Exodus

gt12

@gt12 Remember that DMac hasn't been to a RWC and that will be a huge carrot.

He might have a big fight on his hands to be the third 10/ 2nd or third FB option after a year away. He'd have to come back and force his way in during the year of the event. And, there is lots of quality coming through (Sullivan for example and perhaps Love) too.

Tim

Frizzell would be the loose forward I would pick to leave. Maybe Jacobson with his history of injuries and concussions.

I wonder which props, other than Ta'avao?

gt12

@tim said in Exodus:

Frizzell would be the loose forward I would pick to leave. Maybe Jacobson with his history of injuries and concussions.

I wonder which props, other than Ta'avao?

Did he specify that it was a current AB or AB? I couldn't read the article.

I'd look at those who appear to have lost their spots, such as Hodgeman or those under pressure, such as Big Karl. Beyond that, former ABs such as Moli or .

If it is a current AB, apart from Ta'avao (the obvious choice), my feeling would be Ofa who doesn't appear to be preferred over Laulala - if that happened at Super level as well, then...

For the hookers, I'd say Coles or Harris or Coltman (depending on definition of current or former) would all be receiving offers and I wouldn't be surprised to see all of them overseas.

For loosies it could also be players like Evans, but I wonder whether Cane sees the writing on the wall and perhaps sees that the time to get his cash is now. He got fucked over at the last world cup and hasn't been guaranteed the captaincy, so looking forward you've have to wonder if he'll make 2023.

Tim

@gt12 said in Exodus:

Hodgeman

Can't understand why he wasn't ahead of Bower, KarlT, or especially de Groot. Had a good season and is a much better all round player than anyone except peak form Moody.

gt12

@tim said in Exodus:

@gt12 said in Exodus:

Hodgeman

Can't understand why he wasn't ahead of Bower, KarlT, or especially de Groot. Had a good season and is a much better all round player than anyone except peak form Moody.

I (mostly) agree but can only assume that the coaches have some stats that we don’t see or just don’t trust his set piece work. He’s the sort of player I’d like to have in NZ but if you’ve been overtaken by Bower I’d say you may as well go overseas.

Bovidae

Foster seems reasonably confident that DMac will sign a NZR contract after his Japanese sabbatical, like Tuipulotu has done.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/126627165/all-blacks-coach-ian-foster-makes-peace-with-strategic-japan-sabbaticals

gt12

@bovidae

That's hopeful, at least. I'd like him back, only because at Super level he can be the difference maker for the Chiefs (assuming he comes back). If he ever learns to play within himself a bit more at 10 he probably has the ceiling to be a starting 10 for the ABs.

Steven Harris

@bovidae Tuipulotu is more of a loss to the Blues than the All Blacks , needed to stand up against the Boks ,just did not front .

African Monkey

@steven-harris Thought he was good against them in Townsville but yes, for the majority of his AB career, he hasn't fronted sadly, and yes, He certainly is a loss for the Blues more than anything.

kev

@african-monkey said in Exodus:

@steven-harris Thought he was good against them in Townsville but yes, for the majority of his AB career, he hasn't fronted sadly, and yes, He certainly is a loss for the Blues more than anything.

One game doesn’t make a career. But over a number of seasons, given his size and obvious athleticism, Patrick hasn’t put i enough performances of quality to demand a starting spot. A bit like Shannon Frizell. Nearly but ?

Damien McKenzie seems more like a 7s rugby player, playing 15s. His preference for running cross field makes it difficult for those supporting him. So while he can beat players, he really relies on broken field situations to be effective - and much more risky in tight games at test level.

ARHS

@kev looks to me that he plays much more to instructions for AB's now. He is more combative at the breakdown contests when in the vicinity but in contrast seeks to put others in position to take a gap more than taking defenders on himself. Bit like a league playmaker making the opposition defence have to cover more options.