AB EOYT 2018
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@taniwharugby Yeah. Were you the one that hinted that he isn't entirely happy at Ta$man?
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@kiwimurph thats what I had heard through the rugby grapevine.
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@taniwharugby said in AB EOYT 2018:
@kiwimurph cant recall m/any comments about Alaimalo missing out either.
I guess it was him or Bridge - I think most people are 50/50 on that? I'd like to see Alaimalo in thre but I only have enough man rage to focus on Akira at the moment.
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If they're going for a Ben Smith type of player, Bridge makes more sense than Alaimalo. Bridge has also been more consistent in his performance throughout the year. I think Alaimalo is a good prospect for the future, but I think that will be after the RWC at the earliest. Bridge is basically taking Duffie's spot from last year, who is also similar (in role and in built), but has been very average this year.
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@nepia said in AB EOYT 2018:
At the risk of offending @Billy-Tell I'm going to continue the "WTF where's Akira?" theme.
His non selection in either of these squads is put in perspective by the selection of Gareth Evans. I’m a huge fan of Evans, he’s a Hawkes Bay boy born and bred and is a class attacking player. Emphasis on the attacking player part. He’s not a stand one off from the ruck and make tackle after tackle kind of guy like Whitelock, he’s not a toil away in the rucks ‘all game’ type of guy like – you know what, who is an example of this type of player? He’s a runner out wide, he’ll do some hit ups and he’ll make some tackles. Evans is a white version of Akira and if you compare them head to head in the Super comp (where Evans was considered to be on fire) and at the stuff you select an Evans for (attack) then Akira comes out on top every time.
I don't know how any of the selectors stand up in a press conference and defend the Evans selection over Akira - although I know they'll probably trot out he can play 7.
In saying all that I hope Evans a. gets a run in Japan and b. carves up ... because if they're not going to select Akira then they may as well select more Magpies in the team.
Not offending. Just boring. Which is a worse sin...
‘‘Tis ok. When I can’t get to sleep at night, I just read the Akira posts and I’m out in no time at all
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@billy-tell said in AB EOYT 2018:
@nepia said in AB EOYT 2018:
At the risk of offending @Billy-Tell I'm going to continue the "WTF where's Akira?" theme.
His non selection in either of these squads is put in perspective by the selection of Gareth Evans. I’m a huge fan of Evans, he’s a Hawkes Bay boy born and bred and is a class attacking player. Emphasis on the attacking player part. He’s not a stand one off from the ruck and make tackle after tackle kind of guy like Whitelock, he’s not a toil away in the rucks ‘all game’ type of guy like – you know what, who is an example of this type of player? He’s a runner out wide, he’ll do some hit ups and he’ll make some tackles. Evans is a white version of Akira and if you compare them head to head in the Super comp (where Evans was considered to be on fire) and at the stuff you select an Evans for (attack) then Akira comes out on top every time.
I don't know how any of the selectors stand up in a press conference and defend the Evans selection over Akira - although I know they'll probably trot out he can play 7.
In saying all that I hope Evans a. gets a run in Japan and b. carves up ... because if they're not going to select Akira then they may as well select more Magpies in the team.
Not offending. Just boring. Which is a worse sin...
‘‘Tis ok. When I can’t get to sleep at night, I just read the Akira posts and I’m out in no time at all
See, why are you complaining then? you should be thanking us.
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@kiwimurph said in AB EOYT 2018:
@broughie Michael Jones? (note - not comparing Akira with the Iceman).
And Zinny that year as well.
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@bones said in AB EOYT 2018:
@broughie said in AB EOYT 2018:
@bones very unlikely that they would use him in the World Cup. This is not there MO.
Probably wouldn't use a fresh as winger from another code either?
Or a wet behind the ears winger against the Lions
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@chris-b said in AB EOYT 2018:
@taniwharugby I think Todd was more ringing Hansen informally to seek advice and not pull a Steven Luatua. But, who knows - the story could be bullshit for all I know.
Does seem a bit odd the newbies only finding out when everyone else does. Usually, they know a day or so ahead of time and "only told mum and dad!".
Mind you - if I thought I had any chance of being picked I'd be glued to the live stream.
I think it's deliberate - you find out at the same time as everyone else. I reckon it's pretty cool -- getting yoru name read out as a surprise must be awesome
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I reckon Jordie will cover 10 from bench v Japan, but the starting 10 will play full 80. Inshallah.
Havili also in bench, or starting, to cover for Jordie if he does actually have to move into 10 during the game.
I think starting 10 will be Mo-ouga, with the 2 10/15s going to England the week early with the 23.
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