TRC squad

Provincial Stalwart

Yes, it appears hypocritical when you look at it in such blunt terms.
 
But the panel has to be prgmatic. We are relatively weak on the wings in NMS' absence. We may see Ben Smith and Moala in the RC i.e. two guys "out of position". Savea has the runs on the board in comparison to Naholo and any of the other competing options the panel are mulling over. In comparison, at 6 we've got a buttload of quality options coming out our date, though none are exactly tried and tested.
 
Don't forget, they need someone to immediately start at 11 whereas in the 6 / 8 position, we've got the luxury of having a look at multiple quality options to back up and eventually succeed Kaino. There's a big difference between starting and easing a guy in off the bench.

MN5

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Provincial Stalwart" data-cid="602264" data-time="1470097093">
<div>
Yes, it appears hypocritical when you look at it in such blunt terms.
 
But the panel has to be prgmatic. We are relatively weak on the wings in NMS' absence. We may see Ben Smith and Moala in the RC i.e. two guys "out of position". Savea has the runs on the board in comparison to Naholo and any of the other competing options the panel are mulling over. In comparison, at 6 we've got a buttload of quality options coming out our date, though none are exactly tried and tested.
 
Don't forget, they need someone to immediately start at 11 whereas in the 6 / 8 position, we've got the luxury of having a look at multiple quality options to back up and eventually succeed Kaino. There's a big difference between starting and easing a guy in off the bench.
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</blockquote>
 
Dunno about that, these days ABs are expected to come off the bench and "make shit happen"

ShaquilleOatmeal

For those who asked, Luatua's stats added.
 
Shields / Dixon / Luatua
Games
15 / 15 / 15
Minutes
1064 / 1112 / 1126
Tries
2 / 4 / 1
Carries
112 / 69 / 133
Metres
219 / 299 / 438
Clean Breaks
5 / 12 / 6
Defenders Beaten
5 / 12 / 23
Offloads
4 / 11 / 18
Passes
29 / 59 / 92
Lineout Catches
15 / 63 / 29
Lineout Steals
0 / 11 / 3
Tackles
141 / 103 / 110
Missed Tackles
25 / 16 / 15
Tackles Success
84.8 / 86.6 / 88
Turnovers Conceded
16 / 11 / 19
 
Seems Luatua does more running. Dixon superior in the lineout. Depends on gameplans and how players are used, obviously. Interesting to look at nonetheless.

Duluth

Luatua had a slow start to the season as he adjusted to no 8
 
I suspect his stats in the 2nd half of season are far better than his stats at the beginning.

Hooroo

Looking at those stats you have to ask how Sheilds got the nod?

KiwiMurph

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Hooroo" data-cid="602320" data-time="1470106222">
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Looking at those stats you have to ask how Sheilds got the nod?
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Which nod?

RoninWC

My $0.02 worth.
 
Disappointed over the following:
 
Luatua's exclusion
Fekitoa's inclusion
 
I thought that Luatua had played his way into the squad and should be there and has earned the call up after his downfall of a couple of seasons ago.
I thought that Fekitoa had played his way out of the squad.
 
His form IMO has gone backwards since his breakout year last year. I just don't feel confident when he get's the ball in hand as he has this "headless chook" look about him.
Sure, it's likely that defences have caught up with him this year and he's being marked much closer and the opposition don't give him the room he needs on the outside.
The other drawback with him is that his ball playing/distribution is really pretty poor. That stupid backhanded pass in the semi-final was just stupid when a better little pop pass would have had a much better result.
 
He looks like he can't really pass well to both sides which is an absolute must for a 13.

Hooroo

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="KiwiMurph" data-cid="602321" data-time="1470106333">
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Which nod?
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</blockquote>
Nice! I had a Sheilds/Squire moment!
 
Nothing to see here!

Frank

I am hoping they pick Moala and Crotty for the first Bledisloe. You'd think, since this is his 3rd season in the AN camp, Fekitoa would have ironed out his deficiencies.
 
Barrett will be the only AB playing right through the Super season 'til the end (Coles had a rest last week). Hopefully straight into the starting 10 position.

Gunner

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Frank" data-cid="602329" data-time="1470108891">
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I am hoping they pick Moala and Crotty for the first Bledisloe. You'd think, since this is his 3rd season in the AN camp, Fekitoa would have ironed out his deficiencies.
 
Barrett will be the only AB playing right through the Super season 'til the end (Coles had a rest last week). Hopefully straight into the starting 10 position.
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</blockquote>
Not according to the article in the Herald today...

MN5

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Hooroo" data-cid="602327" data-time="1470108272">
<div>
Nice! I had a Sheilds/Squire moment!
 
Nothing to see here!
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</blockquote>
If someone could write a nice detailed analysis of the relative strengths and weaknesses of Dixon/Squires/Luatua I'd be most appreciative. A virtual beer is an option, or a real one if they're in the Hurricanes cachement area.

Tim

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Hooroo" data-cid="602327" data-time="1470108272">Nice! I had a Sheilds/Squire moment! 
 
Nothing to see here!</blockquote>
 
Can you smell toast?

ACT Crusader

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="MN5" data-cid="602332" data-time="1470109543">If someone could write a nice detailed analysis of the relative strengths and weaknesses of Dixon/Squires/Luatua I'd be most appreciative. A virtual beer is an option, or a real one if they're in the Hurricanes cachement area.</blockquote>
 
Here's the Fern's "analysis" on these three: 
Dixon - not sure about him; love his workrate; lose the hair band thing; try scoring loosie; does dumb stuff; got shown up in finals footy; best 6 last two years 
Shields - error prone; dumb stuff; runs upright; better this year; stupid penalties; well involved; heaps of tackles 
Luatua - at the bakery; on fire in the second half of the year; goes missing; tall rangey forward the ABs need; covers lock; not a lock; can play 6/8; not really a 6; he's from Auckland....

MN5

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="ACT Crusader" data-cid="602340" data-time="1470110894">
<div>
Here's the Fern's "analysis" on these three: 
Dixon - not sure about him; love his workrate; lose the hair band thing; try scoring loosie; does dumb stuff; got shown up in finals footy; best 6 last two years 
Shields - error prone; dumb stuff; runs upright; better this year; stupid penalties; well involved; heaps of tackles 
Luatua - at the bakery; on fire in the second half of the year; goes missing; tall rangey forward the ABs need; covers lock; not a lock; can play 6/8; not really a 6; he's from Auckland....
</div>
</blockquote>
 
Very good. I said Squires not Shields though.....who are you....Hooroo ?

pakman

Great news: <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/sport/82725250/charlie-ngatai-included-in-taranakis-npc-squad'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/sport/82725250/charlie-ngatai-included-in-taranakis-npc-squad</a>

Chris B.

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="MN5" data-cid="602344" data-time="1470111446">
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Very good. I said Squires not Shields though.....who are you....Hooroo ?
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</blockquote>
 
Squire without an "S"...who are you...Hooroo? :)
 
He's from Ta$man, so almost certain to be a good guy - except he came from Manawatu originally.
 
Big, fast, physical - somewhat injury prone.

antipodean

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="ACT Crusader" data-cid="602340" data-time="1470110894">Here's the Fern's "analysis" on these three: Dixon - not sure about him; love his workrate; lose the hair band thing; try scoring loosie; does dumb stuff; got shown up in finals footy; best 6 last two years Shields - error prone; dumb stuff; runs upright; better this year; stupid penalties; well involved; heaps of tackles Luatua - at the bakery; on fire in the second half of the year; goes missing; tall rangey forward the ABs need; covers lock; not a lock; can play 6/8; not really a 6; he's from Auckland....</blockquote> Better analysis than you'll get anywhere else.

Provincial Stalwart

Insightful analysis you say?
 
Most boganic: 1. Squire 2. Dixon 3. Luatua.
 
Best full name: 1. Dolph Steven Luatua. Either his family mingled with the Germans a few generations ago, or they love them some Dolph Lundgren. 
 
If Game of Thrones is to believed, a squire is a loyal servant to a knight. And that squire Podrick Payne is / was hung like a horse.

No Quarter

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Provincial Stalwart" data-cid="602453" data-time="1470124872">
<div>
Insightful analysis you say?
 
Most boganic: 1. Squire 2. Dixon 3. Luatua.
 
Best full name: 1. Dolph Steven Luatua. Either his family mingled with the Germans a few generations ago, or they love them some Dolph Lundgren. 
 
If Game of Thrones is to believed, a squire is a loyal servant to a knight. And that squire Podrick Payne is / was hung like a horse. 
</div>
</blockquote>
Is Podrick hung like a horse? They never explained how he managed to satisfy 5 whores to the point where they wouldn't accept payment. Must be more to it then just that..

MN5

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="No Quarter" data-cid="602471" data-time="1470126372">
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Is Podrick hung like a horse? They never explained how he managed to satisfy 5 whores to the point where they wouldn't accept payment. Must be more to it then just that...
</div>
</blockquote>
 
Naaaa, Bronn and Tyrian were pretty concerned he was but turns out he was just very good in the sack.
 
Fuck Squire and Dixon, I want Luatua in the team based on his name alone !
 
<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.google.co.nz/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwi2g5PPqaLOAhWCjpQKHcs-DtwQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcoolmenshair.com%2F2012%2F03%2Fdolph-lundgren-hairstyles.html&psig=AFQjCNHw2_l9IBbsSW6I-rZ9bI8MD9MGPA&ust=1470213302465132'><img height="393" src="http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee136/suwarnaadi/hair/Dolph-Lundgren-militaryflattop.jpg" width="414" alt="Dolph-Lundgren-militaryflattop.jpg"></a>

The Silver Fern

TRC squad