Hurricanes 2023
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So after the dust has settled and we now know the squad for 2023 I feel like we can name two very solid 15s based off squad depth. There is going to be plenty of competition to get into that match day 23 towards the business end of the season which is always healthy. Some very good players are going to miss out but I’m sure injuries will strike.
1st 15:
- Mafileo
- Aumua
- Lomax
- Sangster
- Walker-Leawere
- Delany
- Savea
- Lakai
- Perenara
- Morgan
- Rayasi
- Higgins
- Proctor
- Moorby
- Barrett
2nd XV:
- Numia/Rakete-Stones
- Coles
- Franks
- Blackwell
- Bird
- Howden
- Kirifi
- Flanders
- Roigard
- Cameron
- Naholo
- Umaga-Jensen
- Sullivan
- Savea
- Love
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@Dan54 said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2023:
@KiwiMurph said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Canes4life Good. Hope he stays there.
If J Barrett ends up locking down the 12 jersey for both club and country, someone like Higgins might have to shift out one to accommodate. I think Higgins would go alright at centre anyway.
By geez Canes have already got Sullivan and Proctor at 13, we pretty spoilt in midfield
I feel a bit sorry for Sullivan, he might have been better to stay at the Chiefs, and should definitely have gone to the Landers.
Having said that, if he can't shake loose Proctor, maybe he isn't next level good anyway.
@gt12 said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Dan54 said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2023:
@KiwiMurph said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Canes4life Good. Hope he stays there.
If J Barrett ends up locking down the 12 jersey for both club and country, someone like Higgins might have to shift out one to accommodate. I think Higgins would go alright at centre anyway.
By geez Canes have already got Sullivan and Proctor at 13, we pretty spoilt in midfield
I feel a bit sorry for Sullivan, he might have been better to stay at the Chiefs, and should definitely have gone to the Landers.
Having said that, if he can't shake loose Proctor, maybe he isn't next level good anyway.
Defence wins championships and Proctor has that over Sullivan which is why all these coaches keep picking him. Based on NPC form I would start Proctor over Sullivan.
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So after the dust has settled and we now know the squad for 2023 I feel like we can name two very solid 15s based off squad depth. There is going to be plenty of competition to get into that match day 23 towards the business end of the season which is always healthy. Some very good players are going to miss out but I’m sure injuries will strike.
1st 15:
- Mafileo
- Aumua
- Lomax
- Sangster
- Walker-Leawere
- Delany
- Savea
- Lakai
- Perenara
- Morgan
- Rayasi
- Higgins
- Proctor
- Moorby
- Barrett
2nd XV:
- Numia/Rakete-Stones
- Coles
- Franks
- Blackwell
- Bird
- Howden
- Kirifi
- Flanders
- Roigard
- Cameron
- Naholo
- Umaga-Jensen
- Sullivan
- Savea
- Love
@Canes4life Rakete-Stones was first choice LH, last year, until he got injured. He'll definitely be ahead of Numia.
I'm very afread that Blackwell will be in the 1st XV, but I agree with your picks at lock.
Lakai won't be, or shouldn't be, a first choice players from the start of the season. Young lads like him, especially forwards, should be eased in at a higher level. If they don't, they risk wrecking him and he may be destined for a career full of injuries. It would just be irresponsible.
I also don't think they're going to move Ardie to 7, unfortunately.
Sullivan at centre over Proctor any day of the week.
If Jordie starts at 12, Moorby starting at fullback.
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@Canes4life Rakete-Stones was first choice LH, last year, until he got injured. He'll definitely be ahead of Numia.
I'm very afread that Blackwell will be in the 1st XV, but I agree with your picks at lock.
Lakai won't be, or shouldn't be, a first choice players from the start of the season. Young lads like him, especially forwards, should be eased in at a higher level. If they don't, they risk wrecking him and he may be destined for a career full of injuries. It would just be irresponsible.
I also don't think they're going to move Ardie to 7, unfortunately.
Sullivan at centre over Proctor any day of the week.
If Jordie starts at 12, Moorby starting at fullback.
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@Stargazer I agree Blackwell will be a show in for the starting locks with Bird. Loosies will be Flanders,Kirifi and Savea with the likes of Delaney covering lock/Loosie
Can see Proctor in that 13 jersey as much as I don’t want it.
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@Stargazer said in Hurricanes 2023:
@mikey07 Proctor is a coach's pet.
Not the only coach who rates him highly. And he was much improved playing for Wellington. Still only 23 (14-05-99) so might be finally coming into top form
Even as Leo Crowley tried to avoid being doused by champagne from his elated Wellington players following their 26-18 win over Canterbury in the NPC final on Saturday night, he couldn't bury a nagging sense of disappointment.
How, asked coach Crowley, could centre Billy Proctor have been left out of the All Blacks XV squad to play two games in Ireland and England next month?
That only three Wellington players were included in the 28-strong squad has rankled Crowley ever since it was revealed on October 10.
"Billy Proctor hardly played a game for us last year (due to injury) - he's an outstanding player,'' Crowley said. "Why he's not in the All Blacks XV squad, I will never know.
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@Stargazer said in Hurricanes 2023:
@mikey07 Proctor is a coach's pet.
What's Devery like. If he's as good as O'Reilly I'll be happy
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@Canes4life Rakete-Stones was first choice LH, last year, until he got injured. He'll definitely be ahead of Numia.
I'm very afread that Blackwell will be in the 1st XV, but I agree with your picks at lock.
Lakai won't be, or shouldn't be, a first choice players from the start of the season. Young lads like him, especially forwards, should be eased in at a higher level. If they don't, they risk wrecking him and he may be destined for a career full of injuries. It would just be irresponsible.
I also don't think they're going to move Ardie to 7, unfortunately.
Sullivan at centre over Proctor any day of the week.
If Jordie starts at 12, Moorby starting at fullback.
@Stargazer sheesh I wouldn’t say PRS is a definite starter. From where I’ve been sitting over the last couple months Numia is ahead of Rakete-Stones on form. He’s come of age this year and deserves to start after being the best for the Lions. I’d also have Mafileo over PRS but it’s fairly even between the three.
Lakai is already arguably one of our best. If he’s good enough already why not start him? Also, who doesn’t want to see an Ardie/Lakai combo.
You could almost argue every position though which shows a great amount of depth.
Yes Proctor probably shouldn’t have been picked in years gone by but he was exceptional for the Lions on defence this year. Another player coming of age for me and he actually deserves to start on form.
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@Canes4life Rakete-Stones was first choice LH, last year, until he got injured. He'll definitely be ahead of Numia.
I'm very afread that Blackwell will be in the 1st XV, but I agree with your picks at lock.
Lakai won't be, or shouldn't be, a first choice players from the start of the season. Young lads like him, especially forwards, should be eased in at a higher level. If they don't, they risk wrecking him and he may be destined for a career full of injuries. It would just be irresponsible.
I also don't think they're going to move Ardie to 7, unfortunately.
Sullivan at centre over Proctor any day of the week.
If Jordie starts at 12, Moorby starting at fullback.
@Stargazer said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Canes4life Rakete-Stones was first choice LH, last year, until he got injured. He'll definitely be ahead of Numia.
Numia was the 1st choice. But his form wasn't good (Unlike this NPC). So R-S became first choice. But we have luckily 3 good options here (inc Mafileo) and we will likely need all 3
6 is the interesting 1. Tyler esp if he's fully fit. But also Howden, Tyler L, Flander (who needs to step up next year), Delany and most likely Prinsep will battle it out. Alos the back-up to Ardie. Lakai must be in the running even though I would normally agree with your comment on this. But mayve start of the bench to begin to cover esp 8 and 7
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@Stargazer said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Canes4life Rakete-Stones was first choice LH, last year, until he got injured. He'll definitely be ahead of Numia.
Numia was the 1st choice. But his form wasn't good (Unlike this NPC). So R-S became first choice. But we have luckily 3 good options here (inc Mafileo) and we will likely need all 3
6 is the interesting 1. Tyler esp if he's fully fit. But also Howden, Tyler L, Flander (who needs to step up next year), Delany and most likely Prinsep will battle it out. Alos the back-up to Ardie. Lakai must be in the running even though I would normally agree with your comment on this. But mayve start of the bench to begin to cover esp 8 and 7
@Winger said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Stargazer said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Canes4life Rakete-Stones was first choice LH, last year, until he got injured. He'll definitely be ahead of Numia.
Numia was the 1st choice. But his form wasn't good (Unlike this NPC). So R-S became first choice. But we have luckily 3 good options here (inc Mafileo) and we will likely need all 3
6 is the interesting 1. Tyler esp if he's fully fit. But also Howden, Tyler L, Flander (who needs to step up next year), Delany and most likely Prinsep will battle it out. Alos the back-up to Ardie. Lakai must be in the running even though I would normally agree with your comment on this. But mayve start of the bench to begin to cover esp 8 and 7
If Savea starts at 8 I think the 6 jersey is a three horse race between Delany, Flanders and Howden. I’d go Delany because he’s massively stepped up in some big games this year and is massive for our lineout.
Again, if Savea starts at 8 I’d have Flanders and Lakai off the bench with Delany covering lock from 6.
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@Winger said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Stargazer said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Canes4life Rakete-Stones was first choice LH, last year, until he got injured. He'll definitely be ahead of Numia.
Numia was the 1st choice. But his form wasn't good (Unlike this NPC). So R-S became first choice. But we have luckily 3 good options here (inc Mafileo) and we will likely need all 3
6 is the interesting 1. Tyler esp if he's fully fit. But also Howden, Tyler L, Flander (who needs to step up next year), Delany and most likely Prinsep will battle it out. Alos the back-up to Ardie. Lakai must be in the running even though I would normally agree with your comment on this. But mayve start of the bench to begin to cover esp 8 and 7
If Savea starts at 8 I think the 6 jersey is a three horse race between Delany, Flanders and Howden. I’d go Delany because he’s massively stepped up in some big games this year and is massive for our lineout.
Again, if Savea starts at 8 I’d have Flanders and Lakai off the bench with Delany covering lock from 6.
@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Winger said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Stargazer said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Canes4life Rakete-Stones was first choice LH, last year, until he got injured. He'll definitely be ahead of Numia.
Numia was the 1st choice. But his form wasn't good (Unlike this NPC). So R-S became first choice. But we have luckily 3 good options here (inc Mafileo) and we will likely need all 3
6 is the interesting 1. Tyler esp if he's fully fit. But also Howden, Tyler L, Flander (who needs to step up next year), Delany and most likely Prinsep will battle it out. Alos the back-up to Ardie. Lakai must be in the running even though I would normally agree with your comment on this. But mayve start of the bench to begin to cover esp 8 and 7
If Savea starts at 8 I think the 6 jersey is a three horse race between Delany, Flanders and Howden. I’d go Delany because he’s massively stepped up in some big games this year and is massive for our lineout.
Again, if Savea starts at 8 I’d have Flanders and Lakai off the bench with Delany covering lock from 6.
What about TL? I haven't seen much of him but was super impressed the little I saw
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@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Winger said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Stargazer said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Canes4life Rakete-Stones was first choice LH, last year, until he got injured. He'll definitely be ahead of Numia.
Numia was the 1st choice. But his form wasn't good (Unlike this NPC). So R-S became first choice. But we have luckily 3 good options here (inc Mafileo) and we will likely need all 3
6 is the interesting 1. Tyler esp if he's fully fit. But also Howden, Tyler L, Flander (who needs to step up next year), Delany and most likely Prinsep will battle it out. Alos the back-up to Ardie. Lakai must be in the running even though I would normally agree with your comment on this. But mayve start of the bench to begin to cover esp 8 and 7
If Savea starts at 8 I think the 6 jersey is a three horse race between Delany, Flanders and Howden. I’d go Delany because he’s massively stepped up in some big games this year and is massive for our lineout.
Again, if Savea starts at 8 I’d have Flanders and Lakai off the bench with Delany covering lock from 6.
What about TL? I haven't seen much of him but was super impressed the little I saw
@Winger said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Winger said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Stargazer said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Canes4life Rakete-Stones was first choice LH, last year, until he got injured. He'll definitely be ahead of Numia.
Numia was the 1st choice. But his form wasn't good (Unlike this NPC). So R-S became first choice. But we have luckily 3 good options here (inc Mafileo) and we will likely need all 3
6 is the interesting 1. Tyler esp if he's fully fit. But also Howden, Tyler L, Flander (who needs to step up next year), Delany and most likely Prinsep will battle it out. Alos the back-up to Ardie. Lakai must be in the running even though I would normally agree with your comment on this. But mayve start of the bench to begin to cover esp 8 and 7
If Savea starts at 8 I think the 6 jersey is a three horse race between Delany, Flanders and Howden. I’d go Delany because he’s massively stepped up in some big games this year and is massive for our lineout.
Again, if Savea starts at 8 I’d have Flanders and Lakai off the bench with Delany covering lock from 6.
What about TL? I haven't seen much of him but was super impressed the little I saw
He’s not a 6, he’s an 8 who can probably cover 6 if needed. He’s not as big as the other three.
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@Winger said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Winger said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Stargazer said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Canes4life Rakete-Stones was first choice LH, last year, until he got injured. He'll definitely be ahead of Numia.
Numia was the 1st choice. But his form wasn't good (Unlike this NPC). So R-S became first choice. But we have luckily 3 good options here (inc Mafileo) and we will likely need all 3
6 is the interesting 1. Tyler esp if he's fully fit. But also Howden, Tyler L, Flander (who needs to step up next year), Delany and most likely Prinsep will battle it out. Alos the back-up to Ardie. Lakai must be in the running even though I would normally agree with your comment on this. But mayve start of the bench to begin to cover esp 8 and 7
If Savea starts at 8 I think the 6 jersey is a three horse race between Delany, Flanders and Howden. I’d go Delany because he’s massively stepped up in some big games this year and is massive for our lineout.
Again, if Savea starts at 8 I’d have Flanders and Lakai off the bench with Delany covering lock from 6.
What about TL? I haven't seen much of him but was super impressed the little I saw
He’s not a 6, he’s an 8 who can probably cover 6 if needed. He’s not as big as the other three.
@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Winger said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Winger said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Stargazer said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Canes4life Rakete-Stones was first choice LH, last year, until he got injured. He'll definitely be ahead of Numia.
Numia was the 1st choice. But his form wasn't good (Unlike this NPC). So R-S became first choice. But we have luckily 3 good options here (inc Mafileo) and we will likely need all 3
6 is the interesting 1. Tyler esp if he's fully fit. But also Howden, Tyler L, Flander (who needs to step up next year), Delany and most likely Prinsep will battle it out. Alos the back-up to Ardie. Lakai must be in the running even though I would normally agree with your comment on this. But mayve start of the bench to begin to cover esp 8 and 7
If Savea starts at 8 I think the 6 jersey is a three horse race between Delany, Flanders and Howden. I’d go Delany because he’s massively stepped up in some big games this year and is massive for our lineout.
Again, if Savea starts at 8 I’d have Flanders and Lakai off the bench with Delany covering lock from 6.
What about TL? I haven't seen much of him but was super impressed the little I saw
He’s not a 6, he’s an 8 who can probably cover 6 if needed. He’s not as big as the other three.
He 1.94 and 104kg last year. And young too so should bulk up. like Delany well (1.94 and 95kg) as per the Canes website. If Delany does bulk up without losing anything he will be for sure a possible starter
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@Stargazer sheesh I wouldn’t say PRS is a definite starter. From where I’ve been sitting over the last couple months Numia is ahead of Rakete-Stones on form. He’s come of age this year and deserves to start after being the best for the Lions. I’d also have Mafileo over PRS but it’s fairly even between the three.
Lakai is already arguably one of our best. If he’s good enough already why not start him? Also, who doesn’t want to see an Ardie/Lakai combo.
You could almost argue every position though which shows a great amount of depth.
Yes Proctor probably shouldn’t have been picked in years gone by but he was exceptional for the Lions on defence this year. Another player coming of age for me and he actually deserves to start on form.
@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Stargazer sheesh I wouldn’t say PRS is a definite starter. From where I’ve been sitting over the last couple months Numia is ahead of Rakete-Stones on form. He’s come of age this year and deserves to start after being the best for the Lions. I’d also have Mafileo over PRS but it’s fairly even between the three.
I disagree. R-S has been in excellent form all year and deservedly was both our (Hawke's Bay's) player and forward of the year. The Magpies' scrum has been so good, this season, in large part because of him. During SRP, he was picked ahead of Numia for a good reason. Based on NPC form, that shouldn't change. They'll probably be rotated, but if you play against a strong scrummaging team, you pick R-S or Mafileo, not Numia.
Lakai is already arguably one of our best. If he’s good enough already why not start him? Also, who doesn’t want to see an Ardie/Lakai combo.
My point about Lakai has nothing to do with form or skills, and everything with his physiological development. At his age, his body isn't ready for top level rugby week in, week out. Throwing him into a 1st XV Super squad too soon, is just really bad for his body.
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@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Stargazer sheesh I wouldn’t say PRS is a definite starter. From where I’ve been sitting over the last couple months Numia is ahead of Rakete-Stones on form. He’s come of age this year and deserves to start after being the best for the Lions. I’d also have Mafileo over PRS but it’s fairly even between the three.
I disagree. R-S has been in excellent form all year and deservedly was both our (Hawke's Bay's) player and forward of the year. The Magpies' scrum has been so good, this season, in large part because of him. During SRP, he was picked ahead of Numia for a good reason. Based on NPC form, that shouldn't change. They'll probably be rotated, but if you play against a strong scrummaging team, you pick R-S or Mafileo, not Numia.
Lakai is already arguably one of our best. If he’s good enough already why not start him? Also, who doesn’t want to see an Ardie/Lakai combo.
My point about Lakai has nothing to do with form or skills, and everything with his physiological development. At his age, his body isn't ready for top level rugby week in, week out. Throwing him into a 1st XV Super squad too soon, is just really bad for his body.
@Stargazer said in Hurricanes 2023:
My point about Lakai has nothing to do with form or skills, and everything with his physiological development. At his age, his body isn't ready for top level rugby week in, week out. Throwing him into a 1st XV Super squad too soon, is just really bad for his body.
Esp in the front row. as Fairbrother found out.
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@Canes4life Rakete-Stones was first choice LH, last year, until he got injured. He'll definitely be ahead of Numia.
I'm very afread that Blackwell will be in the 1st XV, but I agree with your picks at lock.
Lakai won't be, or shouldn't be, a first choice players from the start of the season. Young lads like him, especially forwards, should be eased in at a higher level. If they don't, they risk wrecking him and he may be destined for a career full of injuries. It would just be irresponsible.
I also don't think they're going to move Ardie to 7, unfortunately.
Sullivan at centre over Proctor any day of the week.
If Jordie starts at 12, Moorby starting at fullback.
@Stargazer said in Hurricanes 2023:
If Jordie starts at 12, Moorby starting at fullback.
Love will push hard for that fullback spot given his form the last few months.
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@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Stargazer sheesh I wouldn’t say PRS is a definite starter. From where I’ve been sitting over the last couple months Numia is ahead of Rakete-Stones on form. He’s come of age this year and deserves to start after being the best for the Lions. I’d also have Mafileo over PRS but it’s fairly even between the three.
I disagree. R-S has been in excellent form all year and deservedly was both our (Hawke's Bay's) player and forward of the year. The Magpies' scrum has been so good, this season, in large part because of him. During SRP, he was picked ahead of Numia for a good reason. Based on NPC form, that shouldn't change. They'll probably be rotated, but if you play against a strong scrummaging team, you pick R-S or Mafileo, not Numia.
Lakai is already arguably one of our best. If he’s good enough already why not start him? Also, who doesn’t want to see an Ardie/Lakai combo.
My point about Lakai has nothing to do with form or skills, and everything with his physiological development. At his age, his body isn't ready for top level rugby week in, week out. Throwing him into a 1st XV Super squad too soon, is just really bad for his body.
@Stargazer said in Hurricanes 2023:
I disagree. R-S has been in excellent form all year and deservedly was both our (Hawke's Bay's) player and forward of the year. The Magpies' scrum has been so good, this season, in large part because of him
You could also say this about Numia though. And I though the two teams scrums were fairly even in the 2 games
But I just want a competitive Canes scrum (it was a joy to watch wellington match Canterbury and smash them in one scrum) and don't really care as long as they are good enough
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@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Winger said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Winger said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Stargazer said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Canes4life Rakete-Stones was first choice LH, last year, until he got injured. He'll definitely be ahead of Numia.
Numia was the 1st choice. But his form wasn't good (Unlike this NPC). So R-S became first choice. But we have luckily 3 good options here (inc Mafileo) and we will likely need all 3
6 is the interesting 1. Tyler esp if he's fully fit. But also Howden, Tyler L, Flander (who needs to step up next year), Delany and most likely Prinsep will battle it out. Alos the back-up to Ardie. Lakai must be in the running even though I would normally agree with your comment on this. But mayve start of the bench to begin to cover esp 8 and 7
If Savea starts at 8 I think the 6 jersey is a three horse race between Delany, Flanders and Howden. I’d go Delany because he’s massively stepped up in some big games this year and is massive for our lineout.
Again, if Savea starts at 8 I’d have Flanders and Lakai off the bench with Delany covering lock from 6.
What about TL? I haven't seen much of him but was super impressed the little I saw
He’s not a 6, he’s an 8 who can probably cover 6 if needed. He’s not as big as the other three.
He 1.94 and 104kg last year. And young too so should bulk up. like Delany well (1.94 and 95kg) as per the Canes website. If Delany does bulk up without losing anything he will be for sure a possible starter
@Winger said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Winger said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Winger said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Stargazer said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Canes4life Rakete-Stones was first choice LH, last year, until he got injured. He'll definitely be ahead of Numia.
Numia was the 1st choice. But his form wasn't good (Unlike this NPC). So R-S became first choice. But we have luckily 3 good options here (inc Mafileo) and we will likely need all 3
6 is the interesting 1. Tyler esp if he's fully fit. But also Howden, Tyler L, Flander (who needs to step up next year), Delany and most likely Prinsep will battle it out. Alos the back-up to Ardie. Lakai must be in the running even though I would normally agree with your comment on this. But mayve start of the bench to begin to cover esp 8 and 7
If Savea starts at 8 I think the 6 jersey is a three horse race between Delany, Flanders and Howden. I’d go Delany because he’s massively stepped up in some big games this year and is massive for our lineout.
Again, if Savea starts at 8 I’d have Flanders and Lakai off the bench with Delany covering lock from 6.
What about TL? I haven't seen much of him but was super impressed the little I saw
He’s not a 6, he’s an 8 who can probably cover 6 if needed. He’s not as big as the other three.
He 1.94 and 104kg last year. And young too so should bulk up. like Delany well (1.94 and 95kg) as per the Canes website. If Delany does bulk up without losing anything he will be for sure a possible starter
Lol he’s way bigger than 95kg. I was talking to Halford who is an assistant coach to the Lions but also doubles up as the Eastbourne Under 85kg assistant coach and he said Delany has bulked up around that 115kg mark which is more than big enough for a Super level 6.
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@Winger said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Winger said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Winger said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Stargazer said in Hurricanes 2023:
@Canes4life Rakete-Stones was first choice LH, last year, until he got injured. He'll definitely be ahead of Numia.
Numia was the 1st choice. But his form wasn't good (Unlike this NPC). So R-S became first choice. But we have luckily 3 good options here (inc Mafileo) and we will likely need all 3
6 is the interesting 1. Tyler esp if he's fully fit. But also Howden, Tyler L, Flander (who needs to step up next year), Delany and most likely Prinsep will battle it out. Alos the back-up to Ardie. Lakai must be in the running even though I would normally agree with your comment on this. But mayve start of the bench to begin to cover esp 8 and 7
If Savea starts at 8 I think the 6 jersey is a three horse race between Delany, Flanders and Howden. I’d go Delany because he’s massively stepped up in some big games this year and is massive for our lineout.
Again, if Savea starts at 8 I’d have Flanders and Lakai off the bench with Delany covering lock from 6.
What about TL? I haven't seen much of him but was super impressed the little I saw
He’s not a 6, he’s an 8 who can probably cover 6 if needed. He’s not as big as the other three.
He 1.94 and 104kg last year. And young too so should bulk up. like Delany well (1.94 and 95kg) as per the Canes website. If Delany does bulk up without losing anything he will be for sure a possible starter
Lol he’s way bigger than 95kg. I was talking to Halford who is an assistant coach to the Lions but also doubles up as the Eastbourne Under 85kg assistant coach and he said Delany has bulked up around that 115kg mark which is more than big enough for a Super level 6.
@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2023:
Delany has bulked up around that 115kg mark
He was bulked up a lot but 115k??? From 95kg at the start of SRP. But he certainly has bulked up though. I hope it is this much.
