All Blacks EOYT 2021
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@dagrubster said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
Reiko would be a waste at 12.
I believe he has had a much better year at 13 but was far better on the wing. great to see him back to his best this year.
I'm not saying I want this to happen, just that if you want a midfielder that gets you over the advantage line Rieko would be the player who could do that out of all the other experienced options.
As to Laumape, he was never as effective at test level than in SR, although only started in 7 tests of the 15 he played.
@bovidae said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
@dagrubster said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
Reiko would be a waste at 12.
I believe he has had a much better year at 13 but was far better on the wing. great to see him back to his best this year.
I'm not saying I want this to happen, just that if you want a midfielder that gets you over the advantage line Rieko would be the player who could do that out of all the other experienced options.
As to Laumape, he was never as effective at test level than in SR, although only started in 7 tests of the 15 he played.
I stand by my position that Laumape never got a chance to perform to his ability in the black jersey. Did everything he could within the confines of what was asked of him, but never got the chance to run straight and hard at a weak shoulder. And don't try suggest he's 'too small for international rugby'. He was a solid unit, and a nightmare to tackle.
No I don't have my receipts.
Yes the burden of proof should probably be on me.
Don't care. Ngani was robbed, and so were the paying public. I'm going to be annoyed about this for a good while yet, judging by the current midfield crop. -
@bovidae said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
@dagrubster said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
Reiko would be a waste at 12.
I believe he has had a much better year at 13 but was far better on the wing. great to see him back to his best this year.
I'm not saying I want this to happen, just that if you want a midfielder that gets you over the advantage line Rieko would be the player who could do that out of all the other experienced options.
As to Laumape, he was never as effective at test level than in SR, although only started in 7 tests of the 15 he played.
I stand by my position that Laumape never got a chance to perform to his ability in the black jersey. Did everything he could within the confines of what was asked of him, but never got the chance to run straight and hard at a weak shoulder. And don't try suggest he's 'too small for international rugby'. He was a solid unit, and a nightmare to tackle.
No I don't have my receipts.
Yes the burden of proof should probably be on me.
Don't care. Ngani was robbed, and so were the paying public. I'm going to be annoyed about this for a good while yet, judging by the current midfield crop.@delicatessen said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
I stand by my position that Laumape never got a chance to perform to his ability in the black jersey
is a tough one really, I know early in Nonu's career plenty wanted him dropped, but Laumape was older and still lacked some of the finesse Nonu showed early on and then developed further.
I personally think he was only ever going to be a decent 12 at Int level, no better or worse than we have currently, I also dont think his ceiling was much higher at this level too, so maybe that was why he wasnt given more opportunities?
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@bovidae said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
@dagrubster said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
Reiko would be a waste at 12.
I believe he has had a much better year at 13 but was far better on the wing. great to see him back to his best this year.
I'm not saying I want this to happen, just that if you want a midfielder that gets you over the advantage line Rieko would be the player who could do that out of all the other experienced options.
As to Laumape, he was never as effective at test level than in SR, although only started in 7 tests of the 15 he played.
I stand by my position that Laumape never got a chance to perform to his ability in the black jersey. Did everything he could within the confines of what was asked of him, but never got the chance to run straight and hard at a weak shoulder. And don't try suggest he's 'too small for international rugby'. He was a solid unit, and a nightmare to tackle.
No I don't have my receipts.
Yes the burden of proof should probably be on me.
Don't care. Ngani was robbed, and so were the paying public. I'm going to be annoyed about this for a good while yet, judging by the current midfield crop.@delicatessen said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
@bovidae said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
@dagrubster said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
Reiko would be a waste at 12.
I believe he has had a much better year at 13 but was far better on the wing. great to see him back to his best this year.
I'm not saying I want this to happen, just that if you want a midfielder that gets you over the advantage line Rieko would be the player who could do that out of all the other experienced options.
As to Laumape, he was never as effective at test level than in SR, although only started in 7 tests of the 15 he played.
I stand by my position that Laumape never got a chance to perform to his ability in the black jersey. Did everything he could within the confines of what was asked of him, but never got the chance to run straight and hard at a weak shoulder. And don't try suggest he's 'too small for international rugby'. He was a solid unit, and a nightmare to tackle.
No I don't have my receipts.
Yes the burden of proof should probably be on me.
Don't care. Ngani was robbed, and so were the paying public. I'm going to be annoyed about this for a good while yet, judging by the current midfield crop.I think it was said that consistency was the box he wasn't ticking. Take his performances for the Canes. One week he was everything you wanted and could build a strategy around the next he would go to do the same and be ineffective.
He did seem to be upping he dimensions and skills and maybe that was a contributing factor to looking inconsistent but it was still there. -
@delicatessen said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
I stand by my position that Laumape never got a chance to perform to his ability in the black jersey
is a tough one really, I know early in Nonu's career plenty wanted him dropped, but Laumape was older and still lacked some of the finesse Nonu showed early on and then developed further.
I personally think he was only ever going to be a decent 12 at Int level, no better or worse than we have currently, I also dont think his ceiling was much higher at this level too, so maybe that was why he wasnt given more opportunities?
@taniwharugby said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
@delicatessen said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
I stand by my position that Laumape never got a chance to perform to his ability in the black jersey
is a tough one really, I know early in Nonu's career plenty wanted him dropped, but Laumape was older and still lacked some of the finesse Nonu showed early on and then developed further.
I personally think he was only ever going to be a decent 12 at Int level, no better or worse than we have currently, I also dont think his ceiling was much higher at this level too, so maybe that was why he wasnt given more opportunities?
Yeah I don't think he would've got to Nonu's level. I do think he would've gotten a lot closer than any other options we have available.
Regarding age, Laumape didn't exactly start early. Of his own doing, but still.
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@delicatessen said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
@bovidae said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
@dagrubster said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
Reiko would be a waste at 12.
I believe he has had a much better year at 13 but was far better on the wing. great to see him back to his best this year.
I'm not saying I want this to happen, just that if you want a midfielder that gets you over the advantage line Rieko would be the player who could do that out of all the other experienced options.
As to Laumape, he was never as effective at test level than in SR, although only started in 7 tests of the 15 he played.
I stand by my position that Laumape never got a chance to perform to his ability in the black jersey. Did everything he could within the confines of what was asked of him, but never got the chance to run straight and hard at a weak shoulder. And don't try suggest he's 'too small for international rugby'. He was a solid unit, and a nightmare to tackle.
No I don't have my receipts.
Yes the burden of proof should probably be on me.
Don't care. Ngani was robbed, and so were the paying public. I'm going to be annoyed about this for a good while yet, judging by the current midfield crop.I think it was said that consistency was the box he wasn't ticking. Take his performances for the Canes. One week he was everything you wanted and could build a strategy around the next he would go to do the same and be ineffective.
He did seem to be upping he dimensions and skills and maybe that was a contributing factor to looking inconsistent but it was still there.@crucial said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
@delicatessen said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
@bovidae said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
@dagrubster said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
Reiko would be a waste at 12.
I believe he has had a much better year at 13 but was far better on the wing. great to see him back to his best this year.
I'm not saying I want this to happen, just that if you want a midfielder that gets you over the advantage line Rieko would be the player who could do that out of all the other experienced options.
As to Laumape, he was never as effective at test level than in SR, although only started in 7 tests of the 15 he played.
I stand by my position that Laumape never got a chance to perform to his ability in the black jersey. Did everything he could within the confines of what was asked of him, but never got the chance to run straight and hard at a weak shoulder. And don't try suggest he's 'too small for international rugby'. He was a solid unit, and a nightmare to tackle.
No I don't have my receipts.
Yes the burden of proof should probably be on me.
Don't care. Ngani was robbed, and so were the paying public. I'm going to be annoyed about this for a good while yet, judging by the current midfield crop.I think it was said that consistency was the box he wasn't ticking. Take his performances for the Canes. One week he was everything you wanted and could build a strategy around the next he would go to do the same and be ineffective.
He did seem to be upping he dimensions and skills and maybe that was a contributing factor to looking inconsistent but it was still there.Oh come on. Now you're trying to say the All Blacks have a strategy?
Nah I agree. It was a weird situation and I don't think he was managed well at all. He was a whole raft of things to improve on at once, whereas Nonu seemed to gradually work new aspects into his game. Seemed like one a year for a bit there.
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@crucial said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
@delicatessen said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
@bovidae said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
@dagrubster said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
Reiko would be a waste at 12.
I believe he has had a much better year at 13 but was far better on the wing. great to see him back to his best this year.
I'm not saying I want this to happen, just that if you want a midfielder that gets you over the advantage line Rieko would be the player who could do that out of all the other experienced options.
As to Laumape, he was never as effective at test level than in SR, although only started in 7 tests of the 15 he played.
I stand by my position that Laumape never got a chance to perform to his ability in the black jersey. Did everything he could within the confines of what was asked of him, but never got the chance to run straight and hard at a weak shoulder. And don't try suggest he's 'too small for international rugby'. He was a solid unit, and a nightmare to tackle.
No I don't have my receipts.
Yes the burden of proof should probably be on me.
Don't care. Ngani was robbed, and so were the paying public. I'm going to be annoyed about this for a good while yet, judging by the current midfield crop.I think it was said that consistency was the box he wasn't ticking. Take his performances for the Canes. One week he was everything you wanted and could build a strategy around the next he would go to do the same and be ineffective.
He did seem to be upping he dimensions and skills and maybe that was a contributing factor to looking inconsistent but it was still there.Oh come on. Now you're trying to say the All Blacks have a strategy?
Nah I agree. It was a weird situation and I don't think he was managed well at all. He was a whole raft of things to improve on at once, whereas Nonu seemed to gradually work new aspects into his game. Seemed like one a year for a bit there.
@delicatessen then he went and got that chip on his shoulder about his name being disrespected and shit, to me showed he wasnt there mentally either.
Outstanding at times at Super level, decent but limited at International level is how I recall his career in NZ, and maybe a bit unfulfilled.
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@delicatessen then he went and got that chip on his shoulder about his name being disrespected and shit, to me showed he wasnt there mentally either.
Outstanding at times at Super level, decent but limited at International level is how I recall his career in NZ, and maybe a bit unfulfilled.
@taniwharugby said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
@delicatessen then he went and got that chip on his shoulder about his name being disrespected and shit, to me showed he wasnt there mentally either.
Outstanding at times at Super level, decent but limited at International level is how I recall his career in NZ, and maybe a bit unfulfilled.
Yeah, that was weird. Played some of his best rugby with that anger though.
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@bovidae said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
@dagrubster said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
Reiko would be a waste at 12.
I believe he has had a much better year at 13 but was far better on the wing. great to see him back to his best this year.
I'm not saying I want this to happen, just that if you want a midfielder that gets you over the advantage line Rieko would be the player who could do that out of all the other experienced options.
As to Laumape, he was never as effective at test level than in SR, although only started in 7 tests of the 15 he played.
I stand by my position that Laumape never got a chance to perform to his ability in the black jersey. Did everything he could within the confines of what was asked of him, but never got the chance to run straight and hard at a weak shoulder. And don't try suggest he's 'too small for international rugby'. He was a solid unit, and a nightmare to tackle.
No I don't have my receipts.
Yes the burden of proof should probably be on me.
Don't care. Ngani was robbed, and so were the paying public. I'm going to be annoyed about this for a good while yet, judging by the current midfield crop.@delicatessen said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
@bovidae said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
@dagrubster said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
Reiko would be a waste at 12.
I believe he has had a much better year at 13 but was far better on the wing. great to see him back to his best this year.
I'm not saying I want this to happen, just that if you want a midfielder that gets you over the advantage line Rieko would be the player who could do that out of all the other experienced options.
As to Laumape, he was never as effective at test level than in SR, although only started in 7 tests of the 15 he played.
I stand by my position that Laumape never got a chance to perform to his ability in the black jersey. Did everything he could within the confines of what was asked of him, but never got the chance to run straight and hard at a weak shoulder.
He couldn't identify an opportunity and run an appropriate line?
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Looks like hotels, gym, training fields, and games for the entire ABs NH tour so no one catches covid. Ugh
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@delicatessen said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
@bovidae said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
@dagrubster said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
Reiko would be a waste at 12.
I believe he has had a much better year at 13 but was far better on the wing. great to see him back to his best this year.
I'm not saying I want this to happen, just that if you want a midfielder that gets you over the advantage line Rieko would be the player who could do that out of all the other experienced options.
As to Laumape, he was never as effective at test level than in SR, although only started in 7 tests of the 15 he played.
I stand by my position that Laumape never got a chance to perform to his ability in the black jersey. Did everything he could within the confines of what was asked of him, but never got the chance to run straight and hard at a weak shoulder.
He couldn't identify an opportunity and run an appropriate line?
@antipodean said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
@delicatessen said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
@bovidae said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
@dagrubster said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
Reiko would be a waste at 12.
I believe he has had a much better year at 13 but was far better on the wing. great to see him back to his best this year.
I'm not saying I want this to happen, just that if you want a midfielder that gets you over the advantage line Rieko would be the player who could do that out of all the other experienced options.
As to Laumape, he was never as effective at test level than in SR, although only started in 7 tests of the 15 he played.
I stand by my position that Laumape never got a chance to perform to his ability in the black jersey. Did everything he could within the confines of what was asked of him, but never got the chance to run straight and hard at a weak shoulder.
He couldn't identify an opportunity and run an appropriate line?
He wasn't given the ball in the position to do so. He'd do that all day if he was allowed.
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@antipodean said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
@delicatessen said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
@bovidae said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
@dagrubster said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
Reiko would be a waste at 12.
I believe he has had a much better year at 13 but was far better on the wing. great to see him back to his best this year.
I'm not saying I want this to happen, just that if you want a midfielder that gets you over the advantage line Rieko would be the player who could do that out of all the other experienced options.
As to Laumape, he was never as effective at test level than in SR, although only started in 7 tests of the 15 he played.
I stand by my position that Laumape never got a chance to perform to his ability in the black jersey. Did everything he could within the confines of what was asked of him, but never got the chance to run straight and hard at a weak shoulder.
He couldn't identify an opportunity and run an appropriate line?
He wasn't given the ball in the position to do so. He'd do that all day if he was allowed.
@delicatessen said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
@antipodean said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
@delicatessen said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
@bovidae said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
@dagrubster said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
Reiko would be a waste at 12.
I believe he has had a much better year at 13 but was far better on the wing. great to see him back to his best this year.
I'm not saying I want this to happen, just that if you want a midfielder that gets you over the advantage line Rieko would be the player who could do that out of all the other experienced options.
As to Laumape, he was never as effective at test level than in SR, although only started in 7 tests of the 15 he played.
I stand by my position that Laumape never got a chance to perform to his ability in the black jersey. Did everything he could within the confines of what was asked of him, but never got the chance to run straight and hard at a weak shoulder.
He couldn't identify an opportunity and run an appropriate line?
He wasn't given the ball in the position to do so. He'd do that all day if he was allowed.
I'm with @antipodean.
It's not like he's a winger getting cold on the sideline as the team plays 11 or 12 man rugby. He's right next to the playmaker.
If he needs to run from a distance to be effective and rely on the use of planned plays then he really is one dimensional.Maybe I've misunderstood your comment, it just makes no sense to me.
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I think the problems run way deeper than Havili at 12. The problems have been there since the Lions. I used to blame SBW for stifling the backline, but the issues have remained.
Buggered if I know the answer though.
@crazy-horse said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
Buggered if I know the answer though.
I don't either. But a good start would be give combinations time to settle rather than constantly bringing in new players simply on the basis that a player had a off-day. Something Foster, to his credit seems to be doing.
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ALB isn't going to be playing much at 2nd 5 for the Chiefs in the future, whether in combination with Tupaea or Nankivell.
Remember that Umaga moved from winger to centre but also played at 2nd 5. Trying Rieko at 12 might be worth looking at. While he won't get as much space compared to centre he can be a direct runner, and there are less decisions to be made defensively.
@bovidae said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
Trying Rieko at 12 might be worth looking at. While he won't get as much space compared to centre he can be a direct runner, and there are less decisions to be made defensively.
Sounds like just the ticket for George Bridge.
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@delicatessen said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
@antipodean said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
@delicatessen said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
@bovidae said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
@dagrubster said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
Reiko would be a waste at 12.
I believe he has had a much better year at 13 but was far better on the wing. great to see him back to his best this year.
I'm not saying I want this to happen, just that if you want a midfielder that gets you over the advantage line Rieko would be the player who could do that out of all the other experienced options.
As to Laumape, he was never as effective at test level than in SR, although only started in 7 tests of the 15 he played.
I stand by my position that Laumape never got a chance to perform to his ability in the black jersey. Did everything he could within the confines of what was asked of him, but never got the chance to run straight and hard at a weak shoulder.
He couldn't identify an opportunity and run an appropriate line?
He wasn't given the ball in the position to do so. He'd do that all day if he was allowed.
I'm with @antipodean.
It's not like he's a winger getting cold on the sideline as the team plays 11 or 12 man rugby. He's right next to the playmaker.
If he needs to run from a distance to be effective and rely on the use of planned plays then he really is one dimensional.Maybe I've misunderstood your comment, it just makes no sense to me.
@crucial said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
@delicatessen said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
@antipodean said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
@delicatessen said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
@bovidae said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
@dagrubster said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
Reiko would be a waste at 12.
I believe he has had a much better year at 13 but was far better on the wing. great to see him back to his best this year.
I'm not saying I want this to happen, just that if you want a midfielder that gets you over the advantage line Rieko would be the player who could do that out of all the other experienced options.
As to Laumape, he was never as effective at test level than in SR, although only started in 7 tests of the 15 he played.
I stand by my position that Laumape never got a chance to perform to his ability in the black jersey. Did everything he could within the confines of what was asked of him, but never got the chance to run straight and hard at a weak shoulder.
He couldn't identify an opportunity and run an appropriate line?
He wasn't given the ball in the position to do so. He'd do that all day if he was allowed.
I'm with @antipodean.
It's not like he's a winger getting cold on the sideline as the team plays 11 or 12 man rugby. He's right next to the playmaker.
If he needs to run from a distance to be effective and rely on the use of planned plays then he really is one dimensional.Maybe I've misunderstood your comment, it just makes no sense to me.
No I think I can kinda see what deli is saying and if I've got it right, I largely agree - I don't think he was used appropriately at AB level and, well, yeah of course he then looked average as a result.
I disagree that his strength is just running straight into people though. He was very good at hitting a line and changing direction at the d-line, to go through shoulders. He had sweet feet in that regard, and those skills would help create space for others also, with a pop or skip.
We saw brief glimpses of him trying to develop - two or three seasons ago we saw him develop a great long skip pass, then it disappeared and we saw him starting to serve up a pretty handy short kicking game.
Then it all disappeared up his own arse with his head. He had it all there, but I think bought too many tickets on himself and lost his way. DUSRUSPICK!
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@crucial said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
@delicatessen said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
@antipodean said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
@delicatessen said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
@bovidae said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
@dagrubster said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
Reiko would be a waste at 12.
I believe he has had a much better year at 13 but was far better on the wing. great to see him back to his best this year.
I'm not saying I want this to happen, just that if you want a midfielder that gets you over the advantage line Rieko would be the player who could do that out of all the other experienced options.
As to Laumape, he was never as effective at test level than in SR, although only started in 7 tests of the 15 he played.
I stand by my position that Laumape never got a chance to perform to his ability in the black jersey. Did everything he could within the confines of what was asked of him, but never got the chance to run straight and hard at a weak shoulder.
He couldn't identify an opportunity and run an appropriate line?
He wasn't given the ball in the position to do so. He'd do that all day if he was allowed.
I'm with @antipodean.
It's not like he's a winger getting cold on the sideline as the team plays 11 or 12 man rugby. He's right next to the playmaker.
If he needs to run from a distance to be effective and rely on the use of planned plays then he really is one dimensional.Maybe I've misunderstood your comment, it just makes no sense to me.
No I think I can kinda see what deli is saying and if I've got it right, I largely agree - I don't think he was used appropriately at AB level and, well, yeah of course he then looked average as a result.
I disagree that his strength is just running straight into people though. He was very good at hitting a line and changing direction at the d-line, to go through shoulders. He had sweet feet in that regard, and those skills would help create space for others also, with a pop or skip.
We saw brief glimpses of him trying to develop - two or three seasons ago we saw him develop a great long skip pass, then it disappeared and we saw him starting to serve up a pretty handy short kicking game.
Then it all disappeared up his own arse with his head. He had it all there, but I think bought too many tickets on himself and lost his way. DUSRUSPICK!
@bones said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
@crucial said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
@delicatessen said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
@antipodean said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
@delicatessen said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
@bovidae said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
@dagrubster said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
Reiko would be a waste at 12.
I believe he has had a much better year at 13 but was far better on the wing. great to see him back to his best this year.
I'm not saying I want this to happen, just that if you want a midfielder that gets you over the advantage line Rieko would be the player who could do that out of all the other experienced options.
As to Laumape, he was never as effective at test level than in SR, although only started in 7 tests of the 15 he played.
I stand by my position that Laumape never got a chance to perform to his ability in the black jersey. Did everything he could within the confines of what was asked of him, but never got the chance to run straight and hard at a weak shoulder.
He couldn't identify an opportunity and run an appropriate line?
He wasn't given the ball in the position to do so. He'd do that all day if he was allowed.
I'm with @antipodean.
It's not like he's a winger getting cold on the sideline as the team plays 11 or 12 man rugby. He's right next to the playmaker.
If he needs to run from a distance to be effective and rely on the use of planned plays then he really is one dimensional.Maybe I've misunderstood your comment, it just makes no sense to me.
No I think I can kinda see what deli is saying and if I've got it right, I largely agree - I don't think he was used appropriately at AB level and, well, yeah of course he then looked average as a result.
I disagree that his strength is just running straight into people though. He was very good at hitting a line and changing direction at the d-line, to go through shoulders. He had sweet feet in that regard, and those skills would help create space for others also, with a pop or skip.
We saw brief glimpses of him trying to develop - two or three seasons ago we saw him develop a great long skip pass, then it disappeared and we saw him starting to serve up a pretty handy short kicking game.
Then it all disappeared up his own arse with his head. He had it all there, but I think bought too many tickets on himself and lost his way. DUSRUSPICK!
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@bones said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
@crucial said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
@delicatessen said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
@antipodean said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
@delicatessen said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
@bovidae said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
@dagrubster said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
Reiko would be a waste at 12.
I believe he has had a much better year at 13 but was far better on the wing. great to see him back to his best this year.
I'm not saying I want this to happen, just that if you want a midfielder that gets you over the advantage line Rieko would be the player who could do that out of all the other experienced options.
As to Laumape, he was never as effective at test level than in SR, although only started in 7 tests of the 15 he played.
I stand by my position that Laumape never got a chance to perform to his ability in the black jersey. Did everything he could within the confines of what was asked of him, but never got the chance to run straight and hard at a weak shoulder.
He couldn't identify an opportunity and run an appropriate line?
He wasn't given the ball in the position to do so. He'd do that all day if he was allowed.
I'm with @antipodean.
It's not like he's a winger getting cold on the sideline as the team plays 11 or 12 man rugby. He's right next to the playmaker.
If he needs to run from a distance to be effective and rely on the use of planned plays then he really is one dimensional.Maybe I've misunderstood your comment, it just makes no sense to me.
No I think I can kinda see what deli is saying and if I've got it right, I largely agree - I don't think he was used appropriately at AB level and, well, yeah of course he then looked average as a result.
I disagree that his strength is just running straight into people though. He was very good at hitting a line and changing direction at the d-line, to go through shoulders. He had sweet feet in that regard, and those skills would help create space for others also, with a pop or skip.
We saw brief glimpses of him trying to develop - two or three seasons ago we saw him develop a great long skip pass, then it disappeared and we saw him starting to serve up a pretty handy short kicking game.
Then it all disappeared up his own arse with his head. He had it all there, but I think bought too many tickets on himself and lost his way. DUSRUSPICK!
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@frye said in All Blacks EOYT 2021:
Ardie at 12.
Let's goAnd Messam at 13.
Still think after I first saw him play 7s this would’ve been his best position.
