All Blacks 2023
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The best tight 5 has been the Highlanders
They'll get 1 ABThe best loose trio has been the Chiefs
They'll get one ABThe best inside backs have been the Chiefs, They'll be off the bench
The best midfield has been the Blues, one will be in the ABs
The best outside backs have been the Chiefs
They'll probably get no players selectedOf the ABs were a rep side talkback radio would go fucking off.
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Let's just select this backline because we all know how playing players out of position works so wonderfully well at a WC.
9. Smith
10. DMac - a fullback playing 10
11. SStevenson - a fullback playing wing
12. JBarrett - a fullback playing 12
13. RIoane - a wing playing centre
14. WJordan - a fullback playing wing
15. BBarrett - a first five playing fullback -
@Canes4life said in All Blacks 2023:
- BBarrett - a first five playing fullback
Pfftt.... Beauden isn't a first five.....
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@mariner4life Don't forget that, at that this time last year, the Blues were unbeatable, but didn't go on to dominate the ABs either.
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@Canes4life said in All Blacks 2023:
Let's just select this backline because we all know how playing players out of position works so wonderfully well at a WC.
9. Smith
10. DMac - a fullback playing 10
11. SStevenson - a fullback playing wing
12. JBarrett - a fullback playing 12
13. RIoane - a wing playing centre
14. WJordan - a fullback playing wing
15. BBarrett - a first five playing fullbackand we could top that by making all the loose forwards fill in at lock.
Works so well for the Canes! -
@Kiwiwomble said in All Blacks 2023:
@Kirwan said in All Blacks 2023:
And before the Cantab mafia come for me (cough, cough Stargazer), I'm leaning towards DMac, not BB.
He also makes mistakes, but is a better tackler, has a longer kicking game and runs straight which is even more important at the higher level. RM's main attacking strategy of running sideways (or even backwards) until he finds a mismatch is completely useless when there isn't a mismatch.
I like the idea of disrupting all the opposition plans on how to isolate RM by selecting DMac and either Sullivan or Stevenson at fullback. Be bold and go win the thing.
ive come around to DMac as he seems to be running hot on form at the moment....but, has his game changed or something, i remember him being a huge proponent of the run across field and shovel a pass when he couldn't find a gap
He's never been a greedy player or a glory-hunter and always as brave as fuck, but I've noticed he now often goes for the safer option rather than try to take on the world. Still happy to rip another side to shreds but way more mature in his decision-making. Hopefully will transfer to Test level.
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@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2023:
@Kiwiwomble said in All Blacks 2023:
@Kirwan said in All Blacks 2023:
And before the Cantab mafia come for me (cough, cough Stargazer), I'm leaning towards DMac, not BB.
He also makes mistakes, but is a better tackler, has a longer kicking game and runs straight which is even more important at the higher level. RM's main attacking strategy of running sideways (or even backwards) until he finds a mismatch is completely useless when there isn't a mismatch.
I like the idea of disrupting all the opposition plans on how to isolate RM by selecting DMac and either Sullivan or Stevenson at fullback. Be bold and go win the thing.
ive come around to DMac as he seems to be running hot on form at the moment....but, has his game changed or something, i remember him being a huge proponent of the run across field and shovel a pass when he couldn't find a gap
He's never been a greedy player or a glory-hunter and always as brave as fuck, but I've noticed he now often goes for the safer option rather than try to take on the world. Still happy to rip another side to shreds but way more mature in his decision-making. Hopefully will transfer to Test level.
I still reckon he's an excellent fullback. The dual playmaker idea worked with him and beaudy, but when he's was injured they tried it with mo'unga and Barrett, which didn't. Interesting article by nick bishop on rugby pass ages with me. Chiefs versus saders were most successful when DMac switched to the back
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@ARHS said in All Blacks 2023:
@Nepia He has always been strong in getting over the ball and cover defends effectively a long way across field. Best in NZ maybe at that. Always thought those were standouts that offset front on defensive weakness.
Pulling off the odd cover tackle doesn't invalidate the fact he had poor defence when first selected for the ABs.
I don't know why you guys are going to the mattresses over that statement, you could just point out he worked on it and improved that area if you're that keen on fluffing him.
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@Machpants said in All Blacks 2023:
@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2023:
@Kiwiwomble said in All Blacks 2023:
@Kirwan said in All Blacks 2023:
And before the Cantab mafia come for me (cough, cough Stargazer), I'm leaning towards DMac, not BB.
He also makes mistakes, but is a better tackler, has a longer kicking game and runs straight which is even more important at the higher level. RM's main attacking strategy of running sideways (or even backwards) until he finds a mismatch is completely useless when there isn't a mismatch.
I like the idea of disrupting all the opposition plans on how to isolate RM by selecting DMac and either Sullivan or Stevenson at fullback. Be bold and go win the thing.
ive come around to DMac as he seems to be running hot on form at the moment....but, has his game changed or something, i remember him being a huge proponent of the run across field and shovel a pass when he couldn't find a gap
He's never been a greedy player or a glory-hunter and always as brave as fuck, but I've noticed he now often goes for the safer option rather than try to take on the world. Still happy to rip another side to shreds but way more mature in his decision-making. Hopefully will transfer to Test level.
I still reckon he's an excellent fullback. The dual playmaker idea worked with him and beaudy, but when he's was injured they tried it with mo'unga and Barrett, which didn't. Interesting article by nick bishop on rugby pass ages with me. Chiefs versus saders were most successful when DMac switched to the back
He was really good at 15 on the EOYT - easily his best period in the Black jersey. You do wonder if being so versatile hasn't helped him settle into his best position.
Maybe I'm a bit stuck in my ways, but I'm not convinced constantly buggering about with players positions, which seem to have become de rigeur since about 2016, really helps much.
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@Canes4life said in All Blacks 2023:
Let's just select this backline because we all know how playing players out of position works so wonderfully well at a WC.
9. Smith
10. DMac - a fullback playing 10
11. SStevenson - a fullback playing wing
12. JBarrett - a fullback playing 12
13. RIoane - a wing playing centre
14. WJordan - a fullback playing wing
15. BBarrett - a first five playing fullbackBut isn't that called "being bold" and "rolling the dice" ?
Players like Will Jordan are just so good they can excel in different positions, but you have to question player development plans across the SR franchises and the ABs
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@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2023:
@Canes4life said in All Blacks 2023:
Let's just select this backline because we all know how playing players out of position works so wonderfully well at a WC.
@Canes4life, arguable!
- Smith
- DMac - a fullback playing 10
- SStevenson - a fullback playing wing
- JBarrett - a fullback playing 12
- RIoane - a wing playing centre
- WJordan - a fullback playing wing
- BBarrett - a first five playing fullback
But isn't that called "being bold" and "rolling the dice" ?
Players like Will Jordan are just so good they can excel in different positions, but you have to question player development plans across the SR franchises and the ABs
Yes I think this swapping around has been problematic esp in the midfield. And the loosies don't often seem balanced.
Below to @Canes4life
- DMac - a fullback playing 10
played twice for ABs as 10, wants to play there, played well there for NZ XV.
- SStevenson - a fullback playing wing
The tried and tested grounding in process for ABs, Jordan, Ben Smith, and Cory Jane...I think Dagg started at 15 for ABs but was a good right wing there....FBs can make good wings!
- JBarrett - a fullback playing 12
Prefers 12, played 12 previously
- RIoane - a wing playing centre
Has played a lot at centre for ABs and Blues now..possibly most experienced current AB 13? (Possibly ALB or Goodhue are close).
- WJordan - a fullback playing wing
see #11
- BBarrett - a first five playing fullback
There is an argument he is a 15 trying to play 10...
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@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2023:
@Machpants said in All Blacks 2023:
@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2023:
@Kiwiwomble said in All Blacks 2023:
@Kirwan said in All Blacks 2023:
And before the Cantab mafia come for me (cough, cough Stargazer), I'm leaning towards DMac, not BB.
He also makes mistakes, but is a better tackler, has a longer kicking game and runs straight which is even more important at the higher level. RM's main attacking strategy of running sideways (or even backwards) until he finds a mismatch is completely useless when there isn't a mismatch.
I like the idea of disrupting all the opposition plans on how to isolate RM by selecting DMac and either Sullivan or Stevenson at fullback. Be bold and go win the thing.
ive come around to DMac as he seems to be running hot on form at the moment....but, has his game changed or something, i remember him being a huge proponent of the run across field and shovel a pass when he couldn't find a gap
He's never been a greedy player or a glory-hunter and always as brave as fuck, but I've noticed he now often goes for the safer option rather than try to take on the world. Still happy to rip another side to shreds but way more mature in his decision-making. Hopefully will transfer to Test level.
I still reckon he's an excellent fullback. The dual playmaker idea worked with him and beaudy, but when he's was injured they tried it with mo'unga and Barrett, which didn't. Interesting article by nick bishop on rugby pass ages with me. Chiefs versus saders were most successful when DMac switched to the back
He was really good at 15 on the EOYT - easily his best period in the Black jersey. You do wonder if being so versatile hasn't helped him settle into his best position.
Maybe I'm a bit stuck in my ways, but I'm not convinced constantly buggering about with players positions, which seem to have become de rigeur since about 2016, really helps much.
the "Adam Ashley Cooperification" of a backline.
Australia was a hot mess for much of the 2010's with Kurtly Beale, Ashley Cooper, O Connor and friends having a game of Hokey Cokey with their postions.
It done them all a disservice
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@Steve said in All Blacks 2023:
@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2023:
@Machpants said in All Blacks 2023:
@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2023:
@Kiwiwomble said in All Blacks 2023:
@Kirwan said in All Blacks 2023:
And before the Cantab mafia come for me (cough, cough Stargazer), I'm leaning towards DMac, not BB.
He also makes mistakes, but is a better tackler, has a longer kicking game and runs straight which is even more important at the higher level. RM's main attacking strategy of running sideways (or even backwards) until he finds a mismatch is completely useless when there isn't a mismatch.
I like the idea of disrupting all the opposition plans on how to isolate RM by selecting DMac and either Sullivan or Stevenson at fullback. Be bold and go win the thing.
ive come around to DMac as he seems to be running hot on form at the moment....but, has his game changed or something, i remember him being a huge proponent of the run across field and shovel a pass when he couldn't find a gap
He's never been a greedy player or a glory-hunter and always as brave as fuck, but I've noticed he now often goes for the safer option rather than try to take on the world. Still happy to rip another side to shreds but way more mature in his decision-making. Hopefully will transfer to Test level.
I still reckon he's an excellent fullback. The dual playmaker idea worked with him and beaudy, but when he's was injured they tried it with mo'unga and Barrett, which didn't. Interesting article by nick bishop on rugby pass ages with me. Chiefs versus saders were most successful when DMac switched to the back
He was really good at 15 on the EOYT - easily his best period in the Black jersey. You do wonder if being so versatile hasn't helped him settle into his best position.
Maybe I'm a bit stuck in my ways, but I'm not convinced constantly buggering about with players positions, which seem to have become de rigeur since about 2016, really helps much.
the "Adam Ashley Cooperification" of a backline.
Australia was a hot mess for much of the 2010's with Kurtly Beale, Ashley Cooper, O Connor and friends having a game of Hokey Cokey with their postions.
It done them all a disservice
Just don't get me started on how ALB has been buggered about position-wise.
At least JB & DMac are starting their SR games in their likely AB positions.
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I rewatched the 3 test series with Ireland and actually feel a wee bit more upbeat about NZ's prospects at the RWC.
We walloped them in the first game.
The second game was Ta'avao-gate and Aki-gate.
The third game was Porter-gate.
That's a 2/3 red card swing that on another day leads to a 2-1 or 3-0 series win.
Samisoni and Jordan were dicked around by Foster and underused in the series.
As it stands they are 2 of our most important players. Definite game breakers and points of difference.
We have a big lump in Jordie at 12 now too.I think Ireland showed their hand, and we haven't fully shown ours.
I don't rate Foster, and Ireland definitely have our number of late, but the pressure is all on them this time.
They will go into the World Cup as favourites.
Next time without a bent ref, NZ by 25+.
Sell the family silver and keep on fakkin punting.
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@Steve said in All Blacks 2023:
I rewatched the 3 test series with Ireland and actually feel a wee bit more upbeat about NZ's prospects at the RWC.
We walloped them in the first game.
The second game was Ta'avao-gate and Aki-gate.
The third game was Porter-gate.
That's a 2/3 red card swing that on another day leads to a 2-1 or 3-0 series win.
Samisoni and Jordan were dicked around by Foster and underused in the series.
As it stands they are 2 of our most important players. Definite game breakers and points of difference.
We have a big lump in Jordie at 12 now too.I think Ireland showed their hand, and we haven't fully shown ours.
I don't rate Foster, and Ireland definitely have our number of late, but the pressure is all on them this time.
They will go into the World Cup as favourites.
Next time without a bent ref, NZ by 25+.
Sell the family silver and keep on fakkin punting.
Wow, you are a sucker for punishment ... No way I could watch that again.
Enjoying your optimism though.
At the end of the day, we may not even face Ireland but I do agree, that it's all about what happens on the day. If we can harness the motivation from the ladies, then anything really is possible.
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@Steve said in All Blacks 2023:
I rewatched the 3 test series with Ireland and actually feel a wee bit more upbeat about NZ's prospects at the RWC.
It's the top 5% which has gone missing way too often as it has since about 2017/18 and that translates into flakiness. One match they are brilliant, the next they are shite. Good, disciplined teams with clear heads would have handled Ta'avao-gate and Aki-gate way better
I think Ireland showed their hand, and we haven't fully shown ours.
I don't rate Foster, and Ireland definitely have our number of late, but the pressure is all on them this time.There's momentum, I think, and am a lot more optimistic than middle of last year, but then you get a forwards performance like the 2nd half against England and you just have to wonder if it's misplaced.
Making the semi's would be an OK result, making the Finals would be icing on teh cake.
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@MajorRage said in All Blacks 2023:
@Steve said in All Blacks 2023:
I rewatched the 3 test series with Ireland and actually feel a wee bit more upbeat about NZ's prospects at the RWC.
We walloped them in the first game.
The second game was Ta'avao-gate and Aki-gate.
The third game was Porter-gate.
That's a 2/3 red card swing that on another day leads to a 2-1 or 3-0 series win.
Samisoni and Jordan were dicked around by Foster and underused in the series.
As it stands they are 2 of our most important players. Definite game breakers and points of difference.
We have a big lump in Jordie at 12 now too.I think Ireland showed their hand, and we haven't fully shown ours.
I don't rate Foster, and Ireland definitely have our number of late, but the pressure is all on them this time.
They will go into the World Cup as favourites.
Next time without a bent ref, NZ by 25+.
Sell the family silver and keep on fakkin punting.
Wow, you are a sucker for punishment ... No way I could watch that again.
Enjoying your optimism though.
At the end of the day, we may not even face Ireland but I do agree, that it's all about what happens on the day. If we can harness the motivation from the ladies, then anything really is possible.
Well I look at it like this......
Barring injury:
They will have for example...Lowe, Keenan and Hansen on the wings. JGP at 9. Their 15 is very good but very settled. There is no new fresh talent to be unleashed. They won't be dropping their VDF's and O'Mahoneys. Their team is the team we seen.
We could have any of Narawa, Jordan, Stevenson, Telea , McKenzie in our backfield. Roigard at 9 off the bench. They didn't face any of this before. Jordan only played game 2 off the bench and game 3. We may even have DMAC at 10.
We will also have a completely different front row to what we put out against them. We unearthed Lomax, Newell and De Groot after that series. Samisoni won't be dropped either.
Sowakula, RTS, Perofeta will be replaced in the squad.
Blackadder and Papalii should be involved.
Hopefully Foster rolls the dice.
