How are the AB's tracking heading into the BIL series?
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@Stargazer said in How are the AB's tracking heading into the BIL series?:
@Rancid-Schnitzel said in How are the AB's tracking heading into the BIL series?:
@Stargazer said in How are the AB's tracking heading into the BIL series?:
Not responding to anyone in particular, but I sometimes get the feeling that people expect way too much from Jordie Barrett this year. He only just turned 20, give him some time. The same applies to the other 20-year-old, Rieko Ioane.
It is weird that there's speculation he will start at 15 against the Lions. Obviously never going to happen.
But, there's no harm in being excited about a future (and I stress future) combo with SBW.
Hmm, but SBW is at the other end of the spectrum. He turns 32 this year.
Yes, but he keeps himself in terrific shape and is a non-drinking, non-banking Muslim. He could keep on playing until he's 40.
In all seriousness, there's no reason he can't play at the next RWC.
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@gollum I guess the tale will be in the tape, but I'll be surprised if the Lions don't lose a significant number of players to injury. We'll be lucky not to lose several, as well.
You only have to look at the casualty wards of our Super rugby teams to see that it's pretty standard to lose one or two players to injury per match.
But, let's hope both teams are close to full strength and that the series doesn't end up being decided by injuries, cards or other blatant refereeing errors.
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@Rancid-Schnitzel said in How are the AB's tracking heading into the BIL series?:
@Stargazer said in How are the AB's tracking heading into the BIL series?:
Not responding to anyone in particular, but I sometimes get the feeling that people expect way too much from Jordie Barrett this year. He only just turned 20, give him some time. The same applies to the other 20-year-old, Rieko Ioane.
It is weird that there's speculation he will start at 15 against the Lions. Obviously never going to happen.
But, there's no harm in being excited about a future (and I stress future) combo with SBW.
I'm more excited about a Jordie-ALB combo for years to come (ALB is only 22! and a much better player than SBW). Throw Rieko into the mix and we have three extraordinarily talented midfielders coming through.
You're right about defending at fullback too, it's a bloody difficult position as you often have to make one-on-one tackles with nobody either side of you to help. Dagg isn't fantastic in this regard either, Ben Smith is generally pretty good. Probably the best we've had in modern history is Cullen who was an expert at it - his express pace and light feet being an asset in that regard. But as you say, it's not Jordie's long-term position.
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@No-Quarter said in How are the AB's tracking heading into the BIL series?:
@Rancid-Schnitzel said in How are the AB's tracking heading into the BIL series?:
@Stargazer said in How are the AB's tracking heading into the BIL series?:
Not responding to anyone in particular, but I sometimes get the feeling that people expect way too much from Jordie Barrett this year. He only just turned 20, give him some time. The same applies to the other 20-year-old, Rieko Ioane.
It is weird that there's speculation he will start at 15 against the Lions. Obviously never going to happen.
But, there's no harm in being excited about a future (and I stress future) combo with SBW.
I'm more excited about a Jordie-ALB combo for years to come (ALB is only 22! and a much better player than SBW). Throw Rieko into the mix and we have three extraordinarily talented midfielders coming through.
You're right about defending at fullback too, it's a bloody difficult position as you often have to make one-on-one tackles with nobody either side of you to help. Dagg isn't fantastic in this regard either, Ben Smith is generally pretty good. Probably the best we've had in modern history is Cullen who was an expert at it - his express pace and light feet being an asset in that regard. But as you say, it's not Jordie's long-term position.
Yes, that is very exciting! Didn't even think of Giraffe and ALB/Ioane. Damn shame the Lions series will be over and done with before we see any of these combos.
Laumape is great, but I really wish Boyd would give Jordie a run at 12. Hopefully next year.
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Not sure in which other thread to post this ...
The British and Irish Lions tour is going to be even more Kiwi than expected, with news three of Super Rugby franchises to play the tourists will perform the haka. The Blues, Crusaders and Chiefs will perform a pre-match haka unique to each side, while the Highlanders and Hurricanes players decided against it. (...) Only the Chiefs have their own haka. He Piko, He Taniwha was performed after the 2012 and 2013 Super Rugby final victories. It was composed by haka exponent Ora Kihi from the cultural group from Te Wharekura O Rakaumanga School. He piko, He Taniwha means "at every bend a Chief". In 2016 it was performed before the game against Wales, who are coached by Waikato stalwart Warren Gatland. (...) "We have been talking to our other teams about whether they would like to perform a haka or have some other form of ceremonial presentation," Cass said. The Highlanders were likely to go with a Scottish-themed pre-match while the Hurricanes were still working on their pre-match rundown. -
facepalms
Really? Why?
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@mariner4life Because they can.
It will likely infuriate some NH fans too so it's all good!
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It also gives them an unfair advantage too which is a bonus.
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@Nepia said in How are the AB's tracking heading into the BIL series?:
@mariner4life Because they can.
It will likely infuriate some NH fans too so it's all good!
I was about to say I'm not sure I like the idea , maybe too much ......... but good point , I'm sold
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That plan to have squire back up kaino...
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@Billy-Tell said in How are the AB's tracking heading into the BIL series?:
That plan to have squire back up kaino...
I can't believe I am saying this, but L Whitelock to cover 6/8?
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@infidel said in How are the AB's tracking heading into the BIL series?:
Not sure if this has been posted, JK, Ric Salizzo and Grant Fox.
Haven't watched all of it but from the Foxy part at least we now have it confirmed that the AB squad for the series will be 33 with a likely 18/15 split and 3 hookers/3 halfbacks/3 10s. 5 Props of course.
So 10 locks and loosies. Basically 2 of each.
9 centres and outsides. 4 spares. -
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@JayCee or maybe they have had BB practising his arse off, but not doing the canes kicking to lull the Lions into a false sense of security...add that to all the fake injuries, this is top work by the AB coaches!
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@JayCee Yeah that was an interesting comment about "not wanting to drill down into that".
You don't have to look too far to see that if it's not the first five doing the kicking then it's pretty much got to be Dmac or Jordie - unless Dagg is suddenly going to be a revelation.
My guess would be that if they decide it's a major concern then they could shoehorn DMac into fullback and play Ben Smith on the wing (or even vice versa - even though I've not seen McKenzie play wing).
I simply can't see them giving Jordie a debut in this series.
