TRC squad
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="JK" data-cid="601959" data-time="1470003485">
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<p>Additional players will also attend the camp: <strong>Damian McKenzie</strong>, <strong>Seta Tamanivalu</strong> and their fellow Chiefs back <strong>Anton Lienert-Brown</strong> as well as Blues loose forward <strong>Steven Luatua</strong>, Blues outside back <strong>Melani Nanai</strong> and Crusaders loose forward <strong>Matt Todd</strong>.</p>
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<p>That's about the only interesting thing about the squad naming.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Nepia" data-cid="601964" data-time="1470003631">
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<p>So only Taminivalu has got the axe? Dom Bird must have gone close (can't believe I'm saying that as he was so overrated and shit for so long).</p>
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<p>McKenzie as well but both him and Seta will be training anyway.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Hooroo" data-cid="601960" data-time="1470003501">
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<div><strong>First five-eighths</strong><br>
Beauden Barrett (Taranaki / Hurricanes, <strong>39</strong>)<br>
Aaron Cruden (Manawatu / Chiefs, 39)<br>
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<p>Surely not!</p> -
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="gt12" data-cid="599688" data-time="1469327828">
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<p>Looking back at my earlier picks, I don't think much has changed. A few people might get lucky due to injuries (Fekitoa) or lack of really good alternatives (J. Savea).</p>
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<p>I'm not convinced that Lowe is ready yet, although as mentioned above, he could go on to good things if he gets brought in to the environment and continues to develop his decision making. His left boot is very handy. </p>
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<p>I'm now assuming that SBW will be picked, so the only real question marks are 4th lock (which I still think will be Romano), the 5th and 6th loosies (Is there room for Luatua, and if so, who gets left out?) and midfield (Fuck it that Ngatai is injured, because if so I think Fekitoa stays home).</p>
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<p style="color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><strong>Hookers:</strong> Coles, Harris, Taylor (Elliot if Coles injured would be my choice)</p>
<p style="color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><strong>Props:</strong> Crockett, Moody, Franks, Faimuina, Ofa</p>
<p style="color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><strong>Locks:</strong> Retallick, Whitelock, Pat T, Romano (under pressure by Franklin and Bird, but I think he'll be picked)</p>
<p style="color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><strong>Loose forwards: </strong>Kaino, Cane, Read, A. Savea, Luatua, & Dixon or Squire (One of who is really unlucky, but I can't go past Luatua's form)</p>
<p style="color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </p>
<p style="color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><strong>Scrumhalves: </strong>A.<strong> </strong>Smith, Perenara, TKB</p>
<p style="color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><strong>Flyhalves:</strong> Cruden, Barrett, Sopoaga </p>
<p style="color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><strong>Centre:</strong> SBW, Crotty, Moala, Fekitoa (I'm picking Tamanivalu to miss out even though he's probably going better than Mala)</p>
<p style="color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><strong>Outside backs:</strong> Dagg, Naholo, F. Savea, B. Smith</p>
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<p>Well, that was a bit boring. I'm surprised about Luatua, but I guess the other two haven't really had much of a chance yet and, as Duluth said, the selectors don't change their minds quickly. Plus, once they've changed it, it appears to take time to get back in, probably by being on stand by as one of the 'extras' on the way back - so at least Luatua remains in the picture.</p>
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<p>From now on, we should pick squads plus 4-5 'extras', as they always seem to, and it's the only real surprise.</p>
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<p>It's a great idea to get a look at Nanai.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Nepia" data-cid="601964" data-time="1470003631">
<p>So only Taminivalu has got the axe? Dom Bird must have gone close (<strong>can't believe I'm saying that as he was so overrated and shit for so long</strong>).</p>
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<br><p> :mocking: The wide-eyed wonderment at a hated former Crusader turning out actually be a good player after all...</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Rembrandt" data-cid="601973" data-time="1470004177">
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<p>Bloody hell they have played the same number of tests!</p>
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<p>Cruden had a 2 year head start but has had lots of injuries and Barrett has often been on the bench. I think Barrett has only started 6 tests or something.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Canerbry" data-cid="601979" data-time="1470004526">
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<p> :mocking: The wide-eyed wonderment at a hated former Crusader turning out actually be a good player after all...</p>
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<p>I've seen windows less transparent than Nepia's rugby opinions.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Canerbry" data-cid="601979" data-time="1470004526">
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<p> :mocking: The wide-eyed wonderment at a hated former Crusader turning out actually be a good player after all...</p>
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<p>A good player who Toddy dropped for an entire season.</p>
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<p>Boring squad announcement, to be honest. Wanted to see Bird, Luatua and Lowe in there.</p> -
<p>Happy with that squad.</p>
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<p>Agreed the additional training cover spots are a nice way to recognise form (Luatua) and young players of real promise (ALB, Nanai).</p>
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<p>I think Nanai can give DMac a real contest as a fullback option. </p>
