All Blacks 2021
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@bovidae said in All Blacks 2021:
So this is Napier's prediction?
Bower may get in but I am amused he is not one of the bracketed LH props. Sure, he was a replacement in Aust last year but mainly due to circumstances, i.e., all the other options (Johnstone, Ross) were unavailable. It was mentioned he could play both sides but I can't remember him playing at TH.
There are a couple of other players who would consider themselves very lucky to be selected too, because it isn't on form.
Bower can play both sides which may help him getting selected.He was a TH before the Crusaders picked him up and they have mainly used him as a LH.
The time frame for ALB was a media release from the chiefs. -
@tim said in All Blacks 2021:
NZ Herald squad prediction:
Exclusive: All Blacks star ruled out after surgery
The injury will seriously challenge the All Blacks' depth during the upcoming test window.
Possible All Blacks squad
Props: Nepo Laulala, Karl Tu'inukuafe, Tyrel Lomax, George Bower, Angus Ta'avao, Alex Hodgman/Aidan Ross/Ethan de Groot.
Hookers: Dane Coles, Codie Taylor, Asafo Aumua.
Locks: Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Scott Barrett, Patrick Tuipulotu, Tupou Vaa'i.
Loose forwards: Ardie Savea, Dalton Papalii, Hoskins Sotutu, Luke Jacobson, Shannon Frizell, Akira Ioane, Ethan Blackadder/Cullen Grace.
Halfbacks: Aaron Smith, Brad Weber, Mitchell Drummond/Finlay Christie.
First five-eighths: Richie Mo'unga, Beauden Barrett.
Midfield: Rieko Ioane, David Havili, Braydon Ennor, Anton Lienert-Brown/Peter Umaga-Jensen.
Outside backs: Jordie Barrett, Will Jordan, Sevu Reece, Damian McKenzie, George Bridge/Leicester Fainga'anuku.That looks very close to what they will pick IMO.
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@nostrildamus PUJ can comfortably play 12/13 so that will play into his favour.
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@victor-meldrew said in All Blacks 2021:
@nzzp said in All Blacks 2021:
it's the only logical conclusion.
Not sure the words "logical" and "The Fern" quite go together.
Although some of the threads do have a knack of turning the logical into illogical.
@KiwiMurph you’re on the money. If we were playing tier 1 NH side, there would be at least an article or two on them and some quotes from their captain or coach. And if there is a NZ born player in their side, they’d be asked for a quote about facing the ABs etc.
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@canes4life said in All Blacks 2021:
@nostrildamus PUJ can comfortably play 12/13 so that will play into his favour.
Not sure that’s a given at test level.
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As for the loose forwards, I'd select Blackadder over Grace (on form), but Big Red over both. I am expecting 5 locks to be chosen and one to be on the bench, which negates any thought of using Robinson as a lock/6. However, this would be the perfect time to look at this possibility (assuming he is over his concussion symptoms).
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@yeetyaah said in All Blacks 2021:
Laumape apologists everywhere on social media being like "ShOuLdn'T hAvE lEt NgAni Go."
They only watch highlights. Otherwise even they'd know on form he wouldn't make the squad if he was staying.
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@act-crusader Jack Goodhue waves his hand gingerly from the sidelines..
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@nostrildamus He hasn't looked very good at 12.
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@canes4life said in All Blacks 2021:
@nostrildamus PUJ can comfortably play 12/13 so that will play into his favour.
I have not seen him at 12 but PUJ looks like a 13 with growth and upside at least, to me. Rather than a winger moved to 13 (arguably Ennor, controversially arguably RIoane).
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@tim said in All Blacks 2021:
@nostrildamus He hasn't looked very good at 12.
I think that was meant for @canes4life but yes well I'd say not many are equally good at 12 and 13 but that hasn't stopped the AB coaches.
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@tim said in All Blacks 2021:
@nostrildamus He hasn't looked very good at 12.
Honestly, when was his last truly good game?
It would have to be when he was at 13, so it’s probably (literally) years ago.
I like him and think he is world class, but he’s been well fucked around.
I wonder though if they are trying to turn him into a 12 because he is missing that yard of pace which makes a good center into a great one.
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@gt12 said in All Blacks 2021:
@tim said in All Blacks 2021:
@nostrildamus He hasn't looked very good at 12.
Honestly, when was his last truly good game?
It would have to be when he was at 13, so it’s probably (literally) years ago.
I like him and think he is world class, but he’s been well fucked around.
I wonder though if they are trying to turn him into a 12 because he is missing that yard of pace which makes a good center into a great one.
I think someone needs to rank the potential 13s in terms of speed for me because PUJ certainly looks faster than Goodhue.
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@gt12 said in All Blacks 2021:
@tim said in All Blacks 2021:
@nostrildamus He hasn't looked very good at 12.
Honestly, when was his last truly good game?
18 October 2020 off the bench against the Wallabies he was ok wasn't he?
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@nostrildamus said in All Blacks 2021:
@gt12 said in All Blacks 2021:
@tim said in All Blacks 2021:
@nostrildamus He hasn't looked very good at 12.
Honestly, when was his last truly good game?
18 October 2020 off the bench against the Wallabies he was ok wasn't he?
Well if you aren't going to select PUJ you might as well select someone you know well who played against him at centre (he was wing that day) and who he really really rates:
“I played one game in year nine against Rongotai [College] and he was playing. It was pretty scary, I was on the wing and came on for the last five minutes. He was in his last year and he was massive. He could play any position but he was playing centre that day. I had to sit on the wing and didn’t really want to tackle anyone or do anything, but it was pretty cool at the same time playing against...”
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@yeetyaah there is a post about NGani being the 2nd highest scoring 12 at super behind Nonu on FB, plenty of folk there comparing him and how he is developing his game like Nonu...it does make you wonder if some people do just watch highlights
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