Countdown to RWC 2019 - ABs state of the play
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I wouldn't be surprised if Brad Weber takes up that 3rd half back spot. Likely the starter for the Chiefs this year. I think thats why they took TKB on the EOYT no point giving a test to drummond if 2018 is Weber Vs Drummond for that 3rd spot.
In regards to people who may not make it. Someone mentioned Sam Whitelock in amoungst a few names. What indication has he shown that he won't be able. Guy has been a beast without his partner in crime as well.
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@magpie_in_aus I think it's between Weber and Drummond (and maybe Hall).
Weber, because he was already in the picture before 2017 and has only played 8 Mitre 10 Cup games (493 minutes) this year due to breaking his leg during the Brisbane 10 final and just had a screw removed from his leg, which apparently bothered him. So his real test comes during SR.
Drummond and Hall, because they both played very well for the Crusaders and during the NPC, and I think they wouldn't have given Drummond a game in black if they didn't see him as a contender. They don't just hand out black jerseys, not even in non-test games. They could just have started TKB with TJP providing cover from the bench. TJP hasn't played that many minutes.
Hall would probably have gotten the second halfback spot in the Maori ABs if he hadn't been injured.The only one who really seems to be out of the picture is Pulu. He was fit and available, and they didn't call him into the squad. For the other, more inexperienced players, the 2019 RWC probably comes too soon, unless one of them really shines during SR in 2018, but none of them will be regular starters for their SR franchise ...
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@tim I assume you're responding to me, despite only the label 'Hawke's Bay superfan' being applicable? Did you read more than the first eleven words of my post? First, Hall isn't the first choice halfback at the Crusaders; they have been consistently rotated by Robertson. Second, if you read my post better, you'll see that I'm of the view that the door is still wide open to probably three players: Weber, Drummond and Hall. I also don't predict any outcome.
The only reason why I - in the first sentence - put Hall between brackets is that we've had not any indication of the views of the AB selectors regarding Hall, which is the most important guidance for my post, not who I myself would like to see picked (Weber).
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Three All Blacks behind England counter parts.
Guess before you read, then laugh.
He’s miles off on two of them, and I’m not even sure about the other.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11955386
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Apparently the fern wpuld agree with the whitelock thing.
I love writers that keep trying to break the game down in to 15 one-on-ones.
We're very beatable. 3 players isn't the difference though
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Fark there are numerous locks in the world from here to Tibet I'd rate over Itoje...if there is an award for most over rated player, I would award it to him!
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I actually guessed the three - not because I agree but because of all the jism from Pommy hacks about the two forwards and the supposed game management extraordinaire of the other fulla.
Ironically you could easily make an equally valid argument that those three were England's weaknesses.
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@bovidae
I guess the thing is that they feel this is a great time to beat the ABs in the lead up to the RWC, they need the pats on the back saying you guys are so good, even better than the ABs, although last time you played them they beat you.This is obviously balanced by our media ('cept Treason and Twattue who just write shit)who look for any inkling of lack of respect that every player in NZ is better than anyone else.
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@gt12 said in Countdown to RWC 2019 - ABs state of the play:
Three All Blacks behind England counter parts.
Guess before you read, then laugh.
He’s miles off on two of them, and I’m not even sure about the other.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11955386
Here are my guess;
- Goalkicker
- Discipline, yellow cards and growing a cynical reputation with refs (heading for a Lucky Luke style card in a RWC knockout)
- The high ball. DMac looks frail. Ben Smith getting old and Jordie missed a half seasons opportunity of test match development.
Now I'll read it.
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OK, that wasn't the sort of analysis I was expecting.
I'm not surprised that England journalists rate those 3 players. I'm not outraged.
I, however, think Moody is the best LH prop in the world at the moment. He's made amazing strides. Not unsurprsing that foreign fans/journos have a lag before they recognise the quality of another nation's player's improvement.
Also, I thought Billy Vunipola was very highly rated up there? and Read isn't tearing it up. Not a player I would want personally as he would not suit the NZ style at all. But I could understand an on paper head-to-head rating him higher.
What about the gaping hole in the NZ lineup at 6? Do England have nothing there? Alright, I'll go and read the original.
Edit. Or not, can't find the article on https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/ -
@rapido said in Countdown to RWC 2019 - ABs state of the play:
@gt12 said in Countdown to RWC 2019 - ABs state of the play:
Three All Blacks behind England counter parts.
Guess before you read, then laugh.
He’s miles off on two of them, and I’m not even sure about the other.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11955386
Here are my guess;
- Goalkicker
- Discipline, yellow cards and growing a cynical reputation with refs (heading for a Lucky Luke style card in a RWC knockout)
- The high ball. DMac looks frail. Ben Smith getting old and Jordie missed a half seasons opportunity of test match development.
Now I'll read it.
waaaaay too much analysis in those thoughts.
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2019 is still very far so I guess a number of young players should emerge during the 2018 and 2019 SR seasons : Jordan, Clarke, Alaimalo, Perofeta, Papali'i or the huge NZ Schools lock whose name I can't remember.
I reckon Sam Lousi could come in contention at lock if he confirms his 2017 form. PT and SB were pretty disappointing during this EOYT. Moli has a big potential but will he be given the opportunity to play LH at the Chiefs ? He should join the Canes where there are no future AB LHP. -
@rapido said in Countdown to RWC 2019 - ABs state of the play:
- Discipline, yellow cards and growing a cynical reputation with refs (heading for a Lucky Luke style card in a RWC knockout)
Or Kaino, or SBW, or Smith which were actual offences in knockout games unlike Unlucky Luke.
As TR said you actually prepared for the test by watching the ABs play - big mistake!
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@cgrant said in Countdown to RWC 2019 - ABs state of the play:
2019 is still very far so I guess a number of young players should emerge during the 2018 and 2019 SR seasons : Jordan, Clarke, Alaimalo, Perofeta, Papali'i or the huge NZ Schools lock whose name I can't remember.
I reckon Sam Lousi could come in contention at lock if he confirms his 2017 form. PT and SB were pretty disappointing during this EOYT. Moli has a big potential but will he be given the opportunity to play LH at the Chiefs ? He should join the Canes where there are no future AB LHP.Moli can push for the utility prop position against Ofa. All he needs is the odd spell at LH to keep in the offer.
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So much love for Akira Ioane! Ardie is already miles ahead of him, and will remain the best bench option.
And Jordie Barrett better learn to tackle. Because I don't like All Blacks who miss as many tackles as he did last season.
