All Blacks v France II
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Scott Barrett expected to miss Test 2.
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Make-up of the second and back rows might be determined by Jacobson's availability. If he's still out then you'd think Tuipulotu would come in for Barrett in a straight swap. If he's fit then maybe Vaa'i shifts back to lock and Jacobson comes in at 6. Finau obviously an option at 6 too if Vaa'i shifts.
Holland, Vaa'i, Finau, Savea, Jacobson would probably be my preferred quintet with Tuipulotu and CLW on the bench.
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There’s also a slim chance that Tuipulotu comes in for Barrett and starts, Vai’i stays at 6 and Ah Koi is used off the bench in jersey 19, he has been in camp as injury cover the whole time. Would be between Finau or Kirifi who drops out then. Slim chance, but still another option they could use is Jacobson isn’t fit.
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That's an interesting idea. Why do you think Finau would drop out for Ah Kuoi who is only there for injury cover?
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From what I've seen of him Ah Kuoi has some motor but he hasn't played 6 for the Chiefs for several years?
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@brodean said in All Blacks v France 2:
That's an interesting idea. Why do you think Finau would drop out for Ah Kuoi who is only there for injury cover?
Because Ah Kuoi would be lock cover(for the injured lock S.Barrett) from the bench which would mean it’s between Finau and Kirifi from last week who would miss out in jersey 20.
Again, I’m not saying it’s something i would do or they would do. It’s just another option they have
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Unless he plays like a game-winning superstar, a specialist 7 like Kirifi is a real luxury on the bench, isn't he?!
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He played the whole season there for the Steams in 2022 and 2023.
He's a high workrate player. Just everywhere in third gear like Blackadder but rarely gets out of third gear. Has a bit more impact and is a bit bigger body but I think if you're looking at him at 6 you might as well go Blackadder.
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@brodean said in All Blacks v France 2:
He played the whole season there for the Steams in 2022 and 2023.
He's a high workrate player. Just everywhere in third gear like Blackadder but rarely gets out of third gear. Has a bit more impact and is a bit bigger body but I think if you're looking at him at 6 you might as well go Blackadder.
should be a better lineout option though.
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I don't think you need lock cover on the bench if Holland, Tuipulotu, and Vaa'i are in the starting line up.
There's a chance that Vaa'i will be out too and we'll get to see Ah Kuoi anyway I guess.
If Vaa'i is ok to play I'd actually give him a rest on the bench and start FInau. I'd like to see how Finau goes starting against France.
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@brodean said in All Blacks v France 2:
I don't think you need lock cover on the bench if Holland, Tuipulotu, and Vaa'i are in the starting line up.
There's a chance that Vaa'i will be out too and we'll get to see Ah Kuoi anyway I guess.
Yeah probably not. My point though is that it’s an option they have. Nice options across the board
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@nostrildamus said in All Blacks v France 2:
From what I've seen of him Ah Kuoi has some motor but he hasn't played 6 for the Chiefs for several years?
One start at 6 that I can remember last year when it was more a case of selecting the fit players at the time. McMillan had talked up using Ah Kuoi at 6 a few years back but it has never eventuated due to the loose forward options. He is mobile enough though and gives you another ball-carrier.
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@canefan if you click on the poster he is replying to, it takes you to thier post...
In this case, S Barrett
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@taniwharugby said in All Blacks v France 2:
@canefan if you click on the poster he is replying to, it takes you to thier post...
In this case, S Barrett
Too many steps. Easier to ask lazy question
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From Stuff:
Ardie Savea is set to lead the All Blacks for the remainder of the France series after captain Scott Barrett was ruled out of the final two tests with a calf injury. The All Blacks confirmed on Tuesday Barrett’s absence for the second test in Wellington this Saturday and the third test in Hamilton the following weekend after scans revealed a torn calf muscle.
