AB RWC squad
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My guess:
Props: Nepo Laulala, Joe Moody, Karl Tu' nukuafi, Angus Ta'avao, Ofa Tu'ungafasi
Hooker: Dane Coles, Liam Coltman, Codie Taylor.
Locks: Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Patrick Tuitupolou, Sam Whitelock
Back Row: Sam Cane, Kieran Read, Ardie Savea, Liam Squire, Matt Todd
Half Backs: TJ Perenera, Aaron Smith, Brad Weber
First Fives: Beauden Barrett, Richie Mo'unga, Josh Ioane
Midfield: Ryan Crotty, Jack Goodhue, Anton Leinert-Brown, Sonny Bill Williams
Back Three: Jordie Barrett, George Bridge, Reiko Ioane, Sevu Reece, -
@African-Monkey said in RWC squad. Who's in, who's out?:
@KiwiMurph He's great when the opposition is weak. Goes missing when the going gets tough. He's a bit too loose for my liking and not strong enough in the contact to be the world class 6 we need.
Yep, was getting a rep as a flat track bully. Monsters the weaker teams but against the big boys had very little impact. Still a massive step up from Fifita though.
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@No-Quarter Yeah, almost everyone would. I don't think I've ever come across anyone who has come out and said that they are a fan of Vaea Fifita.
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My guess:
Props: Nepo Laulala, Joe Moody, Owen Franks, Angus Ta'avao, Ofa Tu'ungafasi
Hooker: Dane Coles, Liam Coltman, Codie Taylor.
Locks: Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Patrick Tuitupolou, Sam Whitelock
Back Row: Sam Cane, Kieran Read, Ardie Savea, Liam Squire, Matt Todd
Half Backs: TJ Perenera, Aaron Smith, Brad Weber
First Fives: Beauden Barrett, Richie Mo'unga
Midfield: Ryan Crotty, Jack Goodhue, Anton Leinert-Brown, Sonny Bill Williams
Back Three: Jordie Barrett, George Bridge, Reiko Ioane, Sevu Reece, Ben Smith -
I think that is very close to what they will pick.
I'd switch out Franks for Karl or Moli, have Jacobson in for Todd, and I would select J. Ioane instead of one outside - leaving either Reece or Jordie at home. In the midfield, Laumape is very very unlucky, but I think I'd leave hime at home - or drop Crotty.
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So, that's four fullbacks in a 31 man squad? Barrett, BFA, Bridge, Jordie.
If they take Jordie, it's because they'll not take Ioane, and will ask Jordie to cover 10-15 for the midweek games. I don't like it, but I think that's his position.
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@gt12 said in RWC squad. Who's in, who's out?:
So, that's four fullbacks in a 31 man squad? Barrett, BFA, Bridge, Jordie.
If they take Jordie, it's because they'll not take Ioane, and will ask Jordie to cover 10-15 for the midweek games. I don't like it, but I think that's his position.
They'll take Ioane. You don't open the bank vault to secure a bloke for 5 years if you don't think you'll get a few good years out of them. He's in a slump, but should come good for the Cup.
Should.
FML.
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@nzzp said in RWC squad. Who's in, who's out?:
@gt12 said in RWC squad. Who's in, who's out?:
So, that's four fullbacks in a 31 man squad? Barrett, BFA, Bridge, Jordie.
If they take Jordie, it's because they'll not take Ioane, and will ask Jordie to cover 10-15 for the midweek games. I don't like it, but I think that's his position.
They'll take Ioane. You don't open the bank vault to secure a bloke for 5 years if you don't think you'll get a few good years out of them. He's in a slump, but should come good for the Cup.
Should.
FML.
Which Ioane are we talking about
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If it’s Rieko, then they will absolutely take him and he is (IMO) a lock for the starting left wing in the big games. He’s performed at the very top level and is the best winger in the world; a small form slump is not really worrying me, they’ll have him firing come the business end of the tournament.
It’s the backup wing spot that Bridge and Reece are fighting for. Question is do we add another fullback style wing to cover the right or someone with an outstanding running game to cover the left?
Starting back three is Rieko, Beauden and BFA for mine.
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@nzzp no way will they not take Ioane!
Just taking a bit longer than normal to wash the Blues off him
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@taniwharugby said in RWC squad. Who's in, who's out?:
@nzzp no way will they not take Ioane!
Just taking a bit longer than normal to wash the Blues off him
I've just got horror thoughts about filthy hands like in Bled 1. We won't make many chances in a tight game, he needs to be at his best... and I haven't seen that for a few months
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@Machpants Yeah - that's what I think they'll take too.
At prop, Franks gives insurance against Nepo being potentially a one-hit wonder vs Australia (we'll see how he goes vs SA), while Ta'avao gives emergency loosehead cover and can play a couple of minnow games there.
Drums seem to be beating for Squire, though who really knows what the selectors are thinking there. Pretty sure we will be fielding Ardie, Cane and Read in the big tests - though I'd not be unhappy to see Liam slot in at 6 and one of the others back to the bench.
I'd take Josh Ioane and leave Jordie on the call-up list, but no-one much seems to think that's happening.
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Players will probably get the call Tuesday evening, then there will be sighting at airports early morning Wednesday of some players on their way to Eden Park.
I'm excited to learn the 31 but also to discovet who will break the news of the official squad first. Who has the best sauces?
