World Cup Squad Positions
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Scott barrett is good for beating up Australian forwards, I'll give him that.
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A hell of a lot can change between now and the World Cup squad being finalised.
If you think back to 4 years ago
- Naholo was named in ABs for the first time, then broke his leg on debut, then somehow made it back to make the squad.
- Halfway through The Rugby Championship with 2 tests until the RWC - NMS still hadn't played a minute of test rugby.
- Sopoaga won a Super Rugby title and then played as well on test debut as you could possibly imagine + Carter's form up until the final test before RWC 2015 was average and Lima still didn't crack the RWC squad.
@KiwiMurph Yes, I think injuries will play a big role in the RWC squad selection. More so than form.
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@Stargazer said in World Cup Squad Positions:
@nzzp Akira may be in the 41-squad, but I can't see him take a spot in the RWC squad either. I think both Savea and Squire provide sufficient cover for no. 8.
i love how people are still cool taking Squire, who has form doing dumb thug shit and getting binned for it. In a big game on the weekend no less.
It's funny the length of rope some players get that aren't afforded to others.
@mariner4life said in World Cup Squad Positions:
@Stargazer said in World Cup Squad Positions:
@nzzp Akira may be in the 41-squad, but I can't see him take a spot in the RWC squad either. I think both Savea and Squire provide sufficient cover for no. 8.
i love how people are still cool taking Squire, who has form doing dumb thug shit and getting binned for it. In a big game on the weekend no less.
It's funny the length of rope some players get that aren't afforded to others.
I hear what you’re laying down but in saying that he’s certainly no Sonny Bill Williams
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I think Nepo Laulala is not an automatic choice. He was on the bench in the latter rounds as Angus Taavao was the starter on the tight head. Do not forget Tyrel Lomax either.
On the loose head, I expect a discussion between Tuinukuafe and Moli who came back strongly after his terrible injury. -
@mariner4life said in World Cup Squad Positions:
@nzzp i know i am in the minority, but i would take Pat T over SBarrett. One is a genuine impact player who adds something in the final 20 minutes, one is insurance.
I'm a little disappointed in you for that!
I think Scott Barrett is a whisker away from starting. He tackles like Brodie and gets around like both Brodie and Whitelock
Do you even watch rugby?
@Hooroo said in World Cup Squad Positions:
@mariner4life said in World Cup Squad Positions:
@nzzp i know i am in the minority, but i would take Pat T over SBarrett. One is a genuine impact player who adds something in the final 20 minutes, one is insurance.
I'm a little disappointed in you for that!
I think Scott Barrett is a whisker away from starting. He tackles like Brodie and gets around like both Brodie and Whitelock
Do you even watch rugby?
I rescind my agreement to co-coach the Waikato-Magpies Chiefs. -
I think Nepo Laulala is not an automatic choice. He was on the bench in the latter rounds as Angus Taavao was the starter on the tight head. Do not forget Tyrel Lomax either.
On the loose head, I expect a discussion between Tuinukuafe and Moli who came back strongly after his terrible injury.@cgrant said in World Cup Squad Positions:
On the loose head, I expect a discussion between Tuinukuafe and Moli who came back strongly after his terrible injury.
Yes, Moli must be a good chance to be selected ahead of Karl T, who wasn't sighted for the Blues over the latter part of the season. What is his injury? He looked unfit and there was criticism about his workrate, in particular getting off the ground after tackles/rucks.
I really hope Hemopo goes as a lock/6 ahead of the likes of Fifita. Huge engine on that guy.
Also, I am surprised the Crusaders haven't been playing Bridge on the right wing as he needs to show his versatility because he won't be starting ahead of Ioane on the left. Reece was always a left winger or centre and has adapted to a new position.
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@cgrant said in World Cup Squad Positions:
On the loose head, I expect a discussion between Tuinukuafe and Moli who came back strongly after his terrible injury.
Yes, Moli must be a good chance to be selected ahead of Karl T, who wasn't sighted for the Blues over the latter part of the season. What is his injury? He looked unfit and there was criticism about his workrate, in particular getting off the ground after tackles/rucks.
I really hope Hemopo goes as a lock/6 ahead of the likes of Fifita. Huge engine on that guy.
Also, I am surprised the Crusaders haven't been playing Bridge on the right wing as he needs to show his versatility because he won't be starting ahead of Ioane on the left. Reece was always a left winger or centre and has adapted to a new position.
@Bovidae said in World Cup Squad Positions:
Yes, Moli must be a good chance to be selected ahead of Karl T, who wasn't sighted for the Blues over the latter part of the season. What is his injury? He looked unfit and there was criticism about his workrate, in particular getting off the ground after tackles/rucks.
Some kind of virus apparently. Akira Ioane posted an instagram story early this week that had him, Karl T, Ofa T, and Dalton Papalii doing some kind of gut-busting fitness training.
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@Stargazer said in World Cup Squad Positions:
@nzzp Akira may be in the 41-squad, but I can't see him take a spot in the RWC squad either. I think both Savea and Squire provide sufficient cover for no. 8.
i love how people are still cool taking Squire, who has form doing dumb thug shit and getting binned for it. In a big game on the weekend no less.
It's funny the length of rope some players get that aren't afforded to others.
@mariner4life said in World Cup Squad Positions:
It's funny the length of rope some players get that aren't afforded to others.
I’ll say. There was seemingly infinite rope when it came to Jeff Wilson’s AB career. Should’ve been put on the scrap heap in 94 after the Gregan tackle.
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@mariner4life said in World Cup Squad Positions:
It's funny the length of rope some players get that aren't afforded to others.
I’ll say. There was seemingly infinite rope when it came to Jeff Wilson’s AB career. Should’ve been put on the scrap heap in 94 after the Gregan tackle.
@ACT-Crusader said in World Cup Squad Positions:
@mariner4life said in World Cup Squad Positions:
It's funny the length of rope some players get that aren't afforded to others.
I’ll say. There was seemingly infinite rope when it came to Jeff Wilson’s AB career. Should’ve been put on the scrap heap in 94 after the Gregan tackle.
Yeah he never was that good for the BC's after that.
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@mariner4life said in World Cup Squad Positions:
It's funny the length of rope some players get that aren't afforded to others.
but Squire is an enforcer, a hardman!
@taniwharugby said in World Cup Squad Positions:
@mariner4life said in World Cup Squad Positions:
It's funny the length of rope some players get that aren't afforded to others.
but Squire is an enforcer, a hardman!
Squire is a rabbit killer, looks good against weaker opposition, but offers little against better sides
Hemepo OTOH is a stud He should be in RWC ahead of both Squire & S Barrett who like Squire is a bit of a flat track bully but not to the same extent as Squire
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@taniwharugby said in World Cup Squad Positions:
@mariner4life said in World Cup Squad Positions:
It's funny the length of rope some players get that aren't afforded to others.
but Squire is an enforcer, a hardman!
Squire is a rabbit killer, looks good against weaker opposition, but offers little against better sides
Hemepo OTOH is a stud He should be in RWC ahead of both Squire & S Barrett who like Squire is a bit of a flat track bully but not to the same extent as Squire
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I think Nepo Laulala is not an automatic choice. He was on the bench in the latter rounds as Angus Taavao was the starter on the tight head. Do not forget Tyrel Lomax either.
On the loose head, I expect a discussion between Tuinukuafe and Moli who came back strongly after his terrible injury.@cgrant said in World Cup Squad Positions:
I think Nepo Laulala is not an automatic choice. He was on the bench in the latter rounds as Angus Taavao was the starter on the tight head. Do not forget Tyrel Lomax either.
On the loose head, I expect a discussion between Tuinukuafe and Moli who came back strongly after his terrible injury.Unless they are absolutely sure Owen is over his injuries Nepo will travel as the next best TH scrummager.
I rate Moli, but can't see Kart T missing out, so long as he gets over his rather prolonged illness.
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@Stargazer said in World Cup Squad Positions:
@ACT-Crusader said in World Cup Squad Positions:
From Cully’s squad the only questions I have are:
Harris vs Coltman
Patty T vs Fifita vs Hemopo
Weber vs TTT
Inclusion of Ioane
Bridge vs NaholoI would change that into:
Harris vs Coltman
Patty T vs Fifita vs A Ioane
Weber vs TTT
Bridge vs NaholoThe fourth lock depends on how Scott Barrett is seen, too. If they seem him as a 6/lock cover, then that'll open the door for Pat T. If he's lock only, Pat T doesn't go I don't think.
Not sure Akira will go though, could be a bit late to get into the systems as a loosie. Possibly an expensive few drink sin Dunedin (if the rumours are true)
@nzzp said in World Cup Squad Positions:
@Stargazer said in World Cup Squad Positions:
@ACT-Crusader said in World Cup Squad Positions:
From Cully’s squad the only questions I have are:
Harris vs Coltman
Patty T vs Fifita vs Hemopo
Weber vs TTT
Inclusion of Ioane
Bridge vs NaholoI would change that into:
Harris vs Coltman
Patty T vs Fifita vs A Ioane
Weber vs TTT
Bridge vs NaholoOn wings my hunch is Bridge/Havilli playing for one place and Reece/Naholo for another, as TWM like to have some variation up their sleeve.
For me 51/2 and back up 6 the big questions.
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@KiwiMurph thats a curve ball...naming a squad on a Tuesday!
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@KiwiMurph thats a curve ball...naming a squad on a Tuesday!
@taniwharugby said in World Cup Squad Positions:
@KiwiMurph thats a curve ball...naming a squad on a Tuesday!
Exactly. Forget about 41 and 35, why aren’t more people talking about the abandonment of a crafty and subtle Thursday naming.
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@taniwharugby said in World Cup Squad Positions:
@KiwiMurph thats a curve ball...naming a squad on a Tuesday!
Exactly. Forget about 41 and 35, why aren’t more people talking about the abandonment of a crafty and subtle Thursday naming.
@ACT-Crusader said in World Cup Squad Positions:
@taniwharugby said in World Cup Squad Positions:
@KiwiMurph thats a curve ball...naming a squad on a Tuesday!
Exactly. Forget about 41 and 35, why aren’t more people talking about the abandonment of a crafty and subtle Thursday naming.
I for one don't think they have gone far enough. If it was me in charge we would do it 10am Monday (so people can view while on smoko)
#bringforwardthenaming #nodelay #namenow #fucktuesday
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@taniwharugby said in World Cup Squad Positions:
@KiwiMurph thats a curve ball...naming a squad on a Tuesday!
Exactly. Forget about 41 and 35, why aren’t more people talking about the abandonment of a crafty and subtle Thursday naming.
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@ACT-Crusader I look forward to your 41 man Crusader dominated squad prediction
@KiwiMurph said in World Cup Squad Positions:
@ACT-Crusader I look forward to your 41 man Crusader dominated squad prediction
Goes without saying. Here’s an exclusive I couldn’t find any room for Akira Ioane, but he was in my top 50.
