All Blacks Squad for France
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Akira is not in because he still doesn't graft - he's got the most upsides of any in the squad IMO but needs to calm down (another tussle last night) and needs to put the graft in. The ABs will be able to bring that out in him, I reckon
So overall odd squad balance 2 hookers, 5 props (normally 3 6) 3 locks normally 4, but 7 loose forwards (normally 5, tho 1 covers lock), 5 instead of 4 midfielders.
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Fairly predictable everywhere , except the loose forward mix I guess ,
I tend to trust Shag though , he is subject to a bit more information than us I guess
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@machpants haha just wait...
expect the extra mid-fielder named with Crotty expected to get injured.
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Shit squad. Selectors have lost it.
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Whether people like Akira or not, it's a bit of a kick in the guts to see Shannon Frizell named ahead of him I really feel for him atm as he's been a lone hand for the Blues this season. He might have to change teams to get a look in. Not huge on Taufua but well done to him. He's hung around and finally gets a go. Prefer Todd over Savea personally but I'm sure he'll be back.
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@taniwharugby said in All Blacks Squad for France:
@machpants haha just wait...
expect the extra mid-fielder named with Crotty expected to get injured.
Yeah concussed last night, so who knows
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@mariner4life What's your's?
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@taniwharugby said in All Blacks Squad for France:
@pukunui yeah the Savea over one is a head scratcher.
More upside in getting Savea going than Todd in the long term and more impact off the bench in the short term.
It's a squad very much picked with the World Cup in the back of their mind, they are clearly hoping to solve the loose forward and various bench spot questions.
Todd is always going to be ready to go as a break glass in case of injury guy.
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Well I'm wondering if the RWC squad was picked today if that is the squad they'd go with.
The loosies are an interesting mix.
A bit of experiment and testing IMO.
Frizzell is a selection I like. We need another big boofer and he has potential. Think they are testing the water with him but keeping Akira close. Reckon that would be swapped if they were picking there absolute number 1 squad.
Similarly Savea and Todd. I think Savea gets the nod for linger term potential and now is the time to develop that.
Taufua ... yeah well I can see an argument for him ... but not my favourite selection. Whitelock L and Ioane A would be my preferences.
The rest? Fairly stock standard. Shame Lam misses out.
Who will replace Crotty?
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@rotated said in All Blacks Squad for France:
@taniwharugby said in All Blacks Squad for France:
@pukunui yeah the Savea over one is a head scratcher.
More upside in getting Savea going than Todd in the long term and more impact off the bench in the short term.
Exactly
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Not that surprised with the Savea over Todd selection. Todd’s been in better form and I prefer his type of game in a direct comparison with Ardie’s, but we’ve seen this before that Todd will only come in if Cane is injured/unavailable. I think they see a point of difference with Ardie with his ability to cover 8, he’s a better fit for the squad.
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Yeah for sure, unlike Moody, Franks has form
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haha, the 9 year old boy next door came over to ask TR Jnr to go out riding thier bikes, but first thing he said, did you see them choosing the ABs on Sky? They didnt pick Akira!
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@bovidae said in All Blacks Squad for France:
Fox just confirmed that 32 players will be picked for the RC and EOYT as preparation for RWC 2019. So with some injured players to come back a few of this squad won't be involved later in the year.
How did Fox confirm that? Normally EOYT squads are larger, they're playing quite a few games
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@bovidae said in All Blacks Squad for France:
What I find interesting is that a player like Frizzell won't even be in the Highlanders starting XV when Squire is back.
Pretty standard these days to have guys picked for the ABs who don’t regularly start for their franchise.
Crockett
Squire (when first picked)
Romano
Aumua
Perry
ColtmanI’m sure there’s another one or two that I can’t think of right now
