How are the AB's tracking heading into the BIL series?
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I think with NMS he's been out for a while. He was out basically all of last year, and has barely played this year. Kaino, Read and Squire have played a lot more minutes in the last 18 months. I think they are thinking a bit long term and just letting him ease his way back in. The other thing is there could still be injuries between now and the Lions series starting and NMS will have two more games by then (v Chiefs and for Maori). Any sign of a winger injury or bad form (unless it's untouchable Julian Savea) and NMS will be straight in. The pressure is squarely on the wings in the squad to deliver with NMS waiting in the background.
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@Tim Be it what it was, might be that Luatua is a more talented player and Hansen didn't want to see him leave, or the reasons we were given, Hansen was pissed and that is the reason he wasn't picked.
@Bovidae Yeah I remember back then people were unanimous that he went the same route as Piutau and smashed his AB chances, which now happened. Luatua is one of my favorite players and would have loved to see him play for the AB's but thems the breaks now.
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Yeah, I can see the logic in picking TKB and Faumuina, but not Luatua. Those guys have been completely dedicated to the AB's since making it, combine that with them demanding selection and it not even being debatable they should be there. Luatua may have had a couple of decent games, but he's not light years ahead of anyone else competing for his position.
Awesome for Laumape. Thing with him I've noticed is he's got real pace, probably the quickest midfielder in the squad - which could see him viewed as a midfielder who can cover wing, so pretty decent for the bench.
Odd there's no Rob Thompson.
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Only real surprise for me was Laumape, who undeniably has form, but I haven't seen demonstrating a passing game. Oh, the irony of shag basicly saying he gave them a Warrenball option! Seems they're indicating very clearly Fekitoa doesn't do it for them.
Fox had said 18/15 split, so it strikes me that selectors altered mix to allow in JB, who I could see on bench so there is a goal kicking change up available.
Luatua seems a pretty determined snub. On form there is absolutely no doubt he is the best no.8 to replace Read for Samoa match. Squad would make sense if no injuries, but there are.
Regarding Samoa, if no Read and Squire then assume JK to 8, but means one of back up need to be in 23. Assume Todd, although Akira seems to be more suited as a 6/8. -
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Ok, I must say I'm surprised with the inclusion of Goodhue (back up squad) and J Barrett. J Barrett started this season well but seemed to lose a bit of form as the season progressed. Goodhue, I must admit I haven't watched much of him but he's been good when I have seen him, but interesting that he appears to have leap frogged over guys like Ngatai, Proctor and Buckman.
That Maori team looks better than what I thought it would. It would have looked even better with players in the ABs - all the 9s, Cruden, Coles and Taylor, Moody, Squire, Laumape and Dagg.
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@Nepia said in How are the AB's tracking heading into the BIL series?:
Ok, I must say I'm surprised with the inclusion of Goodhue (back up squad) and J Barrett. J Barrett started this season well but seemed to lose a bit of form as the season progressed. Goodhue, I must admit I haven't watched much of him but he's been good when I have seen him, but interesting that he appears to have leap frogged over guys like Ngatai, Proctor and Buckman.
To be fair, Proctor and Ngatai have barely played in recent times. Interesting that Goodhue's also jumped over Fekitoa, Tamanivalu and Moala - last year's ABs who have been playing.
He has been excellent though. Has barely made a mistake all season and good in every game.
If he stays fit, I reckon Ngatai has the goods to return to the ABs, but I think most of the others will struggle to get much of a look in for the meantime - maybe Proctor?
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@Chris-B. Thompson.
@Nepia I think I can see where they're going with J Barrett. Reads the game very well and has some nice skills, along with a very promising boot. I reckon they've got him there to focus on his shortcomings, mainly - speed, inconsistent passing, defence. Doubt he'll see much gametime.
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Ofa T should be nowhere near an All Black squad. He was also poor against the Lions the other night.
If you are looking for guys who play both sides then Atu Moli would be a better investment .
I would rate Eves , May, Fisihoi and Prattley (all average props) over him -
@mariner4life Missed tackles, general scrimmaging and the miles offside tackle on Biggar.
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@Kiwidom said in How are the AB's tracking heading into the BIL series?:
@mariner4life Missed tackles, general scrimmaging and the miles offside tackle on Biggar.
I thought that was fine given the ref clearly didn't give a shit about foul play. He also ran 10m before he snotted Biggar, Would have helped if his teammates ran another two metres to put him onside.
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@KiwiMurph Agreed Prattley was a bad example, but Nepo Laulala could have been picked instead , with Faumuina as both TH and LH cover
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@Kiwidom my memory of Nepo Laulala in a black jersey involves him over-celebrating a scrum win vs Samoa in Apia and then missing a goal line tackle on the Wallaby try scorer for the match sealing try for the last Bledisloe the ABs lost, 2015 Sydney.
