AB EOYT 2018
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@tim and you have to assume he's now had it since the SA test, apparently some symptoms (lethargy) can continue for several weeks after as well.
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@taniwharugby Three to six months can be typical. A pro athlete might well recover quicker though.
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@tim yea it doesn't really add up when you consider how loyal the coaches are to players it means they potentially plan on dropping someone for Akira next year when he can play more...and yea what would you prefer, 80 mins v Brazil or 15 v England (taking Brazilian women out of the equation...assuming he is single)
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So what now for Akira? League? NH/Japanese rugby? Maybe he's just happy to keep winning Blues player of the season awards?
I can see why NZR were in such a hurry to sign Reiko though ... don't want the little bro pissed off after the naming of this team of everyone in NZ (and some in Japan) except Akira.
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@act-crusader said in AB EOYT 2018:
@cgrant said in AB EOYT 2018:
Has Rayasi a chance to be among the 18,5 players heading to Japan ? He's having an awsome M10 Cup.
Every player with two legs and a pair of footy boots are a chance
Some have more chances than the others.
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@stargazer said in AB EOYT 2018:
@nepia I assume he can also play for Samoa?
He's played 7s for NZ so assume he's ruled out unless he the 7s changeover route still exists? Japan also.
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@nepia Yep, he'd have to play sevens via that Olympic loophole. At least 5 of the 10 tournaments of the 2018-2019 Series, I believe, if he wants to play for Samoa. Not going to happen. I assume Japan, as the host of the Olympics, is automatically qualified, so I'm not sure how the loophole works in that case.
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FFS Akira is only 23. When did Kaino become a regular starter?
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Well if it's true he's a dickhead, no amount of coaching will fix that.
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@nepia said in AB EOYT 2018:
So what now for Akira? League? NH/Japanese rugby? Maybe he's just happy to keep winning Blues player of the season awards?
I can see why NZR were in such a hurry to sign Reiko though ... don't want the little bro pissed off after the naming of this team of everyone in NZ (and some in Japan) except Akira.
I’m not sure, but chin up son, as the 52nd player I’m certain there are plenty of options out there for you.
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@antipodean said in AB EOYT 2018:
Well if it's true he's a dickhead, no amount of coaching will fix that.
Dickheads generally aren’t popular in the teams they play for. Akira gets the players awards.
This is why it sucks that the coaches aren’t being clearer about why they aren’t selecting him, it opens the doors to people just making shit up.
He and his brother top the defensive and attacking stats for Blues, and have done for a couple of years. If he has thinks to work on they should back themselves as coaches to fix them. In other words, treat him like they are with several other players in the squad.
All them with less shown upside than this player.
Says it all that Foster didn’t want Rieko either. Remember he only got in because of injury and Hanson overruling Foster about Naholo playing 11.
They get stuck in their ways, and certainly play favourites.
To put a 90s spin on it, they are favouring Arron Pene over ZinZan Brooke.
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I think the selectors ARE being clear on Akira. Just because you don't believe them doesn't they aren't explaining clearly.
IF he was to be in the main squad he would be there as training field fodder and a green backup 8. Hardly likely to get gametime as Read plays out the game if not injured.
IF he was to be in the extras going to Japan then again, I think the plan is to use Luke W at 8 for experience and leadership. He may get a bench run.
IF he goes with the Maori AB he will be a starter and important part of the pack.Pretty simple decision if the idea is to give him playing opportunities.
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@samurai-jack it was winter tests when he was 25. He experienced the disappointment of missing the 2005 Lions tour, 3Ns and EOYT of 2006, and the 2007 RWC despite having obvious talent at the tender age of 21-22.
There were more than a few posters surprised that other loosies were selected ahead of him back then. I even recall Holah playing on the blindside during that time...
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@act-crusader said in AB EOYT 2018:
@samurai-jack it was winter tests when he was 25. He experienced the disappointment of missing the 2005 Lions tour, 3Ns and EOYT of 2006, and the 2007 RWC despite having obvious talent at the tender age of 21-22.
There were more than a few posters surprised that other loosies were selected ahead of him back then. I even recall Holah playing on the blindside during that time...
JC and Rodders didn't hit their straps until they were about 25 (IIRC Rodders debuted at 23, then dropped out for 18 months to a year before forcing his way back). If Akira is patient he will get his chance
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@canefan said in AB EOYT 2018:
@act-crusader said in AB EOYT 2018:
@samurai-jack it was winter tests when he was 25. He experienced the disappointment of missing the 2005 Lions tour, 3Ns and EOYT of 2006, and the 2007 RWC despite having obvious talent at the tender age of 21-22.
There were more than a few posters surprised that other loosies were selected ahead of him back then. I even recall Holah playing on the blindside during that time...
JC and Rodders didn't hit their straps until they were about 25 (IIRC Rodders debuted at 23, then dropped out for 18 months to a year before forcing his way back). If Akira is patient he will get his chance
Yeah Rodders was one of my favourite players and when he hit the scene at provincial level and playing 7s I thought he was going to be an AB straight away. He debuted at 23 but then was really only a squaddie for the 2003 RWC. It wasn’t until 2005 (at 25yo) that he really solidified his spot and the rest is history.
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@kirwan Reiko was pretty raw at the time with some holes in his game, particularly defensively. But I think it has worked out for him. Sometimes an injury is the opening that reveals a gem. Not the first time that has happened. Reiko has been a revelation because he is still improving, which is what you want from a young player.
