All Blacks 2022

Chris B.

Have they said how long Papalií will be out?

When Ennor had appendicitis last year they said about 5 weeks, so I presume about the same - which would make him available for tests 2 & 3 vs Ireland.

So assuming Ethan won't be available, maybe there's two slots up for grabs probably between Jacobson, Frizell, MMT, Robinson and Grace. Anyone else that might be in the picture? Maybe Harmon if they decided they needed another specialist 7?

KiwiMurph

@Chris-B Liam Napier reported it's not as bad as first feared and Dalton is a chance for the first test.

Kiwiwomble

anyone see anything on TUJ's injury?

Dan54

@Nepia said in All Blacks 2022:

@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2022:

@Duluth said in All Blacks 2022:

@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2022:

I would be mighty surprised if Frizell misses out, he was best 6 by quite some until he got injured earlier in super this year, and I don't go along with crap he has been given a go an you didn't think he went well at test level, I reckon he ready now.

He was erratic in SR. He had a shocker against the Crusaders

My opinion was while he was playing he was best 6 in comp, and I not a particular fan of his or anything. he only 6 that carried well in tight situations.

Despite this comment, I think you're a pretty big fan of his - evidenced by how often you defend him and hype him.

One thing I enjoy in forums who know how I think without even knowing me, must be great to be such a know all. I don't defend him, but thought at begiining of season he was best No 6, I have also said I think Akira is looking like he has it in him to be the better No 6, despite never being a fan of his, but of course I never actually got your opinion to tell me if I was or not. I genuinely believe that a lot of players improve and as an AB supporter, I want them to improve and am happy when they do. I have a bit of a rule that I try not to judge on what was and judge on what hopefully will be!
I will add Akira has been selcted at super and test level for very little reward, but as I said that was in past and believe he has high ceiling when he puts in effort

Dan54

@Kiwiwomble said in All Blacks 2022:

anyone see anything on TUJ's injury?

Unforunately fot TUJ, regardless of state of injury I doubt whether he has actually been on field to get selected as a newbie? May well do in future ,but may need to put together a few games in a row.

Dan54

@KiwiMurph said in All Blacks 2022:

@Chris-B Liam Napier reported it's not as bad as first feared and Dalton is a chance for the first test.

I won't be real surprised to see him get on at 6 sometime this season.

KiwiMurph

@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2022:

I will add Akira has been selcted at super and test level for very little reward, but as I said that was in past and believe he has high ceiling when he puts in effort

Ok this argument I simply do not get.

His first test against Aus in Brisbane he was excellent for 20 minutes before having to come off which in hindsight was a mistake (Ofa got red-carded).

His second test he had an absolute blinder vs Argentina

Last year he was outstanding in the Bledisloes before struggling vs the Boks.

Kiwiwomble

@Dan54 would still like to know how bad it was :man_shrugging_light_skin_tone:

Chris B.

@ARHS said in All Blacks 2022:

I expect 2 new props and one new back minimum. Maybe two or three others through injuries. For me, Newell, Ross and either Fainga'anuku, RTS or B Sullivan. Maybe the chance for a bolter in the loosies and Perofeta/Moorby in DMac spot. Maybe Fakatava, but he is 4th in my view. Not sold on Sowakula and would start Finau over him for semis. I like Tom Robinson, but Vaii has surpassed him. So, maybe Frizell gets another chance... I think we to trial a bruising enforcer at 6 or 8, with Akira more of a wide spaces specialist.

Still think Jordie is the best bet for 12.

I'm not sure what to think about loosehead possibilities. I was thinking de Groot might be vulnerable, but last weekend for whatever reason he had Ofa in a lot of trouble. So, in my mind, he was the biggest mover.

I'm thinking that if they pick Bower, Hodgman and de Groot, they've also got Moody in the wings - and that would be enough. But, last year I thought Ross would get picked and then I think he might have got injured? Or maybe his slot just got taken by de Groot bolting in?

Fozzie's interviews seem to suggest that Jordie will at least begin at fullback. If no-one nails 12 though, I hope we see him get a run there later.

Given the amount of utility in the backs, I reckon we might see a 21-15 split (it's what I would do):

6 props
3 hookers
5 locks
7 loose forwards

3 halfbacks
2 first fives
5 midfielders
5 outside backs

mariner4life

if i am picking 6 loosies

Akira
Sotutu
Papali'i
Savea
MMT
Finau

Finau is my bolter because he likes to hurt people, and we don't have many of those. Also, as i said yesterday, i've picked my starting 4, and then guys i would want to swap in if they aren't available.
Also Savea is a 7/utility bench option, not an 8

I am also well aware that this is a mile from what they will pick.

Tim

@mariner4life You're not picking Cane?

mariner4life

@Tim said in All Blacks 2022:

@mariner4life You're not picking Cane?

nope

ARHS

@mariner4life possibly the biggest hitter in nz now. Keen to see how he goes v Crusaders.

Bovidae

@ARHS said in All Blacks 2022:

@mariner4life possibly the biggest hitter in nz now. Keen to see how he goes v Crusaders.

Unfortunately he'll be back on the bench.

IMO Jacobson makes more dominant tackles than any other Chiefs player, but they don't always make the highlights as they are in the closer channels.

Chris B.

@Bovidae Sky must have access to a dominant tackle stat somewhere, because I'm pretty sure they said in the weekend's commentary that Blackadder was leading that stat.

nzzp

@mariner4life said in All Blacks 2022:

if i am picking 6 loosies

Akira
Sotutu
Papali'i
Savea
MMT
Finau

Note that MMT is only 24. He's still building, looks fantastic with high upside.

Also, Blackadder is older than Akira (!)

Bovidae

@nzzp said in All Blacks 2022:

Note that MMT is only 24. He's still building, looks fantastic with high upside.

Jacobson, Papalii, and MMT were the loose forward trio when NZ last won the U20 WC in 2017. They were a very good combination.

Kiwiwomble

@Bovidae said lots of time before i love to see combo's of players picked together

gt12

You would think that the injury to Blackadder gives Jacobson the spot as the player who can cover all three positions, his work at 7 has been pretty good.

I'd have Vaaii in my squad (and I think he'll be picked), so I'm not sure whether they need Frizell.

It could be between him and Jacobson for the last spot (assuming 6 picked plus a lock/6). So, my guess is they'll go something like:

Cane
Papalii
Savea
Sotutu
Akira
Frizell / Jacobson

BBBR
Whitelock
Barrett
Vaii lock / 6

There is likely space for one more, either Lord of another loosie.

Kirwan

@gt12 said in All Blacks 2022:

You would think that the injury to Blackadder gives Jacobson the spot as the player who can cover all three positions, his work at 7 has been pretty good.

I'd have Vaaii in my squad (and I think he'll be picked), so I'm not sure whether they need Frizell.

It could be between him and Jacobson for the last spot (assuming 6 picked plus a lock/6). So, my guess is they'll go something like:

Cane
Papalii
Savea
Sotutu
Akira
Frizell / Jacobson

BBBR
Whitelock
Barrett
Vaii lock / 6

There is likely space for one more, either Lord of another loosie.

Jacobson would be more useful than Frizzell, covering more positions so more of a like for like swap with Blackadder.

Added bonus of not drunkenly beating up women and their partners.

The Silver Fern

All Blacks 2022