AB RWC Squad
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@Stargazer said in AB RWC Squad predictions:
Oops, you meant the RWC squad.
Not sure I’ve seen a date. Absolute latest would be 13 August if they wanted to see two rounds of NPC.
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@nostrildamus said in AB RWC Squad predictions:
Someone mentioned before but I forgot, is Williams better at 1 or 3? And still serviceable at the other?
The Crusaders' plan was that Tamaiti would be a tighthead and there's several articles where he says that's where he wants to specialize.
At the start of this year, he was possibly their third choice tighthead behind Newell and Jager.
In the end, because both those guys got broken early, he played most of the regular season starting at tighthead - but, towards the end, he went to loosehead, because all of Moody, Bower and Brewis got broken and our other tighthead options (esp. Afoa and the returning Jager) were stronger than our other loosehead options.
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@sparky said in AB RWC Squad predictions:
@Bones said in AB RWC Squad predictions:
I think Sam Cane at 8 is one of the most bizarre calls so far.
We need to bring back Carl Hayman at 8, I tell ya. 😉
😂 Where is Blackdragon these days?
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@Mr-Fish said in AB RWC Squad predictions:
@Bones said in AB RWC Squad predictions:
I think Sam Cane at 8 is one of the most bizarre calls so far.
He's played there for both the Chiefs and All Blacks 🤷🏻♂️
Not recently though. I do remember the game but it was a few years ago.
Frizell would play there ahead of Cane.
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@Bovidae said in AB RWC Squad predictions:
@Mr-Fish said in AB RWC Squad predictions:
@Bones said in AB RWC Squad predictions:
I think Sam Cane at 8 is one of the most bizarre calls so far.
He's played there for both the Chiefs and All Blacks 🤷🏻♂️
Not recently though. I do remember the game but it was a few years ago.
I think within a year or two of him starting in the ABs? I also recall when he started he was listed as a general loosie rather than a specialist 7 and he's as tall (1.89) or taller than Ardie (1.88?), and nearly as tall as Blackadder (1.9) and Jacobson (1.91).
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I'd say selectors have around 26 inked.
Then two of Moody/Ofa/Williams for LH.
One of Paddy T, Lord and Vaa'i for lock.
Two of Finau/Jacobson/Blackadder/[Grace]/[Aoane] for loosies.
One of Ennor/Havilli/McLeod/[Goodhue] for midifeld.
One of Leicester/Stevenson/Narawa for back three. -
@Duluth said in AB RWC Squad predictions:
Forked this into a new thread
Lets see who can guess the squad correctly
Canerbry I reckon.
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@george33 said in AB RWC Squad predictions:
@Chris you most likely right I'm sort of thinking that Lomax/ De Groot will start most games outside of 2 maybe, and I've Heard that Patrick is a real chance if he proves his fitness from round 2 Bunnings Cup another Big body that's needed
Patrick is one of the most underwhelming AB locks in recent times. Hopeless at the lineout whether offensive or defensive. Would be a dreadful selection.
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So - in terms of the RWC squad:
Props - Lomax and De Groot on the plane already - I have a hunch Moody is, as well.
So these four possibly playing for one to drop out - most likely a loosehead unless one of the tightheads has a shocker. I'd imagine Ryan has a pretty good idea of who he's taking, but an element of a shoot out.
Hookers - set in stone.
Locks - SB, SW & BR on the plane. This selection looks like Vaa'i is in pole position for fourth - Lord might need them to take five locks, which might happen if Finau doesn't play a blinder.
Loose forwards - SF, SC, DP, AS, LJ on the plane - Finau gets a chance to book a ticket, Blackadder looking pretty doubtful with another injury. A possibility that SBarrett (or LJ) becomes the back-up blindside and they take five locks, or maybe Akira gets a recall.
Halfbacks - AS and I think probably FC on the plane - it would be a bit odd if Finlay was playing for his place and Roigard was locked in after 15 minutes of test footy. Cam has done what he can, but a nervous wait if he hasn't already been given the nod. Likewise for Weber, whose odds will improve if FC has a poor game.
First fives are sorted.
Midfield - JB, RI, ALB on the plane - Havili vs Ennor this weekend, but Dave with pole position, I think. Not much chance for Dallas to play the blinder he needs with 15 minutes off the bench.
Wings - all on for young and old. WJ and MT on the plane. Probably CC as well, I think. EN has done what he can and LF & SS get their chance to push him out for the final spot.
Fullbacks - see first fives.
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@Chris-B Nice summary. The benefit of picking Finau (assuming he plays well on Saturday) is a like for like backup to Frizell if something was to happen and you avoid shifting Barrett or someone else to 6. The flipside is would Fozzie have the guts to play Finau in a big game at 6 if Frizell was not available. Akira with possibly a last chance on Sunday for Auckland but i'd bet against him being named on Monday.
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@Chris-B Nice analysis and insight there, you obviously haven't read the front page of the fern for awhile
My wild guesses are...
Laulala yes and Tamiti no.
Finau and Lord will go with Blackadder & Akira to miss out.
HB I have a sneaking suspicion they will go with Webber.
Midfield I think Havili will get the nod unless Ennor plays a blinder.
Wingers I think they will go with EN, LF and SS left behind (even if they play well).
I guess we'll find out on Monday...
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@Chris-B An excellent summary and I mostly agree.
Props - Pretty much locked. If Moody is fit to return then one of Ofa T or Newell falls out.
Hookers - Locked unless injury.
Locks - I suspect it will be four with Lord missing out.
Back row - Finau has a decent chance to impress. If he plays well, I could see him being picked ahead of the injury-prone Ethan Blackadder. An Akira Ioane recall is unlikely.
Half Backs - Locked unless injury. Roigard ahead of Weber.
First Fives - Locked.
Midfield - Havili Vs Ennor. The rest is locked.
Back Three - Fainga’anuku and Stevenson (along with Narawa) competing for one spot. The rest is locked.
