How are the AB's tracking heading into the BIL series?
-
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. -
-
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.
-
@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?
-
@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.
-
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.
-
@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.
-
@KiwiMurph Agreed Prattley was a bad example, but Nepo Laulala could have been picked instead , with Faumuina as both TH and LH cover
-
@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.
-
@KiwiMurph You forgetting his dominant cameo against the strong Argentina scrum in Chritchurch of that same year then ? I just think he has a lot more potential than Ofa, and they are around the same age
-
Ofa's alright. No matter how well he's going he'll always struggle to shake off the bad reputation he has with his scrummaging which has barely been a problem in the last couple of seasons.
