TRC squad

reprobate

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Username" data-cid="602076" data-time="1470024972">
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The stats, if interested:
 
Shields / Dixon
Games
15 / 15
Minutes
1064 / 1112
Tries
2 / 4
Carries
112 / 69
Metres
219 / 299
Clean Breaks
5 / 12
Defenders Beaten
5 / 12
Offloads
4 / 11
Passes
29 / 59
Lineout Catches
15 / 63
Lineout Steals
0 / 11
Tackles
141 / 103
Missed Tackles
25 / 16
Tackles Success
84.8 / 86.6
Turnovers Conceded
16 / 11
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where are these from? wouldn't mind seeing luatua as well.

shark

I don't know where all the love for James Lowe comes from, or quite why some posters believe he's on the fringe. There was a single speculative story in the Waikato rag a few weeks ago talking him up, based purely on opinion. Nanai has been impressive and warrants a look in a training camp, so I'm pleased to see him named as cover. I'm also a big Moala fan, so am rapt to see him there.

Toddy

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="reprobate" data-cid="602171" data-time="1470046062">
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where are these from? wouldn't mind seeing luatua as well.
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There are a few places doing decent stats now. You could try
 
<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.nzherald.co.nz/rugby/statscentre.cfm'>http://www.nzherald.co.nz/rugby/statscentre.cfm</a> or download the app called 'Vodacom Rugby'.

gollum

Luatua struggles a bit in that he only really works as a 8, he's probably the second best 8 in NZ right now, but a specialist 8 is not really a lot of use in a squad for the TN's with Read in there. 
 
Before people jump on the idea he is a 6, in super rugby yes, but he doesn't play like an All Black 6 - he very much plays like a AB 8, even when he is playing 6... It wouldn't surprise me to see him straight into statrting if Read got long term crocked.
 
 
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="shark" data-cid="602174" data-time="1470047062">
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I don't know where all the love for James Lowe comes from, or quite why some posters believe he's on the fringe. There was a single speculative story in the Waikato rag a few weeks ago talking him up, based purely on opinion. Nanai has been impressive and warrants a look in a training camp, so I'm pleased to see him named as cover. I'm also a big Moala fan, so am rapt to see him there.
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Same every year, the Cheifs press / fans talk up some Super player who does not look a test player to anyone else, then are shocked when he is never getting capped.

Nepia

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="shark" data-cid="602174" data-time="1470047062">
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I don't know where all the love for James Lowe comes from, or quite why some posters believe he's on the fringe. There was a single speculative story in the Waikato rag a few weeks ago talking him up, based purely on opinion. Nanai has been impressive and warrants a look in a training camp, so I'm pleased to see him named as cover. I'm also a big Moala fan, so am rapt to see him there.
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Some posters like Lowe (clearly not you and Gollum), he's been a good player for the Chiefs the last couple of years (presumably for the North Christchurch Mako$ as well), so his AB chances are speculated on - the call for Lowe for higher honours has been going on much longer than 2 weeks.
 
But then again, I'm a big fan of Nanai too - and it's not a zero sum game for a fan - so I'm happy that he's close to selection.

Chris B.

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="shark" data-cid="602174" data-time="1470047062">
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I don't know where all the love for James Lowe comes from, or quite why some posters believe he's on the fringe. There was a single speculative story in the Waikato rag a few weeks ago talking him up, based purely on opinion. Nanai has been impressive and warrants a look in a training camp, so I'm pleased to see him named as cover. I'm also a big Moala fan, so am rapt to see him there.
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Partially a game of maths - if you look at the 10 starting wings in the Super sides.
 
Naholo and Savea are in.
 
Nadolo is ineligible and McNicholl is off overseas.
 
Jane is too old.
 
Osborne's on the fringe.
 
Lowe's the best at the Chiefs.
 
Nanai and Tevita Li.

hydro11

Lowe deserves the talk. Naholo and Savea haven't been that impressive. Lowe has a big boot and is a good finisher. There is clearly a lot there to work with.

booboo

Lowe is worth being in the conversation. But he's behind those that Chris B listed and there are players mot mentioned by Chris B that further muddy the issue for Lowe: NMS and Rieko Ioane. 
He's probably the 4th choice wing/fullback. 
I don't think he'd be out of place. Just there's better options currently. 
And as mentioned he's been in the conversation for at least a year. Slightly more seriously this year. Not sure anyone is surprised or outraged by his ommisdion though? 
Also I agree with Mariner re Luatua.

kiwiinmelb

I get the feeling Lowe will end up being one of those guys that continuously gets close to selection , but finds himself outside looking in more than the other way around, A bit like an Anthony Tuitavake

reprobate

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="gollum" data-cid="602178" data-time="1470048655">
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Luatua struggles a bit in that he only really works as a 8, he's probably the second best 8 in NZ right now, but a specialist 8 is not really a lot of use in a squad for the TN's with Read in there. 
 
Before people jump on the idea he is a 6, in super rugby yes, but he doesn't play like an All Black 6 - he very much plays like a AB 8, even when he is playing 6... It wouldn't surprise me to see him straight into statrting if Read got long term crocked.
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could say the same about how dixon plays i reckon though, he's a lot more read than kaino.

Bones

Osborne is ineligible too isn't he?

Milk

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Bones" data-cid="602197" data-time="1470058216">
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Osborne is ineligible too isn't he?
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Yeah, he played for Fiji this year in the Pacific Nations Cup.

gollum

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="reprobate" data-cid="602192" data-time="1470053243">
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could say the same about how dixon plays i reckon though, he's a lot more read than kaino.
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Dixon played very tight in the Wales test, looked like he had been told to do nothing but tackle & hit rucks. Squire came on & played a wider running game. In his AB games Luatua has done nothing but play the wide running game.
 
 
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Chris B." data-cid="602182" data-time="1470049539">
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Partially a game of maths - if you look at the 10 starting wings in the Super sides.
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I think you need to add in the looser running 13's. If you go back a few years a guy like Ranger was a valid super centre, but only ever viable as a wing for the ABs. I don't think the selectors would have an issue picking a super centre as a wing & converting them. There may even be a long term case to be made for Fekitoa to try out the wing, tucking the ball under your arm & running like a paniced chook is less of a problem there. Be interesting to see if during the TNs they sub him on there.

rotated

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="gollum" data-cid="602206" data-time="1470063216">
<div>I think you need to add in the looser running 13's. If you go back a few years a guy like Ranger was a valid super centre, but only ever viable as a wing for the ABs. I don't think the selectors would have an issue picking a super centre as a wing & converting them. There may even be a long term case to be made for Fekitoa to try out the wing, tucking the ball under your arm & running like a paniced chook is less of a problem there. Be interesting to see if during the TNs they sub him on there.</div>
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It's a pretty good point over the past 8 years having two wings who played wing exclusively at Super level has been the exception rather than the rule. We've either had converted fullbacks Ben Smith, Israel Dagg in 2010, Cory Jane earlier in his career, Piatau or centres Kahui & Toeava. SBW even had a little tinker there during the 2011 RWC.
 
Definitely not against trialling some raw talent that can make it stick elsewhere out there, although Ben Smith to 14, Barrett to 15 - which is happening anyway in the 2nd half, is my preferred option for Bledisloe I.

Crucial

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="rotated" data-cid="602207" data-time="1470063966">It's a pretty good point over the past 8 years having two wings who played wing exclusively at Super level has been the exception rather than the rule. We've either had converted fullbacks Ben Smith, Israel Dagg in 2010, Cory Jane earlier in his career, Piatau or centres Kahui & Toeava. SBW even had a little tinker there during the 2011 RWC. 
Definitely not against trialling some raw talent that can make it stick elsewhere out there, although Ben Smith to 14, Barrett to 15 - which is happening anyway in the 2nd half, is my preferred option for Bledisloe I.</blockquote>
 
Smith 14, BB 15 also provides an option of Moala on the bench if starting SBW and Crotty/Fekitoa.

sparky

No massive surprises in the squad and I'm about 95% positive about it. 
I am delighted with them retaining Julian Savea, a proven outstanding test performer. Big wingers need more TLC than most players and can drift in and out of form. I can't see Lowe developing into a world-class test winger; too many flaws in his game. The midfield looks better than the Wales squad, I'm excited by the combination of SBW and Moala. Those are the best half backs and first fives. A little disappointed there is no place for D Mac who I think could do a similar role off the bench to BB but we will need to wait until the EOYT to see him as Super sub 
It is as you were in the forwards, they have backed the experience of Romano above the form of Bird and have decided they needed 4 locks. They obviously think that Ofa T can develop into a test quality Prop on both sides of the scrum, which will be handy if possible. I am a little concerned about the lack of depth at Prop though. There are four proven test performers at Prop (Moody, Crockett, Owen Franks and Fauminia) but a gulf in qualify available behind them. 
Like others, I am disappointed that Luatua misses out again for Dixon and Squire. I think his form is better and he has more strength and x-factor. He could develop into a world-class backrow forward and become the long-term replacement for Kaino or Read. I guess Hansen and co. like Dixon and Squire's work rate and range of skills. 
In short, the coaches have showed confidence in their ability to get the best out of their players and backed their own earlier judgements.

Provincial Stalwart

The coaches like the fact that Dixon has been the best 6 in Super Rugby in 2015 and 2016, and aren't blinded by the fact he played a couple of average games in a couple of very average Highlanders performances the last two weeks. In the medium term (post 2017) the vacancy is at 6 and Dixon is the heir apparent as we speak.
 
Fans clamour for selectorial changes based on the slightest evidence that a player is out of form. They tend to ignore the evidence that selectorial changes are minimal and gradual.
 
The panel has liked Squire since 2014, when they picked him to play in one of those "Game of Three Halves" hit outs prior to the RC starting. They select players on skill and attributes to fit their game plan, reinforce it with continuity of selection and take 12 months or more to assess a player. 
 
Luatua has had a pretty strong 2016, I'm no fan but I'll say that much. He has developed his tight game considerably. However, he's excelled at SR level in a new position at 8 where the ABs captain dominates. I see he and Squire as being pretty even, they are exactly the same size and cover 8 and 6 and lock in that order, though individually they have different attributes. Currently Squire has the nod and should get all of 2016 to audition. Almost certainly injury will intervene and Luatua has been named as the next cab off the rank.
 
Luatua is probably held to a higher standard by the selectors in that he's already been trialled and it seems he failed the "character" test by turning up unfit in 2014. He has to atone for his misdeeds and in 2016 he has made a pretty good fist of doing so.

pakman

Whilst it is the case that Dixon has played 6 all season, I agree with the consensus that he would fit more into the AB pattern as an 8. However, for me the pecking order is Read/Luatua/Dixon. Thinking about selection/extra six it strikes me that Read will play 80 against all the major teams and so not planning to give second string 8 any real game time. Hence Luatua shadows and is called up only if Read crocked. Gives a chance to play Dixon/Squire against Argies. Todd clearly there given Cane concussion.
In backs ALB and Seta in extra six as selectors still wrestling with midfield. Dmac will be on EOYT, but is injury cover. 
Nanai the most interesting as can't easily imagine a scenario where he'd get on the park in TRC. Maybe early taster a la Savea (A) a couple of years ago?

Dice

I'm just happy that Luatua is at least in camp. This puts Dixon and Squire on notice that if they don't perform, they could easily be overtaken by Luatua.
 
Happy for Nanai to be training with the team as well. He was working in a factory not long ago and now he has one foot in the ABs.
 
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Provincial Stalwart" data-cid="602224" data-time="1470084045">
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The coaches like the fact that Dixon has been the best 6 in Super Rugby in 2015 and 2016, and aren't blinded by the fact he played a couple of average games in a couple of very average Highlanders performances the last two weeks. In the medium term (post 2017) the vacancy is at 6 and Dixon is the heir apparent as we speak.
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Jaco Kriel for me.

MN5

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="pakman" data-cid="602225" data-time="1470084739">
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Whilst it is the case that Dixon has played 6 all season, I agree with the consensus that he would fit more into the AB pattern as an 8. However, for me the pecking order is Read/Luatua/Dixon. Thinking about selection/extra six it strikes me that Read will play 80 against all the major teams and so not planning to give second string 8 any real game time. Hence Luatua shadows and is called up only if Read crocked. Gives a chance to play Dixon/Squire against Argies. Todd clearly there given Cane concussion.
In backs ALB and Seta in extra six as selectors still wrestling with midfield. Dmac will be on EOYT, but is injury cover. 
Nanai the most interesting as can't easily imagine a scenario where he'd get on the park in TRC. Maybe early taster a la Savea (A) a couple of years ago?
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.....and with Luke Whitelock waiting in the wings after that. Wow, what a time to be alive as an AB fan !

The Silver Fern

TRC squad