Japan vs All Blacks
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@kiwiinmelb Agree with this. Jordi was exceptional in 2017 but has dropped back this year. He risks George Bridge and perhaps Will Jordan over-taking him.
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Although JB was a touch hyped (understandably makes good press with the brothers etc) he still offers a bit more to a RWC squad than those named.
At one point it was debateable which of JB or DMac was surplus though and with the rise of Mounga that is even more the case. If the DMac back to 15 experiment continues (and we will be able to judge better next week) then he may not make Japan next year. Usually only room for 4 outside backs although if DMac is still counted as 3rd 10 then JB is looking to take the 4th spot behind BFA, Ioane and Naholo.
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Jordie needs to have a go at his natural position which is 12.
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@sparky I noticed a South African - Wimpie Van Der Walt - named at lock for Japan and thought at least they have got themselves a giant Saffa lock as they often struggle for lineout height. Then I googled him and he is listed as 1.87m and 102 kgs so I think Hemopo will be fine. They are obviously going for mobility!
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@rancid-schnitzel said in Japan vs All Blacks:
Jordie needs to have a go at his natural position which is 12.
They really teed that one up for you
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@rancid-schnitzel said in Japan vs All Blacks:
Jordie needs to have a go at his natural position which is 12.
He'd have to fight off Ardie first.
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Should do it in a canter. Two considerations that give me slight pause. First team in 5-10 years that:
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I can genuinely see the lineout going off the rails. Hasn't been an issue since BBBR but manylate 00 tests were unbearable as we struggled to gain any momentum because of crooked throws and poor timing.
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Has a bench that isn't an weapon itself. If things are going pear shaped around the 60 minute mark there are big questions about how much experience is worth over fresh legs.
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@sparky said in Japan vs All Blacks:
@mimic Thorne was never a journeyman, just not as spectacular in the backrow as his partners McCaw or Collins. Blackadder captained a team to victory in Super Rugby three years in a row.
He was so fucking invisible even his supporters used to endlessly chant his name hoping he'd put his hand up so they could see him.
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@sparky said in Japan vs All Blacks:
Eight of those guys will make the RWC squad, seven or so will probably be involved in the ABs in 2020. For the others this is the highlight of their All Blacks career.
And a bottle top quiz in the years to come...
Another set of AB brothers to join the club too (the Evans).
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@mimic said in Japan vs All Blacks:
@sparky said in Japan vs All Blacks:
There are a few dodgy sections though. I can't think of a more mediocre player to have been All Black captain than Luke Whitelock. Tough seeing such a journeyman as All Black skipper.
Blackadder? Thorne?
Those two led their teams to Super Rugby glory numerous times though. Thorne also got selected by 4 different AB coaches.
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@mn5 thats cos he turned up to all the trainings, sat in the corner and no one saw him to tell him he shouldnt be there!
Seriously though, I liked what Thorne bought to the team.
As to this game, I am most keen to see how Papali'i, Coles, TTT & RM go.
Papali'i as he comes with huge expectations, but seems like he will deliver
Coles, cos, well, fucking Dane Coles is back, hopefully the real Dane Coles stands up!
TTT, with a similar game to Smith, hopefully he can push on and become his own man and push for a start in a RWC year if AS doesnt up his game.
RM, live up to the Super hype, given he has always been behind a Rolls Royce pack, now he has to settle for a Holden V8 pack, am sure he will be sweet. -
@taniwharugby said in Japan vs All Blacks:
@mn5 thats cos he turned up to all the trainings, sat in the corner and no one saw him to tell him he shouldnt be there!
Seriously though, I liked what Thorne bought to the team.
As to this game, I am most keen to see how Papali'i, Coles, TTT & RM go.
Papali'i as he comes with huge expectations, but seems like he will deliver
Coles, cos, well, fucking Dane Coles is back, hopefully the real Dane Coles stands up!
TTT, with a similar game to Smith, hopefully he can push on and become his own man and push for a start in a RWC year if AS doesnt up his game.
RM, live up to the Super hype, given he has always been behind a Rolls Royce pack, now he has to settle for a Holden V8 pack, am sure he will be sweet.Justin Marshall compared Thorne to a bass player in a band. As a former bass player in a band I'm not sure if this is a compliment or insult.
He's a fucken big 7, bigger than @Bones boy Hemopo according to the stats.
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@akan004 said in Japan vs All Blacks:
Only against 5 foot Japanese players.
Oh good. At least there's a chance that if Jordie throws another idiotic pass infield, it will sail over the Japanese players heads...
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@mn5 said in Japan vs All Blacks:
Justin Marshall compared Thorne to a bass player in a band. As a former bass player in a band I'm not sure if this is a compliment or insult.
Depends if you're Paul McCartney or Derek Smalls, I suppose.
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@victor-meldrew I thought you were going to suggest putting Jordie in the lineout. You know it would work...
