Olympic Optimism
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Bovidae" data-cid="581895" data-time="1463984212">
<p>DMac would be quick enough. Cama was never lightning fast when he played as a sweeper and Kaka would not be any quicker than DMac either, and isn't a great defender himself.</p>
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<br><p>I'm not convinced, but Cama had that knowledge about where to be. Kaka is now getting that same feel for the game. Regardless of Damien's defence or pace, he couldn't hope to replicate the game knowledge in the time available.Sevens is no longer XVs rugby minus the tight five and some backs.<br><br>
I'd expect that's why Titch wanted players to play the series.</p> -
<p>I'm definitely not saying that DMac could suddenly become a sevens players now, just that he has the speed, skill and footwork that could make him a very good sevens player in the future.</p>
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<p>I agree with your last point, which is why Titch wasn't going to give any concessions to B Smith, Barrett, Savea etc.</p> -
<p>I'll freely confess to not watching a lot of Sevens but can someone explain the nuances of how it has changed so much in the last few years ?</p>
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<p>I remember in 98 when the firepower of Jonah, Cully, Vidiri, Randle, Reihana and ahem...Ralph were shoehorned into the team alongside old specialists like Rush and Seymour and it was a case of give them the Gold medal now, which they did........</p>
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<p>There was talk on here last year of getting Read, SBW, Messam, Savea x 2 and Barrett and doing the same which obviously isn't going to happen.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="MN5" data-cid="582038" data-time="1464043718">
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<p>I'll freely confess to not watching a lot of Sevens but can someone explain the nuances of how it has changed so much in the last few years ?</p>
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<p>It used to be a faster version of XVs with more open spaces. Now the structures and defensive patterns are such that it can be difficult to find a way through and harder to get a guy into space.</p>
<p>It is reffed a little differently as well. The tackle release in particular, the gate is much smaller etc etc.</p>
<p>Possession is the biggest key along with forcing an error and switching from D to A.</p>
<p>Nearly all teams now know how to use their firepower if given half a chance. Previously many would get an opportunity and freeze or not be organised on the switch.</p>
<p>Errors are severely punished.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Crucial" data-cid="582039" data-time="1464044055">
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<p>It used to be a faster version of XVs with more open spaces. Now the structures and defensive patterns are such that it can be difficult to find a way through and harder to get a guy into space.</p>
<p>It is reffed a little differently as well. The tackle release in particular, the gate is much smaller etc etc.</p>
<p>Possession is the biggest key along with forcing an error and switching from D to A.</p>
<p>Nearly all teams now know how to use their firepower if given half a chance. Previously many would get an opportunity and freeze or not be organised on the switch.</p>
<p>Errors are severely punished.</p>
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<p>Fair call dude, cheers for that. Even back in the old days "All Black X" would come back to 15s lighter and fitter after a stint in sevens. Thinking back to 98 only Jonah and Cully were AB regulars and if memory serves it was after the tri nations so they would have only missed some NPC ? the others I mentioned weren't but still more than good enough to tear teams to shreds given half a chance. It would have been a travesty if that team got anything less than the gold medal.....</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Crucial" data-cid="582044" data-time="1464044666">
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<p>Don't forget that Cully could run the length of the field crowded with 29 other players so having only 13 there must have seemed like an open field. Jonah would just swat everyone aside. </p>
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<p>Forget ? how could I ? Vidiri and Randle were freakish attackers at times too, in an alternate universe both should have had much longer careers than they did. I suppose even then there was elements of specialization, after all Goldie and Tana weren't even mentioned as possible contenders for the team.</p> -
<p>Jonah and Cully would probably walk into this 7s team, we're talking about two all time greats in terms of attacking prowess. Absolute freaks, I still miss watching them play :(</p>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="No Quarter" data-cid="582058" data-time="1464046480">
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<p>Jonah and Cully would probably walk into this 7s team, we're talking about two all time greats in terms of attacking prowess. Absolute freaks, I still miss watching them play :(</p>
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<p>Based on what others have said would they ?</p>
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<p> I sure as hell miss them too.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="MN5" data-cid="582103" data-time="1464051650">
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<p>Based on what others have said would they ?</p>
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<p> I sure as hell miss them too.</p>
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<p>I agree with what others are saying but yeah I think they would. I may be looking through rose tinted glasses though... :)</p> -
<p>I'd say Cully without a doubt, Lomu, moreso on the fitness aspect, but it'd be a tough decision for Titch on the fact Lomu is a freak and even with less fitness would still monster so many.</p>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="taniwharugby" data-cid="582115" data-time="1464053068">
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<p>I'd say Cully without a doubt, Lomu, moreso on the fitness aspect, but it'd be a tough decision for Titch on the fact Lomu is a freak and even with less fitness would still monster so many.</p>
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<p>Tempted to say both easily but no interest has been shown in Savea despite his obvious talents so in todays game who knows.</p> -
<p>A few years back Tietjens was asked to select his NZ sevens dream team. He cheated and chose 8 players.</p>
<p> 1. Jonah Lomu<br>
2. Christian Cullen<br>
3. Karl Te Nana<br>
4. Amasio Valence<br>
5. Eric Rush<br>
6. Dallas Seymour<br>
7. Liam Messam<br>
8. DJ Forbes<br>
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