RWC veterans to be dumped.
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Laulala and Havili are the two that stand out as not good enough
Coles has just too many miles in the clockCane is actually playing excellent code at the moment, but I still prefer DP I think. Can you take the ex-captain as a squad guy
Stupidly I expect every player in this post to make the squad
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@gt12 said in RWC veterans to be dumped.:
They are fucking Ofa’s chances more by playing him at LH, unless they’ve been directed to.
He's back to TH this week for the Blues.
Ofa has never been convincing at LH for the ABs. If Newell is fit, and Moody is selected again, there is only room for 2 other props amongst 3 (Bower being the other).
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@mariner4life said in RWC veterans to be dumped.:
Cane is actually playing excellent code at the moment, but I still prefer DP I think. Can you take the ex-captain as a squad guy
Cane, Papali’i and Blackadder play a similar role. Blackadders best position at Test level is 7. He played a lot at 7 last year for the Crusaders and if everyone was fit I think that’s where he’d be in this years SR too
You’re right, Cane’s in decent form, but he’s third out of those three so could get squeezed out
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@Duluth if we had a big mean fluffybunny with a bit of leg speed to play 6 we could have a loose forward trio for the ages
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@Duluth Blackadder's main position is not 7. He only played there for the Crusaders because Christie was injured and because they had Matera at 6 (when Grace returned from injury). He's mainly a 6, who can easily slot in at 7 and also plays at 8.
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I didn’t say his main position is 7. I said he plays the same role as Cane & Papali’i and that I think he’s best position at Test level is 7
(also with everyone fit the Crusaders best trio is Blackadder, Grace, Gardiner IMO)
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You said:
He played a lot at 7 last year for the Crusaders and if everyone was fit I think that’s where he’d be in this years SR too.
I think you're wrong. Blackadder is the first choice 6 for the Crusaders. Christie the first choice 7. Grace the first choice 8.
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Back on topic, at wing is Reece's position a little under threat, as perhaps Clarke (although he is too young I guess to be a veteran at 22 he has already played 25 games!)
Another question mark is Taylor but at 31 and given the pups around I guess he has a few more years left.
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@KiwiMurph said in RWC veterans to be dumped.:
Could see the following in trouble:
S Frizell (if Blackadder is the starting 6 Frizell may be at risk).Blackadder and MMT?
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@mariner4life said in RWC veterans to be dumped.:
@Duluth if we had a big mean fluffybunny with a bit of leg speed to play 6 we could have a loose forward trio for the ages
Unfortunately these types are rare. Have to hope one emerges in the next WC cycle.
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@BartMan said in RWC veterans to be dumped.:
@Crucial said in RWC veterans to be dumped.:
Akira may not fall into the category of veteran but I think he is very much at risk
Yes he's got to be gone. Not even a flat track bully anymore, just vanishes when the hard work is needed!
Reluctantly find myself agreeing.
Just really wanted him to be The Man.
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@KiwiMurph said in RWC veterans to be dumped.:
In addition to the above;
Could see the following in trouble:
S Frizell (if Blackadder is the starting 6 Frizell
mayshould be at risk).Goodhue
Tuipulotu
FIFY
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@Stargazer said in RWC veterans to be dumped.:
RTS will probably not make the RWC squad. Should never have been capped.
Can't say I agree.
Squaddie.
2nd best 12
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@booboo said in RWC veterans to be dumped.:
@Stargazer said in RWC veterans to be dumped.:
RTS will probably not make the RWC squad. Should never have been capped.
Can't say I agree.
Squaddie.
2nd best 12
is he second best 12 now? Might deserve a thread.
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@booboo said in RWC veterans to be dumped.:
@Stargazer said in RWC veterans to be dumped.:
RTS will probably not make the RWC squad. Should never have been capped.
Can't say I agree.
Squaddie.
2nd best 12
Behind J. Barrett, ALB, Havili and - when fit again - probably also behind Tupaea.
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It's certainly not a 2007, nor 2015 type squad. We don't have the depth, nor the amount of fit, experienced, awesome players. Unfortunately some journeymen are going to fill spots.
You could write a number of names that have a track record of disappointing results but in the absence of compelling alternatives, will still participate.
As much as I love Coles, his body is calling time and we finally have some quality youngsters coming through.
Lock depth is a enormous drop off. Pat T. has never stood up as we'd all hoped. Others are a year or two off. We have to hope that Whitelock, Retallick and Scott get through unscathed.
Sam Cane is a warrior who should be another three inches taller and playing blindside.
Scrumhalf's we've seen the last of TJP. With an ounce of luck at least one of Christie and Webber will be replaced.
No one will replace our first two choice five eighths because they won't get the opportunity at SR level.
Centres are a case of "don't get injured". Goodhue's body isn't fit for Test rugby anymore it seems. Anyone other reasonable prospect appears to be fragile. There's our first choice pairing and then an abyss.
Wings are another area short of competition.
Fullback is open to anyone fit. At this stage that's Stevenson.
