All Blacks vs Wales
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Paekakboyz" data-cid="583655" data-time="1464477171"><p>
Once he's up to fitness Tuipoloto could tick both boxes too. He's good around the park.</p></blockquote>
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Needs a bit of work on his lineout too, but agree he can get there -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Billy Tell" data-cid="583635" data-time="1464475575">
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<p>Hmmm. Probably back to the Dagg vs McKenzie thing again.</p>
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<p>Personally, I would like to see Naholo learn to play 11. Savea has basically got in by default (although admittedly his international record is impressive) - his only remote challenger was Lowe.</p>
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<p>If Naholo can't play 11, then it's always going to be Naholo vs NMS for right wing.</p>
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<p>I think I read Naholo played at 11 before Super level. I hope Savea is challenged too.</p> -
<p>Bloody chuffed from Tfrank, Squire and Dicko.</p>
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<p>While Tfrank isn't in the full squad, it shows that his work is well and truly being appreciated. I'm a big fan.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="SammyC" data-cid="583654" data-time="1464477053">
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<p>Also Hansen said that Cane will start and savea will come off the bench. Made the comparison to starting with Nonu and smith, then having sbw come on for impact<br><br>
So I guess that answers the question about the bench loosie</p>
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<p>That's got to be a wee bit crushing for Cane. Hansen has been talking about Cane is the model for how they have brought guys through ready to be full time contributors without missing a beat. Now he's basically been told before camp begins that all that's happened with Richie going is he is going to play the first 40 minutes instead of the last 30 (assuming that is the Smith/SBW model).</p>
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<p>Cane has the motor and has earned the right to be playing Richie minutes.</p> -
<p>Squire and Franklin the big surprises for me - I'd discounted Squire and thought they'd take Luatua or Taufua ahead of him. Franklin didn't really even register as a contender.</p>
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<p>For those who didn't see the announcement and follow-up.</p>
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<p>Hansen and Fox both said Matt Todd is the most unlucky. Hansen said they were comfortable with Ardie playing Sevens and would have been more than happy to have Todd in the squad. But once Ardie was available, it was team ahead of individual (as far as Todd was concerned) and he had to be picked.</p>
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<p>They like one power lock (Romano/Tuipolotu) and one athletic lock (Whitelock/Franklin/Barrett). Retallick is unusual in that he's both. Barrett was on the radar, but they've gone with the more experienced Franklin as cover for Whitelock.</p>
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<p>Moala is cover for Ngatai if he doesn't come right.</p>
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<p>Tu'ungafasi is in the Ben Franks role of being able to play both sides - better at tighthead. They did consider two hookers and a prop who can play a bit of hooker (is that Goodes?). Harris' form got him the nod.</p>
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<p>They are pretty clear that TKB is their second halfback and TJ knows their systems, so can come in at short notice for a domestic series. A touring squad would need three halfbacks. From Fox's interview I got the impression that maybe Brad Weber wasn't as close as the pundits thought.</p>
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<p>Dagg was carrying an injury last year and put too much selection pressure on himself. Picking him for this squad was a no-brainer according to Hansen.</p>
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<p>They will start with a very experienced 23 for the first test and then have plans for the series.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="rotated" data-cid="583662" data-time="1464477595"><p>
That's got to be a wee bit crushing for Cane. Hansen has been talking about Cane is the model for how they have brought guys through ready to be full time contributors without missing a beat. Now he's basically been told before camp begins that all that's happened with Richie going is he is going to play the first 40 minutes instead of the last 30 (assuming that is the Smith/SBW model).<br><br>
Cane has the motor and has earned the right to be playing Richie minutes.</p></blockquote>
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Maybe correct, but nobody can deny the form of Ardie. Her deserves the spot just as much<br><br>
Hansen isn't their mummy, he wants the best team playing -
<p>Cheers for that Chris B. Very interesting comments.</p>
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<p>I'm sure I told you that Squire would pick up higher honours one day (him and Lowe are my Ta$man favourites despite they're from Ta$man) - although TBF I didn't think he was close this year. I'll decide Lowe is off the radar at EOYT time and he might make the team too.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Nepia" data-cid="583621" data-time="1464474526">
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<p>I just don't think we need to include PI players who come here late for schooling - we already have Malakai, that's enough.<strong> We're not Ireland for fucks sake. </strong> ;)</p>
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<p>I was wondering whether he was still in the mix.</p>
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<p> :mocking:</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Nepia" data-cid="583665" data-time="1464477904">
<div>I'm sure I told you that Squire would pick up higher honours one day (him and Lowe are my Ta$man favourites despite they're from Ta$man) - although TBF I didn't think he was close this year.</div>
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<p>Squire said himself that he was very surrpised to get the phone call yesterday. He had a hunting trip planned for next week.</p>
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<p>I will be more interested in the team to play the 1st test, particularly 10, 12 and 13. I think they'll start with Cruden, Crotty and Fekitoa.</p>
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<p>Romano and Crockett must be in their last year for the ABs.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Bovidae" data-cid="583667" data-time="1464478469"><p>
Squire said himself that he was very surrpised to get the phone call yesterday. He had a hunting trip planned for next week.<br><br>
I will be more interested in the team to play the 1st test, particularly 10, 12 and 13. I think they'll start with Cruden, Crotty and Fekitoa.<br><br>
Romano and Crockett must be in their last year for the ABs.</p></blockquote>
Not sure about Crockett, he's still the second best loosehead in the country by a considerable margin.<br><br>
And who's the next power lock in line? <br><br><br>
Fox pretty much said that Cruden will be starting the first test -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="SammyC" data-cid="583664" data-time="1464477814">
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<p>Maybe correct, but nobody can deny the form of Ardie. Her deserves the spot just as much<br><br>
Hansen isn't their mummy, he wants the best team playing</p>
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<p>I was more trying to get at that it is a bit odd to come into camp with such a fixed mindset about players.</p>
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<p>Point of killing friendly competition for some spots before camp? What is to say Cane doesn't prove himself in camp head and shoulders the best, or what is to say Ardie can't surpass Cane for that matter. Seems like there is little to gain and something to lose by basically spelling out the game day 23 at a press conference like this before a decent camp - in a non RWC year.</p>
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<p>Ditto Cruden v Sopoaga.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="rotated" data-cid="583662" data-time="1464477595">
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<p>That's got to be a wee bit crushing for Cane. Hansen has been talking about Cane is the model for how they have brought guys through ready to be full time contributors without missing a beat. Now he's basically been told before camp begins that all that's happened with Richie going is he is going to play the first 40 minutes instead of the last 30 (assuming that is the Smith/SBW model).</p>
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<p>Cane has the motor and has earned the right to be playing Richie minutes.</p>
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<p>I don't think Cane will be crushed by it. If having Savea play the whole second half if best for the All Blacks, it will happen. I imagine Savea will be only given about 20 minutes per game to start. Savea may not be subbed on for Cane either.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Frank" data-cid="583661" data-time="1464477476">
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<p>Part of the planning (I would guess) is that definitely Akira, and maybe Reiko, Ioane will be on the EOYT.</p>
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<p>Not much chance for Reiko, IMO. He is still very young and only has a handful of Super Rugby games. Plus NMS will be back in the squad so already one of Dagg/McKenzie will probably miss out.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="SammyC" data-cid="583669" data-time="1464478639">
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<p>Not sure about Crockett, he's still the second best loosehead in the country by a considerable margin.<br><br>
And who's the next power lock in line?<br><br><br>
Fox pretty much said that Cruden will be starting the first test</p>
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<p>I find Romano being a power lock interesting. Obviously the selectors must have some sort of info which categorises him like that.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Frank" data-cid="583676" data-time="1464480000">
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<p>What are Cruden's advantages over Sopoaga? (played more tests?)</p>
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<p>Shit man, we've been doing this for the past three months and you're wanting to kick it off again. :)</p>
