All Blacks 2023
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I rewatched the 3 test series with Ireland and actually feel a wee bit more upbeat about NZ's prospects at the RWC.
We walloped them in the first game.
The second game was Ta'avao-gate and Aki-gate.
The third game was Porter-gate.
That's a 2/3 red card swing that on another day leads to a 2-1 or 3-0 series win.
Samisoni and Jordan were dicked around by Foster and underused in the series.
As it stands they are 2 of our most important players. Definite game breakers and points of difference.
We have a big lump in Jordie at 12 now too.I think Ireland showed their hand, and we haven't fully shown ours.
I don't rate Foster, and Ireland definitely have our number of late, but the pressure is all on them this time.
They will go into the World Cup as favourites.
Next time without a bent ref, NZ by 25+.
Sell the family silver and keep on fakkin punting.
@Steve said in All Blacks 2023:
Samisoni and Jordan were dicked around by Foster and underused in the series.
On Jordan, he had covid so had to pull out of the 1st test and was eased back via the bench in the 2nd test.
There were a lot of injuries/illness which influenced team selection.
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Planet Rugby's form XV -
https://www.planetrugby.com/news/rugby-world-cup-picking-a-form-all-blacks-xv-from-this-season -
Planet Rugby's form XV -
https://www.planetrugby.com/news/rugby-world-cup-picking-a-form-all-blacks-xv-from-this-season@Daffy-Jaffy said in All Blacks 2023:
Planet Rugby's form XV -
https://www.planetrugby.com/news/rugby-world-cup-picking-a-form-all-blacks-xv-from-this-seasonAgree with the majority of that 15.
Beaudy and Mo'unga are rightfully nowhere to be seen.
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The stand out WTF selection in that article is PGS at 6.
Just shows how that position is still a conundrum. We really seem to struggle to develop tier 1 level test 6s for the requirements of the current game.
Plenty of Super quality ones but they all seem to struggle at the top level. -
The stand out WTF selection in that article is PGS at 6.
Just shows how that position is still a conundrum. We really seem to struggle to develop tier 1 level test 6s for the requirements of the current game.
Plenty of Super quality ones but they all seem to struggle at the top level.Evan at super level there is no one that is standing up and say pick me.
For 6
Akira looks great in highlights.
PGS is great off the back of a scrum.
Flanders is really good on attack.
Renton never gives up.
Blackadder is the energizer bunny till he gets injured.
Jacobson who wont let anyone one down, but not going to make it into the highlights -
The stand out WTF selection in that article is PGS at 6.
Just shows how that position is still a conundrum. We really seem to struggle to develop tier 1 level test 6s for the requirements of the current game.
Plenty of Super quality ones but they all seem to struggle at the top level.@Crucial said in All Blacks 2023:
The stand out WTF selection in that article is PGS at 6.
Just shows how that position is still a conundrum. We really seem to struggle to develop tier 1 level test 6s for the requirements of the current game.
Plenty of Super quality ones but they all seem to struggle at the top level.i am starting to feel we're spoilt for choice when it comes to players on the cusp....and in the past there might have been one that was given a chance and stuck with and grew into the role...now after a couple of games there is a chorus of "what about that guy"
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The stand out WTF selection in that article is PGS at 6.
Just shows how that position is still a conundrum. We really seem to struggle to develop tier 1 level test 6s for the requirements of the current game.
Plenty of Super quality ones but they all seem to struggle at the top level.@Crucial said in All Blacks 2023:
The stand out WTF selection in that article is PGS at 6.
Just shows how that position is still a conundrum. We really seem to struggle to develop tier 1 level test 6s for the requirements of the current game.
Plenty of Super quality ones but they all seem to struggle at the top level.Blackadder shaped hole in there somewhere.
Mental that we went from Collins to Kaino to the square root of fuck all.
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@Crucial said in All Blacks 2023:
The stand out WTF selection in that article is PGS at 6.
Just shows how that position is still a conundrum. We really seem to struggle to develop tier 1 level test 6s for the requirements of the current game.
Plenty of Super quality ones but they all seem to struggle at the top level.i am starting to feel we're spoilt for choice when it comes to players on the cusp....and in the past there might have been one that was given a chance and stuck with and grew into the role...now after a couple of games there is a chorus of "what about that guy"
@Kiwiwomble said in All Blacks 2023:
@Crucial said in All Blacks 2023:
The stand out WTF selection in that article is PGS at 6.
Just shows how that position is still a conundrum. We really seem to struggle to develop tier 1 level test 6s for the requirements of the current game.
Plenty of Super quality ones but they all seem to struggle at the top level.i am starting to feel we're spoilt for choice when it comes to players on the cusp....and in the past there might have been one that was given a chance and stuck with and grew into the role...now after a couple of games there is a chorus of "what about that guy"
You can see it.....like you can see who Razor will pick. These lads will be in next years squad.
Has Fozzie got the testicular fortitude to pick them now.
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Evan at super level there is no one that is standing up and say pick me.
For 6
Akira looks great in highlights.
PGS is great off the back of a scrum.
Flanders is really good on attack.
Renton never gives up.
Blackadder is the energizer bunny till he gets injured.
Jacobson who wont let anyone one down, but not going to make it into the highlights@Darren said in All Blacks 2023:
Evan at super level there is no one that is standing up and say pick me.
For 6
Akira looks great in highlights.
PGS is great off the back of a scrum.
Flanders is really good on attack.
Renton never gives up.
Blackadder is the energizer bunny till he gets injured.Ethan for me.
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@Darren said in All Blacks 2023:
Evan at super level there is no one that is standing up and say pick me.
For 6
Akira looks great in highlights.
PGS is great off the back of a scrum.
Flanders is really good on attack.
Renton never gives up.
Blackadder is the energizer bunny till he gets injured.Ethan for me.
@Steve said in All Blacks 2023:
@Darren said in All Blacks 2023:
Evan at super level there is no one that is standing up and say pick me.
For 6
Akira looks great in highlights.
PGS is great off the back of a scrum.
Flanders is really good on attack.
Renton never gives up.
Blackadder is the energizer bunny till he gets injured.Ethan for me.
Ethan looks the closest to an 80 minutes player, Akira and PGS impact/off the bench players. Not sure about the other 2 at AB level. another suggestion is MMT, often plays at 8 but can play 6.
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@Crucial said in All Blacks 2023:
The stand out WTF selection in that article is PGS at 6.
Just shows how that position is still a conundrum. We really seem to struggle to develop tier 1 level test 6s for the requirements of the current game.
Plenty of Super quality ones but they all seem to struggle at the top level.i am starting to feel we're spoilt for choice when it comes to players on the cusp....and in the past there might have been one that was given a chance and stuck with and grew into the role...now after a couple of games there is a chorus of "what about that guy"
@Kiwiwomble said in All Blacks 2023:
@Crucial said in All Blacks 2023:
The stand out WTF selection in that article is PGS at 6.
Just shows how that position is still a conundrum. We really seem to struggle to develop tier 1 level test 6s for the requirements of the current game.
Plenty of Super quality ones but they all seem to struggle at the top level.i am starting to feel we're spoilt for choice when it comes to players on the cusp....and in the past there might have been one that was given a chance and stuck with and grew into the role...now after a couple of games there is a chorus of "what about that guy"
But one was picked and given a decent run. Twice it was attempted. Frizell and Akira.
Akira has had 15 starts (plus 6 bench games) and Frizell 18 starts (plus 7 bench).
Both showed enough form to be given a crack but neither kicked on.
Blackadder is full of endeavour and a skilled player but you do have to wonder if his style contributes to his injury issues. I noticed at the start of Super that he looks to have put some bulk on as well, which could be good but we have yet to see if it is. -
If what we want is a no frill hard shoulder then that guy could be Jacobsen. That was why he was meant to play in the last RWC and he is in great form at the moment.
Might not get on the highlights reels but is accurate, has high workrate and stops close runners in their tracks. Has the added bonus of versatility -
@Steve said in All Blacks 2023:
@Darren said in All Blacks 2023:
Evan at super level there is no one that is standing up and say pick me.
For 6
Akira looks great in highlights.
PGS is great off the back of a scrum.
Flanders is really good on attack.
Renton never gives up.
Blackadder is the energizer bunny till he gets injured.Ethan for me.
Ethan looks the closest to an 80 minutes player, Akira and PGS impact/off the bench players. Not sure about the other 2 at AB level. another suggestion is MMT, often plays at 8 but can play 6.
@nostrildamus said in All Blacks 2023:
@Steve said in All Blacks 2023:
@Darren said in All Blacks 2023:
Evan at super level there is no one that is standing up and say pick me.
For 6
Akira looks great in highlights.
PGS is great off the back of a scrum.
Flanders is really good on attack.
Renton never gives up.
Blackadder is the energizer bunny till he gets injured.Ethan for me.
Ethan looks the closest to an 80 minutes player, Akira and PGS impact/off the bench players. Not sure about the other 2 at AB level. another suggestion is MMT, often plays at 8 but can play 6.
Its Ethan. For the Mullet alone. He looks and plays like a mongrel.
I really hope he is fit. He will come of age at the RWC. Mark my words.
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@Kiwiwomble said in All Blacks 2023:
@Crucial said in All Blacks 2023:
The stand out WTF selection in that article is PGS at 6.
Just shows how that position is still a conundrum. We really seem to struggle to develop tier 1 level test 6s for the requirements of the current game.
Plenty of Super quality ones but they all seem to struggle at the top level.i am starting to feel we're spoilt for choice when it comes to players on the cusp....and in the past there might have been one that was given a chance and stuck with and grew into the role...now after a couple of games there is a chorus of "what about that guy"
But one was picked and given a decent run. Twice it was attempted. Frizell and Akira.
Akira has had 15 starts (plus 6 bench games) and Frizell 18 starts (plus 7 bench).
Both showed enough form to be given a crack but neither kicked on.
Blackadder is full of endeavour and a skilled player but you do have to wonder if his style contributes to his injury issues. I noticed at the start of Super that he looks to have put some bulk on as well, which could be good but we have yet to see if it is.@Crucial said in All Blacks 2023:
@Kiwiwomble said in All Blacks 2023:
@Crucial said in All Blacks 2023:
The stand out WTF selection in that article is PGS at 6.
Just shows how that position is still a conundrum. We really seem to struggle to develop tier 1 level test 6s for the requirements of the current game.
Plenty of Super quality ones but they all seem to struggle at the top level.i am starting to feel we're spoilt for choice when it comes to players on the cusp....and in the past there might have been one that was given a chance and stuck with and grew into the role...now after a couple of games there is a chorus of "what about that guy"
But one was picked and given a decent run. Twice it was attempted. Frizell and Akira.
Akira has had 15 starts (plus 6 bench games) and Frizell 18 starts (plus 7 bench).
Both showed enough form to be given a crack but neither kicked on.
Blackadder is full of endeavour and a skilled player but you do have to wonder if his style contributes to his injury issues. I noticed at the start of Super that he looks to have put some bulk on as well, which could be good but we have yet to see if it is.He has no regard for his body. Really awkward tackles, collisions. I loved him against SA a year or so back.
He looks more barrel chested this year indeed. Hopefully he reks some folk.
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If what we want is a no frill hard shoulder then that guy could be Jacobsen. That was why he was meant to play in the last RWC and he is in great form at the moment.
Might not get on the highlights reels but is accurate, has high workrate and stops close runners in their tracks. Has the added bonus of versatility@Crucial said in All Blacks 2023:
If what we want is a no frill hard shoulder then that guy could be Jacobsen. That was why he was meant to play in the last RWC and he is in great form at the moment.
Might not get on the highlights reels but is accurate, has high workrate and stops close runners in their tracks. Has the added bonus of versatilityThe answer is not Akira or Frizzell anyway.
We need 80 minutes of industry. I need to notice my 6,7,8 on the field.
Since 2019 (or even before) the 6 has been missing.
I notice Ethan when he plays. He is everywhere.
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@Crucial said in All Blacks 2023:
@Kiwiwomble said in All Blacks 2023:
@Crucial said in All Blacks 2023:
The stand out WTF selection in that article is PGS at 6.
Just shows how that position is still a conundrum. We really seem to struggle to develop tier 1 level test 6s for the requirements of the current game.
Plenty of Super quality ones but they all seem to struggle at the top level.i am starting to feel we're spoilt for choice when it comes to players on the cusp....and in the past there might have been one that was given a chance and stuck with and grew into the role...now after a couple of games there is a chorus of "what about that guy"
But one was picked and given a decent run. Twice it was attempted. Frizell and Akira.
Akira has had 15 starts (plus 6 bench games) and Frizell 18 starts (plus 7 bench).
Both showed enough form to be given a crack but neither kicked on.
Blackadder is full of endeavour and a skilled player but you do have to wonder if his style contributes to his injury issues. I noticed at the start of Super that he looks to have put some bulk on as well, which could be good but we have yet to see if it is.He has no regard for his body. Really awkward tackles, collisions. I loved him against SA a year or so back.
He looks more barrel chested this year indeed. Hopefully he reks some folk.
@Steve said in All Blacks 2023:
@Crucial said in All Blacks 2023:
@Kiwiwomble said in All Blacks 2023:
@Crucial said in All Blacks 2023:
The stand out WTF selection in that article is PGS at 6.
Just shows how that position is still a conundrum. We really seem to struggle to develop tier 1 level test 6s for the requirements of the current game.
Plenty of Super quality ones but they all seem to struggle at the top level.i am starting to feel we're spoilt for choice when it comes to players on the cusp....and in the past there might have been one that was given a chance and stuck with and grew into the role...now after a couple of games there is a chorus of "what about that guy"
But one was picked and given a decent run. Twice it was attempted. Frizell and Akira.
Akira has had 15 starts (plus 6 bench games) and Frizell 18 starts (plus 7 bench).
Both showed enough form to be given a crack but neither kicked on.
Blackadder is full of endeavour and a skilled player but you do have to wonder if his style contributes to his injury issues. I noticed at the start of Super that he looks to have put some bulk on as well, which could be good but we have yet to see if it is.He has no regard for his body. Really awkward tackles, collisions. I loved him against SA a year or so back.
He looks more barrel chested this year indeed. Hopefully he reks some folk.
So do you take the risk that you build a back row around him then cross your fingers that he doesn't injure himself?
I like his effort as well and he ticks boxes in speed, workrate, ball skills, lineout. My question mark is on stopping ability. Is his shoulder hard enough to stop Ireland and France setting up plays with a close run over the gainline? I haven't seen enough of him doing that.
Part of the reason we hark back to Jerry and Jerome days is that teams had to change their plans after a couple of big smashbacks down the one channel. Those guys would put some hurt on. -
@Crucial said in All Blacks 2023:
If what we want is a no frill hard shoulder then that guy could be Jacobsen. That was why he was meant to play in the last RWC and he is in great form at the moment.
Might not get on the highlights reels but is accurate, has high workrate and stops close runners in their tracks. Has the added bonus of versatilityThe answer is not Akira or Frizzell anyway.
We need 80 minutes of industry. I need to notice my 6,7,8 on the field.
Since 2019 (or even before) the 6 has been missing.
I notice Ethan when he plays. He is everywhere.
@Steve said in All Blacks 2023:
@Crucial said in All Blacks 2023:
If what we want is a no frill hard shoulder then that guy could be Jacobsen. That was why he was meant to play in the last RWC and he is in great form at the moment.
Might not get on the highlights reels but is accurate, has high workrate and stops close runners in their tracks. Has the added bonus of versatilityThe answer is not Akira or Frizzell anyway.
We need 80 minutes of industry. I need to notice my 6,7,8 on the field.
Since 2019 (or even before) the 6 has been missing.
I notice Ethan when he plays. He is everywhere.
Everywhere doesn't equal effective though. For Ethan that has been his problem in the past. Has looked like a fly in a jar, throwing himself around, but often grabbing tackles or non dominant ones because of angle. I'm pretty sure that his work-on would be more result for less energy expended (or better application) because the ability is there.
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@Steve said in All Blacks 2023:
@Crucial said in All Blacks 2023:
If what we want is a no frill hard shoulder then that guy could be Jacobsen. That was why he was meant to play in the last RWC and he is in great form at the moment.
Might not get on the highlights reels but is accurate, has high workrate and stops close runners in their tracks. Has the added bonus of versatilityThe answer is not Akira or Frizzell anyway.
We need 80 minutes of industry. I need to notice my 6,7,8 on the field.
Since 2019 (or even before) the 6 has been missing.
I notice Ethan when he plays. He is everywhere.
Everywhere doesn't equal effective though. For Ethan that has been his problem in the past. Has looked like a fly in a jar, throwing himself around, but often grabbing tackles or non dominant ones because of angle. I'm pretty sure that his work-on would be more result for less energy expended (or better application) because the ability is there.
@Crucial i think given where we are in the build up to the RWC....id rather have industry, someone stamping a presence on the game, you know what hes going to do, it may not be perfect but you can plan on it....than someone like frizell who might have a good 10 minutes in each half...or might not
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@Crucial i think given where we are in the build up to the RWC....id rather have industry, someone stamping a presence on the game, you know what hes going to do, it may not be perfect but you can plan on it....than someone like frizell who might have a good 10 minutes in each half...or might not
@Kiwiwomble said in All Blacks 2023:
@Crucial i think given where we are in the build up to the RWC....id rather have industry, someone stamping a presence on the game, you know what hes going to do, it may not be perfect but you can plan on it....than someone like frizell who might have a good 10 minutes in each half...or might not
I get that. SF and AI have been tested and failed. I get that some might want AI to get another opportunity but can we afford to waste the few tests left to give him one?
I would love to have his other attributes in the team but his close impact is too low for the big teams. Uses his upper body over his leg drive. Sure, give him half a metre of room and he can bust tackles, but those chances are few against accurate sides. Ideally we need someone with Sami T's ability to gain metres post contact on hit ups and stop the opposition doing so.
If Blackadder shows he can do that then he gets my vote otherwise he is as effective as Akira but in a different way.
