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AB Blindside - past, present & future

Scheduled Pinned Locked Moved Sports Talk
allblacks
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  • DuluthD Offline
    DuluthD Offline
    Duluth
    wrote on last edited by
    #23

    Finau and Blackadder are lower on tackle %age than the other contenders

    1 Reply Last reply
    2
    • nostrildamusN nostrildamus

      Interesting stats, EBs are even more impressive given he isn't that fast, it is not just Ryan but also Razor who loves him but apart from that do they consider how his injury rate affects the loosie combo?
      How is Parker in the lineout compared to Finau?
      I forgot about Luatua, he was good. Vito as a 6/8 (8/6) I also liked.

      B Offline
      B Offline
      brodean
      wrote on last edited by
      #24

      @nostrildamus said in AB Blindside - past, present & future:

      do they consider how his injury rate affects the loosie combo?

      No. No they don't.

      That was pretty clear when they used tests last year to build Blackadder back into form.

      canefanC FrankF 2 Replies Last reply
      1
      • B brodean

        @nostrildamus said in AB Blindside - past, present & future:

        do they consider how his injury rate affects the loosie combo?

        No. No they don't.

        That was pretty clear when they used tests last year to build Blackadder back into form.

        canefanC Offline
        canefanC Offline
        canefan
        wrote on last edited by
        #25

        @brodean said in AB Blindside - past, present & future:

        @nostrildamus said in AB Blindside - past, present & future:

        do they consider how his injury rate affects the loosie combo?

        No. No they don't.

        That was pretty clear when they used tests last year to build Blackadder back into form.

        Unless he ends up born again hard in the next year or so, I fear EB will end up stuffing our RWC cycle because of a failure of the coaches to see past him for the good of the team

        1 Reply Last reply
        2
        • B brodean

          @nostrildamus said in AB Blindside - past, present & future:

          do they consider how his injury rate affects the loosie combo?

          No. No they don't.

          That was pretty clear when they used tests last year to build Blackadder back into form.

          FrankF Offline
          FrankF Offline
          Frank
          wrote on last edited by Frank
          #26

          @brodean said in AB Blindside - past, present & future:

          @nostrildamus said in AB Blindside - past, present & future:

          do they consider how his injury rate affects the loosie combo?

          No. No they don't.

          That was pretty clear when they used tests last year to build Blackadder back into form.

          I don't share your pessimism.
          Primarily because Blackadder's will get injured
          Secondly, because a blind man can see Parker is stronger in contact and this frees up Sititi and Savea to do their thing.
          Thirdly because Parker has just turned 25 and EB is 30

          canefanC B Windows97W antipodeanA 5 Replies Last reply
          1
          • FrankF Frank

            @brodean said in AB Blindside - past, present & future:

            @nostrildamus said in AB Blindside - past, present & future:

            do they consider how his injury rate affects the loosie combo?

            No. No they don't.

            That was pretty clear when they used tests last year to build Blackadder back into form.

            I don't share your pessimism.
            Primarily because Blackadder's will get injured
            Secondly, because a blind man can see Parker is stronger in contact and this frees up Sititi and Savea to do their thing.
            Thirdly because Parker has just turned 25 and EB is 30

            canefanC Offline
            canefanC Offline
            canefan
            wrote on last edited by
            #27

            @Frank said in AB Blindside - past, present & future:

            @brodean said in AB Blindside - past, present & future:

            @nostrildamus said in AB Blindside - past, present & future:

            do they consider how his injury rate affects the loosie combo?

            No. No they don't.

            That was pretty clear when they used tests last year to build Blackadder back into form.

            I don't share your pessimism.
            Primarily because Blackadder's will get injured
            Secondly, because a blind man can see Parker is stronger in contact and this frees up Sititi and Savea to do their thing.

            This year we will see Razor's true colours. More of the same? We will be further behind in preparation for 2027

            1 Reply Last reply
            1
            • FrankF Frank

              @brodean said in AB Blindside - past, present & future:

              @nostrildamus said in AB Blindside - past, present & future:

              do they consider how his injury rate affects the loosie combo?

              No. No they don't.

              That was pretty clear when they used tests last year to build Blackadder back into form.

              I don't share your pessimism.
              Primarily because Blackadder's will get injured
              Secondly, because a blind man can see Parker is stronger in contact and this frees up Sititi and Savea to do their thing.
              Thirdly because Parker has just turned 25 and EB is 30

              canefanC Offline
              canefanC Offline
              canefan
              wrote on last edited by
              #28

              @Frank said in AB Blindside - past, present & future:

              @brodean said in AB Blindside - past, present & future:

              @nostrildamus said in AB Blindside - past, present & future:

              do they consider how his injury rate affects the loosie combo?

              No. No they don't.

              That was pretty clear when they used tests last year to build Blackadder back into form.

              I don't share your pessimism.
              Primarily because Blackadder's will get injured
              Secondly, because a blind man can see Parker is stronger in contact and this frees up Sititi and Savea to do their thing.
              Thirdly because Parker has just turned 25 and EB is 30

              But Razor 😍😍😍

              1 Reply Last reply
              0
              • FrankF Frank

                @brodean said in AB Blindside - past, present & future:

                @nostrildamus said in AB Blindside - past, present & future:

                do they consider how his injury rate affects the loosie combo?

                No. No they don't.

                That was pretty clear when they used tests last year to build Blackadder back into form.

                I don't share your pessimism.
                Primarily because Blackadder's will get injured
                Secondly, because a blind man can see Parker is stronger in contact and this frees up Sititi and Savea to do their thing.
                Thirdly because Parker has just turned 25 and EB is 30

                B Offline
                B Offline
                brodean
                wrote on last edited by brodean
                #29

                @Frank said in AB Blindside - past, present & future:

                @brodean said in AB Blindside - past, present & future:

                @nostrildamus said in AB Blindside - past, present & future:

                do they consider how his injury rate affects the loosie combo?

                No. No they don't.

                That was pretty clear when they used tests last year to build Blackadder back into form.

                I don't share your pessimism.
                Primarily because Blackadder's will get injured
                Secondly, because a blind man can see Parker is stronger in contact and this frees up Sititi and Savea to do their thing.
                Thirdly because Parker has just turned 25 and EB is 30

                Yeah the question is if when he will get injured. Will it be tonight or will it be 4 tests in to the test season?

                Also if they have Savea and Sititi at 7 and 8 they might decide they want a player who hits a lot rucks which isn't Parker.

                1 Reply Last reply
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                • FrankF Frank

                  @brodean said in AB Blindside - past, present & future:

                  @nostrildamus said in AB Blindside - past, present & future:

                  do they consider how his injury rate affects the loosie combo?

                  No. No they don't.

                  That was pretty clear when they used tests last year to build Blackadder back into form.

                  I don't share your pessimism.
                  Primarily because Blackadder's will get injured
                  Secondly, because a blind man can see Parker is stronger in contact and this frees up Sititi and Savea to do their thing.
                  Thirdly because Parker has just turned 25 and EB is 30

                  Windows97W Offline
                  Windows97W Offline
                  Windows97
                  wrote on last edited by
                  #30

                  @Frank said in AB Blindside - past, present & future:

                  Secondly, because a blind man can see Parker is stronger in contact and this frees up Sititi and Savea to do their thing.

                  That would be a dream, I'd even be happy with Finau, Savea, Sititi combo. Please! Can we break this endless cycle of 7.5's in the loose forward trio!!

                  B R 2 Replies Last reply
                  1
                  • Windows97W Windows97

                    @Frank said in AB Blindside - past, present & future:

                    Secondly, because a blind man can see Parker is stronger in contact and this frees up Sititi and Savea to do their thing.

                    That would be a dream, I'd even be happy with Finau, Savea, Sititi combo. Please! Can we break this endless cycle of 7.5's in the loose forward trio!!

                    B Offline
                    B Offline
                    brodean
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #31

                    @Windows97 said in AB Blindside - past, present & future:

                    @Frank said in AB Blindside - past, present & future:

                    Secondly, because a blind man can see Parker is stronger in contact and this frees up Sititi and Savea to do their thing.

                    That would be a dream, I'd even be happy with Finau, Savea, Sititi combo. Please! Can we break this endless cycle of 7.5's in the loose forward trio!!

                    Well wasn't that the combo named to start in the last French test?

                    Windows97W 1 Reply Last reply
                    0
                    • B brodean

                      @Windows97 said in AB Blindside - past, present & future:

                      @Frank said in AB Blindside - past, present & future:

                      Secondly, because a blind man can see Parker is stronger in contact and this frees up Sititi and Savea to do their thing.

                      That would be a dream, I'd even be happy with Finau, Savea, Sititi combo. Please! Can we break this endless cycle of 7.5's in the loose forward trio!!

                      Well wasn't that the combo named to start in the last French test?

                      Windows97W Offline
                      Windows97W Offline
                      Windows97
                      wrote on last edited by Windows97
                      #32

                      @brodean said in AB Blindside - past, present & future:

                      @Windows97 said in AB Blindside - past, present & future:

                      @Frank said in AB Blindside - past, present & future:

                      Secondly, because a blind man can see Parker is stronger in contact and this frees up Sititi and Savea to do their thing.

                      That would be a dream, I'd even be happy with Finau, Savea, Sititi combo. Please! Can we break this endless cycle of 7.5's in the loose forward trio!!

                      Well wasn't that the combo named to start in the last French test?

                      It was, they finally shifted Savea to 7 and put Sititi at 8.

                      However check the unavaliable due to injury list...

                      Unavailable due to injury: Sam Cane (concussion), Mark Tele’a (hand), Sam Darry (knee), Ethan Blackadder (calf), Luke Jacobson (fractured thumb) and Dalton Papali'i (upper hamstring).

                      1 Reply Last reply
                      0
                      • Windows97W Windows97

                        @Frank said in AB Blindside - past, present & future:

                        Secondly, because a blind man can see Parker is stronger in contact and this frees up Sititi and Savea to do their thing.

                        That would be a dream, I'd even be happy with Finau, Savea, Sititi combo. Please! Can we break this endless cycle of 7.5's in the loose forward trio!!

                        R Offline
                        R Offline
                        reprobate
                        wrote on last edited by
                        #33

                        @Windows97 said in AB Blindside - past, present & future:

                        @Frank said in AB Blindside - past, present & future:

                        Secondly, because a blind man can see Parker is stronger in contact and this frees up Sititi and Savea to do their thing.

                        That would be a dream, I'd even be happy with Finau, Savea, Sititi combo. Please! Can we break this endless cycle of 7.5's in the loose forward trio!!

                        If Ardie Savea (as world player of the year in 8 and super player of the year in 7) isn't 7.5, I don't know what is. I'd also argue Sititi is about 7.75.
                        It's the bloody 6.5s that are the problem.

                        1 Reply Last reply
                        1
                        • B brodean

                          In terms of Parker I saw him as a potential AB last year however I do think that if Blackadder is fit he is likely to be in the squad as the starting 6 with Savea at 7 and Sititi at 8. Jason Ryan loves him some Blackadder and I can't see him looking past him. Personally I'd like to see someone like Parker in the squad over Blackadder but I'll be shocked if it happens.

                          Haig hasn't had a lot of game time this year. I do think there is a place for Finau and Parker in the squad.

                          I don't see Razor and co going for a tight 6 under their game plan. They picked Blackadder, Finau, and Sititi as starters last year. They're looking for mobile guys.

                          In terms of workrate Finau, Parker and Haig are very much alike compared to Blackadder. Finau is highly effective at attacking rucks and Parker in defensive rucks. With regards to Blackadder the coaches seem to be more interested in volume as opposed to actual impact. He's always been a high volume low impact guy.

                          Contact Involvements per 80 Minutes Loose Forwards ( Carries + Tackles + Rucks )
                          69.25 Ethan Blackadder
                          61.62 Corey Kellow
                          61.0 Tom Christie
                          58.87 Dalton Papali'i
                          58.51 Du'Plessis Kirifi
                          58.41 Sean Withy
                          56.02 Jahrome Brown
                          54.84 Peter Lakai
                          53.63 Ardie Savea
                          52.35 Vaiolini Ekuasi
                          52.17 Luke Jacobson
                          50.6 Cullen Grace
                          48.87 Christian Lio-Willie
                          48.33 Brayden Iose
                          47.89 Kaylum Boshier
                          47.36 Hugh Renton
                          45.14 Hoskins Sotutu
                          44.21 Simon Parker
                          42.27 Oliver Haig
                          39.32 Samipeni Finau

                          Top 20 Loose Forward Players by Rucks Per 80 minutes
                          35.24 Dalton Papali'i
                          35.19 Ethan Blackadder
                          33.57 Sean Withy
                          31.78 Corey Kellow
                          31.4 Du'Plessis Kirifi
                          29.68 Tom Christie
                          29.13 Jahrome Brown
                          27.87 Ardie Savea
                          26.91 Luke Jacobson
                          25.77 Peter Lakai
                          25.44 Kaylum Boshier
                          23.85 Cullen Grace
                          23.35 Simon Parker
                          22.39 Vaiolini Ekuasi
                          21.74 Oliver Haig
                          20.72 Christian Lio-Willie
                          20.28 Samipeni Finau
                          20.0 Brayden Iose
                          19.95 Hoskins Sotutu
                          16.75 Hugh Renton

                          Top 20 Loose Forward Players by Attacking Ruck Effectiveness
                          91.8% Samipeni Finau
                          91.3% Tom Christie
                          90.2% Dalton Papali'i
                          90.2% Vaiolini Ekuasi
                          88.1% Ardie Savea
                          87.8% Peter Lakai
                          87.6% Jahrome Brown
                          86.9% Christian Lio-Willie
                          85.9% Hoskins Sotutu
                          85.9% Du'Plessis Kirifi
                          85.2% Brayden Iose
                          85.1% Luke Jacobson
                          85.0% Sean Withy
                          84.5% Corey Kellow
                          84.5% Oliver Haig
                          83.1% Simon Parker
                          82.6% Hugh Renton
                          81.9% Cullen Grace
                          81.5% Ethan Blackadder
                          77.3% Kaylum Boshier

                          Top 20 Loose Forward Players by Defensive Ruck Effectiveness
                          29.6% Simon Parker
                          23.9% Luke Jacobson
                          23.1% Kaylum Boshier
                          22.4% Du'Plessis Kirifi
                          21.9% Samipeni Finau
                          20.1% Ardie Savea
                          17.6% Cullen Grace
                          17.3% Dalton Papali'i
                          16.1% Tom Christie
                          15.2% Jahrome Brown
                          14.8% Christian Lio-Willie
                          14.7% Sean Withy
                          13.1% Peter Lakai
                          12.1% Hoskins Sotutu
                          12.0% Corey Kellow
                          11.8% Vaiolini Ekuasi
                          9.1% Brayden Iose
                          8.3% Hugh Renton
                          7.4% Ethan Blackadder
                          0.0% Oliver Haig

                          Top 20 Loose Forward Players by Dominant Tackle %
                          16.5% Simon Parker
                          11.5% Samipeni Finau
                          8.0% Hugh Renton
                          7.9% Ardie Savea
                          7.1% Brayden Iose
                          6.2% Christian Lio-Willie
                          6.0% Ethan Blackadder
                          5.8% Hoskins Sotutu
                          5.5% Peter Lakai
                          5.3% Sean Withy
                          4.4% Kaylum Boshier
                          4.4% Corey Kellow
                          4.3% Du'Plessis Kirifi
                          4.2% Luke Jacobson
                          3.5% Jahrome Brown
                          3.4% Cullen Grace
                          3.3% Tom Christie
                          3.3% Dalton Papali'i
                          2.0% Oliver Haig
                          0.0% Vaiolini Ekuasi

                          Stats from Opta theanalyst.

                          MaussM Offline
                          MaussM Offline
                          Mauss
                          wrote on last edited by
                          #34

                          @brodean said in AB Blindside - past, present & future:

                          Finau is highly effective at attacking rucks and Parker in defensive rucks.

                          The only thing I'd add to this comparison is that it matters where those attacking and defensive rucks are cleaned.

                          While I do think Finau is a more than adequate cleaner (the occasional sloppy technique notwithstanding), his percentages are aided by the fact that most of his cleaning work is on the edge. Cleans up the middle of the field, where most of the forwards are concentrated, demand more of the cleaner.

                          nostrildamusN B 2 Replies Last reply
                          3
                          • nostrildamusN Online
                            nostrildamusN Online
                            nostrildamus
                            wrote on last edited by
                            #35

                            I'm confused how the Chiefs use them if they are going for the same blindside position in the ABs. Who is better in lineouts and a consistently more dominant and effective-tackling 6? Is Parker used more as a utility or an 8 and Finau the main 6 or has Finau gone into lock or been injured? I am assuming Chiefs fans have a pretty good idea who has been the more effective 6.

                            1 Reply Last reply
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                            • MaussM Mauss

                              @brodean said in AB Blindside - past, present & future:

                              Finau is highly effective at attacking rucks and Parker in defensive rucks.

                              The only thing I'd add to this comparison is that it matters where those attacking and defensive rucks are cleaned.

                              While I do think Finau is a more than adequate cleaner (the occasional sloppy technique notwithstanding), his percentages are aided by the fact that most of his cleaning work is on the edge. Cleans up the middle of the field, where most of the forwards are concentrated, demand more of the cleaner.

                              nostrildamusN Online
                              nostrildamusN Online
                              nostrildamus
                              wrote on last edited by
                              #36

                              @Mauss said in AB Blindside - past, present & future:

                              @brodean said in AB Blindside - past, present & future:

                              Finau is highly effective at attacking rucks and Parker in defensive rucks.

                              The only thing I'd add to this comparison is that it matters where those attacking and defensive rucks are cleaned.

                              While I do think Finau is a more than adequate cleaner (the occasional sloppy technique notwithstanding), his percentages are aided by the fact that most of his cleaning work is on the edge. Cleans up the middle of the field, where most of the forwards are concentrated, demand more of the cleaner.

                              I'm guessing at AB level the defensive side is the more important one at 6 if they pick Ardie and Wallace at 7 and 8.

                              1 Reply Last reply
                              0
                              • B brodean

                                @Mauss said in AB Blindside - past, present & future:

                                @brodean said in AB Blindside - past, present & future:

                                Players tend to play as they're asked to by the coaches.

                                Well, they'll certainly try. Every player wants, to a certain point, show their coaches that they can deliver what is asked of them.

                                But there's also such a thing as ingrained habits. Players have instincts which they've cultivated over years of playing the game. And it becomes exponentially harder to suppress those instincts the higher up the game you go, as the pressure increases and your window to process things becomes smaller and smaller.

                                At least, that's how I think of those things. It just makes sense to me. Perhaps you'll go out there and try to play exactly like your coach has told you to. But when there's 50.000 people around you and an angry Afrikaaner is coming at you at a 100 miles an hour, those instincts tend to kick in pretty quickly.

                                There is ingrained habits but your post assumes too much of the players. Macdonald and Foster wanted to play wider games and Akira Ioane obliged. When Vern came along and wanted to keep it close Akira Ioane immediately followed the game pattern and stuck to it all year. So in the case of Akira Ioane I think it shows that clearly they were not ingrained habits.

                                Also Fifita when he went back to lock for the Canes played a very tight game and was one of the most physical players in the comp. He was also one of the most physical players in the stodgy NH.

                                MaussM Offline
                                MaussM Offline
                                Mauss
                                wrote on last edited by
                                #37

                                @brodean said in AB Blindside - past, present & future:

                                There is ingrained habits but your post assumes too much of the players. Macdonald and Foster wanted to play wider games and Akira Ioane obliged. When Vern came along and wanted to keep it close Akira Ioane immediately followed the game pattern and stuck to it all year. So in the case of Akira Ioane I think it shows that clearly they were not ingrained habits.

                                Also Fifita when he went back to lock for the Canes played a very tight game and was one of the most physical players in the comp. He was also one of the most physical players in the stodgy NH.

                                My point is that I think it's better for coaches to develop the naturally built up game of a player rather than make them conform to preconceived requirements.

                                Yes, Akira Ioane was able to develop a tighter style by playing blindside (already starting in 2020, due to him clearly not being wanted as a number 8 by the AB selectors). But what did it actually lead to? Sure, he was a crucial factor in the Blues winning SR. But he made the change for the ABs. And now he's 30 years old, a prime age for a blindside, and he's playing in the second division of Japanese Rugby. Playing as a number 8, by the way. Doesn't seem like an investment with the desired pay off.

                                So yes, players can change, according to coaching demands. But I'd argue that it very rarely leads to a player developing to the fullest of his abilities.

                                On Fifita, we'll just have to agree to disagree, as we clearly have very different memories of how he played. I'd agree that he's improved with age. I still wouldn't consider him to be the enforcer within the Scarlets' pack, though, I'd give that to Lousi.

                                R B 2 Replies Last reply
                                1
                                • BonesB Offline
                                  BonesB Offline
                                  Bones
                                  wrote on last edited by
                                  #38

                                  Kellow looks like he could also be a utility. Just saying.

                                  1 Reply Last reply
                                  0
                                  • MaussM Mauss

                                    @brodean said in AB Blindside - past, present & future:

                                    There is ingrained habits but your post assumes too much of the players. Macdonald and Foster wanted to play wider games and Akira Ioane obliged. When Vern came along and wanted to keep it close Akira Ioane immediately followed the game pattern and stuck to it all year. So in the case of Akira Ioane I think it shows that clearly they were not ingrained habits.

                                    Also Fifita when he went back to lock for the Canes played a very tight game and was one of the most physical players in the comp. He was also one of the most physical players in the stodgy NH.

                                    My point is that I think it's better for coaches to develop the naturally built up game of a player rather than make them conform to preconceived requirements.

                                    Yes, Akira Ioane was able to develop a tighter style by playing blindside (already starting in 2020, due to him clearly not being wanted as a number 8 by the AB selectors). But what did it actually lead to? Sure, he was a crucial factor in the Blues winning SR. But he made the change for the ABs. And now he's 30 years old, a prime age for a blindside, and he's playing in the second division of Japanese Rugby. Playing as a number 8, by the way. Doesn't seem like an investment with the desired pay off.

                                    So yes, players can change, according to coaching demands. But I'd argue that it very rarely leads to a player developing to the fullest of his abilities.

                                    On Fifita, we'll just have to agree to disagree, as we clearly have very different memories of how he played. I'd agree that he's improved with age. I still wouldn't consider him to be the enforcer within the Scarlets' pack, though, I'd give that to Lousi.

                                    R Offline
                                    R Offline
                                    reprobate
                                    wrote on last edited by
                                    #39

                                    @Mauss said in AB Blindside - past, present & future:

                                    @brodean said in AB Blindside - past, present & future:

                                    There is ingrained habits but your post assumes too much of the players. Macdonald and Foster wanted to play wider games and Akira Ioane obliged. When Vern came along and wanted to keep it close Akira Ioane immediately followed the game pattern and stuck to it all year. So in the case of Akira Ioane I think it shows that clearly they were not ingrained habits.

                                    Also Fifita when he went back to lock for the Canes played a very tight game and was one of the most physical players in the comp. He was also one of the most physical players in the stodgy NH.

                                    My point is that I think it's better for coaches to develop the naturally built up game of a player rather than make them conform to preconceived requirements.

                                    Some players can adapt and make major changes to their game, but it's certainly not the majority. Kaino and McCaw I think both changed the way they played significantly - Kaino before becoming a fixture for the ABs, and McCaw during his tenure. Michael Jones before those guys.
                                    I agree that playing to a guy's strengths is almost always going to go better than making them play to their weaknesses. That's the tricky thing about building a team, putting all the strengths and weaknesses together such that overall the mix (and the roles given) lead to success - which is why you're bang-on with the coaches and their square peg / round hole weird use of different style players. I think it also makes looking at any position in isolation tricky - or even the loose trio without the contribution of the tighties (as per e.g. your post a while back on the different styles of play from the fringe prop candidates) being taken into account. In the current team, I guess the assumption is Lomax/Taylor/Williams/Barrett/Vaai/Savea/Sititi + who? They do lack an enforcer. They do lack a lineout target. They also lack a volume ruck-hitter.

                                    MaussM MN5M 2 Replies Last reply
                                    2
                                    • MaussM Mauss

                                      @brodean said in AB Blindside - past, present & future:

                                      There is ingrained habits but your post assumes too much of the players. Macdonald and Foster wanted to play wider games and Akira Ioane obliged. When Vern came along and wanted to keep it close Akira Ioane immediately followed the game pattern and stuck to it all year. So in the case of Akira Ioane I think it shows that clearly they were not ingrained habits.

                                      Also Fifita when he went back to lock for the Canes played a very tight game and was one of the most physical players in the comp. He was also one of the most physical players in the stodgy NH.

                                      My point is that I think it's better for coaches to develop the naturally built up game of a player rather than make them conform to preconceived requirements.

                                      Yes, Akira Ioane was able to develop a tighter style by playing blindside (already starting in 2020, due to him clearly not being wanted as a number 8 by the AB selectors). But what did it actually lead to? Sure, he was a crucial factor in the Blues winning SR. But he made the change for the ABs. And now he's 30 years old, a prime age for a blindside, and he's playing in the second division of Japanese Rugby. Playing as a number 8, by the way. Doesn't seem like an investment with the desired pay off.

                                      So yes, players can change, according to coaching demands. But I'd argue that it very rarely leads to a player developing to the fullest of his abilities.

                                      On Fifita, we'll just have to agree to disagree, as we clearly have very different memories of how he played. I'd agree that he's improved with age. I still wouldn't consider him to be the enforcer within the Scarlets' pack, though, I'd give that to Lousi.

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                                      brodean
                                      wrote on last edited by brodean
                                      #40

                                      @Mauss said in AB Blindside - past, present & future:

                                      @brodean said in AB Blindside - past, present & future:

                                      There is ingrained habits but your post assumes too much of the players. Macdonald and Foster wanted to play wider games and Akira Ioane obliged. When Vern came along and wanted to keep it close Akira Ioane immediately followed the game pattern and stuck to it all year. So in the case of Akira Ioane I think it shows that clearly they were not ingrained habits.

                                      Also Fifita when he went back to lock for the Canes played a very tight game and was one of the most physical players in the comp. He was also one of the most physical players in the stodgy NH.

                                      My point is that I think it's better for coaches to develop the naturally built up game of a player rather than make them conform to preconceived requirements.

                                      Yes, Akira Ioane was able to develop a tighter style by playing blindside (already starting in 2020, due to him clearly not being wanted as a number 8 by the AB selectors). But what did it actually lead to? Sure, he was a crucial factor in the Blues winning SR. But he made the change for the ABs. And now he's 30 years old, a prime age for a blindside, and he's playing in the second division of Japanese Rugby. Playing as a number 8, by the way. Doesn't seem like an investment with the desired pay off.

                                      So yes, players can change, according to coaching demands. But I'd argue that it very rarely leads to a player developing to the fullest of his abilities.

                                      On Fifita, we'll just have to agree to disagree, as we clearly have very different memories of how he played. I'd agree that he's improved with age. I still wouldn't consider him to be the enforcer within the Scarlets' pack, though, I'd give that to Lousi.

                                      Yeah I disagree with the implication of your comment. Akira Ioane has always had very good tight skills with cleaning, pick and close in defence. As someone pointed out he's left a massive hole in the Blues.

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                                      • MaussM Mauss

                                        @brodean said in AB Blindside - past, present & future:

                                        Finau is highly effective at attacking rucks and Parker in defensive rucks.

                                        The only thing I'd add to this comparison is that it matters where those attacking and defensive rucks are cleaned.

                                        While I do think Finau is a more than adequate cleaner (the occasional sloppy technique notwithstanding), his percentages are aided by the fact that most of his cleaning work is on the edge. Cleans up the middle of the field, where most of the forwards are concentrated, demand more of the cleaner.

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                                        brodean
                                        wrote on last edited by
                                        #41

                                        @Mauss said in AB Blindside - past, present & future:

                                        @brodean said in AB Blindside - past, present & future:

                                        Finau is highly effective at attacking rucks and Parker in defensive rucks.

                                        The only thing I'd add to this comparison is that it matters where those attacking and defensive rucks are cleaned.

                                        While I do think Finau is a more than adequate cleaner (the occasional sloppy technique notwithstanding), his percentages are aided by the fact that most of his cleaning work is on the edge. Cleans up the middle of the field, where most of the forwards are concentrated, demand more of the cleaner.

                                        Disagree again. Finau is a good cleaner. He goes in low and is powerful.

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                                        • FrankF Frank

                                          @brodean said in AB Blindside - past, present & future:

                                          @nostrildamus said in AB Blindside - past, present & future:

                                          do they consider how his injury rate affects the loosie combo?

                                          No. No they don't.

                                          That was pretty clear when they used tests last year to build Blackadder back into form.

                                          I don't share your pessimism.
                                          Primarily because Blackadder's will get injured
                                          Secondly, because a blind man can see Parker is stronger in contact and this frees up Sititi and Savea to do their thing.
                                          Thirdly because Parker has just turned 25 and EB is 30

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                                          antipodean
                                          wrote on last edited by
                                          #42

                                          @Frank said in AB Blindside - past, present & future:

                                          @brodean said in AB Blindside - past, present & future:

                                          @nostrildamus said in AB Blindside - past, present & future:

                                          do they consider how his injury rate affects the loosie combo?

                                          No. No they don't.

                                          That was pretty clear when they used tests last year to build Blackadder back into form.

                                          I don't share your pessimism.
                                          Primarily because Blackadder's will get injured
                                          Secondly, because a blind man can see Parker is stronger in contact and this frees up Sititi and Savea to do their thing.
                                          Thirdly because Parker has just turned 25 and EB is 30

                                          That just means Parker can be overlooked for a RWC cycle.

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