Read worked well because each had strengths that complimented each other. Kaino was the enforcer making dominant tackles, McCaw with the extremely (inhumanely in McCaw's case) high work rate being influential on defense and at ruck, and Read excellent ball in hand both close in and wider out. Of course there is overlap in their roles but the players key strengths are what was important.

                                    This year the only way to achieve that balance was having Finau at 6, but he's very young and a complete rookie so throwing him in the deep end was stupid and didn't work. Then we've played Blackadder at 6, meaning we had two 7s and one 8, then we've played Sititi at 6, meaning we have one 7 and two 8s. As well as Sititi has played, having him at 6 upset the balance of the trio and we paid for it, especially during the RC where our loosies were outplayed basically every game.

                                    These problems were obvious as soon as the first squad was announced. One rookie 6, a host of 7s, and two 8s with one a rookie. You replace Blackadder with Akira and Jacobson with Sotutu and we suddenly have a lot more talent and a lot more options.

                                    R Offline
                                    R Offline
                                    reprobate
                                    wrote on last edited by
                                    #7393

                                    @No-Quarter said in All Blacks 2024:

                                    @reprobate said in All Blacks 2024:

                                    @booboo said in All Blacks 2024:

                                    @brodean said in All Blacks 2024:

                                    Can anyone explain the amazing balance Robertson describes with Cane, Sititi and Savea?

                                    I thought Kaino, Read and McCaw were balanced and this new trio is nothing like that.

                                    Balanced? They were arguably the greatest loosforward trio to play the game. Not sure we have that cattle now ... regardless of "balance".

                                    Unfair comparison.

                                    A better comparison might be the aussies trying to play 2 x 7s and it being shit, even though both their 7s were better players than their other loose forward options.
                                    The initial comparison might be unfair due to player quality, but it's still a fair point re balance. And it's even worse if you look at the whole squad and add DP, LJ, EB, CLW, PL. Basically everyone except Finau is smaller than both Kaino and Read, and none of them are McCaw.

                                    Yeah, the balance of Kaino, McCaw and Read worked well because each had strengths that complimented each other. Kaino was the enforcer making dominant tackles, McCaw with the extremely (inhumanely in McCaw's case) high work rate being influential on defense and at ruck, and Read excellent ball in hand both close in and wider out. Of course there is overlap in their roles but the players key strengths are what was important.

                                    This year the only way to achieve that balance was having Finau at 6, but he's very young and a complete rookie so throwing him in the deep end was stupid and didn't work. Then we've played Blackadder at 6, meaning we had two 7s and one 8, then we've played Sititi at 6, meaning we have one 7 and two 8s. As well as Sititi has played, having him at 6 upset the balance of the trio and we paid for it, especially during the RC where our loosies were outplayed basically every game.

                                    These problems were obvious as soon as the first squad was announced. One rookie 6, a host of 7s, and two 8s with one a rookie. You replace Blackadder with Akira and Jacobson with Sotutu and we suddenly have a lot more talent and a lot more options.

                                    I agree with everything except I think classing Savea as an 8 is overly generous. I actually think Sititi's best position might be 7 too.
                                    And Read's lineout ability needs a mention for the balance.

                                    1 Reply Last reply
                                    0
                                    • B brodean

                                      @darylmitchell said in All Blacks 2024:

                                      @reprobate

                                      DP is taller and heavier than Read, heavier than Kaino, Sititi is 3kg heavier than Kaino, heavier than Read, Blackadder is the same height and weight as Kaino. Lakai is 110kg the same weight as Kaino.

                                      Savea is really the only outlier, Jacobson and Cane are same weight as McCaw, I don't think you could be further off the mark.

                                      Papali'i is listed as 193cm which I think is pretty close to the mark and Jacobson is a similar height. De Groot is listed as 190cm.

                                      alt text

                                      Kaino is listed as 196cm and Read 193cm but I wouldn't be surprised if these figures were the other way round.

                                      alt text

                                      Savea is listed as 190cm and Rieko is listed as 189cm but Rieko is clearly taller

                                      https://www.alamy.com/paris-france-9th-sep-2023-l-r-rieko-ioane-and-ardie-savea-of-new-zealand-line-up-with-the-mascot-before-the-rugby-world-cup-2023-match-at-stade-de-france-paris-picture-credit-should-read-paul-thomassportimage-credit-sportimage-ltdalamy-live-news-image565959935.html?imageid=D9130A28-B471-452B-B954-E8BD16CF2BD8&p=1420363&pn=2&searchId=30b634f4a2521b45e1aaa8d4b6150882&searchtype=0

                                      Akira is listed as 194cm and Suafoa is listed as 196cm

                                      https://prodcdn.sporty.co.nz/cms/14254/newsarticles/145083_wo.jpg

                                      I'd say a lot of the listing figures seem like BS.

                                      Canes4lifeC Offline
                                      Canes4lifeC Offline
                                      Canes4life
                                      wrote on last edited by Canes4life
                                      #7394

                                      @brodean said in All Blacks 2024:

                                      @darylmitchell said in All Blacks 2024:

                                      @reprobate

                                      DP is taller and heavier than Read, heavier than Kaino, Sititi is 3kg heavier than Kaino, heavier than Read, Blackadder is the same height and weight as Kaino. Lakai is 110kg the same weight as Kaino.

                                      Savea is really the only outlier, Jacobson and Cane are same weight as McCaw, I don't think you could be further off the mark.

                                      Papali'i is listed as 193cm which I think is pretty close to the mark and Jacobson is a similar height. De Groot is listed as 190cm.

                                      alt text

                                      Kaino is listed as 196cm and Read 193cm but I wouldn't be surprised if these figures were the other way round.

                                      alt text

                                      Savea is listed as 190cm and Rieko is listed as 189cm but Rieko is clearly taller

                                      https://www.alamy.com/paris-france-9th-sep-2023-l-r-rieko-ioane-and-ardie-savea-of-new-zealand-line-up-with-the-mascot-before-the-rugby-world-cup-2023-match-at-stade-de-france-paris-picture-credit-should-read-paul-thomassportimage-credit-sportimage-ltdalamy-live-news-image565959935.html?imageid=D9130A28-B471-452B-B954-E8BD16CF2BD8&p=1420363&pn=2&searchId=30b634f4a2521b45e1aaa8d4b6150882&searchtype=0

                                      Akira is listed as 194cm and Suafoa is listed as 196cm

                                      https://prodcdn.sporty.co.nz/cms/14254/newsarticles/145083_wo.jpg

                                      I'd say a lot of the listing figures seem like BS.

                                      I’ve taken a photo with Ardie and we are exactly the same height. He is 1.88m not 1.90m

                                      boobooB 1 Reply Last reply
                                      1
                                      • sparkyS Offline
                                        sparkyS Offline
                                        sparky
                                        wrote on last edited by
                                        #7395

                                        The All Blacks finish the year ranked 3rd in the World. Not appalling but not good enough either.

                                        Overall 2024 has been a disappointing year for the team and poor selections by the coaches really didn't help.

                                        1 Reply Last reply
                                        2
                                        • Canes4lifeC Canes4life

                                          @brodean said in All Blacks 2024:

                                          @darylmitchell said in All Blacks 2024:

                                          @reprobate

                                          DP is taller and heavier than Read, heavier than Kaino, Sititi is 3kg heavier than Kaino, heavier than Read, Blackadder is the same height and weight as Kaino. Lakai is 110kg the same weight as Kaino.

                                          Savea is really the only outlier, Jacobson and Cane are same weight as McCaw, I don't think you could be further off the mark.

                                          Papali'i is listed as 193cm which I think is pretty close to the mark and Jacobson is a similar height. De Groot is listed as 190cm.

                                          alt text

                                          Kaino is listed as 196cm and Read 193cm but I wouldn't be surprised if these figures were the other way round.

                                          alt text

                                          Savea is listed as 190cm and Rieko is listed as 189cm but Rieko is clearly taller

                                          https://www.alamy.com/paris-france-9th-sep-2023-l-r-rieko-ioane-and-ardie-savea-of-new-zealand-line-up-with-the-mascot-before-the-rugby-world-cup-2023-match-at-stade-de-france-paris-picture-credit-should-read-paul-thomassportimage-credit-sportimage-ltdalamy-live-news-image565959935.html?imageid=D9130A28-B471-452B-B954-E8BD16CF2BD8&p=1420363&pn=2&searchId=30b634f4a2521b45e1aaa8d4b6150882&searchtype=0

                                          Akira is listed as 194cm and Suafoa is listed as 196cm

                                          https://prodcdn.sporty.co.nz/cms/14254/newsarticles/145083_wo.jpg

                                          I'd say a lot of the listing figures seem like BS.

                                          I’ve taken a photo with Ardie and we are exactly the same height. He is 1.88m not 1.90m

                                          boobooB Offline
                                          boobooB Offline
                                          booboo
                                          wrote on last edited by booboo
                                          #7396

                                          @Canes4life said in All Blacks 2024:

                                          @brodean said in All Blacks 2024:

                                          @darylmitchell said in All Blacks 2024:

                                          @reprobate

                                          DP is taller and heavier than Read, heavier than Kaino, Sititi is 3kg heavier than Kaino, heavier than Read, Blackadder is the same height and weight as Kaino. Lakai is 110kg the same weight as Kaino.

                                          Savea is really the only outlier, Jacobson and Cane are same weight as McCaw, I don't think you could be further off the mark.

                                          Papali'i is listed as 193cm which I think is pretty close to the mark and Jacobson is a similar height. De Groot is listed as 190cm.

                                          alt text

                                          Kaino is listed as 196cm and Read 193cm but I wouldn't be surprised if these figures were the other way round.

                                          alt text

                                          Savea is listed as 190cm and Rieko is listed as 189cm but Rieko is clearly taller

                                          https://www.alamy.com/paris-france-9th-sep-2023-l-r-rieko-ioane-and-ardie-savea-of-new-zealand-line-up-with-the-mascot-before-the-rugby-world-cup-2023-match-at-stade-de-france-paris-picture-credit-should-read-paul-thomassportimage-credit-sportimage-ltdalamy-live-news-image565959935.html?imageid=D9130A28-B471-452B-B954-E8BD16CF2BD8&p=1420363&pn=2&searchId=30b634f4a2521b45e1aaa8d4b6150882&searchtype=0

                                          Akira is listed as 194cm and Suafoa is listed as 196cm

                                          https://prodcdn.sporty.co.nz/cms/14254/newsarticles/145083_wo.jpg

                                          I'd say a lot of the listing figures seem like BS.

                                          I’ve taken a photo with Ardie and we are exactly the same height. He is 1.88m not 1.90m

                                          Were you doing handstands?

                                          MN5M 1 Reply Last reply
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