All Blacks v Pumas
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@Stargazer I think Fifita is in the squad and this is the game that makes the most sense to give him a run. If you don't play him in this game he probably doesn't get a run in TRC. They obviously want some experience/leadership in the 23 too so Cane.
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@Billy-Tell said in All Blacks v Pumas:
ALL BLACKS: Damian McKenzie, Israel Dagg, Anton Lienert-Brown, Sonny Bill Williams, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Kieran Read (c), Ardie Savea, Vaea Fifita, Brodie Retallick, Luke Romano, Nepo Laulala, Dane Coles, Joe Moody.
Reserves: Codie Taylor, Wyatt Crockett, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Scott Barrett, Sam Cane, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Lima Sopoaga, Ngani Laumape.
Return of the hot stepper.
Good to see Nehe back.
Little bit of rotation without going OTT. Good.
Sammy deserves a rest.
Would be fun to watch Laumape and Dubs together although I don't expect that to be plan A.
Only question for me is TKB on the bench. No problem in as much as he is clearly in the 3 best halfbacks, but as he's leaving are we missing a chance to get another 9 blooded? Or is Weber next in line and still not 100% so TKB is stop gap as nobody else is ready?
@booboo said in All Blacks v Pumas:
@Billy-Tell said in All Blacks v Pumas:
ALL BLACKS: Damian McKenzie, Israel Dagg, Anton Lienert-Brown, Sonny Bill Williams, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Kieran Read (c), Ardie Savea, Vaea Fifita, Brodie Retallick, Luke Romano, Nepo Laulala, Dane Coles, Joe Moody.
Reserves: Codie Taylor, Wyatt Crockett, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Scott Barrett, Sam Cane, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Lima Sopoaga, Ngani Laumape.
Return of the hot stepper.
Good to see Nehe back.
Little bit of rotation without going OTT. Good.
Sammy deserves a rest.
Would be fun to watch Laumape and Dubs together although I don't expect that to be plan A.
Only question for me is TKB on the bench. No problem in as much as he is clearly in the 3 best halfbacks, but as he's leaving are we missing a chance to get another 9 blooded? Or is Weber next in line and still not 100% so TKB is stop gap as nobody else is ready?
Who says they'll even have 3 full-time halfbacks in the squad after TKB leaves? It wasn't that long ago they only had Weepu and Cowan, with Ellis only called up when needed.
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Good to see Whitelock has been given a rest, although I assume that Retallick will need a break soon, too. Have no strong opinion on the choice between Romano and Barrett; Romano has more experience, Barrett more talent.
Interesting that they've gone for Fifita instead of Squire. It can't be about Squire needing a rest, because he hasn't played that much. Maybe it's because Savea is starting and they've played together at the Canes? For Savea, it's time to prove that he can start games, too.
Good to see TJP getting a start. I always think he's better as a starter than as a reserve. Time to prove something for him, too. A bit disappointed that Sopoaga doesn't get the start, but may they just wanted the TJP-Barrett combo, or Barrett's experience in light of all the other changes they've made in the backline.
Crotty not in the 23. Seems they want to keep him in one piece for the more difficult games against the Springboks. I assume Laumape can cover centre as well, because with BFA and Rieko not in the 23 either, he seems to be the only one option to replace ALB if he gets injured.
Great to see the skud back, and Dagger on the right wing for all the high balls. I'm disappointed that they don't use this game to test Havili. I can't imagine them giving him his debut against South Africa or in away games, unless Dmac is giving away tries again this weekend or when the RC is in the bag.
To me it's obvious that TKB is on the bench because Weber needs more match fitness. He only just got his first start of the year, last night. I have no doubt that Weber, if he stays fit and healthy, will be on the EOYT; there is no better candidate.
@Stargazer Sonny Bill can cover centre and has done so in the past.
Big game for ALB. He's having second (test) season blues. Just a little concerned about our defence and who will be the backline leader.
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@booboo said in All Blacks v Pumas:
@Billy-Tell said in All Blacks v Pumas:
ALL BLACKS: Damian McKenzie, Israel Dagg, Anton Lienert-Brown, Sonny Bill Williams, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Kieran Read (c), Ardie Savea, Vaea Fifita, Brodie Retallick, Luke Romano, Nepo Laulala, Dane Coles, Joe Moody.
Reserves: Codie Taylor, Wyatt Crockett, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Scott Barrett, Sam Cane, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Lima Sopoaga, Ngani Laumape.
Return of the hot stepper.
Good to see Nehe back.
Little bit of rotation without going OTT. Good.
Sammy deserves a rest.
Would be fun to watch Laumape and Dubs together although I don't expect that to be plan A.
Only question for me is TKB on the bench. No problem in as much as he is clearly in the 3 best halfbacks, but as he's leaving are we missing a chance to get another 9 blooded? Or is Weber next in line and still not 100% so TKB is stop gap as nobody else is ready?
Who says they'll even have 3 full-time halfbacks in the squad after TKB leaves? It wasn't that long ago they only had Weepu and Cowan, with Ellis only called up when needed.
@Unco said in All Blacks v Pumas:
@booboo said in All Blacks v Pumas:
@Billy-Tell said in All Blacks v Pumas:
ALL BLACKS: Damian McKenzie, Israel Dagg, Anton Lienert-Brown, Sonny Bill Williams, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Kieran Read (c), Ardie Savea, Vaea Fifita, Brodie Retallick, Luke Romano, Nepo Laulala, Dane Coles, Joe Moody.
Reserves: Codie Taylor, Wyatt Crockett, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Scott Barrett, Sam Cane, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Lima Sopoaga, Ngani Laumape.
Return of the hot stepper.
Good to see Nehe back.
Little bit of rotation without going OTT. Good.
Sammy deserves a rest.
Would be fun to watch Laumape and Dubs together although I don't expect that to be plan A.
Only question for me is TKB on the bench. No problem in as much as he is clearly in the 3 best halfbacks, but as he's leaving are we missing a chance to get another 9 blooded? Or is Weber next in line and still not 100% so TKB is stop gap as nobody else is ready?
Who says they'll even have 3 full-time halfbacks in the squad after TKB leaves? It wasn't that long ago they only had Weepu and Cowan, with Ellis only called up when needed.
I don't think there is a clear 3rd choice after TKB leaves. And the options are a little thin at the moment, so IMO I wouldn't be just getting anyone. Smith and TJP are pretty durable.
If DMac stays in the squad then perhaps he will be our emergency standby....
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@booboo said in All Blacks v Pumas:
@Billy-Tell said in All Blacks v Pumas:
ALL BLACKS: Damian McKenzie, Israel Dagg, Anton Lienert-Brown, Sonny Bill Williams, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Kieran Read (c), Ardie Savea, Vaea Fifita, Brodie Retallick, Luke Romano, Nepo Laulala, Dane Coles, Joe Moody.
Reserves: Codie Taylor, Wyatt Crockett, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Scott Barrett, Sam Cane, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Lima Sopoaga, Ngani Laumape.
Return of the hot stepper.
Good to see Nehe back.
Little bit of rotation without going OTT. Good.
Sammy deserves a rest.
Would be fun to watch Laumape and Dubs together although I don't expect that to be plan A.
Only question for me is TKB on the bench. No problem in as much as he is clearly in the 3 best halfbacks, but as he's leaving are we missing a chance to get another 9 blooded? Or is Weber next in line and still not 100% so TKB is stop gap as nobody else is ready?
Who says they'll even have 3 full-time halfbacks in the squad after TKB leaves? It wasn't that long ago they only had Weepu and Cowan, with Ellis only called up when needed.
@Unco said in All Blacks v Pumas:
@booboo said in All Blacks v Pumas:
@Billy-Tell said in All Blacks v Pumas:
ALL BLACKS: Damian McKenzie, Israel Dagg, Anton Lienert-Brown, Sonny Bill Williams, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Kieran Read (c), Ardie Savea, Vaea Fifita, Brodie Retallick, Luke Romano, Nepo Laulala, Dane Coles, Joe Moody.
Reserves: Codie Taylor, Wyatt Crockett, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Scott Barrett, Sam Cane, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Lima Sopoaga, Ngani Laumape.
Return of the hot stepper.
Good to see Nehe back.
Little bit of rotation without going OTT. Good.
Sammy deserves a rest.
Would be fun to watch Laumape and Dubs together although I don't expect that to be plan A.
Only question for me is TKB on the bench. No problem in as much as he is clearly in the 3 best halfbacks, but as he's leaving are we missing a chance to get another 9 blooded? Or is Weber next in line and still not 100% so TKB is stop gap as nobody else is ready?
Who says they'll even have 3 full-time halfbacks in the squad after TKB leaves? It wasn't that long ago they only had Weepu and Cowan, with Ellis only called up when needed.
Still going to need that Ellis equivalent given some game time whether he's in the squad or not. Point stands.
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I think he's got to make the most of it too. He's certainly got the potential, but yet to deliver. Were he to do so, he could really make the bench interesting, especially as 6/lock cover.
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Hansen has said that they don't view Fifita as a lock. That may change with opportunties in that position as he's a similar height to Barrett.
@Bovidae Probably the difference in weight.
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Hansen has said that they don't view Fifita as a lock. That may change with opportunties in that position as he's a similar height to Barrett.
Yeah, I've seen that, but I personally don't see that much value in him as a straight up 6, unless he is some kind of project. My point was that he could cover 6/lock (not lock/6) in an era when both of our two front liners (and even Barrett) can go 80.
As injury cover, I think he's an interesting piece of the puzzle, if we are trying for full-on speed in the last 30.
Right now, the bench is pretty weak, so I assume they are trying to make Ofa the new Charlie (come back Charlie!), with Taylor plus ____?, a 6/lock like Fifita, Ardie, TJP, McKenzie (as 10 cover but coming on at 15), And Laumape/ALB there is plenty of power and speed.
Lots of those players need testing and experience of course, but I think that's where this year is most interesting. I feel like many are trying to guarantee a 23 spot.
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Yeah, I've seen that, but I personally don't see that much value in him as a straight up 6, unless he is some kind of project. My point was that he could cover 6/lock (not lock/6) in an era when both of our two front liners (and even Barrett) can go 80.
As injury cover, I think he's an interesting piece of the puzzle, if we are trying for full-on speed in the last 30.
Right now, the bench is pretty weak, so I assume they are trying to make Ofa the new Charlie (come back Charlie!), with Taylor plus ____?, a 6/lock like Fifita, Ardie, TJP, McKenzie (as 10 cover but coming on at 15), And Laumape/ALB there is plenty of power and speed.
Lots of those players need testing and experience of course, but I think that's where this year is most interesting. I feel like many are trying to guarantee a 23 spot.
Ha ha, Steve responds
Edit: Link not working to herald article?
nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11918985
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Ha ha, Steve responds
Edit: Link not working to herald article?
nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11918985
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Ha ha, Steve responds
Edit: Link not working to herald article?
nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11918985
@gt12 Given what they say about his change in weight and explosive drills results, you can see why they're so excited at the promise he can bring to the blindside. Good explanation why they don't see him as a lock.
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Yeah, I've seen that, but I personally don't see that much value in him as a straight up 6, unless he is some kind of project. My point was that he could cover 6/lock (not lock/6) in an era when both of our two front liners (and even Barrett) can go 80.
As injury cover, I think he's an interesting piece of the puzzle, if we are trying for full-on speed in the last 30.
Right now, the bench is pretty weak, so I assume they are trying to make Ofa the new Charlie (come back Charlie!), with Taylor plus ____?, a 6/lock like Fifita, Ardie, TJP, McKenzie (as 10 cover but coming on at 15), And Laumape/ALB there is plenty of power and speed.
Lots of those players need testing and experience of course, but I think that's where this year is most interesting. I feel like many are trying to guarantee a 23 spot.
@gt12 we'll see about what they do with Ofa now that Laulala has shown his wares. At least for the rest of the season Ofa will get good game time to improve. But when Franks comes back who knows.
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@gt12 we'll see about what they do with Ofa now that Laulala has shown his wares. At least for the rest of the season Ofa will get good game time to improve. But when Franks comes back who knows.
@ACT-Crusader Earlier in thread it was suggested that they were trying to make Ofa the new Charlie. I seem to recall Charlie wasn't the greatest scrummager in his early days but to paraphrase Joel Stransky had the potential to become a 10 in a prop's body. Ofa is certainly a physical specimen in the loose.
Laulala is scrumming specialist, so a straight back up for Franks. As are Hames and Moody. Moli seems to offer potential to be another mobile prop who can scrummage tidily.
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Ha ha, Steve responds
Edit: Link not working to herald article?
nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11918985
@gt12 said in All Blacks v Pumas:
Ha ha, Steve responds
Edit: Link not working to herald article?
nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11918985
Christ on a bike, any excuse to mention SBW as some kind of super athlete as if the rest are beer swilling club players.
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Ha ha, Steve responds
Edit: Link not working to herald article?
nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11918985
@gt12 said in All Blacks v Pumas:
www/nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11918985
@Duluth said in All Blacks v Pumas:
Only that link. Strange
I'll have a look at it tomorrow
It's just that the link is missing the '.'
www/nzheraldAnyway, high praise for Fifita. Looking forward to seeing him in action.
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@gt12 said in All Blacks v Pumas:
www/nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11918985
@Duluth said in All Blacks v Pumas:
Only that link. Strange
I'll have a look at it tomorrow
It's just that the link is missing the '.'
www/nzheraldAnyway, high praise for Fifita. Looking forward to seeing him in action.
@Milk said in All Blacks v Pumas:
@gt12 said in All Blacks v Pumas:
www/nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11918985
@Duluth said in All Blacks v Pumas:
Only that link. Strange
I'll have a look at it tomorrow
It's just that the link is missing the '.'
www/nzheraldAnyway, high praise for Fifita. Looking forward to seeing him in action.
Ah that was me ... kind of.
It didn't have the "www" for a start. So I edited it to add but put a "/" instead of a ".".
