All Blacks 2021
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@mn5 said in All Blacks 2021:
@nepia said in All Blacks 2021:
@mn5 I like how Ralph doesn't even bother to turn and chase as he knows there's no point.
Ralph was a safe Maori boy after he went to the Crusaders ... which was weird because he was a flair 7s player back in the day.
You’ve mentioned that countless times but I never tire of hearing it
And it still bemuses me to this day. How do you just lose all that flair? He was like the Brent Todd of rugby. Once Toddy got to Canberrra they told him to stop being a ball playing forward and just cart the ball up with that gigantic chin out front. It appears the Crusaders told Ralph the wing version of that.
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Havili and Tupaea, elevated from the New Zealand Maori squad, are the choices to fill the No 12 void for the opening test of the season against Tonga at Mt Smart Stadium on July 3, though head coach Foster hinted Hurricanes fullback Jordie Barrett would be considered to play there. Havili is also carrying a calf complaint that needs to be managed.
"I know people talk about the midfield but it's really been 12 we've been focused heavily on with Ngani's departure and Jack's injury," Foster said.
"Last year we felt we weren't settled on our midfield. It was always an area we were looking closely at. It's been good to see David go in there. He's shown us he can deal with the physical side of the game. We know he's a clever player and he would've learnt a lot from his last episode in the black jersey about the pressure and what it takes.
"It's equally a chance to look at a younger player. Quinn is really good at what he does. He'll have a bit to learn. It's good to be able to back a young player who is confident in what his strengths are. With his running, offloading and ability to create he doesn't lack and confidence.
"We've always got Jordie who tells me he's keen to play 12 so we've got a few options."
One of the concerns with the All Blacks midfield – from outside the squad at least – is a perceived lack of power. With rush defences so prevalent possessing a strong-carrying second-five to alleviate danger is akin to a comfort blanket. Historically, the All Blacks had that option in spades with Ma'a Nonu, Sonny Bill Williams and Laumape all providing ample punch. It's why many wanted Fainga'anuku included.
Foster, though, believes they can supplement the need for power in the midfield from his outside backs.
"It's not a worry but it's certainly going to be something we're going to have to factor in to make sure we've got the ability to take the load off our 10s to make sure our drivers aren't having to carry under that sort of pressure. That's something we've got to work on.
"Ma'a probably started that way and then grew other parts of his game. It's a development stage for us to go in there and try a few different things but we've also got to emphasise the players we've picked have some great strengths in different ways and figure out how we use that."
Foster explained Fainga'anuku partly missed out due to Ioane and Ennor's versatility and the fact all three are left-sided players.
"Clearly Leicester had a strong campaign. When you look at wings you look at Jona Nareki who we think had an outstanding season too. There are some unlucky players who put their hand up and we hope continue to."
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@tim said in All Blacks 2021:
@chris-b At least Mafileo can scrum.
Bower at tighthead? Moli back from injury?
Might be Mafileo.
George seemed to me to struggle a fair bit even as a loosehead.
I think Atu's supposed to be specializing as a loosehead these days - but, he hasn't even played has he (outside club play)?
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@pakman said in All Blacks 2021:
See Foster has suggested Rioane and Ennor cover 11. For me it's Bridge or Jordan. Then Nareki or Lester.
As long as Roane is only on the wing if Ennor isn't in the team. Roane is better at centre than Ennor. And better at wing than Ennor.
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@chris-b said in All Blacks 2021:
I think Atu's supposed to be specializing as a loosehead these days - but, he hasn't even played has he (outside club play)?
He played his one and only game for the Chiefs against the Brumbies as the reserve TH.
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@chris-b said in All Blacks 2021:
@toddy said in All Blacks 2021:
Lomax shouldn't be in the team full stop.
Out of interest, who is the next tighthead prop off the rank?
With Tu'ungafasi injured, Alaalatoa ineligible and Tokolahi off overseas, it's someone flying very low under the radar when they're missing out to Ta'avao and Lomax.
It's presumably someone like Irish Ollie or Marcel Renata?!!!
Fletcher Newell if we can wait that long.
I'm prepared to bet your house on the fact that he'll be an AB.
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@bovidae said in All Blacks 2021:
@chris-b said in All Blacks 2021:
I think Atu's supposed to be specializing as a loosehead these days - but, he hasn't even played has he (outside club play)?
He played his one and only game for the Chiefs against the Brumbies as the reserve TH.
He needs an NPC and hopefully he can come back strong as he could be a weapon off the bench. He's far better than Ta'avao (who I love but just isn't up to it).
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@bovidae said in All Blacks 2021:
@chris-b said in All Blacks 2021:
I think Atu's supposed to be specializing as a loosehead these days - but, he hasn't even played has he (outside club play)?
He played his one and only game for the Chiefs against the Brumbies as the reserve TH.
Was originally TH, but project at LH. Not that we have weakness there!
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Reckon Havili has the potential to bring the edge at 12. Busts tackles and hits hard in defense. He is pretty physical.
Foster reveals reasons behind ABs picks - and the position most in need of attention
