TRC: Pumas v All Blacks

ACT Crusader

@Bovidae said in TRC: Pumas v All Blacks:

Bridge probably playing SA but on which wing? Rieko will be back and is the senior winger. I know Ioane did play a game for the Blues on the right wing but I'd put Bridge there to see if he offers any utility value.

Bridge’s utility is that he can play fullback.

I think the interesting selection is Ennor on the bench.

Bovidae

@ACT-Crusader said in TRC: Pumas v All Blacks:

Bridge’s utility is that he can play fullback.

I know that, but it's the right wing position that seems to be undecided in the starting XV (unless Ioane is moved).

With DMac injured I expect BFA to remain at fullback now. Jordie seems to be pencilled in as the ultimate outside back utility who could play at 12 too if required. That might mean they are reconsidering the makeup of their midfield/outside back balance.

Ennor is the midfield cover so that makes sense.

Frank

Reece is bloody lucky.

no utility value
not particularly good defense
good fortune of being on the end of a dominant team's backline at Super level
outside the AB center at Super rugby level

Hooroo

@Frank said in TRC: Pumas v All Blacks:

Reece is bloody lucky.

no utility value

not particularly good defense

good fortune of being on the end of a dominant team's backline at Super level

outside the AB center at Super rugby level

I think that is a bit silly as he was dominant try scorer for this years comp in a good team? No reason in another good team (The AB's) he couldn't do the same?

Stargazer

@Hooroo Yep, Reece was this year's Super Rugby top try scorer.

E African Troll

@Hooroo

Sevu Reece is essentially the Naholo of 2015

Even had a offshore contract lined up.....

I don't see the big fuss about Bridge & Rieko Iaone playing #11 or #14

Surely playing the role is interchangeable

Heck I even saw Reece with a #11 on his back for Waikato

Stargazer

@Jaguares4real Yeah, Reece played both on the left and right wing for the Crusaders, too.

E African Troll

@Stargazer said in TRC: Pumas v All Blacks:

@Jaguares4real Yeah, Reece played both on the left and right wing for the Crusaders, too.

@Stargazer said in TRC: Pumas v All Blacks:

@Jaguares4real Yeah, Reece played both on the left and right wing for the Crusaders, too.

Cheers

Furthers reinforces my point about wingers Shouldn't matter at that level if you play #11 or #14

I'd expect Hansen to taken 5 outside backs to Japan: Bender Ioane Reece Bridge J Barrett

Paekakboyz

@Jaguares4real for those that kick off either foot it definitely shouldn't be an issue. But if they are limited kicking-wise it can be a factor. With the number of hybrid winger-fullbacks it's become less of an issue in recent times.

Hmm in saying that I am not sure if I've even seen Reiko kick for touch!?

Chris B.

@Jaguares4real Makes a difference, though - if you're a right sided player you'll prefer to carry the ball in your right hand, kick with your right foot and step off your right foot - all of which make it advantageous to play on the right wing.

Frank

@Jaguares4real said in TRC: Pumas v All Blacks:

@Hooroo

Sevu Reece is essentially the Naholo of 2015
Even had a offshore contract lined up.....
I don't see the big fuss about Bridge & Rieko Iaone playing #11 or #14
Surely playing the role is interchangeable
Heck I even saw Reece with a #11 on his back for Waikato

Hansen said Corey Jane struggled playing 11.
Something about jumping off the wrong foot when taking high balls.
I'd think it natural to more used to fending with a certain hand and leading with a certain foot when jumping. Not saying wingers shouldn't be able to play both sides, but it's pretty natural to prefer one side.

taniwharugby

@Chris-B especially with that almost forgotten skill of moving the ball to other arm to fend but know what you mean

E African Troll

@taniwharugby said in TRC: Pumas v All Blacks:

@Chris-B especially with that almost forgotten skill of moving the ball to other arm to fend but know what you mean

Moreover you would be using your stronger hand to fend off any potential tacklers

Though I'll admit offloading using your weaker hand might be more challenging

Chris B.

@taniwharugby said in TRC: Pumas v All Blacks:

@Chris-B especially with that almost forgotten skill of moving the ball to other arm to fend but know what you mean

Exactly - if you're running for the right hand corner you want the ball in your right hand to both protect it and have your inside arm available to fend. And even as you dive to score the try, you preferably go off your right foot to help keep you being driven into touch.

In a game of inches all these things can be important.

Bovidae

Speaking from experience when I played on the wing it was always on the left. Not only am I left-footed but it is easier to step off your dominant foot.

There aren't many top players who are comfortable playing on both wings and you still see players kick with the in-step of their dominant foot because they can't kick with the other foot.

Stargazer

George Bridge is right-handed, so I assume that means he's also right-footed. Yet, he plays on the left wing. You'd think he should be able to play on the right wing, too.

Edit: Rieko Ioane is right-handed, too.

Bovidae

@Stargazer Dan Carter was right-handed but kicked with his left foot.

You only have to look at cricketers to know there isn't always a correlation between the two.

Chris B.

@Stargazer On the other hand, I write with my left hand, but am right sided for everything rugby related - except signing autographs after the game.

Bovidae

@Chris-B You, me and Richie.

Stargazer

@Bovidae said in TRC: Pumas v All Blacks:

@Stargazer Dan Carter was right-handed but kicked with his left foot.

You only have to look at cricketers to know there isn't always a correlation between the two.

Ha, there goes my assumption.

The Silver Fern

TRC: Pumas v All Blacks