2016 World Sevens Series
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Crucial" data-cid="581517" data-time="1463873515">
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<p>I have copied this from someone else's post back in the thread to try and work out the 12 for Rio based on who looks to be available. Bolded are what I think are certainties </p>
<p> </p>
<p>FORWARDS<br><strong>Akira Ioane</strong><br><strong>DJ Forbes - </strong><em>as long as fit, will be there for experience. Has shown he still has it if not injured</em><br><strong>Sonny Bill Williams</strong> - <em>finding his feet as a part of the game plan. Too much ability to create opportunities to leave out. Titch has him working as a forward now</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p>BACKS<br><strong>Augustine Pulu</strong> - <em>shown enough to be the backup playmaker</em><br><strong>Gillies Kaka </strong>- <em>number one playmaker</em><br><strong>Rieko Ioane - </strong><em>looking like more of a freak than his big bro at the moment</em><br><strong>Tim Mikkelson -</strong><em> given</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p>So that leaves five places to come from</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Forwards (3) Probables in bold</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Dylan Collier</p>
<p>Liam Messam<br><strong>Sam Dickson<br>
Scott Curry</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Backs (2)</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Joe Webber ??<br>
Kurt Baker<br>
Lewis Ormond<br>
Pita Ahki<br>
Regan Ware<br>
Sione Molia<br>
Teddy Stanaway</p>
<p> </p>
<p>So Messam quite possibly to get through. I would prefer him over Collier anyway.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>In the backs I think Baker is likely as backup to the Mikkleson role, then it's a need for a 'striker' to cover Reiko</p>
<p> </p>
<p>First choice lineup if all fit and playing for a medal.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Ioane</p>
<p>SBW</p>
<p>Forbes</p>
<p>Curry</p>
<p>Kaka</p>
<p>Mikkleson</p>
<p>Ioane</p>
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<p> </p>
<p>I agree with Kaka ahead of Pulu in a 1st choice line-up.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Tbh, I don't think Messam is good enough; he hasn't had that much game time to improve his game, because of injury and suspension (Las Vegas or Vancouver). Having said that, he's still better than Collier, so if they indeed select 6 forwards, he will probably be in.</p>
<p>Baker is a near certainty for me, just as Joe Webber if he's fit. It will be more difficult if both Webber and O'Donnell are fit; in that case Baker might miss out.</p> -
Well Kaka the only interested looking player on day 1, although Stanaway and SBW tried hard but definitely looked lost at times. <br><br>
The Ioanes drift in and out. <br><br>
Mikkelson is well out of sorts. <br><br>
Our defence is atrocious and really passive. Could do with Forbes back in that regard. -
<p>I wonder whether Mikkelson has fully recovered from his injury..?</p>
<p>I was screaming at Pulu, nearly cost us the match, guilty of rabbit in headlights stuff and sheer stupidity.</p>
<p>SBW put in a couple of big hits, and got the team out of trouble a few times, also for all the fitness levels - Kaka seems short of a gallop was blowing big time and struggled with the pace.</p> -
Is that 3 missed tackles by Baker that have let the US score now
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Stargazer" data-cid="581645" data-time="1463914842">
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<p>It's almost like NZ isn't even trying.</p>
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<p> </p>
<p>I reckon they're just not good enough. Regressed immensely in the last year</p> -
Just embarrassing now
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Stockcar86" data-cid="581647" data-time="1463914892">
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<p>Is that 3 missed tackles by Baker that have let the US score now</p>
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<p> </p>
<p>Baker's performance was worse than anything by Collier this season. Apart from being a defensive liability he threw a number of terrible passes.</p>
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<p>The 2nd half was <strong>ugly</strong>.</p> -
Kurt baker , poor on defence
