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All Blacks 2021

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  • 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
        • FrankF 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 Offline
                        mariner4lifeM Offline
                        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 Offline
                                mariner4lifeM Offline
                                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
                                  1
                                  • BovidaeB Bovidae

                                    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 Offline
                                    Chris B.C Offline
                                    Chris B.
                                    wrote on last edited by
                                    #1936

                                    @bovidae Judging by that ex-AB shape up programme last year, his dad can probably give him some tips if adding bulk is required!

                                    1 Reply Last reply
                                    3
                                    • TimT Away
                                      TimT Away
                                      Tim
                                      wrote on last edited by
                                      #1937

                                      Mark Reason is claiming that Whitelock and Mo'unga will miss the next game against Australia, due to impending births.

                                      A StargazerS 2 Replies Last reply
                                      2
                                      • ACT CrusaderA ACT Crusader

                                        @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 Offline
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                                        rotated
                                        wrote on last edited by
                                        #1938

                                        @act-crusader said in All Blacks 2021:

                                        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.

                                        Smith and his panel picked that 2001 EOYT squad though so McCaw and Mauger go to him in many ways.

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                                        • TimT Tim

                                          Mark Reason is claiming that Whitelock and Mo'unga will miss the next game against Australia, due to impending births.

                                          A Away
                                          A Away
                                          akan004
                                          wrote on last edited by
                                          #1939

                                          @tim said in All Blacks 2021:

                                          Mark Reason is claiming that Whitelock and Mo'unga will miss the next game against Australia, due to impending births.

                                          Does that mean that they will also miss the next two tests against the Argies as they will probably have to quarantine in Qld for two weeks upon arrival?

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