MotM vs Japan
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In this order:
Bridge
Mo'unga
Evans
....
Laumape
Coles
TTT
HemopoWere the standouts for me.
Edit - Proctor and Papalii also very good.
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I voted for Hemopo and Mo'unga, with Coles, Bridge, Laumape, Evans, and Proctor in reserve.
I wrote down some thoughts about someone who definitely wasn't MOTM here:
http://www.thesilverfern.com/2018/11/05/abs-versus-japan-how-was-fifita/
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@gt12 said in MotM vs Japan:
I voted for Hemopo and Mo'unga, with Coles, Bridge, Laumape, Evans, and Proctor in reserve.
I wrote down some thoughts about someone who definitely wasn't MOTM here:
http://www.thesilverfern.com/2018/11/05/abs-versus-japan-how-was-fifita/
Some players just struggle to find their role at higher levels. We've seen plenty in the past and will see more yet.
I think Hansen has previously been quoted as saying that sometimes they select coals and give them a squeeze to see if they will produce a diamond. In other words...they take a punt based on athletic ability (Fifita), size (Bird) or promise (Goodhue, ALB, DMac).
In most cases they give the player a fair shot after observing them then providing feedback. If that doesn't work then they have a long road back.
There is no doubt that Fifita is an athletic talent. He has just struggled to transfer what he can achieve with that to higher level rugby.
I suspect that this is, in part, some of the reason for holding Akira back. The Fifita fast tracking failed and the backup is to give Akira as long as possible to learn his trade. I think when Akira finally makes an appearance in the ABs he will be vastly better prepared for the level.
