Exodus

[Stargazer]

@African-Monkey They wouldn't be able to pick a lot of players for the RWC, if they refused to select any All Black going overseas, including Read, Franks and BFA. From what I've read, even Taufua is still in the picture.

[MN5]

@Bones said in Exodus 2019:

Yeah the selectors seem to like him but to most on the outside he doesn't really seem to have pressed his case. Could be a big year for Hemopo and Frizzell. Wonder who the reserve is after them that is already ahead of Akira?

old mate Vaea Fifita

[Bones]

@MN5 whoosh.

When did he sign for the highlanders?

[MN5]

@Bones said in Exodus 2019:

@MN5 whoosh.

When did he sign for the highlanders?

ah right. didn't read the details.

sick burn though bro.

[African Monkey]

@Bones Elliot Dixon is still around.

[Bones]

@African-Monkey shit the forgotten man. Probably not really reservey enough.

[African Monkey]

@Stargazer I know haha I was taking the piss a bit with that comment but yeah, they were harsh towards Piutau in 2015 not that it really matters now or back in 2015 for that matter.

[African Monkey]

@Bones too reservey?

[Bones]

@African-Monkey said in Exodus 2019:

@Bones too reservey?

He's started way too many s12 games.

[gt12]

Frizzel moved some bodies and was very direct when he came on last week. I hope he gets a few more starts - he could give Squire a real run for the 6 jersey.

[Duluth]

@gt12 he was much better than Hemopo

[gt12]

@Duluth

It was noticeable wasn’t it? I think Hemopo was quiet in comparison to what he can do, but I wonder whether he’s had much time at 6 and is really comfortable there?

[Frank]

@Bones said in Exodus 2019:

Yeah the selectors seem to like him but to most on the outside he doesn't really seem to have pressed his case. Could be a big year for Hemopo and Frizzell. Wonder who the reserve is after them that is already ahead of Akira?

The next 6 replacement on the Highlanders bench.

[Bones]

@Frank said in Exodus 2019:

@Bones said in Exodus 2019:

Yeah the selectors seem to like him but to most on the outside he doesn't really seem to have pressed his case. Could be a big year for Hemopo and Frizzell. Wonder who the reserve is after them that is already ahead of Akira?

The next 6 replacement on the Highlanders bench.

[sparky]

Squire no loss. Frizzell and Hemopo already probably better players.

Said it before, will say it again. ABs World Cup back row: 6 Kieran Read, 7 Sam Cane , 8 Akira Ioane. Impact from the bench Scott Barrett and Ardie Savea.

[gt12]

@sparky

I think he’s got the inside track to start at 8 next year, but I can’t see your back row playing at the World Cup.

The only way Ioane starts a big game is if Read is injured or loses form so badly that they drop him altogether.

I can’t even see a place for him on the bench either, as there is no lock cover if both he and Ardie are there. He’s re-signed so I hope he’s patient, and with luck will get some time this year, in development for next year.

[Bones]

@gt12 I still think he's the "secret plan" that will be unleashed at the RWC.

[Tim]

@Bones I hope so. Apparently he ran for 100m against the Crusaders on Saturday.

[Bones]

@Tim he was looking bloody fit, as well ass involved and eager. Seemed a change in him from last year (where he just seemed like that guy everyone has in their school/club team that was uber talented but half-hearted).

[sparky]

England have Billy Vunipola, Ireland have CJ Stander, France will soon have Jordan Joseph. The number 8 position is changing (in part to reflect defence patterns but also refereeing interpretations). Power is key. Akira has lots of it.

Changing their back row in World Cup year isn't causing England problems.