How are the ABs tracking for the RC?
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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 ....
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@Nepia I agree hes playing well and TBH theres no other NZ 6 convincingly pushing him for his test jersey however, my opinion is that 2019 feels likely to be a bridge too far and he won't have the same impact that we require of him - go out with a bang in the RC.
And yes I think Tana should've played on - have to wonder if he feels that was the right decision in hindsight. -
@Rembrandt I base my case on DMac considering 9 on the following:
Hes been shown up as too small for international rugby against the tough sides. In the physical stakes Jordie has passed him.
Hes coming from a long way back in the 10 stakes, Beaudy, Sopoaga, Mouanga and then possibly Black, Jordie and this years U20 first-five, even Bryn Gatland all on a par or ahead.
Didn't they consider him as a 9 replacement on one of the EOYT games last year?
Nothing to do with size, but then his size does relate to elusive running, capable passing, another kicking option.I just think if he wants to have AB potential into the future, then the versatility of a 9/10 on the bench brings an interesting mix to proceedings - we could have a 6/2 bench split for example if circumstance dictates it.
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@westcoastie BBBT was 37 at the 2011 RWC, so I wouldn't write off Kaino just yet.
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@westcoastie Good points. I see an issue however where he seems to be a player who thrives on space, at 10 he has less and he has been found out, halfback would be even worse and lacking a physicality could run the risk of being regularly monstered. I can kind of see a natural 9 moving into 10 but for some reason not a 10 moving into 9. Anyone know of any examples where this has been a success?
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Matt Giteau!!!
