All Blacks 2021

[nostrildamus]

I think with Dalton and A Ioane and despite Ardie supplanting the bigger Read, that the ABs are maybe the same now or a few kg heavier?

[cgrant]

Depth at TH is the biggest worry IMO. Will Ofa T be fit for the RC ? He and Laulala are both essential for the AB scrum (though not world beaters) as Lomax and Ta'avao are nowhere near international standard as far as scrummaging is concerned. I hope Moli can come back strongly and be included in the EOYT squad. And what about Owen Franks ? Will he play in the NPC ? He is not that old.

[Bovidae]

@cgrant If you want a scrummaging TH prop Sione Mafileo would be the man.

[cgrant]

@bovidae
Yes, he is a good scrummager but does not offer much in the loose. His mobility can be questioned too.

[pakman]

@cgrant said in All Blacks 2021:

@bovidae
Yes, he is a good scrummager but does not offer much in the loose. His mobility can be questioned too.

He moves from scrum to scrum!

[Stargazer]

[Kirwan]

@stargazer said in All Blacks 2021:

Sometimes we really need a downquote button.

[Machpants]

With the recently announced trial run of fully vaccinated in NZ NZers on work trips able to isolate at home from low risk countries, I reckon the ABs will be keen on getting in that!

[Stargazer]

'Progressing well': All Blacks captain Sam Cane gives injury update

Sam Cane has indicated he may be back playing by the time the All Blacks embark on their end-of-year tour of the United States and Europe.

[Machpants]

@stargazer said in All Blacks 2021:

'Progressing well': All Blacks captain Sam Cane gives injury update

Sam Cane has indicated he may be back playing by the time the All Blacks embark on their end-of-year tour of the United States and Europe.

If he can get back for a training run vs the USA that would be great, Wales will also be a bit under strength as it is outside the test window - but only a bit. Italy also another good warm up for him

[taniwharugby]

so does Clarke come back in at any point? Must be out of iso shortly?

[Machpants]

@taniwharugby said in All Blacks 2021:

so does Clarke come back in at any point? Must be out of iso shortly?

Not in the squad for RC, he’ll have to prove hiself at NPC minimum before called back. Maybe for NH tour, could ease in vs USA and Italy

[nostrildamus]

@machpants it is beginning to look more of a competition at wing for Clarke isn't it? A few months ago winger spots seemed much more open..

[gt12]

@nostrildamus said in All Blacks 2021:

@machpants it is beginning to look more of a competition at wing for Clarke isn't it? A few months ago winger spots seemed much more open..

He would make a great bench option instead of Jordie/Dmac in the 23 jersey.

[Old Samurai Jack]

Nah, Clarke's form was so bad he shouldn't have made the ABs at all let alone be in the starting Blues 15.

[sparky]

@taniwharugby said in All Blacks 2021:

so does Clarke come back in at any point? Must be out of iso shortly?

Caleb Clarke was poor for the Blues at the start of the season. Needs to prove form and fitness through the NPC before he can be considered for the ABs again.

[gt12]

These last posts are hilarious when you think about how Jordie has gone on the wing.

[Old Samurai Jack]

@gt12 Has Jodie been selected for the wing?

[MN5]

@sparky said in All Blacks 2021:

@taniwharugby said in All Blacks 2021:

so does Clarke come back in at any point? Must be out of iso shortly?

Caleb Clarke was poor for the Blues at the start of the season. Needs to prove form and fitness through the NPC before he can be considered for the ABs again.

How are his playmaking skills ?

[Machpants]

@taniwharugby said in All Blacks 2021:

so does Clarke come back in at any point? Must be out of iso shortly?

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/300384621/all-blacks-caleb-clarke-eyes-return-for-auckland-instead-of-trip-to-perth