All Blacks 2023
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@Stargazer said in All Blacks 2023:
@kev IIRC he shifted to the midfield in several games after subs in the 2nd half.
He is a good player and on form a good option for squad. But it’s a big challenge defending in the midfield so more time would be better. Still have some concerns about Reiko ( who is an athletic freak, and good tackler, see Friday performance ) with all the time he has had there in the last 2 years.
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I suspect the injury to Telea might have allowed the selectors to have the best of both worlds.
Unsurprisingly, Stevenson needs to continue with the improvements that he has made in defence.
... Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan has been a vocal advocate of higher honours for Stevenson. Instead, the 27-year-old will provide injury cover for Mark Telea, who picked up a knock in the Blues' exit from Super Rugby.
Asked what more Stevenson needed to do to be named as a fulltime squad member, though, coach Foster outlined the exact area he wants to see the Chiefs fullback improve in, with time running out for uncapped players to earn selection.
"He'll find that out when he comes in," Foster told Sky Sport. "We've got pretty specific job requirements on both sides of the ball.
"On the attack side, he's proven to be outstanding. He should be very proud of his year.
"We've seen a massive improvement in the defensive structural stuff, the tackle and the contact work. But we still want to see a bit more in that space.
"The fact he's going to come in, and be with us maybe for those first two tests, is a great opportunity to get a good read of that."
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Interesting they appear to rate Christie ahead of Weber at half-back. Would have thought the Weber-DMac combination was a no-brainer. Also surprised at Goodhue being dropped back to the XV squad. His combination with Ennor has been special. Lastly, why leave Stevenson out? He seems to me a perfect fit for test rugby - an X-factor player who makes few mistakes.
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The more I look at this squad the more average it looks. I think our top 23 will compete with the very best but if we get injuries we are definitely in trouble.
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@Canes4life said in All Blacks 2023:
The more I look at this squad the more average it looks. I think our top 23 will compete with the very best but if we get injuries we are definitely in trouble.
Halfback and second five are issues. Wonder if JB or ALB starts? JB has been poor for me and the combo of him and Reiko makes me nervous.
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@Mattasaurus Been Foster's men.
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What a cop out from Foster about Stevenson not making it because of his defence. He's defended well all year, 500 times better than Telea.
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@Kirwan said in All Blacks 2023:
Several hilarious selections.
It called "being bold".
Looking at both the AB & AB VX squads feeding into the RWC selection, and taking into account players coming back from injury, it makes more sense.
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@nostrildamus said in All Blacks 2023:
Interesting! I see Zarn is the best kicker for the Blues! 100%! (It's quality not quantity as the bishop said to the actress)...
Not always
A 50% kicker who’s played 20 games that season is more valuable to the team than a 100% kicker who played four times
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@Canes4life said in All Blacks 2023:
What a cop out from Foster about Stevenson not making it because of his defence.
Jordan isn't a great defender at fullback, so it will be interesting to see if he gets a go in that position.
I expect that BB gets another lifeline in the no.15 jersey so Jordan plays on the right wing.
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@Donsteppa They had the same critisim of James Lowes regarding defence but like Stephenson possesses a massive kicking game but i reckon Stephenson is better in the air and has more gas
International rugby is about defusing high kicks , and a little bit of game management with a big boot added in plus some offloading X factor and pace goes a long way. -
TBF, he said SS has come a long way and wants him near the squad. Pretty clear they rate him highly and want to work with him on the issues they see.
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@Stargazer it says Tyrone Thompson as assigned to Wellington? Is that just a typo or is he coming back here?
