Hurricanes vs Highlanders
-
Good for NZ rugby? Hyperbole much?
-
-
@Machpants said in Hurricanes vs Highlanders:
You've gotta wonder if he's going to be Ice Mk 2. I don;t think so, as he is not a shy PI kid, but part of a very useful bunch of rugby players - but yeah hype + position changes is not great for a young player trying to establish themselves.
IIRC there was also talk of Ice's best position being 12...
-
Biggest difference between Jordie's debut year and now is his error rate. He used to be a pretty safe player with enough upside to make him a good fit for test rugby.
He now gets close attention from opposing teams and he hasn't been able to adjust. He seems to be trying to make plays using low % plays and it's not coming off as much. He's turned from a 3-1 (three good things for every one) to a 2-4 player. Just not good enough and he shouldn't be on the plane to Japan if he continues on this trajectory.
-
@Toddy and the mistakes are around core tasks, passing, catching, etc. Not so much about making errors pushing the envelope. I agree he's looked more pressured and he needs to work on how to manage that.
Have to say I'm waiting for a Carlos 2.0 knee kick though
I think he's too talented to fall away. But it would be a big knock to his development and career if he didn't make the WC squad. But that's unlikely imo.
-
Considering his lack of form, they should keep Jordie at fullback for now, where he has played most of his games the last few years and give him regular game time; replace him if he's not playing well. The Canes' coaches unnessarily moved him to 13 in two games last year. One of those games was a poor game (but a win) at home against the Reds in which they used Peter U-J on debut at 12 (they could have moved Jordie there); and the other the loss against the Crusaders in Chch. He had never played at centre before, as far as I know.
Then the ABs suddenly start him at 14 against Italy. Yes, he was great in that game, but it was Italy. He's not a winger; they shouldn't shift him around, just to find a place for him in the RWC squad. The fact is, the ABs don't really need him for the RWC, if Rieko, Naholo, Bridge, BFA (and Dmac) are all playing well, fit and available. And now the Canes play him at 14 and name Aso on the bench? Can't convince me that has nothing to do with the ABs ...
The ABs coaches love for versatility is fine if they pick a player who has regularly played in both his preferred and the other position, or if they train a player in another position to have a back-up in emergencies (for example, Dmac at 9). But they shouldn't move a player out of position to justify his selection.
-
@mariner4life said in Hurricanes vs Highlanders:
Good for NZ rugby? Hyperbole much?
Yes it's hyperbole to suggest that a talented young player at his best is good for NZ rugby. After all, what do the players actually contribute right?
-
@Stargazer I agree that his place in the word cup squad is in doubt, as a specialist fullback, he would be a luxury. And, he's not in good enough form to deserve the place right now, assuming they take three specialist wings plus Dmac and Barrett (one of whom could be the starter anyway).
I don't mind the idea of him having runs at 14, to see if he can show more versatility (especially, since he doesn't play for the chiefs).
-
-
@sparky said in Hurricanes vs Highlanders:
Aaron Smith, James Letjens and Pari Pari Parkinson did well for the Landers.
Dane Coles, Ardie Savea and Ngani Laumape were outstanding for the Hurricanes. Laumape is the player of the competition so far IMHO.
He's coming along well, hopefully they ditch the ease him into Super rugby plan and just play him.
