All Blacks vs Wales
-
Man I remember Savea as a 19-20 year old tearing it up in his first year of ITM Cup. Scored 9 tries that season and everyone was talking straight to ABs from Provincial rugby for the 2010 EOYT. <br><br>
He made the Canes squad in 2011 despite the Canes having a bit of talent in the backs and had a good season I thought. What I recall is that there was a bit of rotation in the Canes backs that season as there was with the Blues in 2003. <br><br><br>
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="MN5" data-cid="575186" data-time="1461731758"><p>Shit those were the days, Super Rugby was just awesome to watch then and fuck a duck that backline was incredible. Was Tuitupou at 2nd five most of the time ? I remember Mils being centre and Howlett playing at the back and the two Fijians ripping everyone to shreds ( but Rok was definitely the lesser of the two ). Carlos Spencer playing "World class without brain explosions" ( copyright Canes4life ) was a thing of beauty too.</p></blockquote>
<br>
Rico Gear was in that side as well. -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="ACT Crusader" data-cid="575169" data-time="1461728035">
<div>
<p>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.<br><br>
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.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>I remember Savea being woeful in his first season of super rugby. I've been wise with my super rugby watching this year and thus have yet to see the blues play a full game, but from what I've read,he at least seems to be more than holding his own - more than can be said for Savea</p>
<p> </p>
<p>(unless we are talking about breakfast, lunch or dinner - but that's another convo)</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Don Frye" data-cid="575183" data-time="1461731509"><p>
Didn't Rok only score 4 tries for the Blues that year? I remember he was hardly banging down the door to be selected for the All Blacks and to many he was a surprise when he was.<br><br>
However once he was given the 11 jersey for the All Blacks he was dynamite.</p></blockquote>
<br>
Agree. That was my recollection. -
<p>I'm anti-auckland grammar, but even i must admit i'm looking forward to the future of Reiko. The guy runs great lines and his best position is centre. Can't really compare him to Roks and Savea cos he isn't a winger. Hes a centre who is being blooded in (and quick enough) to play on the wing. I sure hope Tana will give him tips on playing in the midfield.. </p>
-
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="mimic" data-cid="575203" data-time="1461739287">
<div>
<p>I'm anti-auckland grammar, but even i must admit i'm looking forward to the future of Reiko. The guy runs great lines and his best position is centre. Can't really compare him to Roks and Savea cos he isn't a winger. Hes a centre who is being blooded in (and quick enough) to play on the wing. I sure hope Tana will give him tips on playing in the midfield.. </p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p>Be easy on Auckland Grammar it's been a long time since they've produced anyone good like the Ioane's lol but yes I definitely look forward to seeing him develop. There's room for improvement on the defensive side of his game but that'll no doubt improve imo the more he plays at super rugby level.</p> -
Savea was pretty shit until he all of a sudden transformed into the star he became. <br><br>
Kind of like Dane Coles -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="mimic" data-cid="575203" data-time="1461739287">
<div>
<p>I'm anti-auckland grammar, but even i must admit i'm looking forward to the future of Reiko. The guy runs great lines and his best position is centre. Can't really compare him to Roks and Savea cos he isn't a winger. Hes a centre who is being blooded in (and quick enough) to play on the wing. I sure hope Tana will give him tips on playing in the midfield.. </p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p>He can give him tips on playing on the wing too, and then transitioning to the midfield. </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="mariner4life" data-cid="575218" data-time="1461746047">
<div>
<p>Savea was pretty shit until he all of a sudden transformed into the star he became.<br><br>
Kind of like Dane Coles</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p>Agree with this at Super level, hugely hyped age grade, came into senior rugby and was a dud his first Super year and then took off after that.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="MN5" data-cid="575127" data-time="1461711108">
<div>
<p>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.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>Ha ha. Not from me.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>If we were playing you after WC 2011 then maybe we'd come away with a win, but this team isn't good enough / deep enough.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="MiketheSnow" data-cid="575230" data-time="1461751502"><p>Ha ha. Not from me.<br><br>
If we were playing you after WC 2011 then maybe we'd come away with a win, but this team isn't good enough / deep enough.</p></blockquote>
We're sterile, boring & lifeless at the moment. And that's on a good day ! <br>
Seriously though, any Welsh side coached by Gats will work & run hard but be pretty average going forward. We're too predictable to win the 6nations these days so NZ will find us easy pickings. (As usual) -
<p>Sadly I have to agree with you Pooler. Predictable going forwards - doesn't mean you can always stop them but they are somewhat one dimensional. Mind you NZ are in a transitional period (although they seem to handle transition better than most), so if you're going to do it this is probably your best chance for some years.</p>
-
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Cookie" data-cid="575260" data-time="1461770088"><p>Passion v aura. Welsh passion on the decline but aura is indestructible even in times of transition!</p></blockquote>
<br>
Very true Cookie, although I have blocked out the transition from 1997 to 1998 -
<p>that was during Auras sabbatical</p>
-
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="mariner4life" data-cid="575217" data-time="1461746042">
<div>
<p>Savea was pretty shit until he all of a sudden transformed into the star he became.<br><br>
Kind of like Dane Coles</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>Coles scored some pretty spectacular tries early in his career but Red Beard and Bart confirmed that his scrimmaging was sub par at the time.</p> -
I think the main issue savea had early was catching the high ball , and it affected his overall confidence . <br><br>
Once he corrected that , everything else fell into place for him. -
<p>Welsh touring squad named for 5 match campaign</p>
<p> </p>
<p>v England 29 May 16</p>
<p>v NZ 11 June 16</p>
<p>v Chiefs 14 June 16</p>
<p>v NZ 18 June 16</p>
<p>v NZ 25 June 16</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/1936221_10153728208168722_2339596449139065288_n.jpg?oh=6f5b7a1d0f864cca2c997aee003307ea&oe=57A203FA" alt="1936221_10153728208168722_23395964491390"></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>No excuses for losses to what is looking to be a second string England and provincial side the Chiefs.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>No expectation to beat NZ.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Will be very happy if we come home with no long term injuries and < 15 point losses in all three tests.</p> -
Lots of familiar names in there Mike, but who are the up and coming players in the squad?
-
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="ACT Crusader" data-cid="578641" data-time="1462885424">
<div>
<p>Lots of familiar names in there Mike, but who are the up and coming players in the squad?</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>No new names.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>If given game time Ross Moriarty, Tyler Morgan, Hallam Amos and Matthew Morgan could show something more expansive.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>A number of players who've had good domestic seasons considered but not selected.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>It seems that one of the biggest differences between the NH and the SH is the SH believe that 'if you're good enough, then you're old enough'.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Case in point Sam Davies, the Ospreys 10. Voted U20 World Player of the Year 2013 and still not capped.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/eight-unluckiest-players-missed-out-11311239'>http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/eight-unluckiest-players-missed-out-11311239</a></p>
