AB squad for the EOYT
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@Chris-B. said in AB squad for the EOYT:
@Nepia said in AB squad for the EOYT:
Who makes way for the other two Barretts? Hmm, it's all getting a bit Whitelocky.
Scott Barrett as lock cover really surprises me. Presumably they weren't that thrilled with Franklin when they had him in camp earlier this year - otherwise seems a bit odd to promote SB based on NPC form. If I was picking a lock from Mitre10 Cup it would probably have been Bird. Still, they probably know what they're doing.
I suppose if they are taking an apprentice it was pretty likely it would be Jordie. Not sure I'm completely sold on the apprentice scheme - anointing people as future All Blacks - somehow it doesn't sit quite right. And even if you take one away every year, you're probably always going to have at least 25 ABs in your squad who've never been apprentices.
They can get a family concession on airfares by adding an extra Barrett...
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@pakman said in AB squad for the EOYT:
Seems unlikely any new back other than Reiko. Excellent point that Maori your allows back up front row. Would suggest Hames goes with Maori. Probably a couple of other names which will fit same bill.
Todd has earned spot. Dixon hasn't set world on fire, but it would seem harsh to cut.
Loosie/lock cover, something Kaino/Read have covered would make sense. In which case Luatua would be obvious choice. He seems to have matured this year and made no. 8 his against some fair competition at Blues.
We'll know in five hours...
Rieko, goddamit.
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@Chris-B. said in AB squad for the EOYT:
@Nepia said in AB squad for the EOYT:
Who makes way for the other two Barretts? Hmm, it's all getting a bit Whitelocky.
Scott Barrett as lock cover really surprises me. Presumably they weren't that thrilled with Franklin when they had him in camp earlier this year - otherwise seems a bit odd to promote SB based on NPC form. If I was picking a lock from Mitre10 Cup it would probably have been Bird. Still, they probably know what they're doing.
I suppose if they are taking an apprentice it was pretty likely it would be Jordie. Not sure I'm completely sold on the apprentice scheme - anointing people as future All Blacks - somehow it doesn't sit quite right. And even if you take one away every year, you're probably always going to have at least 25 ABs in your squad who've never been apprentices.
I don't mind the apprentice scheme because it's basically a by product of modern professionalism and the need to keep the young standout talents interested before million dollar offers start coming from OS.
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I know many having calling for his recall, but I will be genuinely intrigued as to what they see Luatua's role is. 8 loosies is quite a lot. Has he made the full squad because if the overall doubt of Whitelock playing at all and we don't really have the like for like replacement in the squad for him?
Romano and PT basically play the same role as starters and that's why they won't start together unless against a lowly ranked side.
We need that rangey type lock. Retallick is versatile enough and can fill in but I think they are looking for a more similar type - Barrett, Fifita, Luatua - and not another type. That's why Bird is not in the frame.
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I think Reggie Goodes is unlucky. Hard to see Bird staying in NZ long term. Happy for Luatua - has fought his way back. Could be last AB selection for Fekitoa if he's not careful.
Don't really like Wynne Gray but his suggestion about trying Tuipolotou at 6 is worth consideration IMO.
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@ACT-Crusader said in AB squad for the EOYT:
I don't mind the apprentice scheme because it's basically a by product of modern professionalism and the need to keep the young standout talents interested before million dollar offers start coming from OS.
On the other hand, for every Jordie who gets taken, there's 10 "Jack Goodhues" being told, "you're not as high up the totem pole as Jordie". And it's now much more crucial that Jack be retained!
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@Chris-B. said in AB squad for the EOYT:
@Nepia said in AB squad for the EOYT:
Who makes way for the other two Barretts? Hmm, it's all getting a bit Whitelocky.
Scott Barrett as lock cover really surprises me. Presumably they weren't that thrilled with Franklin when they had him in camp earlier this year - otherwise seems a bit odd to promote SB based on NPC form. If I was picking a lock from Mitre10 Cup it would probably have been Bird. Still, they probably know what they're doing.
I suppose if they are taking an apprentice it was pretty likely it would be Jordie. Not sure I'm completely sold on the apprentice scheme - anointing people as future All Blacks - somehow it doesn't sit quite right. And even if you take one away every year, you're probably always going to have at least 25 ABs in your squad who've never been apprentices.
Barrett's form during Super rugby was pretty good I reckon. His combo with Romano was surprisingly pretty effective. What was noticeable with him (and other younger players) was that towards the back end of the season it looked as if he was feeling the pinch and didn't have the motor. I think he's got all the tools of a class lock, just needs to build that stamina that the AB selectors seem to demand these days.
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@Chris-B. said in AB squad for the EOYT:
@ACT-Crusader said in AB squad for the EOYT:
I don't mind the apprentice scheme because it's basically a by product of modern professionalism and the need to keep the young standout talents interested before million dollar offers start coming from OS.
On the other hand, for every Jordie who gets taken, there's 10 "Jack Goodhues" being told, "you're not as high up the totem pole as Jordie". And it's now much more crucial that Jack be retained!
I agree. We need these players for NPC and Super rugby. But the reality is Jack Goodhue is not going to have his door knocked on every week with massive offers. Jordie's exploits were on show at the International level through the age grades and now he has continued to develop in the NPC.
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While I 'm stoked for a recall for Luatua, and the likes of DMac, PT, Rieko, Fifita - I also think Reggie Goodes / Kane Hames (I know Hames is in the Maori squad) were unlucky to miss the cut. Do they really want to unleash Tu'ungafasi on an unsuspecting NH? Unless the thought was to try him out and give him a rude awakening against NH scrums, can't see why he would be picked over either Hames/Goodes.
Whilst I think Jordie Barrett is ok, what about Richie Mo'unga? I've been impressed with him in SR, he has grown and matured and his option-taking and cool head under pressure was invaluable for the Saders.
So Coltman gets his chance, well with Ntahan Harris unavailable, I guess it's good to have another back-up option. I have no problem with his general play, just hope his throwing improves. -
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@ACT-Crusader said in AB squad for the EOYT:
@Chris-B. said in AB squad for the EOYT:
@Nepia said in AB squad for the EOYT:
Who makes way for the other two Barretts? Hmm, it's all getting a bit Whitelocky.
Scott Barrett as lock cover really surprises me. Presumably they weren't that thrilled with Franklin when they had him in camp earlier this year - otherwise seems a bit odd to promote SB based on NPC form. If I was picking a lock from Mitre10 Cup it would probably have been Bird. Still, they probably know what they're doing.
I suppose if they are taking an apprentice it was pretty likely it would be Jordie. Not sure I'm completely sold on the apprentice scheme - anointing people as future All Blacks - somehow it doesn't sit quite right. And even if you take one away every year, you're probably always going to have at least 25 ABs in your squad who've never been apprentices.
Barrett's form during Super rugby was pretty good I reckon. His combo with Romano was surprisingly pretty effective. What was noticeable with him (and other younger players) was that towards the back end of the season it looked as if he was feeling the pinch and didn't have the motor. I think he's got all the tools of a class lock, just needs to build that stamina that the AB selectors seem to demand these days.
Well if what Gill says about his training routines is even half true he'll either build that stamina by the end of the tour or be a broken man.
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@No-Quarter I think that by the end of the tour, all three Barrett's will look even more like each other than they already do now.
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Some interesting selections!
Props - happy for Coltman but also feel for Harris, seems to have all the potential but can't seem to stay fit for long enough.
Locks - as expected. Feels like Romano is on borrowed time but there isn't really anyone else putting their hand up for the impact bench sport bar PT who is also in the squad, and he has the experience. SB as injury cover, well, they've had a good look at Bird and obviously don't think he has it mentally so want to look at SB now. Fair enough, we don't know exactly what attributes they are looking for but Hansen has said that the mental side of this is very important, and that not all players have what it takes at test level despite carving up the lower levels.
Loosies - stoked for Todd, he's done a job for us this year and deserves his spot. Mr dependable. Also stoked to see Luatua back in, as he was immense in the Super season. Steve, if you're reading this, make bloody sure you turn up to the tour in shape!! Amazing that Read already has 94 caps! He's on target to better McGod...
HBs/10s - as expected. Happy they are taking Jordie, as time in the AB camp will do him a world of good before the next Super season...
Midfield - ALB officially jumped ahead of Tamanivalu. Talk about taking your chances! Well played that man. Happy to see Moala in. Though if SBW is fit who misses out? Probably Fekitoa, though they have invested a lot into him...
Outsides - can't believe they took fat lazy Savea. Sheesh, if they'd read the Fern they'd know how utterly useless he is, only there on reputation. 45 tries in 49 tests, foodbill alert...
In seriousness though nothing unexpected. Hansen had already singled Rieko out for this tour some time ago. DMac is there in NMS's absence.
Overall can't complain about any of the selections. Really looking forward to seeing how some of the younger guys go, particularly Rieko who is a super exciting prospect.
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