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AB Positions up for grabs

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  • TimT Away
    TimT Away
    Tim
    wrote on last edited by
    #127

    Hamish Bidwell has full on genious brain:

    Bidwell: I really like Ardie Savea at No 8. With Sam Cane and Matt Todd so adept at seven, it might be worth Savea considering a shift. Physically he's not the biggest, but he does things a lot of your traditional No.8s can't.

    1 Reply Last reply
    1
    • antipodeanA Offline
      antipodeanA Offline
      antipodean
      wrote on last edited by
      #128

      Does Bidwell watch rugby?

      1 Reply Last reply
      1
      • mariner4lifeM mariner4life

        In my eyes 6, 10, 12, 13, 14, 16, 19-23 *should * all be up for grabs, based purely on the large amounts of dross we served up last year

        ACT CrusaderA Offline
        ACT CrusaderA Offline
        ACT Crusader
        wrote on last edited by
        #129

        @mariner4life said in AB Positions up for grabs:

        In my eyes 6, 10, 12, 13, 14, 16, 19-23 *should * all be up for grabs, based purely on the large amounts of dross we served up last year

        Fortunately we’re not Australia where 24 is up for grabs each week.....

        1 Reply Last reply
        4
        • RapidoR Rapido

          I'm. bit worried that BOTH Jordie and DMac look like they won't be playing fullback this year at SR level.

          Personally I'm not down with the Jordie for 12 thing.

          The gaping hole is at FB.

          ACT CrusaderA Offline
          ACT CrusaderA Offline
          ACT Crusader
          wrote on last edited by
          #130

          @rapido said in AB Positions up for grabs:

          I'm. bit worried that BOTH Jordie and DMac look like they won't be playing fullback this year at SR level.

          Personally I'm not down with the Jordie for 12 thing.

          The gaping hole is at FB.

          I love the idea of Jordie at 12 or even 13. He’s a natural creator. That extra height no doubt helps with his vision in the attacking line.

          He’s a much stronger front on tackler than a cover the ground type.

          MN5M 1 Reply Last reply
          0
          • Chris B.C Chris B.

            @nepia Yeah - though when I think back to the days of our lineout throwers (Anton, Kev) being rubbish it was when we had Williams and Jack as primary lineout targets and Richie, Jerry and Rodders all being a bit short.

            Shift to having Kaino and Read in the mix (and Retallick and Whitelock as tall locks) and suddenly the lineout's a weapon and one that I'd be reluctant to compromise much.

            At least if he's paired with Read, we'd still have three good targets.

            CyclopsC Offline
            CyclopsC Offline
            Cyclops
            wrote on last edited by
            #131

            @chris-b said in AB Positions up for grabs:

            @nepia Yeah - though when I think back to the days of our lineout throwers (Anton, Kev) being rubbish it was when we had Williams and Jack as primary lineout targets and Richie, Jerry and Rodders all being a bit short.

            Shift to having Kaino and Read in the mix (and Retallick and Whitelock as tall locks) and suddenly the lineout's a weapon and one that I'd be reluctant to compromise much.

            At least if he's paired with Read, we'd still have three good targets.

            Something that you hear a lot in the NFL (although more for edge rushers than for anything resembling lineouts) is 'length'. So the 9cm he's giving away on height might turn into 12-15 in a lineout depending on the difference in reach, or might be less if one or other has unusually long/short arms.

            I must admit I do wish that rugby had the same measurement fetish that NFL (you can't be a great quarterback if your hands are less than 9 1/4 inches!) and US sports have because these debates about height become a bit tiresome when there isn't an authoritative source.

            On topic though, I agree that Taufua probably doesn't quite have the physical tools to be a consistent AB starter, but does look an ideal candidate for a bench impact loosie.

            Chris B.C 1 Reply Last reply
            2
            • CyclopsC Cyclops

              @chris-b said in AB Positions up for grabs:

              @nepia Yeah - though when I think back to the days of our lineout throwers (Anton, Kev) being rubbish it was when we had Williams and Jack as primary lineout targets and Richie, Jerry and Rodders all being a bit short.

              Shift to having Kaino and Read in the mix (and Retallick and Whitelock as tall locks) and suddenly the lineout's a weapon and one that I'd be reluctant to compromise much.

              At least if he's paired with Read, we'd still have three good targets.

              Something that you hear a lot in the NFL (although more for edge rushers than for anything resembling lineouts) is 'length'. So the 9cm he's giving away on height might turn into 12-15 in a lineout depending on the difference in reach, or might be less if one or other has unusually long/short arms.

              I must admit I do wish that rugby had the same measurement fetish that NFL (you can't be a great quarterback if your hands are less than 9 1/4 inches!) and US sports have because these debates about height become a bit tiresome when there isn't an authoritative source.

              On topic though, I agree that Taufua probably doesn't quite have the physical tools to be a consistent AB starter, but does look an ideal candidate for a bench impact loosie.

              Chris B.C Offline
              Chris B.C Offline
              Chris B.
              wrote on last edited by
              #132

              @cyclops Yeah - I think every inch and kilo matters.

              In the US, where I guess they've got literally millions of kids to choose from they can no doubt focus on getting the perfect physical specimen. Ours are naturally thinned out to a pretty small number due to lack of interest, dedication, aggression, etc.

              I'd imaging every NPC team would be rapt to have a few locks of Brodie Retallick dimensions, but those guys are like hens' teeth in NZ.

              1 Reply Last reply
              0
              • BonesB Online
                BonesB Online
                Bones
                wrote on last edited by
                #133

                FABRT with a good show to start the season...

                1 Reply Last reply
                5
                • ACT CrusaderA ACT Crusader

                  @rapido said in AB Positions up for grabs:

                  I'm. bit worried that BOTH Jordie and DMac look like they won't be playing fullback this year at SR level.

                  Personally I'm not down with the Jordie for 12 thing.

                  The gaping hole is at FB.

                  I love the idea of Jordie at 12 or even 13. He’s a natural creator. That extra height no doubt helps with his vision in the attacking line.

                  He’s a much stronger front on tackler than a cover the ground type.

                  MN5M Offline
                  MN5M Offline
                  MN5
                  wrote on last edited by
                  #134

                  @act-crusader said in AB Positions up for grabs:

                  @rapido said in AB Positions up for grabs:

                  I'm. bit worried that BOTH Jordie and DMac look like they won't be playing fullback this year at SR level.

                  Personally I'm not down with the Jordie for 12 thing.

                  The gaping hole is at FB.

                  I love the idea of Jordie at 12 or even 13. He’s a natural creator. That extra height no doubt helps with his vision in the attacking line.

                  He’s a much stronger front on tackler than a cover the ground type.

                  So being tall gives a backline vision ? Based on this logic the Welsh team of recent memory should be the most creative of all time.

                  mimicM 1 Reply Last reply
                  0
                  • MN5M MN5

                    @act-crusader said in AB Positions up for grabs:

                    @rapido said in AB Positions up for grabs:

                    I'm. bit worried that BOTH Jordie and DMac look like they won't be playing fullback this year at SR level.

                    Personally I'm not down with the Jordie for 12 thing.

                    The gaping hole is at FB.

                    I love the idea of Jordie at 12 or even 13. He’s a natural creator. That extra height no doubt helps with his vision in the attacking line.

                    He’s a much stronger front on tackler than a cover the ground type.

                    So being tall gives a backline vision ? Based on this logic the Welsh team of recent memory should be the most creative of all time.

                    mimicM Offline
                    mimicM Offline
                    mimic
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #135

                    @mn5 said in AB Positions up for grabs:

                    @act-crusader said in AB Positions up for grabs:

                    @rapido said in AB Positions up for grabs:

                    I'm. bit worried that BOTH Jordie and DMac look like they won't be playing fullback this year at SR level.

                    Personally I'm not down with the Jordie for 12 thing.

                    The gaping hole is at FB.

                    I love the idea of Jordie at 12 or even 13. He’s a natural creator. That extra height no doubt helps with his vision in the attacking line.

                    He’s a much stronger front on tackler than a cover the ground type.

                    So being tall gives a backline vision ? Based on this logic the Welsh team of recent memory should be the most creative of all time.

                    Height is meaningless if all the vision they have is tunnel vision.

                    1 Reply Last reply
                    1
                    • taniwharugbyT Offline
                      taniwharugbyT Offline
                      taniwharugby
                      wrote on last edited by
                      #136

                      guess this could go in here, with AB coaching positions...

                      https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/international/101759254/warren-gatland-among-the-best-coaches-the-game-has-seen-and-could-coach-the-all-blacks-claims-lawrence-dallaglio

                      1 Reply Last reply
                      0
                      • PaekakboyzP Offline
                        PaekakboyzP Offline
                        Paekakboyz
                        wrote on last edited by
                        #137

                        Spectacular results?? You mean business as usual. Hard to frame Gats taking us to a new level. At this stage I reckon I'd prefer Schmidt out of the coaches currently overseas.

                        1 Reply Last reply
                        1
                        • antipodeanA Offline
                          antipodeanA Offline
                          antipodean
                          wrote on last edited by
                          #138

                          Thanks for your input Lawrence.

                          1 Reply Last reply
                          0
                          • C Offline
                            C Offline
                            cgrant
                            wrote on last edited by
                            #139

                            Gatland and Schmidt are both very good coaches. With all the NZ talents available, they should be able to maintain the AB at the highest level.

                            D 1 Reply Last reply
                            0
                            • JayCeeJ Offline
                              JayCeeJ Offline
                              JayCee
                              wrote on last edited by
                              #140

                              Another spot up for grabs with Crockett's retirement:
                              https://www.rugbypass.com/news/open-letter-wyatt-crockett

                              G nzzpN boobooB 3 Replies Last reply
                              2
                              • JayCeeJ JayCee

                                Another spot up for grabs with Crockett's retirement:
                                https://www.rugbypass.com/news/open-letter-wyatt-crockett

                                G Offline
                                G Offline
                                Gunner
                                wrote on last edited by
                                #141

                                @jaycee said in AB Positions up for grabs:

                                Another spot up for grabs with Crockett's retirement:
                                https://www.rugbypass.com/news/open-letter-wyatt-crockett

                                The couple of reports I’ve read don’t mention if the international retirement is with immediate effect, or after this season.

                                Anyone got any more info?

                                SmudgeS 1 Reply Last reply
                                0
                                • JayCeeJ JayCee

                                  Another spot up for grabs with Crockett's retirement:
                                  https://www.rugbypass.com/news/open-letter-wyatt-crockett

                                  nzzpN Offline
                                  nzzpN Offline
                                  nzzp
                                  wrote on last edited by
                                  #142

                                  @jaycee he was very good for a long time. Some apparent scrumming issues, but generally a real stalwart of nz rugby. Cheers for the contribution, croczilla.

                                  1 Reply Last reply
                                  1
                                  • JayCeeJ JayCee

                                    Another spot up for grabs with Crockett's retirement:
                                    https://www.rugbypass.com/news/open-letter-wyatt-crockett

                                    boobooB Offline
                                    boobooB Offline
                                    booboo
                                    wrote on last edited by
                                    #143

                                    @jaycee liked coz it was a cool letter.

                                    Onya Wyatt

                                    MilkM 1 Reply Last reply
                                    0
                                    • G Gunner

                                      @jaycee said in AB Positions up for grabs:

                                      Another spot up for grabs with Crockett's retirement:
                                      https://www.rugbypass.com/news/open-letter-wyatt-crockett

                                      The couple of reports I’ve read don’t mention if the international retirement is with immediate effect, or after this season.

                                      Anyone got any more info?

                                      SmudgeS Online
                                      SmudgeS Online
                                      Smudge
                                      wrote on last edited by
                                      #144

                                      @gunner said in AB Positions up for grabs:

                                      @jaycee said in AB Positions up for grabs:

                                      Another spot up for grabs with Crockett's retirement:
                                      https://www.rugbypass.com/news/open-letter-wyatt-crockett

                                      The couple of reports I’ve read don’t mention if the international retirement is with immediate effect, or after this season.

                                      Anyone got any more info?

                                      This quote suggests to me that the international retirement is immediate, but it's not 100% clear:

                                      Early in the New Year I made a call to All Blacks coach Steve Hansen and informed him of my decision to make myself unavailable for national selection.
                                      
                                      Billy TellB Stockcar86S 2 Replies Last reply
                                      0
                                      • SmudgeS Smudge

                                        @gunner said in AB Positions up for grabs:

                                        @jaycee said in AB Positions up for grabs:

                                        Another spot up for grabs with Crockett's retirement:
                                        https://www.rugbypass.com/news/open-letter-wyatt-crockett

                                        The couple of reports I’ve read don’t mention if the international retirement is with immediate effect, or after this season.

                                        Anyone got any more info?

                                        This quote suggests to me that the international retirement is immediate, but it's not 100% clear:

                                        Early in the New Year I made a call to All Blacks coach Steve Hansen and informed him of my decision to make myself unavailable for national selection.
                                        
                                        Billy TellB Offline
                                        Billy TellB Offline
                                        Billy Tell
                                        wrote on last edited by
                                        #145

                                        @smudge said in AB Positions up for grabs:

                                        @gunner said in AB Positions up for grabs:

                                        @jaycee said in AB Positions up for grabs:

                                        Another spot up for grabs with Crockett's retirement:
                                        https://www.rugbypass.com/news/open-letter-wyatt-crockett

                                        The couple of reports I’ve read don’t mention if the international retirement is with immediate effect, or after this season.

                                        Anyone got any more info?

                                        This quote suggests to me that the international retirement is immediate, but it's not 100% clear:

                                        Early in the New Year I made a call to All Blacks coach Steve Hansen and informed him of my decision to make myself unavailable for national selection.
                                        

                                        Good move by Wyatt. Leaving on his terms. He showed great courage to come back from "Rome-gate", thanks Stuart Dickinson. I think he might have been pushed if he hadn't jumped, but he has given great service to province and country.

                                        antipodeanA 1 Reply Last reply
                                        1
                                        • boobooB booboo

                                          @jaycee liked coz it was a cool letter.

                                          Onya Wyatt

                                          MilkM Offline
                                          MilkM Offline
                                          Milk
                                          wrote on last edited by
                                          #146

                                          @booboo said in AB Positions up for grabs:

                                          @jaycee liked coz it was a cool letter.

                                          Onya Wyatt

                                          Agree cool letter.

                                          First observation: he debuted in 2009!? That guy has really hung in there.

                                          Second observation, his sons are named Sonny Crockett and Emmett Crockett. That family knows how to do bad-ass names.

                                          TimT 1 Reply Last reply
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