All Blacks v Ireland - 1st Test
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@antipodean who, Ardie or Akira?
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I wish the journos had asked about Caleb Clarke - but, I'm guessing they decided he's not match-fit.
If that's the case, then the back selections are pretty logical since the third bench spot had to go to Perofeta, Clarke, RTS or Ennor - and we needed midfield/wing cover.
For the forwards - selections become pretty logical once you see who is out injured.
Taylor starting over Sami T. is no surprise regardless of whether it's the right decision.
They're evidently thinking there's a fair degree of specialisation in the loose forwards.
- Ioane/PGS
- Cane/Papali'i
- Ardie/Sotutu
Dalton's selection sends a pretty clear message that they're not planning on Ardie covering 7.
PGS not really trusted to start this test, but presumably seen as offering better cover of 6/8 than Sotutu.
If everyone was fit I think Nepo would've started at tighthead, Akira at 6, Goodhue/Havili at 12, Jordan at 14.
One of the three locks would've moved to the bench, Leicester possibly moves to the bench, Reece switches wings and Angus, PGS, QT and Ennor slide out of the 23.
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@Duluth said in All Blacks v Ireland - 1st Test:
@Chris-B said in All Blacks v Ireland - 1st Test:
I wish the journos had asked about Caleb Clarke - but, I'm guessing they decided he's not match-fit.
Knowler said in his article that Clarke wasn't fully recovered
Pretty much makes Ennor a lock-in.
I wonder whether they're considering shifting Rieko into 2nd five if QT gets injured?
The alternative is 10. Mo'uga; 12. JB; 15. BB - but, that is a hell of a lot of disruption!
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@Canes4life said in All Blacks v Ireland - 1st Test:
@Dan54 Akira was mud in that Super Rugby final. Alot of people forget that Ardie was one of our best last year, and despite the shit @mariner4life talks, his work-rate is top notch. The problem is that Ardie can't play 7 because Cane is captain, but he's too good to leave out.
It doesn't help when other players aren't really putting their hand up for selection. The only player that stands out to me right now is Cullen Grace but this coach picked PGS instead, so he's really left himself short of options.
I agree about Ardie, that a few seem to forget was probably one of best forwards in Super this year, and was picked in world XV last year. Also Akira who I keep hoping will play to his potential was pretty average in semi as well as final in super, I just not sure what is wrong with him.
Also will be interested to see who else comes down with covid by Saturday, as with Feeks getting it now ,I guessing there still quite a chance of more. -
@Dan54 said in All Blacks v Ireland - 1st Test:
@Canes4life said in All Blacks v Ireland - 1st Test:
@Dan54 Akira was mud in that Super Rugby final. Alot of people forget that Ardie was one of our best last year, and despite the shit @mariner4life talks, his work-rate is top notch. The problem is that Ardie can't play 7 because Cane is captain, but he's too good to leave out.
It doesn't help when other players aren't really putting their hand up for selection. The only player that stands out to me right now is Cullen Grace but this coach picked PGS instead, so he's really left himself short of options.
I agree about Ardie, that a few seem to forget was probably one of best forwards in Super this year, and was picked in world XV last year. Also Akira who I keep hoping will play to his potential was pretty average in semi as well as final in super, I just not sure what is wrong with him.
Also will be interested to see who else comes down with covid by Saturday, as with Feeks getting it now ,I guessing there still quite a chance of more.If you read up above, Foster mentioned his foot injury has flared up, so he has been playing injured over the finals. Even with that, he was still getting through a good amount of work, up there with the other loose forwards for tackles, etc
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Hugo Keenan, Keith Earls, Gary Ringrose, Robbie Henshaw, James Lowe, Johnny Sexton (c), Jamison Gibson-Park, Caelan Doris, Josh van der Flier, Peter O’Mahony, James Ryan, Tadhg Beirne, Tadhg Furlong, Dan Sheehan, Andrew Porter
Reserves: Dan Heffernan, Finlay Bealham, Cian Healy, Kieran Treadwell, Jack Conan, Conor Murray, Joey Carbery, Bundee Aki
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@nzzp said in All Blacks v Ireland - 1st Test:
@Nepia said in All Blacks v Ireland - 1st Test:
@Kirwan said in All Blacks v Ireland - 1st Test:
@KiwiMurph said in All Blacks v Ireland - 1st Test:
If Dalton isn't 100% why is he on the bench given there's 2 x 7s in the starting loose forward trio? Akira injured but are Hoskins and Vaai covid/injured?
He kept mentioning Dalton with Akira when talking about six, so I think the dopey bastard is going to play three sevens at some point.
I'd prefer three 7s to two 7s and a lock named Barrett.
he said he saw Papali'i as a 6 as well (earlier in the season).
It's bizarre. And this is not Cane's fault - he's a solid leader, and a damn good 7. He's just getting competition from different (Ardie) and up and coming (Dalts) players.
For me, it's got to be Ardie to the bench to cover the loosies and rip open the game in the last 20. Pick a specialist 6 and 8 with some height, and play Cane or Dalts if Cane can't play - they are the most similar. The massive compromise comes with having to have both Cane and Ardie there; the balance is borked at that point.
Deep down, though, this isn't the issue. Our tight 5 is the key problem. Taylor Retallick Whitelock are not the physical specimens they used to be. Our props are average in so many facets, or have obvious weaknesses.
All in all, loss insurance on the Irish seems a smart move right now
After reading your post, I’m actually changing my prediction, ABs by 20+
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@Chris said in All Blacks v Ireland - 1st Test:
@KiwiMurph said in All Blacks v Ireland - 1st Test:
If Dalton isn't 100% why is he on the bench given there's 2 x 7s in the starting loose forward trio? Akira injured but are Hoskins and Vaai covid/injured?
Yeah I couldn't understand that one, then Foster coming out and saying SB is a option at 6 potentially long term.
He's not even a legit 6 option for the Crusaders, only when there are injuries. Given test rugby is alot tighter I'm sure he has the skills/athleticism to play there but just strange he's plonked there after being picked in the squad as a lock and Foster & co speaking highly of Va'ai as a 6 option.
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@TheMojoman said in All Blacks v Ireland - 1st Test:
@Chris said in All Blacks v Ireland - 1st Test:
@KiwiMurph said in All Blacks v Ireland - 1st Test:
If Dalton isn't 100% why is he on the bench given there's 2 x 7s in the starting loose forward trio? Akira injured but are Hoskins and Vaai covid/injured?
Yeah I couldn't understand that one, then Foster coming out and saying SB is a option at 6 potentially long term.
He's not even a legit 6 option for the Crusaders, only when there are injuries. Given test rugby is alot tighter I'm sure he has the skills/athleticism to play there but just strange he's plonked there after being picked in the squad as a lock and Foster & co speaking highly of Va'ai as a 6 option.
Yeah I think he could play there as he did well for the Crusaders but its strange messaging and selections isn't it,Players picked like you say Va'ai as a lock but mentioned by Foster as real option at 6 now Barret is a 6 option maybe long term.
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@Chris said in All Blacks v Ireland - 1st Test:
@TheMojoman said in All Blacks v Ireland - 1st Test:
@Chris said in All Blacks v Ireland - 1st Test:
@KiwiMurph said in All Blacks v Ireland - 1st Test:
If Dalton isn't 100% why is he on the bench given there's 2 x 7s in the starting loose forward trio? Akira injured but are Hoskins and Vaai covid/injured?
Yeah I couldn't understand that one, then Foster coming out and saying SB is a option at 6 potentially long term.
He's not even a legit 6 option for the Crusaders, only when there are injuries. Given test rugby is alot tighter I'm sure he has the skills/athleticism to play there but just strange he's plonked there after being picked in the squad as a lock and Foster & co speaking highly of Va'ai as a 6 option.
Yeah I think he could play there as he did well for the Crusaders but its strange messaging and selections isn't it,Players picked like you say Va'ai as a lock but mentioned by Foster as real option at 6 now Barret is a 6 option maybe long term.
It's not like we have a lot of lock options either, like at loose forward. We need SB at lock.
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@Chris said in All Blacks v Ireland - 1st Test:
@TheMojoman said in All Blacks v Ireland - 1st Test:
@Chris said in All Blacks v Ireland - 1st Test:
@KiwiMurph said in All Blacks v Ireland - 1st Test:
If Dalton isn't 100% why is he on the bench given there's 2 x 7s in the starting loose forward trio? Akira injured but are Hoskins and Vaai covid/injured?
Yeah I couldn't understand that one, then Foster coming out and saying SB is a option at 6 potentially long term.
He's not even a legit 6 option for the Crusaders, only when there are injuries. Given test rugby is alot tighter I'm sure he has the skills/athleticism to play there but just strange he's plonked there after being picked in the squad as a lock and Foster & co speaking highly of Va'ai as a 6 option.
Yeah I think he could play there as he did well for the Crusaders but its strange messaging and selections isn't it,Players picked like you say Va'ai as a lock but mentioned by Foster as real option at 6 now Barret is a 6 option maybe long term.
exactly, if we need a lock the SB is ya man....if we need a 6 that can step into lock for the final 20mins...there are better options, this is just fozzie getting blinded by just getting who he considers the best 23 players on the pitch without considering other factors
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@Kirwan well we had a lock out injured within days of squad naming, he wasnt even replaced, yet they called in Ennor, Telea and Lomax within days...
Assume, regardless of lock or loosie getting injured, Grace is likely next cab?
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@Chris said in All Blacks v Ireland - 1st Test:
@TheMojoman said in All Blacks v Ireland - 1st Test:
@Chris said in All Blacks v Ireland - 1st Test:
@KiwiMurph said in All Blacks v Ireland - 1st Test:
If Dalton isn't 100% why is he on the bench given there's 2 x 7s in the starting loose forward trio? Akira injured but are Hoskins and Vaai covid/injured?
Yeah I couldn't understand that one, then Foster coming out and saying SB is a option at 6 potentially long term.
He's not even a legit 6 option for the Crusaders, only when there are injuries. Given test rugby is alot tighter I'm sure he has the skills/athleticism to play there but just strange he's plonked there after being picked in the squad as a lock and Foster & co speaking highly of Va'ai as a 6 option.
Yeah I think he could play there as he did well for the Crusaders but its strange messaging and selections isn't it,Players picked like you say Va'ai as a lock but mentioned by Foster as real option at 6 now Barret is a 6 option maybe long term.
I'm sure that the messages the players are getting aren't like that though. If there was you'd see a mutiny like the BFs had. The players here actually seem to respect the coaches despite the public comments.
Ido agree though that a lot of Foster's public support problems come from his poor communication with fans though. There's confusion and a lack of clarity which leads to everyone thinking the worst. -
@Chris said in All Blacks v Ireland - 1st Test:
@TheMojoman said in All Blacks v Ireland - 1st Test:
@Chris said in All Blacks v Ireland - 1st Test:
@KiwiMurph said in All Blacks v Ireland - 1st Test:
If Dalton isn't 100% why is he on the bench given there's 2 x 7s in the starting loose forward trio? Akira injured but are Hoskins and Vaai covid/injured?
Yeah I couldn't understand that one, then Foster coming out and saying SB is a option at 6 potentially long term.
He's not even a legit 6 option for the Crusaders, only when there are injuries. Given test rugby is alot tighter I'm sure he has the skills/athleticism to play there but just strange he's plonked there after being picked in the squad as a lock and Foster & co speaking highly of Va'ai as a 6 option.
Yeah I think he could play there as he did well for the Crusaders but its strange messaging and selections isn't it,Players picked like you say Va'ai as a lock but mentioned by Foster as real option at 6 now Barret is a 6 option maybe long term.
Yes he did say he was an option at 6, however he also said he was the form lock and the best ball carrying lock.
Fosters comments about SB's form, and other options returning at 6, puts pressure on Retallick and (to a lesser extent) Whitelock IMO
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@Kirwan said in All Blacks v Ireland - 1st Test:
@Chris said in All Blacks v Ireland - 1st Test:
@TheMojoman said in All Blacks v Ireland - 1st Test:
@Chris said in All Blacks v Ireland - 1st Test:
@KiwiMurph said in All Blacks v Ireland - 1st Test:
If Dalton isn't 100% why is he on the bench given there's 2 x 7s in the starting loose forward trio? Akira injured but are Hoskins and Vaai covid/injured?
Yeah I couldn't understand that one, then Foster coming out and saying SB is a option at 6 potentially long term.
He's not even a legit 6 option for the Crusaders, only when there are injuries. Given test rugby is alot tighter I'm sure he has the skills/athleticism to play there but just strange he's plonked there after being picked in the squad as a lock and Foster & co speaking highly of Va'ai as a 6 option.
Yeah I think he could play there as he did well for the Crusaders but its strange messaging and selections isn't it,Players picked like you say Va'ai as a lock but mentioned by Foster as real option at 6 now Barret is a 6 option maybe long term.
It's not like we have a lot of lock options either, like at loose forward. We need SB at lock.
Yep totally agree, I think Barrett is our best Lock especially with ball in hand. It is just weird what is happening with selections 2021 all over again.
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@Kiwiwomble said in All Blacks v Ireland - 1st Test:
@Chris said in All Blacks v Ireland - 1st Test:
@TheMojoman said in All Blacks v Ireland - 1st Test:
@Chris said in All Blacks v Ireland - 1st Test:
@KiwiMurph said in All Blacks v Ireland - 1st Test:
If Dalton isn't 100% why is he on the bench given there's 2 x 7s in the starting loose forward trio? Akira injured but are Hoskins and Vaai covid/injured?
Yeah I couldn't understand that one, then Foster coming out and saying SB is a option at 6 potentially long term.
He's not even a legit 6 option for the Crusaders, only when there are injuries. Given test rugby is alot tighter I'm sure he has the skills/athleticism to play there but just strange he's plonked there after being picked in the squad as a lock and Foster & co speaking highly of Va'ai as a 6 option.
Yeah I think he could play there as he did well for the Crusaders but its strange messaging and selections isn't it,Players picked like you say Va'ai as a lock but mentioned by Foster as real option at 6 now Barret is a 6 option maybe long term.
exactly, if we need a lock the SB is ya man....if we need a 6 that can step into lock for the final 20mins...there are better options, this is just fozzie getting blinded by just getting who he considers the best 23 players on the pitch without considering other factors
It seems so again.
