All Blacks 2022
-
@taniwharugby I don't think he is.
He looks a fair bit lighter than SB.
If I'm being blunt (are you reading this Leon?) I'm quite hoping the Blues play him at lock at the weekend, because I think we can exploit that.
@Chris-B either way I don't think he fits the current puzzle.
-
If it's the end of Bridgey's run in black tomorrow then he can always cherish 2019 where he scored four tries on a sunny Hamilton afternoon & was then starting in the 11 Jersey at a World cup! in all seriousness I would like to see Fakatava, MMT & Perofeta named as new caps, we shall see what transpires at noon
-
Leinster/Ireland have lost twice in a fortnight to teams fielding power locks. If we want the win, Romano would make more sense than Lord, who could continue as an apprentice.
For RWC I’d prefer they stuck with four locks and added an eighth loosie: MMT/Grace/PGS(whom I thought looked one dimensional in semi).
And for Leicester to get in requires Clarke to be injured and Havili and Perofeta to miss out, which seems to me unlikely.
-
Leinster/Ireland have lost twice in a fortnight to teams fielding power locks. If we want the win, Romano would make more sense than Lord, who could continue as an apprentice.
For RWC I’d prefer they stuck with four locks and added an eighth loosie: MMT/Grace/PGS(whom I thought looked one dimensional in semi).
And for Leicester to get in requires Clarke to be injured and Havili and Perofeta to miss out, which seems to me unlikely.
-
Paul Cully with his possible AB squad (including 5 new caps):
Hookers: Codie Taylor (Crusaders), Samisoni Taukei’aho (Chiefs), Dane Coles (Hurricanes)
Props: Nepo Laulala (Blues), Ofa Tuungafasi (Blues), Angus Ta’avao (Chiefs), Ethan de Groot (Highlanders), George Bower (Crusaders), Aidan Ross (Chiefs)
Locks: Brodie Retallick (Chiefs), Sam Whitelock (Crusaders), Josh Lord (Chiefs), Tupou Vaa’i (Chiefs), Scott Barrett (Crusaders)
Loose forwards: Sam Cane (Chiefs, captain), Ardie Savea (Hurricanes), Dalton Papalii (Blues), Akira Ioane (Blues), Luke Jacobson (Chiefs), Hoskins Sotutu (Blues), Shannon Frizell (Highlanders)
Halfbacks: Aaron Smith (Highlanders), Brad Weber (Chiefs), Folau Fakatava (Highlanders)
No 10s: Beauden Barrett (Blues), Richie Mo’unga (Crusaders)
Midfielders: Rieko Ioane (Blues), Jack Goodhue (Crusaders), Quinn Tupaea (Chiefs), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Blues), Leicester Fainga’anuku (Crusaders)
Outside backs: Caleb Clarke (Blues), Sevu Reece (Crusaders), Jordie Barrett (Hurricanes), Will Jordan (Crusaders), Stephen Perofeta (Blues)
@Bovidae said in All Blacks 2022:
Paul Cully with his possible AB squad (including 5 new caps):
Hookers: Codie Taylor (Crusaders), Samisoni Taukei’aho (Chiefs), Dane Coles (Hurricanes)
Props: Nepo Laulala (Blues), Ofa Tuungafasi (Blues), Angus Ta’avao (Chiefs), Ethan de Groot (Highlanders), George Bower (Crusaders), Aidan Ross (Chiefs)
Locks: Brodie Retallick (Chiefs), Sam Whitelock (Crusaders), Josh Lord (Chiefs), Tupou Vaa’i (Chiefs), Scott Barrett (Crusaders)
Loose forwards: Sam Cane (Chiefs, captain), Ardie Savea (Hurricanes), Dalton Papalii (Blues), Akira Ioane (Blues), Luke Jacobson (Chiefs), Hoskins Sotutu (Blues), Shannon Frizell (Highlanders)
Halfbacks: Aaron Smith (Highlanders), Brad Weber (Chiefs), Folau Fakatava (Highlanders)
No 10s: Beauden Barrett (Blues), Richie Mo’unga (Crusaders)
Midfielders: Rieko Ioane (Blues), Jack Goodhue (Crusaders), Quinn Tupaea (Chiefs), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Blues), Leicester Fainga’anuku (Crusaders)
Outside backs: Caleb Clarke (Blues), Sevu Reece (Crusaders), Jordie Barrett (Hurricanes), Will Jordan (Crusaders), Stephen Perofeta (Blues)
Pretty close I think.
I'd like to see MMT in the squad, rather than Frizzell - even if it's so they coaches can have a look at him. Not too sure about LF (who I think is a wing anyway). I have a sneaking suspicion they may go with someone like Mark Telea or Lam or they might go with Havili on experience in midfield.
All in all, I think that's a pretty good squad with a mix of experience and coming players.
-
-
@pakman One thing this season has shown is that Romano got sidelined too early for the ABs and Crusaders.
I don't think he'll make it, but he wouldn't be a bad pick.
@Chris-B said in All Blacks 2022:
@pakman One thing this season has shown is that Romano got sidelined too early for the ABs and Crusaders.
I don't think he'll make it, but he wouldn't be a bad pick.
I respectfully disagree. His lack of athleticism is usually covered in Super, but he'd be horribly exposed in tests.
FascisticFantastic experienced leader, but he's not a credible option at the top level.I'm a fan, but the only scenario they turn to him for is deep injuries in the squad
Edit: correct fascistic to fantastic...
-
What are the chances of players like Telea or Lam ? I am convinced the latter is of international calibre.
@cgrant said in All Blacks 2022:
What are the chances of players like Telea or Lam ? I am convinced the latter is of international calibre.
Telea could be a safe option as a good, solid, reliable winger (think Bridge but without the fuck-ups). Lam would be a bolter.
-
@Chris-B said in All Blacks 2022:
@pakman One thing this season has shown is that Romano got sidelined too early for the ABs and Crusaders.
I don't think he'll make it, but he wouldn't be a bad pick.
I respectfully disagree. His lack of athleticism is usually covered in Super, but he'd be horribly exposed in tests.
FascisticFantastic experienced leader, but he's not a credible option at the top level.I'm a fan, but the only scenario they turn to him for is deep injuries in the squad
Edit: correct fascistic to fantastic...
@nzzp said in All Blacks 2022:
@Chris-B said in All Blacks 2022:
@pakman One thing this season has shown is that Romano got sidelined too early for the ABs and Crusaders.
I don't think he'll make it, but he wouldn't be a bad pick.
I respectfully disagree. His lack of athleticism is usually covered in Super, but he'd be horribly exposed in tests. Fascistic experienced leader, but he's not a credible option at the top level.
I'm a fan, but the only scenario they turn to him for is deep injuries in the squad
Just going off the eye test, he seems to have been pretty busy for a decent amount of minutes when he's played... what's lacking?
-
@pakman One thing this season has shown is that Romano got sidelined too early for the ABs and Crusaders.
I don't think he'll make it, but he wouldn't be a bad pick.
-
@nzzp said in All Blacks 2022:
@Chris-B said in All Blacks 2022:
@pakman One thing this season has shown is that Romano got sidelined too early for the ABs and Crusaders.
I don't think he'll make it, but he wouldn't be a bad pick.
I respectfully disagree. His lack of athleticism is usually covered in Super, but he'd be horribly exposed in tests. Fascistic experienced leader, but he's not a credible option at the top level.
I'm a fan, but the only scenario they turn to him for is deep injuries in the squad
Just going off the eye test, he seems to have been pretty busy for a decent amount of minutes when he's played... what's lacking?
@Bones said in All Blacks 2022:
@nzzp said in All Blacks 2022:
@Chris-B said in All Blacks 2022:
@pakman One thing this season has shown is that Romano got sidelined too early for the ABs and Crusaders.
I don't think he'll make it, but he wouldn't be a bad pick.
I respectfully disagree. His lack of athleticism is usually covered in Super, but he'd be horribly exposed in tests. Fascistic experienced leader, but he's not a credible option at the top level.
I'm a fan, but the only scenario they turn to him for is deep injuries in the squad
Just going off the eye test, he seems to have been pretty busy for a decent amount of minutes when he's played... what's lacking?
He just doesn't get aroudn the paddock, moves reasonably slowly. I think it's fine at Super, but can see his mobility issues being brutally exposed at the top level.
-
@Bones said in All Blacks 2022:
@nzzp said in All Blacks 2022:
@Chris-B said in All Blacks 2022:
@pakman One thing this season has shown is that Romano got sidelined too early for the ABs and Crusaders.
I don't think he'll make it, but he wouldn't be a bad pick.
I respectfully disagree. His lack of athleticism is usually covered in Super, but he'd be horribly exposed in tests. Fascistic experienced leader, but he's not a credible option at the top level.
I'm a fan, but the only scenario they turn to him for is deep injuries in the squad
Just going off the eye test, he seems to have been pretty busy for a decent amount of minutes when he's played... what's lacking?
He just doesn't get aroudn the paddock, moves reasonably slowly. I think it's fine at Super, but can see his mobility issues being brutally exposed at the top level.
@nzzp said in All Blacks 2022:
@Bones said in All Blacks 2022:
@nzzp said in All Blacks 2022:
@Chris-B said in All Blacks 2022:
@pakman One thing this season has shown is that Romano got sidelined too early for the ABs and Crusaders.
I don't think he'll make it, but he wouldn't be a bad pick.
I respectfully disagree. His lack of athleticism is usually covered in Super, but he'd be horribly exposed in tests. Fascistic experienced leader, but he's not a credible option at the top level.
I'm a fan, but the only scenario they turn to him for is deep injuries in the squad
Just going off the eye test, he seems to have been pretty busy for a decent amount of minutes when he's played... what's lacking?
He just doesn't get aroudn the paddock, moves reasonably slowly. I think it's fine at Super, but can see his mobility issues being brutally exposed at the top level.
Is Whitelock any more mobile?
-
@Bovidae said in All Blacks 2022:
Paul Cully with his possible AB squad (including 5 new caps):
Hookers: Codie Taylor (Crusaders), Samisoni Taukei’aho (Chiefs), Dane Coles (Hurricanes)
Props: Nepo Laulala (Blues), Ofa Tuungafasi (Blues), Angus Ta’avao (Chiefs), Ethan de Groot (Highlanders), George Bower (Crusaders), Aidan Ross (Chiefs)
Locks: Brodie Retallick (Chiefs), Sam Whitelock (Crusaders), Josh Lord (Chiefs), Tupou Vaa’i (Chiefs), Scott Barrett (Crusaders)
Loose forwards: Sam Cane (Chiefs, captain), Ardie Savea (Hurricanes), Dalton Papalii (Blues), Akira Ioane (Blues), Luke Jacobson (Chiefs), Hoskins Sotutu (Blues), Shannon Frizell (Highlanders)
Halfbacks: Aaron Smith (Highlanders), Brad Weber (Chiefs), Folau Fakatava (Highlanders)
No 10s: Beauden Barrett (Blues), Richie Mo’unga (Crusaders)
Midfielders: Rieko Ioane (Blues), Jack Goodhue (Crusaders), Quinn Tupaea (Chiefs), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Blues), Leicester Fainga’anuku (Crusaders)
Outside backs: Caleb Clarke (Blues), Sevu Reece (Crusaders), Jordie Barrett (Hurricanes), Will Jordan (Crusaders), Stephen Perofeta (Blues)
That won’t be far off at all.
@Crucial said in All Blacks 2022:
@Bovidae said in All Blacks 2022:
Paul Cully with his possible AB squad (including 5 new caps):
Hookers: Codie Taylor (Crusaders), Samisoni Taukei’aho (Chiefs), Dane Coles (Hurricanes)
Props: Nepo Laulala (Blues), Ofa Tuungafasi (Blues), Angus Ta’avao (Chiefs), Ethan de Groot (Highlanders), George Bower (Crusaders), Aidan Ross (Chiefs)
Locks: Brodie Retallick (Chiefs), Sam Whitelock (Crusaders), Josh Lord (Chiefs), Tupou Vaa’i (Chiefs), Scott Barrett (Crusaders)
Loose forwards: Sam Cane (Chiefs, captain), Ardie Savea (Hurricanes), Dalton Papalii (Blues), Akira Ioane (Blues), Luke Jacobson (Chiefs), Hoskins Sotutu (Blues), Shannon Frizell (Highlanders)
Halfbacks: Aaron Smith (Highlanders), Brad Weber (Chiefs), Folau Fakatava (Highlanders)
No 10s: Beauden Barrett (Blues), Richie Mo’unga (Crusaders)
Midfielders: Rieko Ioane (Blues), Jack Goodhue (Crusaders), Quinn Tupaea (Chiefs), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Blues), Leicester Fainga’anuku (Crusaders)
Outside backs: Caleb Clarke (Blues), Sevu Reece (Crusaders), Jordie Barrett (Hurricanes), Will Jordan (Crusaders), Stephen Perofeta (Blues)
That won’t be far off at all.
I hope Alex Hodgman makes the cut. I think they will go with David Havili ahead of Leicester F. Rest looks right.
-
@Crucial said in All Blacks 2022:
@Bovidae said in All Blacks 2022:
Paul Cully with his possible AB squad (including 5 new caps):
Hookers: Codie Taylor (Crusaders), Samisoni Taukei’aho (Chiefs), Dane Coles (Hurricanes)
Props: Nepo Laulala (Blues), Ofa Tuungafasi (Blues), Angus Ta’avao (Chiefs), Ethan de Groot (Highlanders), George Bower (Crusaders), Aidan Ross (Chiefs)
Locks: Brodie Retallick (Chiefs), Sam Whitelock (Crusaders), Josh Lord (Chiefs), Tupou Vaa’i (Chiefs), Scott Barrett (Crusaders)
Loose forwards: Sam Cane (Chiefs, captain), Ardie Savea (Hurricanes), Dalton Papalii (Blues), Akira Ioane (Blues), Luke Jacobson (Chiefs), Hoskins Sotutu (Blues), Shannon Frizell (Highlanders)
Halfbacks: Aaron Smith (Highlanders), Brad Weber (Chiefs), Folau Fakatava (Highlanders)
No 10s: Beauden Barrett (Blues), Richie Mo’unga (Crusaders)
Midfielders: Rieko Ioane (Blues), Jack Goodhue (Crusaders), Quinn Tupaea (Chiefs), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Blues), Leicester Fainga’anuku (Crusaders)
Outside backs: Caleb Clarke (Blues), Sevu Reece (Crusaders), Jordie Barrett (Hurricanes), Will Jordan (Crusaders), Stephen Perofeta (Blues)
That won’t be far off at all.
I hope Alex Hodgman makes the cut. I think they will go with David Havili ahead of Leicester F. Rest looks right.
@sparky said in All Blacks 2022:
@Crucial said in All Blacks 2022:
@Bovidae said in All Blacks 2022:
Paul Cully with his possible AB squad (including 5 new caps):
Hookers: Codie Taylor (Crusaders), Samisoni Taukei’aho (Chiefs), Dane Coles (Hurricanes)
Props: Nepo Laulala (Blues), Ofa Tuungafasi (Blues), Angus Ta’avao (Chiefs), Ethan de Groot (Highlanders), George Bower (Crusaders), Aidan Ross (Chiefs)
Locks: Brodie Retallick (Chiefs), Sam Whitelock (Crusaders), Josh Lord (Chiefs), Tupou Vaa’i (Chiefs), Scott Barrett (Crusaders)
Loose forwards: Sam Cane (Chiefs, captain), Ardie Savea (Hurricanes), Dalton Papalii (Blues), Akira Ioane (Blues), Luke Jacobson (Chiefs), Hoskins Sotutu (Blues), Shannon Frizell (Highlanders)
Halfbacks: Aaron Smith (Highlanders), Brad Weber (Chiefs), Folau Fakatava (Highlanders)
No 10s: Beauden Barrett (Blues), Richie Mo’unga (Crusaders)
Midfielders: Rieko Ioane (Blues), Jack Goodhue (Crusaders), Quinn Tupaea (Chiefs), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Blues), Leicester Fainga’anuku (Crusaders)
Outside backs: Caleb Clarke (Blues), Sevu Reece (Crusaders), Jordie Barrett (Hurricanes), Will Jordan (Crusaders), Stephen Perofeta (Blues)
That won’t be far off at all.
I hope Alex Hodgman makes the cut. I think they will go with David Havili ahead of Leicester F. Rest looks right.
I don't know if Lester confirmed any doubts in the semi but he was fairly anonymous. I don't see him as any more than midfield cover or an attacking wing. He seems to be a bit of a flat track bully. Shines when the opposition suits him but does little otherwise.
Good player but I dont see where he fits at the moment. -
@Bovidae said in All Blacks 2022:
Paul Cully with his possible AB squad (including 5 new caps):
Hookers: Codie Taylor (Crusaders), Samisoni Taukei’aho (Chiefs), Dane Coles (Hurricanes)
Props: Nepo Laulala (Blues), Ofa Tuungafasi (Blues), Angus Ta’avao (Chiefs), Ethan de Groot (Highlanders), George Bower (Crusaders), Aidan Ross (Chiefs)
Locks: Brodie Retallick (Chiefs), Sam Whitelock (Crusaders), Josh Lord (Chiefs), Tupou Vaa’i (Chiefs), Scott Barrett (Crusaders)
Loose forwards: Sam Cane (Chiefs, captain), Ardie Savea (Hurricanes), Dalton Papalii (Blues), Akira Ioane (Blues), Luke Jacobson (Chiefs), Hoskins Sotutu (Blues), Shannon Frizell (Highlanders)
Halfbacks: Aaron Smith (Highlanders), Brad Weber (Chiefs), Folau Fakatava (Highlanders)
No 10s: Beauden Barrett (Blues), Richie Mo’unga (Crusaders)
Midfielders: Rieko Ioane (Blues), Jack Goodhue (Crusaders), Quinn Tupaea (Chiefs), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Blues), Leicester Fainga’anuku (Crusaders)
Outside backs: Caleb Clarke (Blues), Sevu Reece (Crusaders), Jordie Barrett (Hurricanes), Will Jordan (Crusaders), Stephen Perofeta (Blues)
Pretty close I think.
I'd like to see MMT in the squad, rather than Frizzell - even if it's so they coaches can have a look at him. Not too sure about LF (who I think is a wing anyway). I have a sneaking suspicion they may go with someone like Mark Telea or Lam or they might go with Havili on experience in midfield.
All in all, I think that's a pretty good squad with a mix of experience and coming players.
@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2022:
Midfielders: Rieko Ioane (Blues), Jack Goodhue (Crusaders), Quinn Tupaea (Chiefs), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Blues), Leicester Fainga’anuku (Crusaders)
My issue with this group of midfielders is who the backup 13 is. The Blues use Ioanes pace in a lot of moves and I'm sure the AB's will as well.
Goodhue cannot slot in and play a similar role to Ioane
I'd like to see Sullivan in there as a centre/wing ahead of LF (who is a wing/centre)
-
@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2022:
Midfielders: Rieko Ioane (Blues), Jack Goodhue (Crusaders), Quinn Tupaea (Chiefs), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Blues), Leicester Fainga’anuku (Crusaders)
My issue with this group of midfielders is who the backup 13 is. The Blues use Ioanes pace in a lot of moves and I'm sure the AB's will as well.
Goodhue cannot slot in and play a similar role to Ioane
I'd like to see Sullivan in there as a centre/wing ahead of LF (who is a wing/centre)
@Duluth said in All Blacks 2022:
@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2022:
Midfielders: Rieko Ioane (Blues), Jack Goodhue (Crusaders), Quinn Tupaea (Chiefs), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Blues), Leicester Fainga’anuku (Crusaders)
My issue with this group of midfielders is who the backup 13 is. The Blues use Ioanes pace in a lot of moves and I'm sure the AB's will as well.
Goodhue cannot slot in and play a similar role to Ioane
I'd like to see Sullivan in there as a centre/wing ahead of LF (who is a wing/centre)
Could be. The cupboard is really bare, so they might just roll the dice and pick a newbie for 13.
-
@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2022:
@taniwharugby said in All Blacks 2022:
11pm UK time. At my age, I'm not that dedicated...
17 minutes...
-
@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2022:
Midfielders: Rieko Ioane (Blues), Jack Goodhue (Crusaders), Quinn Tupaea (Chiefs), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Blues), Leicester Fainga’anuku (Crusaders)
My issue with this group of midfielders is who the backup 13 is. The Blues use Ioanes pace in a lot of moves and I'm sure the AB's will as well.
Goodhue cannot slot in and play a similar role to Ioane
I'd like to see Sullivan in there as a centre/wing ahead of LF (who is a wing/centre)
@Duluth yeah I think Goodhue has shown he has lost another yard of pace so isnt really a viable option at 13 any longer against top flight opposition, so can only be considered a 12, and is he the best, or even 2nd best 12 in NZ?
But I am a big fan of Sullivan though, seems to ooze class.
-
It would be sensible to have some like-for-like replacements in key positions like centre. Losing Rieko would completely change the potency of the midfield and backline for the worse. Sullivan will get his chance for the Māori if he doesn't make the ABs. A strong performance in those games will help his cause.
So how many AB careers end today? Bridge would have to be the obvious candidate, but there are a few others that are 50/50 for selection, and others who could have the Māori lifeline (overlooked but not completely).
