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All Blacks 2021

Scheduled Pinned Locked Moved Sports Talk
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  • ACT CrusaderA ACT Crusader

    @taniwharugby got criticised for picking Mealamu too when many said he couldn’t throw straight and that was a hookers main priority etc etc

    taniwharugbyT Offline
    taniwharugbyT Offline
    taniwharugby
    wrote on last edited by
    #1916

    @act-crusader in a squad with Anton OLiver...

    1 Reply Last reply
    0
    • ACT CrusaderA ACT Crusader

      @nepia said in All Blacks 2021:

      @act-crusader said in All Blacks 2021:

      @nepia said in All Blacks 2021:

      @sparky said in All Blacks 2021:

      @nostrildamus said in All Blacks 2021:

      @sparky wasn't Ben Blair the backup (and very accurate) kicker? Not something I recall Cullen being famous for?

      Carlos Spencer and Leon Macdonald were the main goal kickers in the 2003 squad. A backup, young Second Five in that squad called Dan Carter turned out to be useful with the boot. Not really convinced by the need for a fourth goal kicker...

      Cullen got left out because Mitchell and Deans thought he was an arrogant fluffybunny and wouldn't play a big part in the competition after his injuries.

      Post -2003 Cullen reinvented himself as a defensive Fullback for Munster for a few seasons but had a lot of time out with a dodgy shoulder.

      Yeah, Cullen being left our had nothing to do with rugby, Mitchell selected two midfielders (Mils, Atiga) and two players from the same team (Rangi and Blair) over Cullen.

      Cullen was one of the best performing 15s of the 2003 Super 12, even if he wasn't at his peak level, Rangi is a fair enough selection over him but they were lucky Mils turned into a class 15 that year.

      Also handy to remember Mitchell didn't rate Jeff Wilson as well.

      Atiga wasn’t in the original squad. He only came in when Blair got injured.

      I’m unsure what difference that makes?

      It makes plenty of difference because Atiga wasn’t selected over Cullen (as you said).

      Blair may have been, but Blair was the third choice fullback and third choice 1st 5 in that squad.

      I wonder if Cullen would’ve been third choice fullback….

      sparkyS Offline
      sparkyS Offline
      sparky
      wrote on last edited by sparky
      #1917

      @act-crusader said in All Blacks 2021:

      @nepia said in All Blacks 2021:

      @act-crusader said in All Blacks 2021:

      @nepia said in All Blacks 2021:

      @sparky said in All Blacks 2021:

      @nostrildamus said in All Blacks 2021:

      @sparky wasn't Ben Blair the backup (and very accurate) kicker? Not something I recall Cullen being famous for?

      Carlos Spencer and Leon Macdonald were the main goal kickers in the 2003 squad. A backup, young Second Five in that squad called Dan Carter turned out to be useful with the boot. Not really convinced by the need for a fourth goal kicker...

      Cullen got left out because Mitchell and Deans thought he was an arrogant fluffybunny and wouldn't play a big part in the competition after his injuries.

      Post -2003 Cullen reinvented himself as a defensive Fullback for Munster for a few seasons but had a lot of time out with a dodgy shoulder.

      Yeah, Cullen being left our had nothing to do with rugby, Mitchell selected two midfielders (Mils, Atiga) and two players from the same team (Rangi and Blair) over Cullen.

      Cullen was one of the best performing 15s of the 2003 Super 12, even if he wasn't at his peak level, Rangi is a fair enough selection over him but they were lucky Mils turned into a class 15 that year.

      Also handy to remember Mitchell didn't rate Jeff Wilson as well.

      Atiga wasn’t in the original squad. He only came in when Blair got injured.

      I’m unsure what difference that makes?

      It makes plenty of difference because Atiga wasn’t selected over Cullen (as you said).

      Blair may have been, but Blair was the third choice fullback and third choice 1st 5 in that squad.

      And Mitchell and Deans' fourth choice First Five behind Carlos, Rangi and Ben Blair was Dan Carter who turned out to be the Greatest Of All Time.

      1 Reply Last reply
      1
      • ACT CrusaderA ACT Crusader

        @nepia said in All Blacks 2021:

        @act-crusader said in All Blacks 2021:

        @nepia said in All Blacks 2021:

        @sparky said in All Blacks 2021:

        @nostrildamus said in All Blacks 2021:

        @sparky wasn't Ben Blair the backup (and very accurate) kicker? Not something I recall Cullen being famous for?

        Carlos Spencer and Leon Macdonald were the main goal kickers in the 2003 squad. A backup, young Second Five in that squad called Dan Carter turned out to be useful with the boot. Not really convinced by the need for a fourth goal kicker...

        Cullen got left out because Mitchell and Deans thought he was an arrogant fluffybunny and wouldn't play a big part in the competition after his injuries.

        Post -2003 Cullen reinvented himself as a defensive Fullback for Munster for a few seasons but had a lot of time out with a dodgy shoulder.

        Yeah, Cullen being left our had nothing to do with rugby, Mitchell selected two midfielders (Mils, Atiga) and two players from the same team (Rangi and Blair) over Cullen.

        Cullen was one of the best performing 15s of the 2003 Super 12, even if he wasn't at his peak level, Rangi is a fair enough selection over him but they were lucky Mils turned into a class 15 that year.

        Also handy to remember Mitchell didn't rate Jeff Wilson as well.

        Atiga wasn’t in the original squad. He only came in when Blair got injured.

        I’m unsure what difference that makes?

        It makes plenty of difference because Atiga wasn’t selected over Cullen (as you said).

        Blair may have been, but Blair was the third choice fullback and third choice 1st 5 in that squad.

        I wonder if Cullen would’ve been third choice fullback….

        NepiaN Online
        NepiaN Online
        Nepia
        wrote on last edited by
        #1918

        @act-crusader said in All Blacks 2021:

        @nepia said in All Blacks 2021:

        @act-crusader said in All Blacks 2021:

        @nepia said in All Blacks 2021:

        @sparky said in All Blacks 2021:

        @nostrildamus said in All Blacks 2021:

        @sparky wasn't Ben Blair the backup (and very accurate) kicker? Not something I recall Cullen being famous for?

        Carlos Spencer and Leon Macdonald were the main goal kickers in the 2003 squad. A backup, young Second Five in that squad called Dan Carter turned out to be useful with the boot. Not really convinced by the need for a fourth goal kicker...

        Cullen got left out because Mitchell and Deans thought he was an arrogant fluffybunny and wouldn't play a big part in the competition after his injuries.

        Post -2003 Cullen reinvented himself as a defensive Fullback for Munster for a few seasons but had a lot of time out with a dodgy shoulder.

        Yeah, Cullen being left our had nothing to do with rugby, Mitchell selected two midfielders (Mils, Atiga) and two players from the same team (Rangi and Blair) over Cullen.

        Cullen was one of the best performing 15s of the 2003 Super 12, even if he wasn't at his peak level, Rangi is a fair enough selection over him but they were lucky Mils turned into a class 15 that year.

        Also handy to remember Mitchell didn't rate Jeff Wilson as well.

        Atiga wasn’t in the original squad. He only came in when Blair got injured.

        I’m unsure what difference that makes?

        It makes plenty of difference because Atiga wasn’t selected over Cullen (as you said).

        Blair may have been, but Blair was the third choice fullback and third choice 1st 5 in that squad.

        I wonder if Cullen would’ve been third choice fullback….

        Yes he was. They had the option to pick Cullen and chose Atiga.

        1 Reply Last reply
        1
        • M Offline
          M Offline
          Machpants
          wrote on last edited by Machpants
          #1919

          2021 thread

          alt text

          taniwharugbyT nostrildamusN 2 Replies Last reply
          10
          • M Machpants

            2021 thread

            alt text

            taniwharugbyT Offline
            taniwharugbyT Offline
            taniwharugby
            wrote on last edited by
            #1920

            @machpants
            4fc24ff9-0aaf-4f23-8aad-82877ead7e25-image.png

            1 Reply Last reply
            4
            • C Offline
              C Offline
              cgrant
              wrote on last edited by
              #1921

              Despite all the negative comments on Mitchell, I still think he could be useful to the All Blacks as a defense coach.

              sparkyS 1 Reply Last reply
              0
              • C cgrant

                Despite all the negative comments on Mitchell, I still think he could be useful to the All Blacks as a defense coach.

                sparkyS Offline
                sparkyS Offline
                sparky
                wrote on last edited by
                #1922

                @cgrant He recently left the England team and is coaching with Wasps.

                nostrildamusN 1 Reply Last reply
                0
                • F Frank

                  Never heard of Roger T until recently.
                  Looks like a more muscled and quicker version of NMS??

                  nostrildamusN Offline
                  nostrildamusN Offline
                  nostrildamus
                  wrote on last edited by
                  #1923

                  @frank said in All Blacks 2021:

                  Never heard of Roger T until recently.
                  Looks like a more muscled and quicker version of NMS??

                  A quicker version of NMS hasn't sounded that impressive for a few years. Damn injuries, poor bugger.

                  1 Reply Last reply
                  0
                  • M Machpants

                    2021 thread

                    alt text

                    nostrildamusN Offline
                    nostrildamusN Offline
                    nostrildamus
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #1924

                    @machpants said in All Blacks 2021:

                    2021 thread

                    alt text

                    superb example of social distancing.

                    M 1 Reply Last reply
                    0
                    • sparkyS sparky

                      @cgrant He recently left the England team and is coaching with Wasps.

                      nostrildamusN Offline
                      nostrildamusN Offline
                      nostrildamus
                      wrote on last edited by
                      #1925

                      @sparky said in All Blacks 2021:

                      @cgrant He recently left the England team and is coaching with Wasps.

                      He must have thicker skin than I gave him credit for.

                      1 Reply Last reply
                      1
                      • nostrildamusN nostrildamus

                        @machpants said in All Blacks 2021:

                        2021 thread

                        alt text

                        superb example of social distancing.

                        M Offline
                        M Offline
                        Machpants
                        wrote on last edited by
                        #1926

                        @nostrildamus said in All Blacks 2021:

                        @machpants said in All Blacks 2021:

                        2021 thread

                        alt text

                        superb example of social distancing.

                        And derailing, like this thread

                        1 Reply Last reply
                        1
                        • sparkyS sparky

                          @mariner4life said in All Blacks 2021:

                          @canefan said in All Blacks 2021:

                          @mariner4life said in All Blacks 2021:

                          @canefan said in All Blacks 2021:

                          @nepia said in All Blacks 2021:

                          @sparky said in All Blacks 2021:

                          @nostrildamus said in All Blacks 2021:

                          @sparky wasn't Ben Blair the backup (and very accurate) kicker? Not something I recall Cullen being famous for?

                          Carlos Spencer and Leon Macdonald were the main goal kickers in the 2003 squad. A backup, young Second Five in that squad called Dan Carter turned out to be useful with the boot. Not really convinced by the need for a fourth goal kicker...

                          Cullen got left out because Mitchell and Deans thought he was an arrogant fluffybunny and wouldn't play a big part in the competition after his injuries.

                          Post -2003 Cullen reinvented himself as a defensive Fullback for Munster for a few seasons but had a lot of time out with a dodgy shoulder.

                          Yeah, Cullen being left our had nothing to do with rugby, Mitchell selected two midfielders (Mils, Atiga) and two players from the same team (Rangi and Blair) over Cullen.

                          Cullen was one of the best performing 15s of the 2003 Super 12, even if he wasn't at his peak level, Rangi is a fair enough selection over him but they were lucky Mils turned into a class 15 that year.

                          Also handy to remember Mitchell didn't rate Jeff Wilson as well.

                          Mitch liked players that reminded him of himself. Journeymen

                          what, were you 3 in 2003?

                          Mcdonald, Atiga, and Ben Blair are not 3 names I think of when I consider who the best FBs ever were. Cullen still had something in the tank, had a great Super season if my memory serves, and IMHO he should have gone before either of the last 2 guys on that list

                          Mils, Dougie, Joe, Carlos, Ma'a Nonu. Pretty sure Mitch gave them all a start, most of them in 2003

                          Carlos Spencer (AB 951) was first picked for the ABs by Laurie Mains for the tour of Italy and France at the end of the 1995.

                          Doug Howlett (AB 992) was first capped by Wayne Smith in 2000.

                          Mils, Joe Rok, Ma'a Nonu, Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Andrew Hore, Kevin Mealamu and Ali Williams were all first picked Cueball. But so were Paul Steinmetz, Ben Atiga and Keith Lowen. As a Selector, Mitchell was hit and miss.

                          ACT CrusaderA Offline
                          ACT CrusaderA Offline
                          ACT Crusader
                          wrote on last edited by
                          #1927

                          @sparky said in All Blacks 2021:

                          @mariner4life said in All Blacks 2021:

                          @canefan said in All Blacks 2021:

                          @mariner4life said in All Blacks 2021:

                          @canefan said in All Blacks 2021:

                          @nepia said in All Blacks 2021:

                          @sparky said in All Blacks 2021:

                          @nostrildamus said in All Blacks 2021:

                          @sparky wasn't Ben Blair the backup (and very accurate) kicker? Not something I recall Cullen being famous for?

                          Carlos Spencer and Leon Macdonald were the main goal kickers in the 2003 squad. A backup, young Second Five in that squad called Dan Carter turned out to be useful with the boot. Not really convinced by the need for a fourth goal kicker...

                          Cullen got left out because Mitchell and Deans thought he was an arrogant fluffybunny and wouldn't play a big part in the competition after his injuries.

                          Post -2003 Cullen reinvented himself as a defensive Fullback for Munster for a few seasons but had a lot of time out with a dodgy shoulder.

                          Yeah, Cullen being left our had nothing to do with rugby, Mitchell selected two midfielders (Mils, Atiga) and two players from the same team (Rangi and Blair) over Cullen.

                          Cullen was one of the best performing 15s of the 2003 Super 12, even if he wasn't at his peak level, Rangi is a fair enough selection over him but they were lucky Mils turned into a class 15 that year.

                          Also handy to remember Mitchell didn't rate Jeff Wilson as well.

                          Mitch liked players that reminded him of himself. Journeymen

                          what, were you 3 in 2003?

                          Mcdonald, Atiga, and Ben Blair are not 3 names I think of when I consider who the best FBs ever were. Cullen still had something in the tank, had a great Super season if my memory serves, and IMHO he should have gone before either of the last 2 guys on that list

                          Mils, Dougie, Joe, Carlos, Ma'a Nonu. Pretty sure Mitch gave them all a start, most of them in 2003

                          Carlos Spencer (AB 951) was first picked for the ABs by Laurie Mains for the tour of Italy and France at the end of the 1995.

                          Doug Howlett (AB 992) was first capped by Wayne Smith in 2000.

                          Mils, Joe Rok, Ma'a Nonu, Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Andrew Hore, Kevin Mealamu and Ali Williams were all first picked Cueball. But so were Paul Steinmetz, Ben Atiga and Keith Lowen. As a Selector, Mitchell was hit and miss.

                          34 players made their debut during the Mitchell era. Mitchell’s first game, just a few weeks after he was appointed was a mid-week tour match against Ireland A, so he debuted a few newbies in that one.

                          Ben Blair, Dave Hewett, David Hill, Simon Maling, Nathan Mauger, Paul Miller, Roger Randle, Dion Waller, Tom Willis, Aaron Mauger, Richie McCaw, Joe McDonnell, Sam Harding, Sam Broomhall, Steve Devine, Andrea Hore, Keith Lowen, Keith Robinson, Ali Williams, Danny Lee, Brad Mika, Tony Woodcock, Keven Mealamu, Daniel Braid, Rodney So’oialo, Regan King, Paul Steinmetz, Ma’a Nonu, Joe Rokocoko, Mils Muliaina, Dan Carter, Brad Thorn, Corey Flynn, Ben Atiga

                          Bold are those that went on to play 50+ tests.

                          rotatedR 1 Reply Last reply
                          0
                          • canefanC canefan

                            @nepia said in All Blacks 2021:

                            @sparky said in All Blacks 2021:

                            @nostrildamus said in All Blacks 2021:

                            @sparky wasn't Ben Blair the backup (and very accurate) kicker? Not something I recall Cullen being famous for?

                            Carlos Spencer and Leon Macdonald were the main goal kickers in the 2003 squad. A backup, young Second Five in that squad called Dan Carter turned out to be useful with the boot. Not really convinced by the need for a fourth goal kicker...

                            Cullen got left out because Mitchell and Deans thought he was an arrogant fluffybunny and wouldn't play a big part in the competition after his injuries.

                            Post -2003 Cullen reinvented himself as a defensive Fullback for Munster for a few seasons but had a lot of time out with a dodgy shoulder.

                            Yeah, Cullen being left our had nothing to do with rugby, Mitchell selected two midfielders (Mils, Atiga) and two players from the same team (Rangi and Blair) over Cullen.

                            Cullen was one of the best performing 15s of the 2003 Super 12, even if he wasn't at his peak level, Rangi is a fair enough selection over him but they were lucky Mils turned into a class 15 that year.

                            Also handy to remember Mitchell didn't rate Jeff Wilson as well.

                            Mitch liked players that reminded him of himself. Journeymen

                            Billy TellB Offline
                            Billy TellB Offline
                            Billy Tell
                            wrote on last edited by
                            #1928

                            @canefan said in All Blacks 2021:

                            @nepia said in All Blacks 2021:

                            @sparky said in All Blacks 2021:

                            @nostrildamus said in All Blacks 2021:

                            @sparky wasn't Ben Blair the backup (and very accurate) kicker? Not something I recall Cullen being famous for?

                            Carlos Spencer and Leon Macdonald were the main goal kickers in the 2003 squad. A backup, young Second Five in that squad called Dan Carter turned out to be useful with the boot. Not really convinced by the need for a fourth goal kicker...

                            Cullen got left out because Mitchell and Deans thought he was an arrogant fluffybunny and wouldn't play a big part in the competition after his injuries.

                            Post -2003 Cullen reinvented himself as a defensive Fullback for Munster for a few seasons but had a lot of time out with a dodgy shoulder.

                            Yeah, Cullen being left our had nothing to do with rugby, Mitchell selected two midfielders (Mils, Atiga) and two players from the same team (Rangi and Blair) over Cullen.

                            Cullen was one of the best performing 15s of the 2003 Super 12, even if he wasn't at his peak level, Rangi is a fair enough selection over him but they were lucky Mils turned into a class 15 that year.

                            Also handy to remember Mitchell didn't rate Jeff Wilson as well.

                            Mitch liked players that reminded him of himself. Journeymen

                            More like a journey man. That journey to World Cup humiliation.

                            1 Reply Last reply
                            0
                            • mariner4lifeM mariner4life

                              @canefan said in All Blacks 2021:

                              @mariner4life said in All Blacks 2021:

                              @canefan said in All Blacks 2021:

                              @nepia said in All Blacks 2021:

                              @sparky said in All Blacks 2021:

                              @nostrildamus said in All Blacks 2021:

                              @sparky wasn't Ben Blair the backup (and very accurate) kicker? Not something I recall Cullen being famous for?

                              Carlos Spencer and Leon Macdonald were the main goal kickers in the 2003 squad. A backup, young Second Five in that squad called Dan Carter turned out to be useful with the boot. Not really convinced by the need for a fourth goal kicker...

                              Cullen got left out because Mitchell and Deans thought he was an arrogant fluffybunny and wouldn't play a big part in the competition after his injuries.

                              Post -2003 Cullen reinvented himself as a defensive Fullback for Munster for a few seasons but had a lot of time out with a dodgy shoulder.

                              Yeah, Cullen being left our had nothing to do with rugby, Mitchell selected two midfielders (Mils, Atiga) and two players from the same team (Rangi and Blair) over Cullen.

                              Cullen was one of the best performing 15s of the 2003 Super 12, even if he wasn't at his peak level, Rangi is a fair enough selection over him but they were lucky Mils turned into a class 15 that year.

                              Also handy to remember Mitchell didn't rate Jeff Wilson as well.

                              Mitch liked players that reminded him of himself. Journeymen

                              what, were you 3 in 2003?

                              Mcdonald, Atiga, and Ben Blair are not 3 names I think of when I consider who the best FBs ever were. Cullen still had something in the tank, had a great Super season if my memory serves, and IMHO he should have gone before either of the last 2 guys on that list

                              Mils, Dougie, Joe, Carlos, Ma'a Nonu. Pretty sure Mitch gave them all a start, most of them in 2003

                              If we were going forward pack you might have a better argument

                              Mitch gets far more shit for coaching and selecting thrown his way than is deserved.

                              antipodeanA Offline
                              antipodeanA Offline
                              antipodean
                              wrote on last edited by
                              #1929

                              @mariner4life said in All Blacks 2021:

                              @canefan said in All Blacks 2021:

                              @mariner4life said in All Blacks 2021:

                              @canefan said in All Blacks 2021:

                              @nepia said in All Blacks 2021:

                              @sparky said in All Blacks 2021:

                              @nostrildamus said in All Blacks 2021:

                              @sparky wasn't Ben Blair the backup (and very accurate) kicker? Not something I recall Cullen being famous for?

                              Carlos Spencer and Leon Macdonald were the main goal kickers in the 2003 squad. A backup, young Second Five in that squad called Dan Carter turned out to be useful with the boot. Not really convinced by the need for a fourth goal kicker...

                              Cullen got left out because Mitchell and Deans thought he was an arrogant fluffybunny and wouldn't play a big part in the competition after his injuries.

                              Post -2003 Cullen reinvented himself as a defensive Fullback for Munster for a few seasons but had a lot of time out with a dodgy shoulder.

                              Yeah, Cullen being left our had nothing to do with rugby, Mitchell selected two midfielders (Mils, Atiga) and two players from the same team (Rangi and Blair) over Cullen.

                              Cullen was one of the best performing 15s of the 2003 Super 12, even if he wasn't at his peak level, Rangi is a fair enough selection over him but they were lucky Mils turned into a class 15 that year.

                              Also handy to remember Mitchell didn't rate Jeff Wilson as well.

                              Mitch liked players that reminded him of himself. Journeymen

                              what, were you 3 in 2003?

                              Mcdonald, Atiga, and Ben Blair are not 3 names I think of when I consider who the best FBs ever were. Cullen still had something in the tank, had a great Super season if my memory serves, and IMHO he should have gone before either of the last 2 guys on that list

                              Mils, Dougie, Joe, Carlos, Ma'a Nonu. Pretty sure Mitch gave them all a start, most of them in 2003

                              If we were going forward pack you might have a better argument

                              Mitch gets far more shit for coaching and selecting thrown his way than is deserved.

                              I don't think he got shit for that so much as his intransigence in dealing with the public. Also the rather lightweight form of the pack.

                              mariner4lifeM 1 Reply Last reply
                              1
                              • antipodeanA antipodean

                                @mariner4life said in All Blacks 2021:

                                @canefan said in All Blacks 2021:

                                @mariner4life said in All Blacks 2021:

                                @canefan said in All Blacks 2021:

                                @nepia said in All Blacks 2021:

                                @sparky said in All Blacks 2021:

                                @nostrildamus said in All Blacks 2021:

                                @sparky wasn't Ben Blair the backup (and very accurate) kicker? Not something I recall Cullen being famous for?

                                Carlos Spencer and Leon Macdonald were the main goal kickers in the 2003 squad. A backup, young Second Five in that squad called Dan Carter turned out to be useful with the boot. Not really convinced by the need for a fourth goal kicker...

                                Cullen got left out because Mitchell and Deans thought he was an arrogant fluffybunny and wouldn't play a big part in the competition after his injuries.

                                Post -2003 Cullen reinvented himself as a defensive Fullback for Munster for a few seasons but had a lot of time out with a dodgy shoulder.

                                Yeah, Cullen being left our had nothing to do with rugby, Mitchell selected two midfielders (Mils, Atiga) and two players from the same team (Rangi and Blair) over Cullen.

                                Cullen was one of the best performing 15s of the 2003 Super 12, even if he wasn't at his peak level, Rangi is a fair enough selection over him but they were lucky Mils turned into a class 15 that year.

                                Also handy to remember Mitchell didn't rate Jeff Wilson as well.

                                Mitch liked players that reminded him of himself. Journeymen

                                what, were you 3 in 2003?

                                Mcdonald, Atiga, and Ben Blair are not 3 names I think of when I consider who the best FBs ever were. Cullen still had something in the tank, had a great Super season if my memory serves, and IMHO he should have gone before either of the last 2 guys on that list

                                Mils, Dougie, Joe, Carlos, Ma'a Nonu. Pretty sure Mitch gave them all a start, most of them in 2003

                                If we were going forward pack you might have a better argument

                                Mitch gets far more shit for coaching and selecting thrown his way than is deserved.

                                I don't think he got shit for that so much as his intransigence in dealing with the public. Also the rather lightweight form of the pack.

                                mariner4lifeM Online
                                mariner4lifeM Online
                                mariner4life
                                wrote on last edited by
                                #1930

                                @antipodean said in All Blacks 2021:

                                @mariner4life said in All Blacks 2021:

                                @canefan said in All Blacks 2021:

                                @mariner4life said in All Blacks 2021:

                                @canefan said in All Blacks 2021:

                                @nepia said in All Blacks 2021:

                                @sparky said in All Blacks 2021:

                                @nostrildamus said in All Blacks 2021:

                                @sparky wasn't Ben Blair the backup (and very accurate) kicker? Not something I recall Cullen being famous for?

                                Carlos Spencer and Leon Macdonald were the main goal kickers in the 2003 squad. A backup, young Second Five in that squad called Dan Carter turned out to be useful with the boot. Not really convinced by the need for a fourth goal kicker...

                                Cullen got left out because Mitchell and Deans thought he was an arrogant fluffybunny and wouldn't play a big part in the competition after his injuries.

                                Post -2003 Cullen reinvented himself as a defensive Fullback for Munster for a few seasons but had a lot of time out with a dodgy shoulder.

                                Yeah, Cullen being left our had nothing to do with rugby, Mitchell selected two midfielders (Mils, Atiga) and two players from the same team (Rangi and Blair) over Cullen.

                                Cullen was one of the best performing 15s of the 2003 Super 12, even if he wasn't at his peak level, Rangi is a fair enough selection over him but they were lucky Mils turned into a class 15 that year.

                                Also handy to remember Mitchell didn't rate Jeff Wilson as well.

                                Mitch liked players that reminded him of himself. Journeymen

                                what, were you 3 in 2003?

                                Mcdonald, Atiga, and Ben Blair are not 3 names I think of when I consider who the best FBs ever were. Cullen still had something in the tank, had a great Super season if my memory serves, and IMHO he should have gone before either of the last 2 guys on that list

                                Mils, Dougie, Joe, Carlos, Ma'a Nonu. Pretty sure Mitch gave them all a start, most of them in 2003

                                If we were going forward pack you might have a better argument

                                Mitch gets far more shit for coaching and selecting thrown his way than is deserved.

                                I don't think he got shit for that so much as his intransigence in dealing with the public. Also the rather lightweight form of the pack.

                                weird dude, upset everyone

                                And i totally agree with the pack stuff.

                                1 Reply Last reply
                                0
                                • BovidaeB Bovidae

                                  @gt12 I don't see JB being preferred to Ioane as the midfield cover if we start with Havili and ALB. To me, Jordie either starts at FB or isn't in the 23. And if he starts at FB then he is the most likely to be replaced at some stage (by BB or DMac).

                                  So something like this:

                                  9 Smith
                                  10 Mo'unga
                                  11 Ioane
                                  12 Havili
                                  13 ALB
                                  14 Reece
                                  15 J Barrett

                                  21 TJP
                                  22 B Barrett/DMac
                                  23 Jordan/Clarke

                                  F Offline
                                  F Offline
                                  Frye
                                  wrote on last edited by
                                  #1931

                                  @bovidae said in All Blacks 2021:

                                  @gt12 I don't see JB being preferred to Ioane as the midfield cover if we start with Havili and ALB. To me, Jordie either starts at FB or isn't in the 23. And if he starts at FB then he is the most likely to be replaced at some stage (by BB or DMac).

                                  So something like this:

                                  9 Smith
                                  10 Mo'unga
                                  11 Ioane
                                  12 Havili
                                  13 ALB
                                  14 Reece
                                  15 J Barrett

                                  21 TJP
                                  22 B Barrett/DMac
                                  23 Jordan/Clarke

                                  Agreed that Jordie has to start at fullback. Especially against the Boks.
                                  If the All Blacks don't go into that game with a very distinct mindset to win the aerial battle than they will be setting themselves up for failure.

                                  DMac can't be faulted for his bravery but he can't dominate space in the high ball contest like J Barrett can. For that reason I'd put Rieko and Jordan on the wings too. Horses for courses.

                                  Chris B.C 1 Reply Last reply
                                  3
                                  • F Frye

                                    @bovidae said in All Blacks 2021:

                                    @gt12 I don't see JB being preferred to Ioane as the midfield cover if we start with Havili and ALB. To me, Jordie either starts at FB or isn't in the 23. And if he starts at FB then he is the most likely to be replaced at some stage (by BB or DMac).

                                    So something like this:

                                    9 Smith
                                    10 Mo'unga
                                    11 Ioane
                                    12 Havili
                                    13 ALB
                                    14 Reece
                                    15 J Barrett

                                    21 TJP
                                    22 B Barrett/DMac
                                    23 Jordan/Clarke

                                    Agreed that Jordie has to start at fullback. Especially against the Boks.
                                    If the All Blacks don't go into that game with a very distinct mindset to win the aerial battle than they will be setting themselves up for failure.

                                    DMac can't be faulted for his bravery but he can't dominate space in the high ball contest like J Barrett can. For that reason I'd put Rieko and Jordan on the wings too. Horses for courses.

                                    Chris B.C Offline
                                    Chris B.C Offline
                                    Chris B.
                                    wrote on last edited by
                                    #1932

                                    @frye Yeah - that's my team too.

                                    It doesn't quite have a Nonu/Julian Savea type of player, but Rieko and Jordie are big enough to hit the ball up effectively if that is what is required - and Havili can do that job OK in a Sam Tuitupou sort of way.

                                    Covers most bases.

                                    F 1 Reply Last reply
                                    1
                                    • Chris B.C Chris B.

                                      @frye Yeah - that's my team too.

                                      It doesn't quite have a Nonu/Julian Savea type of player, but Rieko and Jordie are big enough to hit the ball up effectively if that is what is required - and Havili can do that job OK in a Sam Tuitupou sort of way.

                                      Covers most bases.

                                      F Offline
                                      F Offline
                                      Frye
                                      wrote on last edited by Frye
                                      #1933

                                      @chris-b said in All Blacks 2021:

                                      @frye Yeah - that's my team too.

                                      It doesn't quite have a Nonu/Julian Savea type of player, but Rieko and Jordie are big enough to hit the ball up effectively if that is what is required - and Havili can do that job OK in a Sam Tuitupou sort of way.

                                      Covers most bases.

                                      I'd be happy to see Clarke* come back in. But the backs are all looking sharp right now. Good mix of speed, skill and size.

                                      At the expense of Bridge or Ennor obviously. :thumbs_up:

                                      mariner4lifeM 1 Reply Last reply
                                      0
                                      • F Frye

                                        @chris-b said in All Blacks 2021:

                                        @frye Yeah - that's my team too.

                                        It doesn't quite have a Nonu/Julian Savea type of player, but Rieko and Jordie are big enough to hit the ball up effectively if that is what is required - and Havili can do that job OK in a Sam Tuitupou sort of way.

                                        Covers most bases.

                                        I'd be happy to see Clarke* come back in. But the backs are all looking sharp right now. Good mix of speed, skill and size.

                                        At the expense of Bridge or Ennor obviously. :thumbs_up:

                                        mariner4lifeM Online
                                        mariner4lifeM Online
                                        mariner4life
                                        wrote on last edited by
                                        #1934

                                        @frye said in All Blacks 2021:

                                        @chris-b said in All Blacks 2021:

                                        @frye Yeah - that's my team too.

                                        It doesn't quite have a Nonu/Julian Savea type of player, but Rieko and Jordie are big enough to hit the ball up effectively if that is what is required - and Havili can do that job OK in a Sam Tuitupou sort of way.

                                        Covers most bases.

                                        I'd be happy to see Clarke* come back in. But the backs are all looking sharp right now. Good mix of speed, skill and size.

                                        At the expense of Bridge or Ennor obviously. :thumbs_up:

                                        Clarke is a good in because he provides something a bit different. Needs to be up to speed though.

                                        1 Reply Last reply
                                        4
                                        • BovidaeB Offline
                                          BovidaeB Offline
                                          Bovidae
                                          wrote on last edited by
                                          #1935

                                          I wonder if Clarke trimmed down for the sevens as that is what has occurred in the past when some of the ABs have tried to make that transition. Maybe 2 weeks in MIQ has reversed that!

                                          Chris B.C 1 Reply Last reply
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