How are the ABs tracking for the RC?
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This might not be the thread, but the thought did cross my mind during the first Lions test, I wonder what the plan is with Kaino. How long does he have? When will the transition come (to Akira, Squire)? How will he go out? A Lions test series was probably the last of the accomplishments for him at test level.
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there was talk soon after the WC , he will play on to the lions , they made it sound like that would be it ,
Im pretty sure there was talk last year , they might try and get him through to the next WC
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@ACT-Crusader said in How are the ABs tracking for the RC?:
@mimic said in How are the ABs tracking for the RC?:
The thing about the bench lock spot, is that I think he is there in case of an injury to SW and BBBR, as they're both 80 minute players.
I think they will go with Squire over Barrett (in the short term ie. for the RC), and if there is an injury, JK will cover lock. Patty in full flight would take that spot easily though. He just needs to get his attitude sorted. If Luatua can do it, then I believe Patty can do it too.I reckon the days of Kaino covering lock are over.
Did kaino ever cover lock? I know he played there in Chicago. Saying he covered it though is being very generous...
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Good point about Kaino. My guess is he'll start the RC then start getting moved out?
So, HB: Bloody hell, it really is bare, isn't it? It'll probably be Pulu, but fuck that's a worry.
Third 1st five should be Mo'unga. Based on what's around, he looks like the best bet to be looked at, although my balls get a bit tight thinking about him playing the boks. Like @ACT-Crusader I kind of feel like Jordie might be the best to handle that. But, my guess is that they'll take McKenzie. Seriously.
We've got three hookers, and a fourth in Gimli, so not really a worry there. If Taylor gets his pressure throwing right, we are somewhat OK, even without Coles (but, please come back Dane, soon).
5th prop. Hmm, right now I'm way tempted to say JTA - who has been tried and failed. But, I thought he looked pretty good against the Lions, and he is the closest I can think of to a ball playing TH. The other option is for Ofa to take Charlie's spot and only focus on TH, in which case I hope Brendon Edwards gets healthy soon. Laulala is very Franks like, so not ideal for the Charlie role, but could be good to have in the squad. They could invest in the future and go with Moli, who possibly has the biggest upside. I seriously can't think of who I'd carry here, but I'll guess Moli as a project.
If he plays, I think Jordie should kick the goals. But, right now he doesn't quite start for me. Not yet. Doesn't make my bench yet either until he can cover 10, but don't know when he'll ever get the chance. Makes my back five though which is the same as @ACT-Crusader 's.
One problem we've had is a lack of impact from our subs. Barrett moves bodies, but our bej is a weakness now. I think we need to be more risky with our lock reserve. I don't think we can use Squire, but I'd like to see Fifita given a go. I think he offers more than Barrett. As has been mentioned, most of the time our locks can go 80, so given that, I like him covering 6 and adding some punch for Kaino if required.
My Bench: Crockett, Taylor, Ofa, Fifita, Savea, TJP, Sopoaga, Laumape
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@booboo said in How are the ABs tracking for the RC?:
I'll come back to the questions in the OP presently ...
But I recall after the 2nd Lions test in 2005 that some were stating 07 was a fait de complis.
How did that work out?
Just saying there's a LOT of water to flow under that bridge.
Ooops sorry. Read that as RWC NOT RC. Thought that was somwhat premature.
D'oh
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I think we need to fine tune the starting and bench outside backs. I really don't like an out and out midfielder on the bench and being forced to move BB to the back early on. Really need to have winger/center on the bench. Ideal for that role is Buckman as well as Moala and Ioane with more time in the midfield and a higher workrate.
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@akan004 said in How are the ABs tracking for the RC?:
@gt12 Do you know if Michael Alaalatoa has decided on which country he wants to represent? When would he be available for AB selection if available? I have been impressed with his development at the Crusaders.
Michael started playing Mitre 10 Cup for Manawatu in 2015 (after playing SR that year for the Tahs), so I guess the starting date for his NZ residency is approx. mid-August 2015. So that would mean that he'd be eligible from mid-August 2018.
Not sure whether he has shown a commitment to any national team. He played U20s for Samoa in 2011.Personally, I don't think he's anywhere near AB level (yet), although he has indeed improved since he arrived in NZ.
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@DMX said in How are the ABs tracking for the RC?:
I think we need to fine tune the starting and bench outside backs. I really don't like an out and out midfielder on the bench and being forced to move BB to the back early on. Really need to have winger/center on the bench. Ideal for that role is Buckman as well as Moala and Ioane with more time in the midfield and a higher workrate.
The other option is to go back to the not too distant past when Henry and Hansen were playing our 1st 5 (i.e. Carter) for 80 minutes. We have an emergency 10 option on the bench.
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@ACT-Crusader said in How are the ABs tracking for the RC?:
@DMX said in How are the ABs tracking for the RC?:
I think we need to fine tune the starting and bench outside backs. I really don't like an out and out midfielder on the bench and being forced to move BB to the back early on. Really need to have winger/center on the bench. Ideal for that role is Buckman as well as Moala and Ioane with more time in the midfield and a higher workrate.
The other option is to go back to the not too distant past when Henry and Hansen were playing our 1st 5 (i.e. Carter) for 80 minutes. We have an emergency 10 option on the bench.
Do you mean, then not have specialist cover? Were Jordie to have some experience at 10, that could be a future possibility. Also McKenzie who could just come on at 15. I think I've also seen Crotty play 10 at some level too, so that could be a back up. It's pretty risky though.
On the other hand, there is something strong about it, in that it could leave BB at 10 for 80.
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@gt12 said in How are the ABs tracking for the RC?:
@ACT-Crusader said in How are the ABs tracking for the RC?:
@DMX said in How are the ABs tracking for the RC?:
I think we need to fine tune the starting and bench outside backs. I really don't like an out and out midfielder on the bench and being forced to move BB to the back early on. Really need to have winger/center on the bench. Ideal for that role is Buckman as well as Moala and Ioane with more time in the midfield and a higher workrate.
The other option is to go back to the not too distant past when Henry and Hansen were playing our 1st 5 (i.e. Carter) for 80 minutes. We have an emergency 10 option on the bench.
Do you mean, then not have specialist cover? Were Jordie to have some experience at 10, that could be a future possibility. Also McKenzie who could just come on at 15. I think I've also seen Crotty play 10 at some level too, so that could be a back up. It's pretty risky though.
On the other hand, there is something strong about it, in that it could leave BB at 10 for 80.
probably something of a dilemma for them ,
in the modern game , they tend to like to empty the bench to get as much fresh energy out there as they can in the latter part of the game ,
And when a younger BB was that 10 bench option coming on at FB , it was perfect , not any more -
Unlike Blues prop Charlie Faumuina and Chiefs playmaker Aaron Cruden, both of whom have played their final tests for the All Blacks and will depart for France at the end of this Super Rugby season, Tawera Kerr-Barlow is contracted for the full 2017 campaign.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/rugby/news/article.cfm?c_id=80&objectid=11889645
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Firstly, I would like Kaino to put his hand up and say, he won't make it to RWC2019 and be the force he was in the past. And like Tana retire after the RC.
Third HB? dunno Pulu most likely, Drummond? those Crusader 9's? (combination with Read)
Third first-five? Geez we're light here ain't we? I think everyone needs to accept DMac, is one of those kids who looks good at Super stuff, but that step up to test match is too much. Too physical, too much. Now if he became a 9/10 hybrid that would make the bench interesting...
Third hooker? Lisa Lewis... nah Harris/Coltman got that one covered
Third prop? pass
Beaudy to keep kicking. He'll get better.
Marty schmarty. Gooone.
Bench? Crockett, Taylor, a prop., Savea, a 6/8 or Scotty B. Perenara, Sopoaga, mix n' match between ALB/Laumape/Ioane/J.Barrett. - I firmly believe in the last 10 tests the selectors have realised in games against tougher forward packs, they'll take genuine lock cover in to the test. i.e. vs Lions, Ireland, England, maybe Argentina & South Africa, vs everyone else they won't or don't need to. that Ireland game in Chicago taught them lots I hope they never forget.
I think they may consider Sopoaga able to cover 10/15 (or maybe 10/12) where does he play for the Highlanders if him and Banks are on? They won't (or shouldn't move Beaudy from 10 anymore in the tight ones. Its dumb) So then the bench mix gets interested because theres no place for Jordie if he doesn't start and isn't playing 15 (assuming Sopoaga can) - Are we assuming Ioane is first choice 11 now? BFA first choice 14 or 15? and then Dagg/Naholo at 14 depending on opposition.
Tuipulotu = victim of own stupidity, needs a big Mitre 10. If he'd been on-song it would've been interesting to see him go head to head with Itoje. -
@ACT-Crusader said in How are the ABs tracking for the RC?:
This might not be the thread, but the thought did cross my mind during the first Lions test, I wonder what the plan is with Kaino. How long does he have? When will the transition come (to Akira, Squire)? How will he go out? A Lions test series was probably the last of the accomplishments for him at test level.
He's still playing at a really high level. Sadly we need to prepare for his retirement and succession now while there's still two years out from RWC 2019
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Genuine question. Why is it that people think players like Cruden or DMac should start playing halfback? I haven't played a lot of rugby in my time but surely the skillsets are far too different in the modern game. I'm short and skinny so at school initially I was pushed to halfback right up until they realised I couldn't run, pass etc then they burried me at hooker where I could just stay out of the way. It seems to me a little bit of old school 'well he's short so he must be a halfback'
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@westcoastie said in How are the ABs tracking for the RC?:
Firstly, I would like Kaino to put his hand up and say, he won't make it to RWC2019 and be the force he was in the past. And like Tana retire after the RC.
Why? He's still our best 6. Even in this day of RWC cycles if we can't integrate players in at any time then we're going to have issues.
Arguably Tana should have hung around ....
