Forwards for the All Blacks squad

No Quarter

Cody Taylor is from Levin. The All Black coaches have mentioned his outstanding off field work ethic in the past, which I assume is why he was selected above Hika. Not what you'd expect from someone from that part of the world!
 
I think he will be the number 2 hooker come the June internationals.

Siam

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Crucial" data-cid="568016" data-time="1459212671">
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I'm shocked and surprised to see the posters from down south declaring a position for one of their own!
 
Who'd have thought eh?
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Gibson over Todd demonstrates there's those types everywhere Crucial :)

SammyC

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Crucial" data-cid="568016" data-time="1459212671">
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I'm shocked and surprised to see the posters from down south declaring a position for one of their own!
 
Who'd have thought eh?
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Fair enough, and to be honest I can't offer an opinion on Harris. 
 
I don't even know what he looks like.

Crucial

Don't twist things into me saying Taylor isn't currently the backup hooker option. Because he plainly is.
 
I'm simply saying that if you are talking about forwards getting a chance this year don't rule out Harris.

Bovidae

Taylor ended up being in the right place at the right time, i.e., Harris was already injured and the other hooker in the 2015 pre-RWC squad (Elliot) got injured too so never had another opportunity after Apia. While Taylor might have the inside running now, the backup to Coles would still be up for grabs based on Super rugby form.
 
I don't think Taylor was in that group of hookers looked at in early 2015 either (e.g. Coltman). Funnell could have been "rated" ahead of him at that point too.

ACT Crusader

I think it's 'so far so good' for Codie Taylor, but he's not a certainty even despite his RWC selection, because he has had very little experience thus far. I really like his game and he's continued to improve since his Maori selection a couple of years back.

African Monkey

Not that it's likely that he'll get picked, but maybe James Parsons? He was bad last year and I thought he was finished personally, but he has been very good so far this season.

bobily

Liam Coltman is doing quite well in terms of workrate, and I believe his scrummaging is pretty good. Has his lineout throwing improved at all?

Dan54

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-time="1459212977" data-cid="568021" data-author="No Quarter">Cody Taylor is from Levin. The All Black coaches have mentioned his outstanding off field work ethic in the past, which I assume is why he was selected above Hika. Not what you'd expect from someone from that part of the world! I think he will be the number 2 hooker come the June internationals.</blockquote>Well NQ I actually liked your quote, then I read it properly and saw your comment suggesting you wouldn't expect someone from Levin wouldn't have a good work ethic. As I from Levin , I gotta say get stuffed!! Anyway I think as Coles is Pram boy it is obvious that boys from the Nua learn a very good work ethic in the hooker's role!!

Wurzel

This conversation isn't complete until Nepia nominates Ricky Riccitelli

bobily

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Wurzel" data-cid="568104" data-time="1459228010">
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This conversation isn't complete until Nepia nominates Ricky Riccitelli
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In terms of workrate, he is doing better than Taylor.

SammyC

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="bobily" data-cid="568106" data-time="1459228492">
In terms of workrate, he is doing better than Taylor.</blockquote>
 
Ahh the old workrate debate :) 
Smashing opposition scrums counts doesn't it? 
But yeah, the blues props and richitelli have way better workrate

Higgins

Riccitelli is ranked down at number four in the hooker ladder at the Hurricanes. Ahead of him are (in order) Dane Coles, Motu Ma'atuu and Leni Apisai.

broughie

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Siam" data-cid="568022" data-time="1459212990">
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Gibson over Todd demonstrates there's those types everywhere Crucial :)
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The fact that those 2 are mentioned at all is confounding to me. Todd is yesterdays news and Gibson has not done anything since his first game with the Blues. Cane and Ardie have their measure.

African Monkey

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Wurzel" data-cid="568104" data-time="1459228010">
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This conversation isn't complete until Nepia nominates Ricky Riccitelli
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Haha I was thinking that after nominating Parsons.
 
These ABs selection threads seem to be all about nominating players from their own sides even if they have no show of making it.

chico

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Crucial" data-cid="567964" data-time="1459203673">
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Pity you only get season totals though (unless I am driving it wrong). 
I was interested in seeing what Canes tackle count was against the Force which was looking huge during the first half but probably tailed off once the Chiefs blew them away.
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I actually did a player's comparison stat in regards to Sam Cane & Ardie savea, made for some quite interesting reading. Both players have almost played the same amount of minutes so far this super rugby campaign and there defence stats are so similar...it ain't funny. Savea obviously comes out trump's in the attack stat's though, but that's to be expected with the way he plays.

Nepia

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Cantab79" data-cid="567994" data-time="1459210080">
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I think Nathan Harris will struggle to earn a recall to the test team. He came into the AB squad when depth at hooker was arguably at an all time low, and I don't remember him doing anything much. Codie Taylor is not close to being the finished product yet, but he can run an accurate lineout and he's by far the more athletic of the two. The beauty of Taylor is that he can play the same role as Coles, and make an impact off the bench. Harris never struck me as being an impact player.
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You backing Taylor now AC? Good to see as you were a Funnell fan for a long time. I think Harris will be in the mix, still young and rated by the coaches.
 
 
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Wurzel" data-cid="568104" data-time="1459228010">
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This conversation isn't complete until Nepia nominates Ricky Riccitelli
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Weird ass comment, I'm not a Cantabrian, I don't expect every Magpie to be an automatic selection for the ABs ... plus, I'm fluffing Taylor at the moment, see above. I'd push Hika's claims as the old duck like Oliver and Hore became over Riccitelli - he's a poach anyway. ;)

taniwharugby

I'll join in....despite struggling to get on the park for the Blues, I think Matt Moulds should be the next cab off the rank, good Northland stock!

Wurzel

Kurt Simmonds had a standout campaign with Wairarapa Bush in 2015 and fully deserved his spot in the Heartland XV. The time is right for Hansen to give him a shot at the next level.

MN5

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Dan54" data-cid="568103" data-time="1459228008">
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Well NQ I actually liked your quote, then I read it properly and saw your comment suggesting you wouldn't expect someone from Levin wouldn't have a good work ethic. As I from Levin , I gotta say get stuffed!! Anyway I think as Coles is Pram boy it is obvious that boys from the Nua learn a very good work ethic in the hooker's role!!
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Foxton is the Fox town of New Zealand, Taihape is the gumboot throwing capital, Bluff do Oysters......it's really obvious Levin needs to market itself better to compete with these high rollers......a catchy slogan wouldn't hurt....something along the lines of "Live in Levin....."

The Silver Fern

Forwards for the All Blacks squad