How are the AB's tracking heading into the BIL series?

[Stargazer]

Clickbait. That opinion article was already on the AB website yesterday at noon, not just "hours before" the team naming.
NZH just trying to make an article out of it. The timing of that article on the AB website could have been better though.

This is the article:

http://www.allblacks.com/News/30919/opinion-all-blacks-selection-set-to-be-full-of-surprises

[mariner4life]

Is anyone really expecting any surprises? From these selectors?

[No Quarter]

@mariner4life yeah I was going to say, pretty easy to claim you have a "leaked" squad and then name all the players everyone expects to make it anyway. There's fuck all 50/50 calls overall.

[Bovidae]

If true, Dixon might still be a surprise selection ahead of the injured Squire but he does offer versatility in a squad.

I'm not sure you do need a prop who can play both sides, particularly if he (Ofa T) isn't that good at either.

[booboo]

Only 2 hookers in that squad

[mariner4life]

@Bovidae Ofa T looked pretty good last night

Dixon is only in because of injury. He was barely test standard last year when he had much better form

[Tim]

@mariner4life Dixon must be a sign that article was BS. Ioane is in much better form.

[Tim]

Hmm ...

NZR's broadcast partner Sky TV has declined the opportunity to pay more for the "rights" to live broadcast the announcement. Instead, NZR site allblacks.com will live-stream the announcement, promoting that fact prominently on Facebook and in other areas.

SKY's abstention carries some risk in itself, since NZ Rugby seems to be exploring a move towards its own rugby channel. Today's squad announcement is an opportunity to take a small step in that direction. Sky has secured New Zealand rugby broadcast rights until 2021.

[Chris B.]

@Bovidae On the other hand, you don't really need three tighthead props, when Franks and Faumuina are clearly going to be the two who play. In that case, Ofa is more useful than Nepo.

I can't really see Matt Todd missing out - although three opensides might be a luxury they decide to forego.

Those would be the two likely changes I'd make to McConnell's squad. Maybe NMS somewhere - but, maybe not.

I think any surprises will come in the guys named on stand-by - I'm tipping Jack Goodhue to be named as cover for Crotty and Tom Franklin as cover for Scott Barrett.

I'm prepared to be wrong on both!

[Tim]

Live video of announcement:

[Tim]

No Luatua - spiteful. Akira Ioane and Fifita as injury cover.

[Hooroo]

@Tim said in How are the AB's tracking heading into the BIL series?:

No Luatua - spiteful. Akira Ioane and Fifita as injury cover.

Spiteful?

[booboo]

@Tim said in How are the AB's tracking heading into the BIL series?:

No Luatua - spiteful. Akira Ioane and Fifita as injury cover.

Boo

[Tim]

@Hooroo It's punishment for leaving. Just like Piutau.

Luatua is in great form and is clearly better than anyone other than Read and Kaino.

[Rembrandt]

Woah! Just when you think AB announcements are boring!

Laumape, J Barrett

I was worried that the expected team was a little boring. Very excited about Laumape especially.

Barrett trio!

[Tim]

Jordie Barrett over McKenzie.

[Hooroo]

@Tim said in How are the AB's tracking heading into the BIL series?:

@Hooroo It's punishment for leaving. Just like Piutau.

Luatua is in great form and is clearly better than anyone other than Read and Kaino.

Did they drop Cruden too? (I haven't seen squad)

[Tim]

@Hooroo Nope. He's been around for a long time though, and wasn't singled out for public criticism like Piutau and Luatua were.

[JayCee]

did I miss his name - no Fekitoa?

[Tim]

@JayCee Think Laumape was selected ahead of him? Was there injury cover in the midfield named?