TRC squad

Stargazer

Not surprised by the squad. Good to see that Nanai and Todd have been included in the AB's camp this week. Wondering whether they shouldn't/won't also include Reg Goodes after the final.

Frye

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Nepia" data-cid="601964" data-time="1470003631">
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So only Taminivalu has got the axe? Dom Bird must have gone close (can't believe I'm saying that as he was so overrated and shit for so long).
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McKenzie as well but both him and Seta will be training anyway.

Duluth

Good to see Nanai is next in line

Wurzel

Also being invited to train with the squad are schoolboys Caleb Clarke (MAGS) and Hoskins Sotutu (Sacred Heart) as a way of encouraging them not to sign with the NRL. And yes, those surnames do seem familiar.

Rembrandt

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Hooroo" data-cid="601960" data-time="1470003501">
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<div>First five-eighths 
Beauden Barrett (Taranaki / Hurricanes, 39) 
Aaron Cruden (Manawatu / Chiefs, 39) 
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Surely not!

hydro11

I'm glad to see Nanai is in the frame.
 
I think we all would have picked Luatua but it isn't much of a surprise that Hansen didn't. Luatua has been good all year but obviously hasn't been providing what the selectors want.

Rembrandt

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Rembrandt" data-cid="601971" data-time="1470004099">
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Surely not!
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Bloody hell they have played the same number of tests!

gt12

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="gt12" data-cid="599688" data-time="1469327828">
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Looking back at my earlier picks, I don't think much has changed. A few people might get lucky due to injuries (Fekitoa) or lack of really good alternatives (J. Savea).
 
I'm not convinced that Lowe is ready yet, although as mentioned above, he could go on to good things if he gets brought in to the environment and continues to develop his decision making. His left boot is very handy. 
 
I'm now assuming that SBW will be picked, so the only real question marks are 4th lock (which I still think will be Romano), the 5th and 6th loosies (Is there room for Luatua, and if so, who gets left out?) and midfield (Fuck it that Ngatai is injured, because if so I think Fekitoa stays home).
 
Hookers: Coles, Harris, Taylor (Elliot if Coles injured would be my choice)
Props: Crockett, Moody, Franks, Faimuina, Ofa
Locks: Retallick, Whitelock, Pat T, Romano (under pressure by Franklin and Bird, but I think he'll be picked)
Loose forwards: Kaino, Cane, Read, A. Savea, Luatua, & Dixon or Squire (One of who is really unlucky, but I can't go past Luatua's form)
 
Scrumhalves: A. Smith, Perenara, TKB
Flyhalves: Cruden, Barrett, Sopoaga 
Centre: SBW, Crotty, Moala, Fekitoa (I'm picking Tamanivalu to miss out even though he's probably going better than Mala)
Outside backs: Dagg, Naholo, F. Savea, B. Smith
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Well, that was a bit boring. I'm surprised about Luatua, but I guess the other two haven't really had much of a chance yet and, as Duluth said, the selectors don't change their minds quickly. Plus, once they've changed it, it appears to take time to get back in, probably by being on stand by as one of the 'extras' on the way back - so at least Luatua remains in the picture.
 
From now on, we should pick squads plus 4-5 'extras', as they always seem to, and it's the only real surprise.
 
It's a great idea to get a look at Nanai.

pakman

Good to see Luatua's form recognised, even if not in squad. Ditto Nanai.

Wurzel

I'd feel far more comfortable with Nanai starting a Test as opposed to Dmac. There, I said it.

Canerbry

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Nepia" data-cid="601964" data-time="1470003631">
So only Taminivalu has got the axe? Dom Bird must have gone close (can't believe I'm saying that as he was so overrated and shit for so long).
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 :mocking: The wide-eyed wonderment at a hated former Crusader turning out actually be a good player after all...

hydro11

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Rembrandt" data-cid="601973" data-time="1470004177">
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Bloody hell they have played the same number of tests!
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Cruden had a 2 year head start but has had lots of injuries and Barrett has often been on the bench. I think Barrett has only started 6 tests or something.

Wurzel

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Canerbry" data-cid="601979" data-time="1470004526">
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 :mocking: The wide-eyed wonderment at a hated former Crusader turning out actually be a good player after all...
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I've seen windows less transparent than Nepia's rugby opinions.

Unco

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Canerbry" data-cid="601979" data-time="1470004526">
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 :mocking: The wide-eyed wonderment at a hated former Crusader turning out actually be a good player after all...
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A good player who Toddy dropped for an entire season.
 
Boring squad announcement, to be honest. Wanted to see Bird, Luatua and Lowe in there.

rotated

First question for Hansen has to be "you've said this season is about being better than next year and lifting your standards to a higher level. How does Julian Savea figure into that?"

KiwiMurph

Happy with that squad.
 
Agreed the additional training cover spots are a nice way to recognise form (Luatua) and young players of real promise (ALB, Nanai).
 
I think Nanai can give DMac a real contest as a fullback option.

Stargazer

I think the invitation to Nanai to attend camp is a clear sign that James Lowe is not in the AB picture. Good.

Chris B.

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Unco" data-cid="601987" data-time="1470005081">
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A good player who Toddy dropped for an entire season.
 
Boring squad announcement, to be honest. Wanted to see Bird, Luatua and Lowe in there.
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Yes - he even preferred Jimmy Tupou, when he had to choose. Inexplicable, really - presumably Toddy learned his lesson about people from Hawkes Bay. :)
 
Most interesting thing is Nanai getting the invitation to attend the camp ahead of Lowe. If there was a choice made about that I wonder if it was made before or after Saturday night.
 
Most interesting - aside from Matt Todd being invited, because he's obviously breathing down Ardie's neck. :)

Provincial Stalwart

I like how they said five extra players will attend the camp, and then promptly name six extra players. And both major news agencies report it.

Stargazer

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="rotated" data-cid="601988" data-time="1470005125">
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First question for Hansen has to be "you've said this season is about being better than next year and lifting your standards to a higher level. How does Julian Savea figure into that?"
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I think it's a clear indication that they still believe that Julian will come right, even if he doesn't start for the Canes. I have no doubt that they are in a far better position than anyone else to assess what's wrong with him and where he's at.
It's clear that it's not his fitness or motivation ...

The Silver Fern

TRC squad