All Blacks Squad for France
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@bovidae said in All Blacks Squad for France:
I'm just curious why Bridge was mentioned at all. I assume it is because of the Cully article. Personally, I don't believe any of Bridge, Alaimalo, Duffie or Lam will make the AB squad. NMS can also play wing/FB and will be in the squad ahead of those 4 players.
I think you're right - but, NMS isn't a complete lock-in - to the extent that I'd be flabbergasted if he missed out. But, I'd be "pretty surprised" if they picked Bridge ahead of him.
George has been going well this year, though - not undeserving of a mention in the discussion.One suggestion I've seen mentioned is that they might pick five midfielders and only four outside backs (or just two halfbacks).
I'll be a bit annoyed if this happens. It's fuzzy thinking - selecting to accommodate individuals ahead of the team. The team only needs four midfielders, so that's what should be picked.
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@chris-b Agree about only needing 4 midfielders but that means making a hard decision and dropping one player.
As I've said before, if Fifita covers lock and 6 then there might be space for an extra back while also including 3 halfbacks.
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I have to laugh about these comments. Every time someone brings up a player that may (or may not) be worth considering for the ABs, esp if it's a Crusaders' (or MABs') player, someone who doesn't agree brings up that one game against the BILs, conveniently forgetting that the Crusaders were the first team to play a test-strength BILs team with that quick line-speed that they hadn't shown in the other games, with the yelling over the line-out calls, the awkward refereeing (particularly of the scrum) etc. It's ridiculous to judge a player on one game in general; it's even more ridiculous to judge a player who has never played a test match on one game against a team like the BILs.
Personally, I don't see Bridge as the next Ben Smith. At this stage, I also can't see him as a test player. He has potential though. A wait-and-see case for me.
@stargazer said in All Blacks Squad for France:
I have to laugh about these comments. Every time someone brings up a player that may (or may not) be worth considering for the ABs, esp if it's a Crusaders' (or MABs') player, someone who doesn't agree brings up that one game against the BILs, conveniently forgetting that the Crusaders were the first team to play a test-strength BILs team with that quick line-speed that they hadn't shown in the other games, with the yelling over the line-out calls, the awkward refereeing (particularly of the scrum) etc. It's ridiculous to judge a player on one game in general; it's even more ridiculous to judge a player who has never played a test match on one game against a team like the BILs.
Personally, I don't see Bridge as the next Ben Smith. At this stage, I also can't see him as a test player. He has potential though. A wait-and-see case for me.
In Bridges case i mentioned that game because it is the closest thing to test rugby that we have seen him play. He completely bottled it. Not saying he should never be considered because of it but it does count against him in my calculations.
I also don't think he has been a standout this year either. Decent but not standout.
I would pick a long list of guys ahead of him for the ABs. I wouldn't even pick him in a first choice 23 for the crusaders if everyone was available. -
Wow I wonder what those players have in common?
@canerbry said in All Blacks Squad for France:
Wow I wonder what those players have in common?
They all like Weetbix for breakfast?
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I have to laugh about these comments. Every time someone brings up a player that may (or may not) be worth considering for the ABs, esp if it's a Crusaders' (or MABs') player, someone who doesn't agree brings up that one game against the BILs, conveniently forgetting that the Crusaders were the first team to play a test-strength BILs team with that quick line-speed that they hadn't shown in the other games, with the yelling over the line-out calls, the awkward refereeing (particularly of the scrum) etc. It's ridiculous to judge a player on one game in general; it's even more ridiculous to judge a player who has never played a test match on one game against a team like the BILs.
Personally, I don't see Bridge as the next Ben Smith. At this stage, I also can't see him as a test player. He has potential though. A wait-and-see case for me.
@stargazer said in All Blacks Squad for France:
I have to laugh about these comments. Every time someone brings up a player that may (or may not) be worth considering for the ABs, esp if it's a Crusaders' (or MABs') player, someone who doesn't agree brings up that one game against the BILs, conveniently forgetting that the Crusaders were the first team to play a test-strength BILs team with that quick line-speed that they hadn't shown in the other games, with the yelling over the line-out calls, the awkward refereeing (particularly of the scrum) etc. It's ridiculous to judge a player on one game in general; it's even more ridiculous to judge a player who has never played a test match on one game against a team like the BILs.
Personally, I don't see Bridge as the next Ben Smith. At this stage, I also can't see him as a test player. He has potential though. A wait-and-see case for me.
I see your "Crusader criticism" alarm is working just fine.
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@stargazer said in All Blacks Squad for France:
I have to laugh about these comments. Every time someone brings up a player that may (or may not) be worth considering for the ABs, esp if it's a Crusaders' (or MABs') player, someone who doesn't agree brings up that one game against the BILs, conveniently forgetting that the Crusaders were the first team to play a test-strength BILs team with that quick line-speed that they hadn't shown in the other games, with the yelling over the line-out calls, the awkward refereeing (particularly of the scrum) etc. It's ridiculous to judge a player on one game in general; it's even more ridiculous to judge a player who has never played a test match on one game against a team like the BILs.
Personally, I don't see Bridge as the next Ben Smith. At this stage, I also can't see him as a test player. He has potential though. A wait-and-see case for me.
I see your "Crusader criticism" alarm is working just fine.
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@bovidae said in All Blacks Squad for France:
I'm just curious why Bridge was mentioned at all. I assume it is because of the Cully article. Personally, I don't believe any of Bridge, Alaimalo, Duffie or Lam will make the AB squad. NMS can also play wing/FB and will be in the squad ahead of those 4 players.
I think you're right - but, NMS isn't a complete lock-in - to the extent that I'd be flabbergasted if he missed out. But, I'd be "pretty surprised" if they picked Bridge ahead of him.
George has been going well this year, though - not undeserving of a mention in the discussion.One suggestion I've seen mentioned is that they might pick five midfielders and only four outside backs (or just two halfbacks).
I'll be a bit annoyed if this happens. It's fuzzy thinking - selecting to accommodate individuals ahead of the team. The team only needs four midfielders, so that's what should be picked.
@chris-b said in All Blacks Squad for France:
@bovidae said in All Blacks Squad for France:
I'm just curious why Bridge was mentioned at all. I assume it is because of the Cully article. Personally, I don't believe any of Bridge, Alaimalo, Duffie or Lam will make the AB squad. NMS can also play wing/FB and will be in the squad ahead of those 4 players.
I think you're right - but, NMS isn't a complete lock-in - to the extent that I'd be flabbergasted if he missed out. But, I'd be "pretty surprised" if they picked Bridge ahead of him.
George has been going well this year, though - not undeserving of a mention in the discussion.One suggestion I've seen mentioned is that they might pick five midfielders and only four outside backs (or just two halfbacks).
I'll be a bit annoyed if this happens. It's fuzzy thinking - selecting to accommodate individuals ahead of the team. The team only needs four midfielders, so that's what should be picked.
For me a very important consideration is that they take the chance to try several up and comers where the jury is out about whether or not they'll be ready for the RWC. Third halfback would fall into the category, as would a third LH (if there was one). Third hooker another spot.
In midfield, I'd like to see a couple of combos get a run, even if only off bench -- SBW/ALB, SBW/JG. In back three, there is a surplus of reasonably proven options, so content if they pick four, knowing two or three others are readily available.
I don't think they need Cane, Todd and Savea (A).
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@cgrant I hope the selectors will convince Crockett to postpone his retirement. If not, they might move Ofa to LH.
@stargazer Nah. We need new blood. Why delay the process. Thanks for you contribution Wyatt.
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Matt Duffy was seen as the new Ben Smith but I think George Bridge offers more similarities with his ability to beat the first tackle and to run good lines. He's definitely more strongly built than Duffy and does not fear to tackle big men. The 125 kg Waratahs winger was stopped neatly while he was at full speed. He is having a very strong season and has not put a foot wrong in everything he did in every game. He might be worth a look.
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@cgrant Never really sold on Duffie and his defence is crap. He is a role player but not in the future of AB plans.
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Thinking about forwards. Assume 18 picked, of which 8 in front row. That leaves 10 for back two rows. Assuming Romero recovers I'd see him, BBBR and Skip Whitlelock as locks. Fifita's ability to cover could be tested, possibly at the expense of Barrett (S). That leaves six loosies. I'd personally take two 7s, so would be looking for four 6/8s. Squire/Whitelock (L) and Ioane (A) are in.
Which leaves room for at least one roughie -- Taufua/Evans/Frizzell?
I'd rather give one of them a try instead of picking Barrett (S) or Todd/Savea (A).
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Since Triple T is playing for the chiefs in South Africa and didn’t fly back with the other all blacks, does that mean he isn’t going to make the squad naming on Sunday?
@footy01 said in All Blacks Squad for France:
Since Triple T is playing for the chiefs in South Africa and didn’t fly back with the other all blacks, does that mean he isn’t going to make the squad naming on Sunday?
After Hansen was labelled a racist for calling him Triple-T and not his full Maori name, he's probably decided it's not worth the effort.
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Since Triple T is playing for the chiefs in South Africa and didn’t fly back with the other all blacks, does that mean he isn’t going to make the squad naming on Sunday?
@footy01 said in All Blacks Squad for France:
Since Triple T is playing for the chiefs in South Africa and didn’t fly back with the other all blacks, does that mean he isn’t going to make the squad naming on Sunday?
Probably means that they are either going with 2 halfbacks (as they have done before for home series) or have already got someone else lined up. The options aren't great and nor is there a clear frontrunner. Maybe they want to see the Super finals before deciding where to invest.
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Since Triple T is playing for the chiefs in South Africa and didn’t fly back with the other all blacks, does that mean he isn’t going to make the squad naming on Sunday?
@footy01 said in All Blacks Squad for France:
Since Triple T is playing for the chiefs in South Africa and didn’t fly back with the other all blacks, does that mean he isn’t going to make the squad naming on Sunday?
Really? Would have thought he was a shoe in for 3rd 9.
Yalden was suggesting they have have apprentices and injury cover outside the squad. Maybe fits in there?
They had Drummond in the squad at one stage last year. Not a fan I'm afraid.
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they weren't initially expecting TJP back were they?
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Bidwell either has some inside info or he is talking shit again. I tend to think the latter. For those that don't want to read his article he says Frizell will be the bolter and TTT the third halfback. No Akira or L Whitelock in his squad with Squire picked. And Goodhue misses out in the congested midfield race. What I did find interesting is that he says that the AB selectors are interested in Samisoni Taukei'aho. I rate him as a player for the future but I don't see how you pick a player who doesn't even make the Chiefs' 23 each week.
Bidwell's squad is:
Backs: Jordie Barrett, Ben Smith, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Waisake Naholo, Rieko Ioane, Sonny Bill Williams, Anton Lienert-Brown, Ngani Laumape, Ryan Crotty, Richie Mo'unga, Damian McKenzie, Beauden Barrett, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, TJ Perenara, Aaron Smith.Forwards: Liam Squire, Shannon Frizell, Ardie Savea, Sam Cane, Matt Todd, Vaea Fifita, Luke Romano, Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock (c), Owen Franks, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Jeff To'omaga-Allen, Tim Perry, Joe Moody, Liam Coltman, Nathan Harris, Codie Taylor.
A loose forward trio of Fifita, Cane and Squire would give me the shits. Sam would need to do more than his usual work in the tight as the other two prefer to stay wider. If Laulala can play at least one game before the French series he should be picked ahead of JTA.
