AB Positions up for grabs
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@cgrant said in AB Positions up for grabs:
@tim said in AB Positions up for grabs:
3rd Halfback
Smith and Perenara are obviously the top two. Kerr-Barlow has gone, and there are no players with significant international experience left. This is wide open.
Contenders:
Hall and Drummond at the Crusaders. Both good but not much more. Hall is faster around the field and looks a little bit sharper, not very consistent though. Was preferred for the playoffs last year. Was injured at the end of the year and Drummond got a chance with the ABs.
Brad Weber - has the pass and speed to the ruck, but does he have the game for test rugby? He's rather small, and has struggled on defence. Is returning from a serious injury.
Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (T3) - Looks in good shape, looks faster too. Another small player. Has looked really good at times in lower grades.
Pulu - would make a good impact sub. Very physical. Would you want this man starting for your team? Pass is often too slow, not great at getting to rucks quickly.
Pity that Enari is injured. Looked really good for NZ U20.
Ruru has the potential to be added to your list. He's got a good pass and he is quite big for a scrum half.
No mention of the red haired nines of the Hurricanes ?Don't know if he will get enough opportunities to press his case with the AB selectors before a Scotland jersey (and move) is offered.
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@taniwharugby said in AB Positions up for grabs:
@stargazer you also said it was premature to talk about those players...it isnt.
While unlikely they will be selected, IF they do decide to go with another (if any of those you mention get injured, form falls off a cliff or anyo f those it is premature to talk about, have a season that is so irresistable) it will more likely be sooner rather than later.
No, I didn't say that. I said "IMO it's premature to mention Alaimalo, McKay, Jordan and even Stevenson." I didn't say it was premature to talk about DMac, Havili or Duffie. Of all positions on the field, fullback is the least of their worries and therefore has the least priority for introducing rookies. They have 5 fullbacks plus BB, plus possibly NMS. More than enough to address any of the issues you mention.
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@cgrant said in AB Positions up for grabs:
It will be interesting to see where the Chiefs will use Stevenson and Alaimalo
As long as Cooper hasn't got rocks in his head and plays Charlie at fullback, as he did in a preseason game. The best Chiefs midfield combo is Ngatai-ALB.
With that said, I would select Stevenson at fullback and Alaimalo on the left wing with the latter taking over from Lowe as the power winger. They could be interchangeable across the back three. Pulu probably on the right wing if he is fit, otherwise MMac could go to fullback. I am excluding TNW and McNicol as both are unavailable.
I might try to pop down to a training this week to see who is on deck.
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Duffie a good option as a wing/fullback. We need one of those in the 14 jersey and I suspect Dagg may not make the RWC.
The question around JB and Mac is whether we can fit two utilities into a RWC squad. Neither are likely (barring other injuries) to command a specialist spot.
There is no way that JB will be an AB 12 at the next RWC part from being there as a backup and having others fall over, so scrap that idea. He goes as one of the back three or as a utility.
Usually there is only one utility in a squad but we have a few multi position guys with good talent lining up so maybe the mix will be different.
Crotty (12,13)
ALB (12,13)
Rieko (11,14,13)
DMac (15,10)
JB (15, and apparently everywhere else)
Dagg and Smith (14,15) -
@tim said in AB Positions up for grabs:
@crucial Goodhue covers 12 and wing too.
Everybody covers wing.
I'm more thinking of players that either will or could push for genuine positional selection. I can't see Goodhue doing that as a wing. He needs to get a foot in the door in one position first as well, and the midfield queue is not only long but there will likely be an aim to stop tinkering there and settle down, meaning less opportunity.
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In my eyes 6, 10, 12, 13, 14, 16, 19-23 *should * all be up for grabs, based purely on the large amounts of dross we served up last year
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@tim said in AB Positions up for grabs:
The one you've been waiting for, Blindside Flanker.
With Kaino's career winding down this is a huge season for those wearing the six jersey. His replacements last year were unimpressive to say the least. Neither imposed any presence down the blindside channel on defence, with Fifita's workrate inconsistent, and Squire's non-existent. All Black ruck defence was particularly poor last year, and was exploited twice by Australia. Of the two, Fifita has the most athletic potential, though seems better adapted to power lock play at this stage of his career.
The Contenders:
Jerome Kaino - the greatest of all time, does he have another season left? If well managed he probably has a partial one. Must watch injuries though. Will not play all games, even if his form returns dramatically.
Fifita - excellent athlete learning a difficult position. Reminder that Kaino took several years to grow into the position. So did Luatua. Could be the answer, would help to get more time at six this Super Rugby season.
Squire - good ball carrier, flat-track bully. See his performance against the Crusaders in last year's playoff game. Went missing when up against top notch opposition. Very little physical impact in Brisbane against Australia. Needs a massive improvement in workrate and defensive presence.
Ioane - another outstanding young athlete who is still learning the role. Very strong, hits rucks and gains turnovers, physical defender, excellent ball carrier. Needs to improve decision making and workrate consistency. Will play at eight a lot, but has had his best games at six. Future All Black star. Should be developed for the World Cup. Should benefit from his second season playing XVs exclusively.
Hemopo and Evans are the outsiders. Barrett may get some time there for the ABs.
A potential weakness for the All Blacks.
So @jauzy019 has posted an article from France where Taufua has turned down club contracts in France due to 'Hansen promising to give him a crack'
Even taking that with a pinch of salt it means they have talked to him and given him confidence that he may be in the picture. -
@crucial said in AB Positions up for grabs:
@tim said in AB Positions up for grabs:
The one you've been waiting for, Blindside Flanker.
With Kaino's career winding down this is a huge season for those wearing the six jersey. His replacements last year were unimpressive to say the least. Neither imposed any presence down the blindside channel on defence, with Fifita's workrate inconsistent, and Squire's non-existent. All Black ruck defence was particularly poor last year, and was exploited twice by Australia. Of the two, Fifita has the most athletic potential, though seems better adapted to power lock play at this stage of his career.
The Contenders:
Jerome Kaino - the greatest of all time, does he have another season left? If well managed he probably has a partial one. Must watch injuries though. Will not play all games, even if his form returns dramatically.
Fifita - excellent athlete learning a difficult position. Reminder that Kaino took several years to grow into the position. So did Luatua. Could be the answer, would help to get more time at six this Super Rugby season.
Squire - good ball carrier, flat-track bully. See his performance against the Crusaders in last year's playoff game. Went missing when up against top notch opposition. Very little physical impact in Brisbane against Australia. Needs a massive improvement in workrate and defensive presence.
Ioane - another outstanding young athlete who is still learning the role. Very strong, hits rucks and gains turnovers, physical defender, excellent ball carrier. Needs to improve decision making and workrate consistency. Will play at eight a lot, but has had his best games at six. Future All Black star. Should be developed for the World Cup. Should benefit from his second season playing XVs exclusively.
Hemopo and Evans are the outsiders. Barrett may get some time there for the ABs.
A potential weakness for the All Blacks.
So @jauzy019 has posted an article from France where Taufua has turned down club contracts in France due to 'Hansen promising to give him a crack'
Even taking that with a pinch of salt it means they have talked to him and given him confidence that he may be in the picture.Bloody good news. Been one of the crusaders best forwards for a number of years. Would provide more impact off the bench than savea.
Like others I wonder about his lack of size, but that’s not an issue at super rugby.
Mainly I’m just stoked he may be at the crusaders for a bit longer
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@sammyc said in AB Positions up for grabs:
@crucial said in AB Positions up for grabs:
@tim said in AB Positions up for grabs:
The one you've been waiting for, Blindside Flanker.
With Kaino's career winding down this is a huge season for those wearing the six jersey. His replacements last year were unimpressive to say the least. Neither imposed any presence down the blindside channel on defence, with Fifita's workrate inconsistent, and Squire's non-existent. All Black ruck defence was particularly poor last year, and was exploited twice by Australia. Of the two, Fifita has the most athletic potential, though seems better adapted to power lock play at this stage of his career.
The Contenders:
Jerome Kaino - the greatest of all time, does he have another season left? If well managed he probably has a partial one. Must watch injuries though. Will not play all games, even if his form returns dramatically.
Fifita - excellent athlete learning a difficult position. Reminder that Kaino took several years to grow into the position. So did Luatua. Could be the answer, would help to get more time at six this Super Rugby season.
Squire - good ball carrier, flat-track bully. See his performance against the Crusaders in last year's playoff game. Went missing when up against top notch opposition. Very little physical impact in Brisbane against Australia. Needs a massive improvement in workrate and defensive presence.
Ioane - another outstanding young athlete who is still learning the role. Very strong, hits rucks and gains turnovers, physical defender, excellent ball carrier. Needs to improve decision making and workrate consistency. Will play at eight a lot, but has had his best games at six. Future All Black star. Should be developed for the World Cup. Should benefit from his second season playing XVs exclusively.
Hemopo and Evans are the outsiders. Barrett may get some time there for the ABs.
A potential weakness for the All Blacks.
So @jauzy019 has posted an article from France where Taufua has turned down club contracts in France due to 'Hansen promising to give him a crack'
Even taking that with a pinch of salt it means they have talked to him and given him confidence that he may be in the picture.Bloody good news. Been one of the crusaders best forwards for a number of years. Would provide more impact off the bench than savea.
Like others I wonder about his lack of size, but that’s not an issue at super rugby.
Mainly I’m just stoked he may be at the crusaders for a bit longer
Maybe that's part of the thinking - have him as a jack of all trades bench loosie covering all 3 spots a bit like Masoe was.
Not convinced by his abilty to be an outright starter at any of the 3 loose forward spots for the ABs but could be worth a shot to see if he can have bench impact.
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@sammyc Maybe extended time as back 3 cover for the ABs will see him move to 7 where his size wont hinder his starting chances?
TBH, I think his form last year would have seen him further away from the ABs than in the previous years - or am I mis-remembering last years form?
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@rapido I'd be surprised if we don't see a fair bit of Jordie at fullback for the Hurricanes. He seems to be hoping to get some time in the midfield, but I tend to think his height is more advantageous at fullback than in the midfield.
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@kiwimurph said in AB Positions up for grabs:
@sammyc said in AB Positions up for grabs:
@crucial said in AB Positions up for grabs:
@tim said in AB Positions up for grabs:
The one you've been waiting for, Blindside Flanker.
With Kaino's career winding down this is a huge season for those wearing the six jersey. His replacements last year were unimpressive to say the least. Neither imposed any presence down the blindside channel on defence, with Fifita's workrate inconsistent, and Squire's non-existent. All Black ruck defence was particularly poor last year, and was exploited twice by Australia. Of the two, Fifita has the most athletic potential, though seems better adapted to power lock play at this stage of his career.
The Contenders:
Jerome Kaino - the greatest of all time, does he have another season left? If well managed he probably has a partial one. Must watch injuries though. Will not play all games, even if his form returns dramatically.
Fifita - excellent athlete learning a difficult position. Reminder that Kaino took several years to grow into the position. So did Luatua. Could be the answer, would help to get more time at six this Super Rugby season.
Squire - good ball carrier, flat-track bully. See his performance against the Crusaders in last year's playoff game. Went missing when up against top notch opposition. Very little physical impact in Brisbane against Australia. Needs a massive improvement in workrate and defensive presence.
Ioane - another outstanding young athlete who is still learning the role. Very strong, hits rucks and gains turnovers, physical defender, excellent ball carrier. Needs to improve decision making and workrate consistency. Will play at eight a lot, but has had his best games at six. Future All Black star. Should be developed for the World Cup. Should benefit from his second season playing XVs exclusively.
Hemopo and Evans are the outsiders. Barrett may get some time there for the ABs.
A potential weakness for the All Blacks.
So @jauzy019 has posted an article from France where Taufua has turned down club contracts in France due to 'Hansen promising to give him a crack'
Even taking that with a pinch of salt it means they have talked to him and given him confidence that he may be in the picture.Bloody good news. Been one of the crusaders best forwards for a number of years. Would provide more impact off the bench than savea.
Like others I wonder about his lack of size, but that’s not an issue at super rugby.
Mainly I’m just stoked he may be at the crusaders for a bit longer
Maybe that's part of the thinking - have him as a jack of all trades bench loosie covering all 3 spots a bit like Masoe was.
Not convinced by his abilty to be an outright starter at any of the 3 loose forward spots for the ABs but could be worth a shot to see if he can have bench impact.
I thought Dixon might become that player, but Taufua looks a much better bet, s this is good news.
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@gt12 said in AB Positions up for grabs:
@kiwimurph said in AB Positions up for grabs:
@sammyc said in AB Positions up for grabs:
@crucial said in AB Positions up for grabs:
@tim said in AB Positions up for grabs:
The one you've been waiting for, Blindside Flanker.
With Kaino's career winding down this is a huge season for those wearing the six jersey. His replacements last year were unimpressive to say the least. Neither imposed any presence down the blindside channel on defence, with Fifita's workrate inconsistent, and Squire's non-existent. All Black ruck defence was particularly poor last year, and was exploited twice by Australia. Of the two, Fifita has the most athletic potential, though seems better adapted to power lock play at this stage of his career.
The Contenders:
Jerome Kaino - the greatest of all time, does he have another season left? If well managed he probably has a partial one. Must watch injuries though. Will not play all games, even if his form returns dramatically.
Fifita - excellent athlete learning a difficult position. Reminder that Kaino took several years to grow into the position. So did Luatua. Could be the answer, would help to get more time at six this Super Rugby season.
Squire - good ball carrier, flat-track bully. See his performance against the Crusaders in last year's playoff game. Went missing when up against top notch opposition. Very little physical impact in Brisbane against Australia. Needs a massive improvement in workrate and defensive presence.
Ioane - another outstanding young athlete who is still learning the role. Very strong, hits rucks and gains turnovers, physical defender, excellent ball carrier. Needs to improve decision making and workrate consistency. Will play at eight a lot, but has had his best games at six. Future All Black star. Should be developed for the World Cup. Should benefit from his second season playing XVs exclusively.
Hemopo and Evans are the outsiders. Barrett may get some time there for the ABs.
A potential weakness for the All Blacks.
So @jauzy019 has posted an article from France where Taufua has turned down club contracts in France due to 'Hansen promising to give him a crack'
Even taking that with a pinch of salt it means they have talked to him and given him confidence that he may be in the picture.Bloody good news. Been one of the crusaders best forwards for a number of years. Would provide more impact off the bench than savea.
Like others I wonder about his lack of size, but that’s not an issue at super rugby.
Mainly I’m just stoked he may be at the crusaders for a bit longer
Maybe that's part of the thinking - have him as a jack of all trades bench loosie covering all 3 spots a bit like Masoe was.
Not convinced by his abilty to be an outright starter at any of the 3 loose forward spots for the ABs but could be worth a shot to see if he can have bench impact.
I thought Dixon might become that player, but Taufua looks a much better bet, s this is good news.
I guess I must be one of the few who doesn't rate Taufua.
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@mimic said in AB Positions up for grabs:
@gt12 said in AB Positions up for grabs:
@kiwimurph said in AB Positions up for grabs:
@sammyc said in AB Positions up for grabs:
@crucial said in AB Positions up for grabs:
@tim said in AB Positions up for grabs:
The one you've been waiting for, Blindside Flanker.
With Kaino's career winding down this is a huge season for those wearing the six jersey. His replacements last year were unimpressive to say the least. Neither imposed any presence down the blindside channel on defence, with Fifita's workrate inconsistent, and Squire's non-existent. All Black ruck defence was particularly poor last year, and was exploited twice by Australia. Of the two, Fifita has the most athletic potential, though seems better adapted to power lock play at this stage of his career.
The Contenders:
Jerome Kaino - the greatest of all time, does he have another season left? If well managed he probably has a partial one. Must watch injuries though. Will not play all games, even if his form returns dramatically.
Fifita - excellent athlete learning a difficult position. Reminder that Kaino took several years to grow into the position. So did Luatua. Could be the answer, would help to get more time at six this Super Rugby season.
Squire - good ball carrier, flat-track bully. See his performance against the Crusaders in last year's playoff game. Went missing when up against top notch opposition. Very little physical impact in Brisbane against Australia. Needs a massive improvement in workrate and defensive presence.
Ioane - another outstanding young athlete who is still learning the role. Very strong, hits rucks and gains turnovers, physical defender, excellent ball carrier. Needs to improve decision making and workrate consistency. Will play at eight a lot, but has had his best games at six. Future All Black star. Should be developed for the World Cup. Should benefit from his second season playing XVs exclusively.
Hemopo and Evans are the outsiders. Barrett may get some time there for the ABs.
A potential weakness for the All Blacks.
So @jauzy019 has posted an article from France where Taufua has turned down club contracts in France due to 'Hansen promising to give him a crack'
Even taking that with a pinch of salt it means they have talked to him and given him confidence that he may be in the picture.Bloody good news. Been one of the crusaders best forwards for a number of years. Would provide more impact off the bench than savea.
Like others I wonder about his lack of size, but that’s not an issue at super rugby.
Mainly I’m just stoked he may be at the crusaders for a bit longer
Maybe that's part of the thinking - have him as a jack of all trades bench loosie covering all 3 spots a bit like Masoe was.
Not convinced by his abilty to be an outright starter at any of the 3 loose forward spots for the ABs but could be worth a shot to see if he can have bench impact.
I thought Dixon might become that player, but Taufua looks a much better bet, s this is good news.
I guess I must be one of the few who doesn't rate Taufua.
I rate him as a Super player, and I'm prepared to trust the selectors if they think he can play that role - it's be nice if we had someone who can do that Masoe role in a WC squad.
I wouldn't select him for the ABs right now though, if that was implied. Looks like he'll get a chance though - if that French paper is to be believed...
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As a 6/8, I rate Taufua behind Kaino, Fifita, Ioane, Shields, Whitelock, and Read in NZ. He's basically behind almost all the starting 6/8s in the NZ conference except for the Chiefs guys.
I think if he's been given a word by Hansen, it's probably to play for that third hooker spot....
