All Blacks 2022
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Current status :
Hookers : Codie Taylor's loss of form is an issue as Dane Coles is still out with injury. That leaves only ST as international class hooker. Eklund is currently the second best Nr.2.
LHP : Moody's injury leaves a gap. The contenders are Bower, Karl T (not yet on the scene), Hodgman, De Groot and Ross. I would think the last three are the best bet.
THP : Ofa T is way above the rest. Newell could be the answer as his backup as Laulala, Ta'avao and Lomax have been very disappointing.
Locks : Barrett and Retallick are certainties. Vaa'i and Lord should be in the squad. Romano is too old but his physicality would have been helpful against Ireland. Is Whitelock really too old or is it just a lack of form ?
Blindside : Akira Ioane would be my first on the sheet. Jacobson and Blackadder are versatile and have a good workrate. I'd have them in the squad.
Openside : Cane is the captain and is playing well, so he won't be dropped. It's a shame for Papali'i who is the best 7 on current form.
Nr.8 : Ardie Savea is probably considered exclusively as a Nr.8 these days. Sotutu is probably the second best behind him. Sowakula's recent drop of form could alter his chances of winning a call.
Halfbacks : Smith of course. But who behind him ? Christie is the form Nr.9. Fakatava is regaining some form lately, which is not the case for TJP. Weber was poor before his injury.
1st Five : big problem here as there are two world class players (Barrett and Mo'unga) but not necessarily two good 1st Fives, and nobody behind them (Perofeta maybe ?). So the cupboard is really bare.
2nd Five : Havili's loss of form and confidence could cost him his place in the squad. I'd like Foster to try something new with TUJ and/or RTS, along with Tupaea.
Centre : Rieko and Sullivan are the best performers. I would be glad to see the latter as a bolter in the next squad. Let's see how Goodhue come back during the next week.
Wings : Reece is consistently good. He'll be on the starting team sheet. Jordan will also be there as there are not a lot of possibilities : Clarke and Bridge (unfortunately). LF is not playing his best rugby, while Savea and Rayasi are rocks and diamonds. Lam as a bolter ?
Fullbacks : JB with Jordan as his backup. Too early for Moorby and Sullivan. Perofeta ?
@cgrant said in All Blacks 2022:
Current status :
Hookers : Codie Taylor's loss of form is an issue as Dane Coles is still out with injury. That leaves only ST as international class hooker. Eklund is currently the second best Nr.2.
LHP : Moody's injury leaves a gap. The contenders are Bower, Karl T (not yet on the scene), Hodgman, De Groot and Ross. I would think the last three are the best bet.
THP : Ofa T is way above the rest. Newell could be the answer as his backup as Laulala, Ta'avao and Lomax have been very disappointing.
Locks : Barrett and Retallick are certainties. Vaa'i and Lord should be in the squad. Romano is too old but his physicality would have been helpful against Ireland. Is Whitelock really too old or is it just a lack of form ?
Blindside : Akira Ioane would be my first on the sheet. Jacobson and Blackadder are versatile and have a good workrate. I'd have them in the squad.
Openside : Cane is the captain and is playing well, so he won't be dropped. It's a shame for Papali'i who is the best 7 on current form.
Nr.8 : Ardie Savea is probably considered exclusively as a Nr.8 these days. Sotutu is probably the second best behind him. Sowakula's recent drop of form could alter his chances of winning a call.
Halfbacks : Smith of course. But who behind him ? Christie is the form Nr.9. Fakatava is regaining some form lately, which is not the case for TJP. Weber was poor before his injury.
1st Five : big problem here as there are two world class players (Barrett and Mo'unga) but not necessarily two good 1st Fives, and nobody behind them (Perofeta maybe ?). So the cupboard is really bare.
2nd Five : Havili's loss of form and confidence could cost him his place in the squad. I'd like Foster to try something new with TUJ and/or RTS, along with Tupaea.
Centre : Rieko and Sullivan are the best performers. I would be glad to see the latter as a bolter in the next squad. Let's see how Goodhue come back during the next week.
Wings : Reece is consistently good. He'll be on the starting team sheet. Jordan will also be there as there are not a lot of possibilities : Clarke and Bridge (unfortunately). LF is not playing his best rugby, while Savea and Rayasi are rocks and diamonds. Lam as a bolter ?
Fullbacks : JB with Jordan as his backup. Too early for Moorby and Sullivan. Perofeta ?
Been any official comment about the mix?
I'd assume pack 9/5/7 = 21, so 15 backs. Allows 3 halves, 2 tens, five midfield, five back three.
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@cgrant said in All Blacks 2022:
Current status :
Hookers : Codie Taylor's loss of form is an issue as Dane Coles is still out with injury. That leaves only ST as international class hooker. Eklund is currently the second best Nr.2.
LHP : Moody's injury leaves a gap. The contenders are Bower, Karl T (not yet on the scene), Hodgman, De Groot and Ross. I would think the last three are the best bet.
THP : Ofa T is way above the rest. Newell could be the answer as his backup as Laulala, Ta'avao and Lomax have been very disappointing.
Locks : Barrett and Retallick are certainties. Vaa'i and Lord should be in the squad. Romano is too old but his physicality would have been helpful against Ireland. Is Whitelock really too old or is it just a lack of form ?
Blindside : Akira Ioane would be my first on the sheet. Jacobson and Blackadder are versatile and have a good workrate. I'd have them in the squad.
Openside : Cane is the captain and is playing well, so he won't be dropped. It's a shame for Papali'i who is the best 7 on current form.
Nr.8 : Ardie Savea is probably considered exclusively as a Nr.8 these days. Sotutu is probably the second best behind him. Sowakula's recent drop of form could alter his chances of winning a call.
Halfbacks : Smith of course. But who behind him ? Christie is the form Nr.9. Fakatava is regaining some form lately, which is not the case for TJP. Weber was poor before his injury.
1st Five : big problem here as there are two world class players (Barrett and Mo'unga) but not necessarily two good 1st Fives, and nobody behind them (Perofeta maybe ?). So the cupboard is really bare.
2nd Five : Havili's loss of form and confidence could cost him his place in the squad. I'd like Foster to try something new with TUJ and/or RTS, along with Tupaea.
Centre : Rieko and Sullivan are the best performers. I would be glad to see the latter as a bolter in the next squad. Let's see how Goodhue come back during the next week.
Wings : Reece is consistently good. He'll be on the starting team sheet. Jordan will also be there as there are not a lot of possibilities : Clarke and Bridge (unfortunately). LF is not playing his best rugby, while Savea and Rayasi are rocks and diamonds. Lam as a bolter ?
Fullbacks : JB with Jordan as his backup. Too early for Moorby and Sullivan. Perofeta ?
Been any official comment about the mix?
I'd assume pack 9/5/7 = 21, so 15 backs. Allows 3 halves, 2 tens, five midfield, five back three.
Been any official comment about the mix?
I'd assume pack 9/5/7 = 21, so 15 backs. Allows 3 halves, 2 tens, five midfield, five back three.
Seven loosies: Cane/DP/Akira/Frizell/Ardie/Sotutu and one of Blackadder/Jacobson (I'm not sure we need too many 'workrate' types)? Hard on Pita Gus. Or do they make a call that Frizell isn't quite top test level and try new blood?
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Back Five: Jordie/Jordan/Clarke/Reece/Another. Given Ioane (R) covers wing as well, I'd focus on someone who's comfortable at fullback. Perofeta would add cover at 10. As would Ioane (J). Bridge for me would be triumph of hope over expectation.
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Obviously haven't looked at stats or anything, but what is the promise everyone sees in RTS? Strikes me as just reputation as he certainly doesn't seem to have looked special in any outings.
@Bones said in All Blacks 2022:
Obviously haven't looked at stats or anything, but what is the promise everyone sees in RTS? Strikes me as just reputation as he certainly doesn't seem to have looked special in any outings.
We need to wait and see how RTS goes against the better teams, but he does offer a point of difference to the other 12s. I don't think you would need RTS and Havili in the squad.
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Havili will be in he squad. Remember that this will be a more traditional squad number (as opposed to the bloated squads of last year) and he brings utility and experience.
Last year was the room to experiment and without DMac for this series we will need some flexibility in the backswith a need to bolster forwards.Can’t remember if it’s 32 or 33 in the squad but in the backs we may only see
Halfbacks: Smith, Weber, Christie (Fakatava, Ratima)
First-fives: BB, RM (Perofeta, Ioane)
Midfield: Havili, Tupaea, Goodhue, Ioane (RTS, TUJ)
Outside Back: JB, Jordan, Reece, ClarkeA third 10 will train to learn calls and patterns just in case. I see the midfield as Goodhue, Ioane. Tupaea has increased his bench value with his performances on the wing.
Jordan, Reece and JB the back three.In an ideal world we would have a spare wing/fullback should say JB get injured and Jordan move to 15 but they may rely on squad cover from Havili and/or having Bridge ready to come in.
Injuries aside I expect to see
Smith
BB
Reece
Goodhue
Ioane
Jordan
JBChristie/Weber
RM
Tupaea/HaviliNot much room for newbies in this series
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Havili will be in he squad. Remember that this will be a more traditional squad number (as opposed to the bloated squads of last year) and he brings utility and experience.
Last year was the room to experiment and without DMac for this series we will need some flexibility in the backswith a need to bolster forwards.Can’t remember if it’s 32 or 33 in the squad but in the backs we may only see
Halfbacks: Smith, Weber, Christie (Fakatava, Ratima)
First-fives: BB, RM (Perofeta, Ioane)
Midfield: Havili, Tupaea, Goodhue, Ioane (RTS, TUJ)
Outside Back: JB, Jordan, Reece, ClarkeA third 10 will train to learn calls and patterns just in case. I see the midfield as Goodhue, Ioane. Tupaea has increased his bench value with his performances on the wing.
Jordan, Reece and JB the back three.In an ideal world we would have a spare wing/fullback should say JB get injured and Jordan move to 15 but they may rely on squad cover from Havili and/or having Bridge ready to come in.
Injuries aside I expect to see
Smith
BB
Reece
Goodhue
Ioane
Jordan
JBChristie/Weber
RM
Tupaea/HaviliNot much room for newbies in this series
@Crucial said in All Blacks 2022:
Havili will be in he squad.
He probably will, but I don't see Havili as being a starter, or even a useful player to have in the reserves.
Remember that this will be a more traditional squad number (as opposed to the bloated squads of last year) and he brings utility and experience.
Is he really? There will be plenty of fullback cover with JB, Jordan and BB. I'd much rather the no.23 jersey is worn by a winger who provides impact and use JB as 2nd 5 cover. LF would also give you cover at centre, for example.
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Havili will be in he squad. Remember that this will be a more traditional squad number (as opposed to the bloated squads of last year) and he brings utility and experience.
Last year was the room to experiment and without DMac for this series we will need some flexibility in the backswith a need to bolster forwards.Can’t remember if it’s 32 or 33 in the squad but in the backs we may only see
Halfbacks: Smith, Weber, Christie (Fakatava, Ratima)
First-fives: BB, RM (Perofeta, Ioane)
Midfield: Havili, Tupaea, Goodhue, Ioane (RTS, TUJ)
Outside Back: JB, Jordan, Reece, ClarkeA third 10 will train to learn calls and patterns just in case. I see the midfield as Goodhue, Ioane. Tupaea has increased his bench value with his performances on the wing.
Jordan, Reece and JB the back three.In an ideal world we would have a spare wing/fullback should say JB get injured and Jordan move to 15 but they may rely on squad cover from Havili and/or having Bridge ready to come in.
Injuries aside I expect to see
Smith
BB
Reece
Goodhue
Ioane
Jordan
JBChristie/Weber
RM
Tupaea/HaviliNot much room for newbies in this series
@Crucial said in All Blacks 2022:
Havili will be in he squad. Remember that this will be a more traditional squad number (as opposed to the bloated squads of last year) and he brings utility and experience.
Last year was the room to experiment and without DMac for this series we will need some flexibility in the backswith a need to bolster forwards.Can’t remember if it’s 32 or 33 in the squad but in the backs we may only see
“36 [players] for the first squad, that’s sort of a standard Steinlager Series-sized squad, but that can change,” Foster told The Breakdown.
Not much room for newbies in this series
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@Crucial said in All Blacks 2022:
Havili will be in he squad.
He probably will, but I don't see Havili as being a starter, or even a useful player to have in the reserves.
Remember that this will be a more traditional squad number (as opposed to the bloated squads of last year) and he brings utility and experience.
Is he really? There will be plenty of fullback cover with JB, Jordan and BB. I'd much rather the no.23 jersey is worn by a winger who provides impact and use JB as 2nd 5 cover. LF would also give you cover at centre, for example.
@Bovidae said in All Blacks 2022:
@Crucial said in All Blacks 2022:
Havili will be in he squad.
He probably will, but I don't see Havili as being a starter, or even a useful player to have in the reserves.
Remember that this will be a more traditional squad number (as opposed to the bloated squads of last year) and he brings utility and experience.
Is he really? There will be plenty of fullback cover with JB, Jordan and BB. I'd much rather the no.23 jersey is worn by a winger who provides impact and use JB as 2nd 5 cover. LF would also give you cover at centre, for example.
I expect Havili to be there, mainly because he brings experience, but also because he seems to have formed a good combo with Ritchie. Even more so if the combo with Goodhue gels.
RTS is reasonably physical and footwork is a point of difference. If he's a chance of RWC needs a shot now. I'd be inclined to also give TUJ a shot. Hard on Tuapea, but I think they alreday know what they're getting with him.
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@Crucial said in All Blacks 2022:
Havili will be in he squad.
He probably will, but I don't see Havili as being a starter, or even a useful player to have in the reserves.
Remember that this will be a more traditional squad number (as opposed to the bloated squads of last year) and he brings utility and experience.
Is he really? There will be plenty of fullback cover with JB, Jordan and BB. I'd much rather the no.23 jersey is worn by a winger who provides impact and use JB as 2nd 5 cover. LF would also give you cover at centre, for example.
@Bovidae said in All Blacks 2022:
@Crucial said in All Blacks 2022:
Havili will be in he squad.
He probably will, but I don't see Havili as being a starter, or even a useful player to have in the reserves.
Remember that this will be a more traditional squad number (as opposed to the bloated squads of last year) and he brings utility and experience.
Is he really? There will be plenty of fullback cover with JB, Jordan and BB. I'd much rather the no.23 jersey is worn by a winger who provides impact and use JB as 2nd 5 cover. LF would also give you cover at centre, for example.
You need a wing/centre or fullback/centre in the 23 IMO. Plus one more in the squad that knows the ropes.
Pretty sure they will go with Havili’s experience over bringing in LF. Agree that he’s not in the 23 though.
I quite like the idea of Tupaea on the bench for options. Can put him in the centres with RI moving to wing, can put him on the wing with Jordan moving to fullback and JB to 12 etc. doesn’t even need to be a formal position but players moving into spots as the situation dictates.
If LF had been selected last year the job may be his but this is going to be a tight series and no newbies are screaming out to be included in the 23. -
@Crucial said in All Blacks 2022:
Havili will be in he squad. Remember that this will be a more traditional squad number (as opposed to the bloated squads of last year) and he brings utility and experience.
Last year was the room to experiment and without DMac for this series we will need some flexibility in the backswith a need to bolster forwards.Can’t remember if it’s 32 or 33 in the squad but in the backs we may only see
“36 [players] for the first squad, that’s sort of a standard Steinlager Series-sized squad, but that can change,” Foster told The Breakdown.
Not much room for newbies in this series
@pakman said in All Blacks 2022:
@Crucial said in All Blacks 2022:
Havili will be in he squad. Remember that this will be a more traditional squad number (as opposed to the bloated squads of last year) and he brings utility and experience.
Last year was the room to experiment and without DMac for this series we will need some flexibility in the backswith a need to bolster forwards.Can’t remember if it’s 32 or 33 in the squad but in the backs we may only see
“36 [players] for the first squad, that’s sort of a standard Steinlager Series-sized squad, but that can change,” Foster told The Breakdown.
Not much room for newbies in this series
Squad newbies maybe but not in the 23 and I would rather see forward options brought in formally with backs on cover.
Unless we win the first two tests there’s not much ability to blood players this time.
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@pakman said in All Blacks 2022:
@Crucial said in All Blacks 2022:
Havili will be in he squad. Remember that this will be a more traditional squad number (as opposed to the bloated squads of last year) and he brings utility and experience.
Last year was the room to experiment and without DMac for this series we will need some flexibility in the backswith a need to bolster forwards.Can’t remember if it’s 32 or 33 in the squad but in the backs we may only see
“36 [players] for the first squad, that’s sort of a standard Steinlager Series-sized squad, but that can change,” Foster told The Breakdown.
Not much room for newbies in this series
Squad newbies maybe but not in the 23 and I would rather see forward options brought in formally with backs on cover.
Unless we win the first two tests there’s not much ability to blood players this time.
@Crucial said in All Blacks 2022:
@pakman said in All Blacks 2022:
@Crucial said in All Blacks 2022:
Havili will be in he squad. Remember that this will be a more traditional squad number (as opposed to the bloated squads of last year) and he brings utility and experience.
Last year was the room to experiment and without DMac for this series we will need some flexibility in the backswith a need to bolster forwards.Can’t remember if it’s 32 or 33 in the squad but in the backs we may only see
“36 [players] for the first squad, that’s sort of a standard Steinlager Series-sized squad, but that can change,” Foster told The Breakdown.
Not much room for newbies in this series
Squad newbies maybe but not in the 23 and I would rather see forward options brought in formally with backs on cover.
Unless we win the first two tests there’s not much ability to blood players this time.
Tend to agree re 23. Seems unlikely a new loosie will get a look in. But Ireland have physical and ball handling locks/props, so good to let Lord/Vaa'i and De Groot/Ross to get some exposure (easier after 2-0).
In backs, I think we need to try newbie in 23 at 12, but unlikely in first test or at 0-1.
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I can only see a max of 3 newbies in the initial squad with one or 2 props needed and one three quarter assuming Goodhue and Clarke return. But the races for those spots are far from over with the big matches in next few weeks counting for a lot. Newell seems a lock in to me and Ross should join him. But plenty of contenders there. LF needs to up his workrate to earn it perhaps but any one of TUJ RTS Nankivell or B Sullivan could force their way in. Elsewhere Perofeta Eklund and Big Red might be next up as injury cover.
I will be watching the props closely for their impact in the big clashes. -
Question - has Fakatava's eligibility for the ABs this year been sorted out?
Last year, when he got injured it seemed like new rules were going to exclude him until 2023.
Google doesn't immediately throw up something saying he's clear to be selected.
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@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2022:
@cgrant said in All Blacks 2022:
2nd Five : Havili's loss of form and confidence could cost him his place in the squad. I'd like Foster to try something new with TUJ and/or RTS, along with Tupaea.
Centre : Rieko and Sullivan are the best performers. I would be glad to see the latter as a bolter in the next squad. Let's see how Goodhue come back during the next week.Jeez, we've been really cursed with injuries since Ma'a & Conrad departed.
Still so gutted for Charlie Ngatai. He was looking outstanding before getting hammered.
Selection hasn't helped, not identifying what you want in midfield and playing people there. Injuries are a major contributor, but I'd argue the selectors have to shoulder more of the blame. Kinda like 6.
@nzzp said in All Blacks 2022:
@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2022:
@cgrant said in All Blacks 2022:
2nd Five : Havili's loss of form and confidence could cost him his place in the squad. I'd like Foster to try something new with TUJ and/or RTS, along with Tupaea.
Centre : Rieko and Sullivan are the best performers. I would be glad to see the latter as a bolter in the next squad. Let's see how Goodhue come back during the next week.Jeez, we've been really cursed with injuries since Ma'a & Conrad departed.
Still so gutted for Charlie Ngatai He was looking outstanding before getting hammered.
Selection hasn't helped, not identifying what you want in midfield and playing people there. Injuries are a major contributor, but I'd argue the selectors have to shoulder more of the blame. Kinda like 6.
What, he didn’t save NZ rugby after all?
RTS has a few work ons in terms of not coming out of the line and communication on defence. But in terms of effort and involvement, I like what is happening. Could be a good impact player to start out with.
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I can only see a max of 3 newbies in the initial squad with one or 2 props needed and one three quarter assuming Goodhue and Clarke return. But the races for those spots are far from over with the big matches in next few weeks counting for a lot. Newell seems a lock in to me and Ross should join him. But plenty of contenders there. LF needs to up his workrate to earn it perhaps but any one of TUJ RTS Nankivell or B Sullivan could force their way in. Elsewhere Perofeta Eklund and Big Red might be next up as injury cover.
I will be watching the props closely for their impact in the big clashes.@ARHS said in All Blacks 2022:
I can only see a max of 3 newbies in the initial squad with one or 2 props needed and one three quarter assuming Goodhue and Clarke return. But the races for those spots are far from over with the big matches in next few weeks counting for a lot. Newell seems a lock in to me and Ross should join him. But plenty of contenders there. LF needs to up his workrate to earn it perhaps but any one of TUJ RTS Nankivell or B Sullivan could force their way in. Elsewhere Perofeta Eklund and Big Red might be next up as injury cover.
I will be watching the props closely for their impact in the big clashes.By Big Red do you mean this year’s waste of space in the Blues.?
He has been low quality in an area that is lacking standouts. -
@ARHS said in All Blacks 2022:
I can only see a max of 3 newbies in the initial squad with one or 2 props needed and one three quarter assuming Goodhue and Clarke return. But the races for those spots are far from over with the big matches in next few weeks counting for a lot. Newell seems a lock in to me and Ross should join him. But plenty of contenders there. LF needs to up his workrate to earn it perhaps but any one of TUJ RTS Nankivell or B Sullivan could force their way in. Elsewhere Perofeta Eklund and Big Red might be next up as injury cover.
I will be watching the props closely for their impact in the big clashes.By Big Red do you mean this year’s waste of space in the Blues.?
He has been low quality in an area that is lacking standouts.@Crucial said in All Blacks 2022:
By Big Red do you mean this year’s waste of space in the Blues.?
He has been low quality in an area that is lacking standouts.He's been playing with an injury for most of the year. He was one of the best players on the field in the 25-0 game against the Chiefs
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@Crucial said in All Blacks 2022:
By Big Red do you mean this year’s waste of space in the Blues.?
He has been low quality in an area that is lacking standouts.He's been playing with an injury for most of the year. He was one of the best players on the field in the 25-0 game against the Chiefs
@Duluth said in All Blacks 2022:
@Crucial said in All Blacks 2022:
By Big Red do you mean this year’s waste of space in the Blues.?
He has been low quality in an area that is lacking standouts.He's been playing with an injury for most of the year. He was one of the best players on the field in the 25-0 game against the Chiefs
Then he needs to recover from injury not be selected in the ABs worn out even further.
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@Duluth said in All Blacks 2022:
@Crucial said in All Blacks 2022:
By Big Red do you mean this year’s waste of space in the Blues.?
He has been low quality in an area that is lacking standouts.He's been playing with an injury for most of the year. He was one of the best players on the field in the 25-0 game against the Chiefs
Then he needs to recover from injury not be selected in the ABs worn out even further.
