Chiefs 2019
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@bones said in Chiefs 2019:
@cgrant Franks will be off soon, JTA is not world class either and where the hell is Laulala...to be honest I'd forgotten about him.
Franks seems like he's been around forever, but he's only 30. Depending on whether he wants an overseas adventure, it's just possible he could do another RWC cycle.
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@chris-b yeah so he'd be 35 come the next one. As good as he is, he's seemingly on a decline, especially athletically. A 35yo TH who's not exactly known for his around the park enthusiasm? Maybe a good bloke to have as back up or on the next flight should injuries occur, but I can't see him being top flight in 5 years.
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@bones You wouldn't really bet on it, but having a crack might be dependent on whether the ABs win again next year. Four RWC winners medals would be almost impossible to top - and that's all I have to say about that.
Supposedly, the operations he had in the off season are going to give him a new lease of life, so will be interesting to see how he's travelling at the end of this year.
He's an interesting one is Owen. You don't often hear AB supporters championing him as the world's best tighthead, but he's been unchallenged for the ABs for nearly a decade.
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@chris-b said in Chiefs 2019:
@bones You wouldn't really bet on it, but having a crack might be dependent on whether the ABs win again next year. Four RWC winners medals would be almost impossible to top - and that's all I have to say about that.
Supposedly, the operations he had in the off season are going to give him a new lease of life, so will be interesting to see how he's travelling at the end of this year.
He's an interesting one is Owen. You don't often hear AB supporters championing him as the world's best tighthead, but he's been unchallenged for the ABs for nearly a decade.
Didn't he used to be a bit more dynamic in defence ? I don't watch as much Rugby as some of the rest of you but I definitely remember some big hits....I don't recall a single tackle bust though.
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@rapido said in Chiefs 2019:
@cgrant said in Chiefs 2019:
Lomax is another THP who must be watched with attention next year. He has improved a lot lately after being rather "meh" in the early rounds.
Has he improved a lot lately? Genuine question.
I haven't taken notice of him since the Maori ABs tour last November where he and the Maori scrum were getting minced.
He was almost single handedly keeping alive the French scrummaging myth .....
"Lately" means the second half of the 2018 SR. Before that, I agree with you, he was really soft. But the Landers scrum fared very well with him on the TH. They had the Tahs scrum back pedaling in the quarter final but this game will be remembered for the Naholo's YC. -
Is fletcher smith signed to highlanders? If not chiefs need to pick him up. Same with Tupaea
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@yeahtheboys said in Chiefs 2019:
Is fletcher smith signed to highlanders? If not chiefs need to pick him up. Same with Tupaea
Jeff Wilson said Smith hasn't been re-signed by the Highlanders yet during the Waikato-Wellington commentary. He'd be a big upgrade on MMac.
As to Tupaea, if the Chiefs don't someone else will. Still a handful of places to fill I believe.
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yeah I think when Fletcher SMith was close to signign with NOrthland for this M10 Cup he had an eye on a Blues contract.
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@taniwharugby Plummer on a development contract?
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@taniwharugby I meant that perhaps there is a first five spot open at the Blues because Plummer is a development player next year.
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@stargazer said in Chiefs 2019:
@tim Wainui also plays centre.
If I was being optimistic I'd say that the coaches may have waiting to see who shines in the M10 Cup for the other midfield spots. Aumua may get a reprieve with a good season with Ta$man but Verney can't impress if he is injured. The Chiefs really need another 2nd 5 so Tupaea should be someone looked at closely. I'd prefer ALB to be playing at centre.