All Blacks 2022
-
@Victor-Meldrew George Bridge not really suited to much at all.
@number9 said in All Blacks 2022:
@Victor-Meldrew George Bridge not really suited to much at all.
Not true. He’d be a fantastic water boy. That job suits someone with a no frills straight running style
-
I'd also add that the EOYT tours are no longer an opportunity for us to "blood new players" given the way we got smacked last time we were up there. The home tests, which we are far more likely to win, are the perfect opportunity, and the coaches would be idiots not to bring players like RTS who is already a proven world class athlete into the squad.
-
@Gunner said in All Blacks 2022:
@Chris-B said in All Blacks 2022:
First test for Ireland:
Smith, Beauden, Reece, Goodhue, Ioane, Jordan Jordie.
I think this it what they’ll pick, but I’d prefer Clarke in 11.
In reality any of the 3 wingers could be picked and I don’t think there would be too many grizzles around the place.I think that Reece makes a better impact player than Clarke. He is busier and just what is needed to spot opportunities against tiring opposition
Smith, Beauden, Clarke, QT, Ioane, Jordan Jordie.
Weber (although that will change as the season progresses), RM, Reece.
Incumbents are Havili and QT. Havili has gone backwards and was a stopgap. QT has developed further, is in very good form and was the identified development 12.
If Goodhue plays well in the finals I expect he will get a chance in one of the games.
For RWC planning one of QT/RTS/Goodhue/Ioane/ALB will miss out come selection (injuries etc withstanding)
Havili and DMac battling for a utility spot.
@Crucial said in All Blacks 2022:
I think that Reece makes a better impact player than Clarke. He is busier and just what is needed to spot opportunities against tiring opposition
If we have JB at 2nd 5 and Jordan at fullback you can have Reece and Clarke on the wings.
-
@Crucial said in All Blacks 2022:
I think that Reece makes a better impact player than Clarke. He is busier and just what is needed to spot opportunities against tiring opposition
If we have JB at 2nd 5 and Jordan at fullback you can have Reece and Clarke on the wings.
@Bovidae said in All Blacks 2022:
@Crucial said in All Blacks 2022:
I think that Reece makes a better impact player than Clarke. He is busier and just what is needed to spot opportunities against tiring opposition
If we have JB at 2nd 5 and Jordan at fullback you can have Reece and Clarke on the wings.
And, looking to next year ALB off the bench.
-
@Crucial said in All Blacks 2022:
I think that Reece makes a better impact player than Clarke. He is busier and just what is needed to spot opportunities against tiring opposition
If we have JB at 2nd 5 and Jordan at fullback you can have Reece and Clarke on the wings.
@Bovidae said in All Blacks 2022:
@Crucial said in All Blacks 2022:
I think that Reece makes a better impact player than Clarke. He is busier and just what is needed to spot opportunities against tiring opposition
If we have JB at 2nd 5 and Jordan at fullback you can have Reece and Clarke on the wings.
And your back three reserve is......?
Are we going back to BB at fullback 60 minutes in?All moot anyway if rumours that Clarke is out for a while.
FFS we may end up with Bridge again.
-
@Crucial said in All Blacks 2022:
I think that Reece makes a better impact player than Clarke. He is busier and just what is needed to spot opportunities against tiring opposition
If we have JB at 2nd 5 and Jordan at fullback you can have Reece and Clarke on the wings.
@Bovidae said in All Blacks 2022:
@Crucial said in All Blacks 2022:
I think that Reece makes a better impact player than Clarke. He is busier and just what is needed to spot opportunities against tiring opposition
If we have JB at 2nd 5 and Jordan at fullback you can have Reece and Clarke on the wings.
I'm not super enthused by that back three. Jordie brings a level of safety under the high ball and defence that I don't think you quite get with Jordan. Jordie, Jordan + [Clarke/Reece/Faainganuku etc] looks a lot more assured as a trio.
I've been super impressed with RTS, he's clearly a leader and someone who thrives with responsibility, which is a really important attribute for me at test level. So he's ahead of Tupaea IMO. Tough on Quinn but he'll be in the mix.
I don't have a problem with throwing RTS into it straight away. He's going to be surrounded by experience, familiar faces and it's not like he is lacking big match temperament. I'm unsure about his boot but luckily we have a fullback who can occasionally and seamlessly slot into 12.
-
I'd also add that the EOYT tours are no longer an opportunity for us to "blood new players" given the way we got smacked last time we were up there. The home tests, which we are far more likely to win, are the perfect opportunity, and the coaches would be idiots not to bring players like RTS who is already a proven world class athlete into the squad.
@No-Quarter said in All Blacks 2022:
and the coaches would be idiots not to bring players like RTS who is already a proven world class athlete into the squad.
Genuine question here: How many games of top class Union has he played?
-
@Bovidae said in All Blacks 2022:
@Crucial said in All Blacks 2022:
I think that Reece makes a better impact player than Clarke. He is busier and just what is needed to spot opportunities against tiring opposition
If we have JB at 2nd 5 and Jordan at fullback you can have Reece and Clarke on the wings.
I'm not super enthused by that back three. Jordie brings a level of safety under the high ball and defence that I don't think you quite get with Jordan. Jordie, Jordan + [Clarke/Reece/Faainganuku etc] looks a lot more assured as a trio.
I've been super impressed with RTS, he's clearly a leader and someone who thrives with responsibility, which is a really important attribute for me at test level. So he's ahead of Tupaea IMO. Tough on Quinn but he'll be in the mix.
I don't have a problem with throwing RTS into it straight away. He's going to be surrounded by experience, familiar faces and it's not like he is lacking big match temperament. I'm unsure about his boot but luckily we have a fullback who can occasionally and seamlessly slot into 12.
@Frye said in All Blacks 2022:
I don't have a problem with throwing RTS into it straight away. He's going to be surrounded by experience, familiar faces and it's not like he is lacking big match temperament.
It's a huge risk against an Irish team which has Henshaw and Aki in midfield.
They are both surrounded by, and have way more experience at Test level and have actually proven their big match temperament in numerous Tests in RU. No matter how much temperament, familiarity and experience he has around him, Ireland will target RTS's inexperience and that will increase pressure on the players around him.
And - serious question - what do you think Foster should do if that risk doesn't come off and his lack of experience is brutally exposed? Do we toss him aside like Henry Paul or carry on with him being a known weak link until he gains enough experience?
He's a talent which needs to be nurtured carefully and not just thrown in at the deep end.
-
@Frye said in All Blacks 2022:
I don't have a problem with throwing RTS into it straight away. He's going to be surrounded by experience, familiar faces and it's not like he is lacking big match temperament.
It's a huge risk against an Irish team which has Henshaw and Aki in midfield.
They are both surrounded by, and have way more experience at Test level and have actually proven their big match temperament in numerous Tests in RU. No matter how much temperament, familiarity and experience he has around him, Ireland will target RTS's inexperience and that will increase pressure on the players around him.
And - serious question - what do you think Foster should do if that risk doesn't come off and his lack of experience is brutally exposed? Do we toss him aside like Henry Paul or carry on with him being a known weak link until he gains enough experience?
He's a talent which needs to be nurtured carefully and not just thrown in at the deep end.
@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2022:
@Frye said in All Blacks 2022:
I don't have a problem with throwing RTS into it straight away. He's going to be surrounded by experience, familiar faces and it's not like he is lacking big match temperament.
It's a huge risk against an Irish team which has Henshaw and Aki in midfield.
They are both surrounded by, and have way more experience at Test level and have actually proven their big match temperament in numerous Tests in RU. No matter how much temperament, familiarity and experience he has around him, Ireland will target RTS's inexperience and that will increase pressure on the players around him.
And - serious question - what do you think Foster should do if that risk doesn't come off and his lack of experience is brutally exposed? Do we toss him aside like Henry Paul or carry on with him being a known weak link until he gains enough experience?
He's a talent which needs to be nurtured carefully and not just thrown in at the deep end.
I think the Irish midfield will be ringrose then one of aki or henshaw. Personally I rate henshaw higher but aki seems to be ahead in the pecking order.
-
@No-Quarter said in All Blacks 2022:
and the coaches would be idiots not to bring players like RTS who is already a proven world class athlete into the squad.
Genuine question here: How many games of top class Union has he played?
@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2022:
@No-Quarter said in All Blacks 2022:
and the coaches would be idiots not to bring players like RTS who is already a proven world class athlete into the squad.
Genuine question here: How many games of top class Union has he played?
Professionally? 10 or so.
Schoolboy career as a rugby player though, so has a solid grounding. 12 is easier to read/play than 13. Still risky, but the question is whether the other attributes (stepping, defence) outweigh the experience risk. Either way, yo uhave to make a decision fast and he's in getting minutes, or out
-
@Bovidae said in All Blacks 2022:
@Crucial said in All Blacks 2022:
I think that Reece makes a better impact player than Clarke. He is busier and just what is needed to spot opportunities against tiring opposition
If we have JB at 2nd 5 and Jordan at fullback you can have Reece and Clarke on the wings.
And your back three reserve is......?
Are we going back to BB at fullback 60 minutes in?All moot anyway if rumours that Clarke is out for a while.
FFS we may end up with Bridge again.
@Crucial said in All Blacks 2022:
@Bovidae said in All Blacks 2022:
@Crucial said in All Blacks 2022:
I think that Reece makes a better impact player than Clarke. He is busier and just what is needed to spot opportunities against tiring opposition
If we have JB at 2nd 5 and Jordan at fullback you can have Reece and Clarke on the wings.
And your back three reserve is......?
In that situation no.23 would be a midfield back, not a winger. It could be someone like TUJ, Tupaea or RTS. All could provide some real impact against tired opposition.
Are we going back to BB at fullback 60 minutes in?
If Mo'unga comes on, then that would be the only option if BB is to remain on the field.
-
@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2022:
@No-Quarter said in All Blacks 2022:
and the coaches would be idiots not to bring players like RTS who is already a proven world class athlete into the squad.
Genuine question here: How many games of top class Union has he played?
Professionally? 10 or so.
Schoolboy career as a rugby player though, so has a solid grounding. 12 is easier to read/play than 13. Still risky, but the question is whether the other attributes (stepping, defence) outweigh the experience risk. Either way, yo uhave to make a decision fast and he's in getting minutes, or out
@nzzp said in All Blacks 2022:
@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2022:
@No-Quarter said in All Blacks 2022:
and the coaches would be idiots not to bring players like RTS who is already a proven world class athlete into the squad.
Genuine question here: How many games of top class Union has he played?
Professionally? 10 or so.
Schoolboy career as a rugby player though, so has a solid grounding. 12 is easier to read/play than 13. Still risky, but the question is whether the other attributes (stepping, defence) outweigh the experience risk. Either way, yo uhave to make a decision fast and he's in getting minutes, or out
I remember SBW being absolutely taken to pieces by Jamie Roberts on an EOYT where he was subbed at half-time for Nonu - and that was after 33+ games for Toulon. And we don't have anyone like Ma'a to fall back on.
Don't get me wrong, I really like what I've seen of RTS, just think the risks of putting him in the match-day XV against a world-class Ireland mid-field are way, way too much. Ideally, I'd like to see him in the larger squad and if that goes OK, on the bench for one of the later Tests so he can ease his way in.
-
@Bones said in All Blacks 2022:
It's quite amusing to see the Jordie at 12 idea shelved for the experience of Tupaea.
I still quite like it -- but you have to have a standout Test 15 to do that. I'm still not sold on Jordan at 15 in Tests, and more importantly I don't think Foster wants him there.
Gotta say, though, that combo would be the tastiest in world rugby. A big framed kicker holding defenders, with one of the fastest dudes in Rugby running in space outside him. Sensational.
-
@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2022:
@No-Quarter said in All Blacks 2022:
and the coaches would be idiots not to bring players like RTS who is already a proven world class athlete into the squad.
Genuine question here: How many games of top class Union has he played?
Professionally? 10 or so.
Schoolboy career as a rugby player though, so has a solid grounding. 12 is easier to read/play than 13. Still risky, but the question is whether the other attributes (stepping, defence) outweigh the experience risk. Either way, yo uhave to make a decision fast and he's in getting minutes, or out
-
@nzzp said in All Blacks 2022:
@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2022:
@No-Quarter said in All Blacks 2022:
and the coaches would be idiots not to bring players like RTS who is already a proven world class athlete into the squad.
Genuine question here: How many games of top class Union has he played?
Professionally? 10 or so.
Schoolboy career as a rugby player though, so has a solid grounding. 12 is easier to read/play than 13. Still risky, but the question is whether the other attributes (stepping, defence) outweigh the experience risk. Either way, yo uhave to make a decision fast and he's in getting minutes, or out
I remember SBW being absolutely taken to pieces by Jamie Roberts on an EOYT where he was subbed at half-time for Nonu - and that was after 33+ games for Toulon. And we don't have anyone like Ma'a to fall back on.
Don't get me wrong, I really like what I've seen of RTS, just think the risks of putting him in the match-day XV against a world-class Ireland mid-field are way, way too much. Ideally, I'd like to see him in the larger squad and if that goes OK, on the bench for one of the later Tests so he can ease his way in.
@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2022:
@nzzp said in All Blacks 2022:
@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2022:
@No-Quarter said in All Blacks 2022:
and the coaches would be idiots not to bring players like RTS who is already a proven world class athlete into the squad.
Genuine question here: How many games of top class Union has he played?
Professionally? 10 or so.
Schoolboy career as a rugby player though, so has a solid grounding. 12 is easier to read/play than 13. Still risky, but the question is whether the other attributes (stepping, defence) outweigh the experience risk. Either way, yo uhave to make a decision fast and he's in getting minutes, or out
I remember SBW being absolutely taken to pieces by Jamie Roberts on an EOYT where he was subbed at half-time for Nonu - and that was after 33+ games for Toulon. And we don't have anyone like Ma'a to fall back on.
Don't get me wrong, I really like what I've seen of RTS, just think the risks of putting him in the match-day XV against a world-class Ireland mid-field are way, way too much. Ideally, I'd like to see him in the larger squad and if that goes OK, on the bench for one of the later Tests so he can ease his way in.
My comment was around leaving him out of the squad, which would be crazy, he absolutely has to be there.
Fact is we don't have a proven 12 right now. Thinking Tupea is that man is insane, he's as green as a green thing at test level and has only just started showing what he can do at Super level. By far our most experienced option is Goodhue, but he's had a long injury break and hasn't gone that well at 12 in the past, so when you compare RTS to the other options there's not much difference in terms of risk.
-
@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2022:
@nzzp said in All Blacks 2022:
@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2022:
@No-Quarter said in All Blacks 2022:
and the coaches would be idiots not to bring players like RTS who is already a proven world class athlete into the squad.
Genuine question here: How many games of top class Union has he played?
Professionally? 10 or so.
Schoolboy career as a rugby player though, so has a solid grounding. 12 is easier to read/play than 13. Still risky, but the question is whether the other attributes (stepping, defence) outweigh the experience risk. Either way, yo uhave to make a decision fast and he's in getting minutes, or out
I remember SBW being absolutely taken to pieces by Jamie Roberts on an EOYT where he was subbed at half-time for Nonu - and that was after 33+ games for Toulon. And we don't have anyone like Ma'a to fall back on.
Don't get me wrong, I really like what I've seen of RTS, just think the risks of putting him in the match-day XV against a world-class Ireland mid-field are way, way too much. Ideally, I'd like to see him in the larger squad and if that goes OK, on the bench for one of the later Tests so he can ease his way in.
My comment was around leaving him out of the squad, which would be crazy, he absolutely has to be there.
Fact is we don't have a proven 12 right now. Thinking Tupea is that man is insane, he's as green as a green thing at test level and has only just started showing what he can do at Super level. By far our most experienced option is Goodhue, but he's had a long injury break and hasn't gone that well at 12 in the past, so when you compare RTS to the other options there's not much difference in terms of risk.
@No-Quarter said in All Blacks 2022:
@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2022:
@nzzp said in All Blacks 2022:
@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2022:
@No-Quarter said in All Blacks 2022:
and the coaches would be idiots not to bring players like RTS who is already a proven world class athlete into the squad.
Genuine question here: How many games of top class Union has he played?
Professionally? 10 or so.
Schoolboy career as a rugby player though, so has a solid grounding. 12 is easier to read/play than 13. Still risky, but the question is whether the other attributes (stepping, defence) outweigh the experience risk. Either way, yo uhave to make a decision fast and he's in getting minutes, or out
I remember SBW being absolutely taken to pieces by Jamie Roberts on an EOYT where he was subbed at half-time for Nonu - and that was after 33+ games for Toulon. And we don't have anyone like Ma'a to fall back on.
Don't get me wrong, I really like what I've seen of RTS, just think the risks of putting him in the match-day XV against a world-class Ireland mid-field are way, way too much. Ideally, I'd like to see him in the larger squad and if that goes OK, on the bench for one of the later Tests so he can ease his way in.
My comment was around leaving him out of the squad, which would be crazy, he absolutely has to be there.
Pretty much agree so the coaches can have a good look at him - even if he doesn't get into the 23. A player def. worth investing time and effort in
Fact is we don't have a proven 12 right now. Thinking Tupea is that man is insane, he's as green as a green thing at test level and has only just started showing what he can do at Super level.
Not unlike RTS then?
when you compare RTS to the other options there's not much difference in terms of risk.
I disagree. You can argue that RTS's lack of experience at top level in the 15 man game makes QT look like a seasoned veteran.
-
The thing with QT and other marginals putting their hands up in recent weeks is remembering the opposition. A few of these players are shining against the teams who are not exactly in danger of winning the competition.
-
@No-Quarter said in All Blacks 2022:
@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2022:
@nzzp said in All Blacks 2022:
@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2022:
@No-Quarter said in All Blacks 2022:
and the coaches would be idiots not to bring players like RTS who is already a proven world class athlete into the squad.
Genuine question here: How many games of top class Union has he played?
Professionally? 10 or so.
Schoolboy career as a rugby player though, so has a solid grounding. 12 is easier to read/play than 13. Still risky, but the question is whether the other attributes (stepping, defence) outweigh the experience risk. Either way, yo uhave to make a decision fast and he's in getting minutes, or out
I remember SBW being absolutely taken to pieces by Jamie Roberts on an EOYT where he was subbed at half-time for Nonu - and that was after 33+ games for Toulon. And we don't have anyone like Ma'a to fall back on.
Don't get me wrong, I really like what I've seen of RTS, just think the risks of putting him in the match-day XV against a world-class Ireland mid-field are way, way too much. Ideally, I'd like to see him in the larger squad and if that goes OK, on the bench for one of the later Tests so he can ease his way in.
My comment was around leaving him out of the squad, which would be crazy, he absolutely has to be there.
Pretty much agree so the coaches can have a good look at him - even if he doesn't get into the 23. A player def. worth investing time and effort in
Fact is we don't have a proven 12 right now. Thinking Tupea is that man is insane, he's as green as a green thing at test level and has only just started showing what he can do at Super level.
Not unlike RTS then?
when you compare RTS to the other options there's not much difference in terms of risk.
I disagree. You can argue that RTS's lack of experience at top level in the 15 man game makes QT look like a seasoned veteran.
@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2022:
@No-Quarter said in All Blacks 2022:
@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2022:
@nzzp said in All Blacks 2022:
@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2022:
@No-Quarter said in All Blacks 2022:
and the coaches would be idiots not to bring players like RTS who is already a proven world class athlete into the squad.
Genuine question here: How many games of top class Union has he played?
Professionally? 10 or so.
Schoolboy career as a rugby player though, so has a solid grounding. 12 is easier to read/play than 13. Still risky, but the question is whether the other attributes (stepping, defence) outweigh the experience risk. Either way, yo uhave to make a decision fast and he's in getting minutes, or out
I remember SBW being absolutely taken to pieces by Jamie Roberts on an EOYT where he was subbed at half-time for Nonu - and that was after 33+ games for Toulon. And we don't have anyone like Ma'a to fall back on.
Don't get me wrong, I really like what I've seen of RTS, just think the risks of putting him in the match-day XV against a world-class Ireland mid-field are way, way too much. Ideally, I'd like to see him in the larger squad and if that goes OK, on the bench for one of the later Tests so he can ease his way in.
My comment was around leaving him out of the squad, which would be crazy, he absolutely has to be there.
Pretty much agree so the coaches can have a good look at him - even if he doesn't get into the 23. A player def. worth investing time and effort in
Fact is we don't have a proven 12 right now. Thinking Tupea is that man is insane, he's as green as a green thing at test level and has only just started showing what he can do at Super level.
Not unlike RTS then?
when you compare RTS to the other options there's not much difference in terms of risk.
I disagree. You can argue that RTS's lack of experience at top level in the 15 man game makes QT look like a seasoned veteran.
Come on man, QT has 7 tests, most of which were against tier 2 teams, has he even started a test against a tier 1 team? I remember he was on the bench against SA? Hell he only has 28 games for the Chiefs. He's also only 23, do you really think throwing him in against a "world class" Irish midfield is a good idea at this stage of his career?
Point being we don't actually have a good option at 12 with ALB out now. I'd be leaning towards Goodhue starting with RTS on the bench at the moment, though I'd be more than happy with RTS starting too.
-
@No-Quarter said in All Blacks 2022:
@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2022:
@nzzp said in All Blacks 2022:
@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2022:
@No-Quarter said in All Blacks 2022:
and the coaches would be idiots not to bring players like RTS who is already a proven world class athlete into the squad.
Genuine question here: How many games of top class Union has he played?
Professionally? 10 or so.
Schoolboy career as a rugby player though, so has a solid grounding. 12 is easier to read/play than 13. Still risky, but the question is whether the other attributes (stepping, defence) outweigh the experience risk. Either way, yo uhave to make a decision fast and he's in getting minutes, or out
I remember SBW being absolutely taken to pieces by Jamie Roberts on an EOYT where he was subbed at half-time for Nonu - and that was after 33+ games for Toulon. And we don't have anyone like Ma'a to fall back on.
Don't get me wrong, I really like what I've seen of RTS, just think the risks of putting him in the match-day XV against a world-class Ireland mid-field are way, way too much. Ideally, I'd like to see him in the larger squad and if that goes OK, on the bench for one of the later Tests so he can ease his way in.
My comment was around leaving him out of the squad, which would be crazy, he absolutely has to be there.
Pretty much agree so the coaches can have a good look at him - even if he doesn't get into the 23. A player def. worth investing time and effort in
Fact is we don't have a proven 12 right now. Thinking Tupea is that man is insane, he's as green as a green thing at test level and has only just started showing what he can do at Super level.
Not unlike RTS then?
when you compare RTS to the other options there's not much difference in terms of risk.
I disagree. You can argue that RTS's lack of experience at top level in the 15 man game makes QT look like a seasoned veteran.
@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2022:
I disagree. You can argue that RTS's lack of experience at top level in the 15 man game makes QT look like a seasoned veteran.
RTS also has performed at the top level in the 13 man game. Defence was a huge part of that sport - so experience at the top level and performing under pressure is a track record.
Ultimately, it's a risk. And that's what the Coaches need to do - understand the capabilities, strengths, and weaknesses, and then make a decision. Which I'll then disagree with if it appears wrong, or enthusiastically support if it aligns with my world view
