Blues vs Hurricanes 02/2022
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@billy-tell said in Blues vs Hurricanes 02/2022:
That is the best game of rugby I have seen in a good while. Pure entertainment.
The ABs need more Polynesian in the back line. Watching that game you just know what was missing in 2021.
Canes should always start love he is better than GB
I never watch league but that a more than promising start by the new convert.
What they need is more 'dynamism'. Not just the backline either but across the board.
Guys that can play their role and not go wandering but also fight elbows and knees for every inch of ground.
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Just watched the first half and a couple of random thoughts
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I have said it before but there is something about Zarn Sullivan that reminds me of Carter. Maybe it's his economy of movement?
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The instance where RI failed to pass toTalea is why I still have concerns about him as AB 13. You can't afford to throw away chances like that. Sure, every player does the same from time to time. Hopefully it was a one off.
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@crazy-horse said in Blues vs Hurricanes 02/2022:
The instance where RI failed to pass toTalea is why I still have concerns about him as AB 13. You can't afford to throw away chances like that. Sure, every player does the same from time to time. Hopefully it was a one off.
Rieko gets my Masaga Hungus award of the week, but as you note every player does this from time to time. But it gets laser focussed on when an Ioane does it. It got silly last year when posters were often bemoaning that he didn't pass to players in a worse position than him.
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@crazy-horse said in Blues vs Hurricanes 02/2022:
Just watched the first half and a couple of random thoughts
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I have said it before but there is something about Zarn Sullivan that reminds me of Carter. Maybe it's his economy of movement?
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The instance where RI failed to pass toTalea is why I still have concerns about him as AB 13. You can't afford to throw away chances like that. Sure, every player does the same from time to time. Hopefully it was a one off.
Rieko is not a natural 13. He may get better in time
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Ah yes, the annual Ardie Savea is amazing because he runs a lot.
A test #8 needs to want to hit rucks, and be effective when he does do it. A #8 also needs to be physical in the tackle.
Test rugby is not won by YouTube highlights.
Should be the first name on the bench. Should not start at 8 if playing a decent calibre pack (therefore can start against Australia).
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@crucial this would work if that is the case and perhaps more dynamic running from all our forwards especially the tight five. I would be happy with Ardie around the fringes with a little more space. I think the attractiveness of a big running 8 is seen across the world in guys like, past and present, Picamoles, Felatau, Vanipola and of course that aussie guy that took us to the woodshed often, Kefu.
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Hats off to the Blues for helping RTS feel at home. That was a very Warriors esq final 10 minutes.
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@broughie said in Blues vs Hurricanes 02/2022:
@dan54 international level is different but if you think he is the solution to 8 so be it. I admire his toughness and his game.
Mate I know international is different and so do many of the critics who had him at 8 for world XV last year. I waiting to hear what qualities he lacks to be a good test 8. He defends well , he runs with ball in hand, links with backs.
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@mariner4life said in Blues vs Hurricanes 02/2022:
Ah yes, the annual Ardie Savea is amazing because he runs a lot.
A test #8 needs to want to hit rucks, and be effective when he does do it. A #8 also needs to be physical in the tackle.
Test rugby is not won by YouTube highlights.
Should be the first name on the bench. Should not start at 8 if playing a decent calibre pack (therefore can start against Australia).
Obviously you never watched Kieran Read a lot, he didn't hit a lot of rucks, wasn't overly agressive at the tackle, just did all his jobs bloody well as Ardie seem to. Most loosies don't hit rucks whether they 6,7, or 8, they are either the one setting up or usually setting up in attack or defence, watch the 6N test from this weekend and see which 8s do it. Besides all else NZ rugby doesn't have to say 8 does this or that so we should, we should pick players that do a job we want them to do, not what's written in manuals!
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@broughie said in Blues vs Hurricanes 02/2022:
@dan54 We could argue to win till the cows come home. I prefer a bigger number eight that dents the defense with hard running. Ardie seems to wiggle through the defense through hard running.
Exactly mate, I have no problem with that at all, as you say YOU prefer to play a certain way, that doesn't make either of us right. I just don't dismiss players that fit my idea of a player in certain positions.
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@broughie donbrant is huge also
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@muddyriver Yeah. I watched a bit of the England Wales game today and I was wondering who that big hua was.
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I a like that Dombrandt, but Eddie is reluctant to play him at times.
I just don't see any 8s in NZ that I would have in ABs ahead of Ardie though,
I know it just opinion, but loosies roles have changed so much in last few years, and the old they have to be such and such a build etc etc doesn't really work. -
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@broughie said in Blues vs Hurricanes 02/2022:
@dan54 We could argue to win till the cows come home. I prefer a bigger number eight that dents the defense with hard running. Ardie seems to wiggle through the defense through hard running.
And his defense is pretty passive. Not great going backward.
