All Blacks vs Wales

MN5

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Billy Tell" data-cid="574855" data-time="1461629386">
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Nah, Wales were pretty mundane in the 6N.
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Well yeah I know but.....they're a proud rugby nation, even 2-0 down in the series when fatguts ( always preferred that name over Shag ) decides he might "blood" a few new players it could potentially be a perfect time to strike. 3-0 in the series is probable but far from fucken definite....

KiwiMurph

Interestingly, Naholo is still a couple of weeks away from playing I think and the Highlanders only have 4 games between now and the June break, as they have a bye coming up in May, so he may not have a heap of time.
 
As tempting as it is to throw DMac in at fullback from the start, i'd be tempted to ease him into things, with enough other change happening. If Naholo isn't fit/firing, I reckon they might think about chucking Moala on the right wing during the Welsh series with Ben Smith/Savea.

Frye

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="MN5" data-cid="574865" data-time="1461631180">
Well yeah I know but.....they're a proud rugby nation, even 2-0 down in the series when fatguts ( always preferred that name over Shag ) decides he might "blood" a few new players it could potentially be a perfect time to strike. 3-0 in the series is probable but far from fucken definite....</blockquote>
 
End of a hard tour after a long, hard season (which started with World Cup warm-ups). And you think they'll be primed for a win in the last test? 
If it isn't fatigue it will be injuries, and in all likelihood, both.

Siam

Yeah, Moala is a good point - he's played right wing before

Frye

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Frank" data-cid="574854" data-time="1461629310">
Dagg get selected after playing well for two games - after being shit at Super level for 2 years - straight back in - charmed life. 
I'd like to see a longer string of good games before he is selected. If he does, then I think his boot and (hopefully) greatly improved running game will be great assets. 
Then the old Bender moves to 14 with Savea - back to the future.</blockquote>
 
I feel the same way to an extent, but without a genuine right wing putting their hand up then Dagg makes the most sense. 
Actually I'd have thrown Rieko Ioane the jersey if he was available.

Immenso Rapido

I'm not talking starting position, nor first test match if the season. But this year, with NMS out and Smith being the next best RW, it would be a good time to get minutes into a young FB. 
Because both Smith and Dagg are borderline for 2019.

Canes4life

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Siam" data-cid="574803" data-time="1461586780">
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Todd to get in the first test 23 instead of Ardie as a not too subtle reminder not to fuck with the brotherhood - better people make better All Blacks
 
yes a little bit of :fishing: but wouldn't be hugely shocked
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Haha good joke mate!! Savea shits on Todd.

No Quarter

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Canes4life" data-cid="574884" data-time="1461634674">
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Haha good joke mate!! Savea shits on Todd. 
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I disagree. Todd brings a different game to the table. Some may say what he brings is more suited to test rugby.
 
And I'm a big fan of Savea.

Unco

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Canes4life" data-cid="574884" data-time="1461634674">
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Haha good joke mate!! Savea shits on Todd. 
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Too much information.

kiwiinmelb

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="ACT Crusader" data-cid="574860" data-time="1461630341">
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Also a fan of the backline that Unco put out. The only possible change could be if Naholo is not ready and B. Smith goes to wing and Dagg comes into fullback.
 
I'm a little surprised by the Luatua to cover lock calls when we have other specialist locks available and playing well. It was done previously I think because of injuries. My thoughts are that Cane will cover 6 if they want Todd or Savea on the bench.
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 I think if a specialist lock is selected on the bench , he will need to be a high impact type ,which is why the hybrid types seem to fit the bill , 
 
With Shag seeming to put a lot of emphasis on using the bench as a weapon to lift the tempo of the game

Bones

R Ioane seems to get rated really highly for a fella who's had a couple of handy super games.

No Quarter

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Unco" data-cid="574893" data-time="1461637523">
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Too much information.
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I don't think Savea literally takes shits on Todd in real life. It's just another one of C4L's Savea-related fantasies.

KiwiMurph

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Bones" data-cid="574928" data-time="1461645055">
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R Ioane seems to get rated really highly for a fella who's had a couple of handy super games.
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I think part of the reason is there aren't a heap of 14s around putting their hand up.
 
But you have to remember he's only just turned 19, only played a handful of ITM Cup games last year and within the space of 4 Super Rugby games he's already become a danger man for opposition. The growth in his game even from ITM Cup last year is quite something. 
 
He has caught the eye of Hansen too.
 
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote">
"Ngatai is playing really well (and) Rieko Ioane's best position is probably going to be centre. He's going to be involved with the sevens but will be free later in the year," Hansen added.
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MN5

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Canes4life" data-cid="574884" data-time="1461634674">
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Haha good joke mate!! Savea shits on Todd. 
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......just not from as great a height as you think
 
#Saveaisntsixfoottwo

ACT Crusader

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Immenso Rapido" data-cid="574882" data-time="1461634293">I'm not talking starting position, nor first test match if the season. But this year, with NMS out and Smith being the next best RW, it would be a good time to get minutes into a young FB. 
Because both Smith and Dagg are borderline for 2019.</blockquote>
 
My opinion only, but I don't think they are worrying about 2019 options at this early stage. Perhaps next year, but now is the time for establishing combinations post the McCaw-Carter-Nonu-Smith-Mealamu era. Some of those questions have been answered in some part but others not.

Immenso Rapido

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="ACT Crusader" data-cid="574990" data-time="1461653790">
My opinion only, but I don't think they are worrying about 2019 options at this early stage. Perhaps next year, but now is the time for establishing combinations post the McCaw-Carter-Nonu-Smith-Mealamu era. Some of those questions have been answered in some part but others not.</blockquote>
Yeah, I'd agree, not likely., will be attempting a smooth transition. 
I actually thought I was posting in the bolters thread. Proposing a reason for promoting a bolter. 
But still, with NMS out and all the other RWs being meh or on 7s it would be a good opportunity. Rather than waiting a year and having to sacrafice Smith and NMS minutes.

MiketheSnow

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="MN5" data-cid="574865" data-time="1461631180">
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Well yeah I know but.....they're a proud rugby nation, even 2-0 down in the series when fatguts ( always preferred that name over Shag ) decides he might "blood" a few new players it could potentially be a perfect time to strike. 3-0 in the series is probable but far from fucken definite....
</div>
</blockquote>
 
Catching NZ cold in the 1st test is our only chance.
 
And that's with our best 23 fit and on the team sheet and playing to their best ability.
 
So, three defeats it is then :(

MN5

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="MiketheSnow" data-cid="575086" data-time="1461676754">
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Catching NZ cold in the 1st test is our only chance.
 
And that's with our best 23 fit and on the team sheet and playing to their best ability.
 
So, three defeats it is then :(
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3-0 is probably what will happen but I'm just sensing a bit of the whole "Moff Tarkin not getting ready to evacuate in his moment of triumph" theme here.

Frye

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Bones" data-cid="574928" data-time="1461645055">
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R Ioane seems to get rated really highly for a fella who's had a couple of handy super games.
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I think he's the real deal to be honest.
 
Just has that rare combination of qualities that you get in only that very top bracket of young players. Very similar to J Rok and J Savea in that regard.

ACT Crusader

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Don Frye" data-cid="575164" data-time="1461727042">I think he's the real deal to be honest. 
Just has that rare combination of qualities that you get in only that very top bracket of young players. Very similar to J Rok and J Savea in that regard.</blockquote>
 
Really? There was something about the young Rok and Savea and to me when they hit top grade they were very assured and knew what to do with the ball as soon as they got it. From my armchair the evidence on Reiko is that he seems to be still finding that out and has looked a little flat at times. 
A couple of very good games the past few weeks which is great signs but I wouldn't have him in the class of those two phenoms at the same point in their respective careers.

The Silver Fern

All Blacks vs Wales