All Blacks v England
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For all the talk of removing Caleb, there doesn't appear to be a left wing that would walk in, unless people want to move RI again.
Options appear currently with who we think is fit and available;
RI moves from 13 to 11?, where he has looked good at 13 and most want to see more game time with JB at 12
Do they bring back Leicester at 11 ? unlikely
Does Reece play 11 and Telea 14? possible and Reece can play 11
Does Stevenson who has played (11,14,15) play 11? possible also but unlikelyI don't mind the last option as other players don't have to move to accommodate, but revolves around a different skill set. I suspect although Caleb has things he can work on, the things he does do well, fit for their power winger strategy and although we haven't seen a complete performance probably keep him in the team rather than trying anyone new.
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@bayimports i dont think im at the "drop him" phase yet, but i think we need to play to his strengths first...if he under delivers after that then questions can be asked but at the moment we seem to only be asking him for front foot crash ball and a safe pair of hands under the high ball
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@Frank said in All Blacks v England:
I'd like Shaun Stevenson to be given the start ahead of Caleb.
Just because I like shiny new things.He's not even in the squad though is he? He wasn't even originally in the AB XV either (for some weird reason known only to Foster and Ryan).
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@Nepia said in All Blacks v England:
@Frank said in All Blacks v England:
I'd like Shaun Stevenson to be given the start ahead of Caleb.
Just because I like shiny new things.He's not even in the squad though is he? He wasn't even originally in the AB XV either (for some weird reason known only to Foster and Ryan).
which is why I agree with @Bovidae that Reece appears to be the only option and unlikely any change..
how he was not in the original AB XV squad was baffling
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The thing that baffles me is that Reece has delivered on the vast majority of occasions in Black. Although Clark's performances aren't really as bad as this forum makes out to counter my own argument..., even so I would have thought Reece's inclusion in the team to play England would be less than controversial. His defense is good, he works like an extra loose forward, and his positional play is good.
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@Old-Samurai-Jack Yeah, the Reece one is strange. Does commit the occasional penalty when he comes in and gets involved in the breakdown / tries too hard.
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@Old-Samurai-Jack said in All Blacks v England:
The thing that baffles me is that Reece has delivered on the vast majority of occasions in Black. Although Clark's performances aren't really as bad as this forum makes out to counter my own argument..., even so I would have thought Reece's inclusion in the team to play England would be less than controversial. His defense is good, he works like an extra loose forward, and his positional play is good.
I think Reece has been more consistent. When he is shut out he is really shut out (doesn't have the knee high impact of Clarke) but that sounds to me like Clarke is better off the bench.
Edit: but he only covers wing I think (unless he does a son of Eroni transformation)- so ok bench may not be a good idea.
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@nostrildamus Reece was a centre when I first watched him..
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@nostrildamus said in All Blacks v England:
@Old-Samurai-Jack said in All Blacks v England:
The thing that baffles me is that Reece has delivered on the vast majority of occasions in Black. Although Clark's performances aren't really as bad as this forum makes out to counter my own argument..., even so I would have thought Reece's inclusion in the team to play England would be less than controversial. His defense is good, he works like an extra loose forward, and his positional play is good.
I think Reece has been more consistent. When he is shut out he is really shut out (doesn't have the knee high impact of Clarke) but that sounds to me like Clarke is better off the bench.
Edit: but he only covers wing I think (unless he does a son of Eroni transformation)- so ok bench may not be a good idea.
I like Reece off the bench, because his helter skelter style is something the English defence is vulnerable to late in the game.
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ENGLAND XV
15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 15 caps)
14. Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs, 43 caps)
13. Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks, 48 caps)
12. Owen Farrell (Saracens, 99 caps)
11. Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby, 70 caps)
10. Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 15 caps)
9. Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers, 5 caps)1.Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 41 caps)
2.Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs, 39 caps)
3.Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears, 54 caps)
4.Maro Itoje (Saracens, 60 caps)
5.Jonny Hill (Sale Sharks, 17 caps)
6.Sam Simmonds (Exeter Chiefs, 16 caps)
7.Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 43 caps)
8.Billy Vunipola (Saracens, 66 caps)FINISHERS
16.Jamie George (Saracens, 70 caps)
17.Mako Vunipola (Saracens, 72 caps)
18.Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 23 caps)
19.David Ribbans (Northampton Saints, 1 cap)
20.Jack Willis (unattached, 5 caps)
21.Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 119 caps)
22.Guy Porter (Leicester Tigers, 3 caps)
23.Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 50 caps) -
It’s an experienced side overall other than the very newish 9/10 combo. I do like both players and there is talent of a bit raw, but it should be an area of focus for the ABs defence.
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I'd prefer Reece swapped in for DH. Do we really need 2 MF subs? Perhaps if DH had been run at 15 last week we could see if he was any good there, but instead we'll run the risk of having him front against a vastly superior opponent in a place we don't generally win easily instead...
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@Kirwan said in All Blacks v England:
@Bones said in All Blacks v England:
@Kirwan said in All Blacks v England:
I'm happy to point out the positive
What's the positive?
With Clarke? His work under the high ball, breaks he's been making, work in close getting over the advantage line. Just off the top of my head.
Workons? Tackling/defence in general, link play, staying on his feet in general.
Sums things up for me. Has had a few poor-ish games but not for lack of effort.
Def. worth sticking with.
