2019 Rugby Championship

[cgrant]

Brad Weber in !
However the biggest surprise is Squire's omission. He was in devastating form against the Tahs and I thought before today that he was an automatic choice.
Aumua's selection is the second big surprise IMO. I did not see it coming.
I am happy for Josh Ioane, Luke Jacobson, B. Ennor and Sevu Reece who have been very good this year. I rate Jacobson higher than Frizell or Fifita. I just hope his concussion problems are now behind.

[Canes4life]

@KiwiMurph if he comes, hopefully he brings his bro aswell.

[KiwiMurph]

@Canes4life Don't get greedy.

[Canes4life]

@cgrant With Aumua the All Blacks probably see an opportunity to unleash a beast, whereas Harris has probably reached his ceiling in terms of potential.

[KiwiMurph]

Jacobson probably played the best game at 6 of any Kiwi in Super Rugby this year (Chiefs v Highlanders in Dunedin).

[Stargazer]

I know not many will agree with me, but I'm disappointed - but not surprised - that David Havili isn't in the squad. He played better than Jordie Barrett all season.

[akan004]

Pretty happy with that squad. Glad to see a few uncapped players being named, and am excited about Ennor's selection in particular. Every WC squad needs a bolter, hopefully one of the young guys from this squad can make it. Harris needs to work on his throwing and so does Aumua, but Aumua offers a bit more around the park so can understand him getting the nod.

[Bovidae]

Rapt for Luke Jacobson. Talked him up when he was the U20 captain.

The moral of the story is be an injury replacement. Tuinukuafe and Ta'avao last year, and Reece this year.

[pakman]

Hemopo listed as 'utlity forward', Ensor and Jordie as 'utility backs'.

[taniwharugby]

@KiwiMurph was another he was outstanding in too, was it v the Jags?

I like the way he plays though

[akan004]

@cgrant Squire made himself unavailable for selection.

[Bovidae]

@KiwiMurph said in 2019 Rugby Championship:

Jacobson probably played the best game at 6 of any Kiwi in Super Rugby this year (Chiefs v Highlanders in Dunedin).

There was also a Chiefs home game where he played in all 3 loose forwards positions during the match. Hansen noted his and Papali'i's versatility.

[cgrant]

I think the third best hooker this season was Makalio. He was very consistent and has incredible good hands. Maybe he is not of international standard in terms of mobility though. I am more impressed by Taukeiaho (spelling ?) than by Aumua. He is a bigger beast and has a better workrate. His LO throwing must be improved but Aumua's must too.

[cgrant]

No Lomax.

[Bovidae]

I think Coltman deserves to be the 3rd hooker so Aumua is just a squadie.

Hansen seemed to imply that Harris might be a Maori now.

[Stargazer]

@cgrant No doubt, he'll be named in the Māori All Blacks squad tomorrow, along with Akira Ioane, Jackson Hemopo, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi and Tom Franklin.

[Mokey]

Pretty happy with that squad. Nice mix of experience and up and comers and current form. Really happy for Brad Weber. Not so thrilled with SBW being there, maybe he'll demonstrate something against Tonga. But he seems to have stretched name on past glories to absolute breaking point.

[MN5]

@Canes4life said in 2019 Rugby Championship:

@pakman Akira needs to leave the Blues if he wants to be an All Black. Come and get some work ethic off Ardie Savea.

Pfffft. Has hardly worked on Vaea Fifita has it ?

[pakman]

@Stargazer said in 2019 Rugby Championship:

@cgrant No doubt, he'll be named in the Māori All Blacks squad tomorrow, along with Akira Ioane, Jackson Hemopo, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi and Tom Franklin.

Hemopo is utility is ABs.

[KiwiMurph]

@MN5 he's in the ABs though. As is Jordie. And Aumua. Going to the Canes is definitely the answer!