TRC squad

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 !

KiwiMurph

I think with Nanai it's a sign he is the next winger in line if someone goes down prior to the EOYT (where NMS will be available and perhaps Rieko too) as they've made it quite clear DMac is not seen as a winger. Nanai can play all back 3 positions which is handy.

ACT Crusader

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="shark" data-cid="602174" data-time="1470047062">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.</blockquote>
 
At the beginning of the year when everyone was predicting their AB teams I had Moala as a starting winger for the ABs. For me at the end of last season there were question marks over Savea and Naholo and I liked Moala's attacking game. Whilst he has a bit of tunnel vision, you don't mind that on the wing when you've got a robust running game to beat the defender. 
Thus season he's developed and improved. Looks fitter and has had more consistent time in the midfield. There's a few rough edges to his centre game that need ironing out, but he's shown this year he can continually get better. Could be a very effective bench option as well.

MN5

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="ACT Crusader" data-cid="602240" data-time="1470089436">
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At the beginning of the year when everyone was predicting their AB teams I had Moala as a starting winger for the ABs. For me at the end of last season there were question marks over Savea and Naholo and I liked Moala's attacking game. Whilst he has a bit of tunnel vision, you don't mind that on the wing when you've got a robust running game to beat the defender. 
Thus season he's developed and improved. Looks fitter and has had more consistent time in the midfield. There's a few rough edges to his centre game that need ironing out, but he's shown this year he can continually get better. Could be a very effective bench option as well.
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For whatever reason Moala reminds me heaps of Alama Ieremia, a lot of his flair that he showed for the Canes was kinda coached out of him in the ABs when I guess his main job was to cart it up and give the ball to his more illustrious outside backs. Let's hope the selectors show a bit more vision with Moala cos in his time on the field against Wales he showed all sorts of upside but also room for improvement.

Nepia

<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.
 
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. 
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Clearly there is no character test (when they feel like it). Savea has turned up fat two years running, has had one good game (against France in a walkover) and is still in the ABs.

Provincial Stalwart

Yes, it appears hypocritical when you look at it in such blunt terms.
 
But the panel has to be prgmatic. We are relatively weak on the wings in NMS' absence. We may see Ben Smith and Moala in the RC i.e. two guys "out of position". Savea has the runs on the board in comparison to Naholo and any of the other competing options the panel are mulling over. In comparison, at 6 we've got a buttload of quality options coming out our date, though none are exactly tried and tested.
 
Don't forget, they need someone to immediately start at 11 whereas in the 6 / 8 position, we've got the luxury of having a look at multiple quality options to back up and eventually succeed Kaino. There's a big difference between starting and easing a guy in off the bench.

MN5

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Provincial Stalwart" data-cid="602264" data-time="1470097093">
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Yes, it appears hypocritical when you look at it in such blunt terms.
 
But the panel has to be prgmatic. We are relatively weak on the wings in NMS' absence. We may see Ben Smith and Moala in the RC i.e. two guys "out of position". Savea has the runs on the board in comparison to Naholo and any of the other competing options the panel are mulling over. In comparison, at 6 we've got a buttload of quality options coming out our date, though none are exactly tried and tested.
 
Don't forget, they need someone to immediately start at 11 whereas in the 6 / 8 position, we've got the luxury of having a look at multiple quality options to back up and eventually succeed Kaino. There's a big difference between starting and easing a guy in off the bench.
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Dunno about that, these days ABs are expected to come off the bench and "make shit happen"

Username

For those who asked, Luatua's stats added.
 
Shields / Dixon / Luatua
Games
15 / 15 / 15
Minutes
1064 / 1112 / 1126
Tries
2 / 4 / 1
Carries
112 / 69 / 133
Metres
219 / 299 / 438
Clean Breaks
5 / 12 / 6
Defenders Beaten
5 / 12 / 23
Offloads
4 / 11 / 18
Passes
29 / 59 / 92
Lineout Catches
15 / 63 / 29
Lineout Steals
0 / 11 / 3
Tackles
141 / 103 / 110
Missed Tackles
25 / 16 / 15
Tackles Success
84.8 / 86.6 / 88
Turnovers Conceded
16 / 11 / 19
 
Seems Luatua does more running. Dixon superior in the lineout. Depends on gameplans and how players are used, obviously. Interesting to look at nonetheless.

Duluth

Luatua had a slow start to the season as he adjusted to no 8
 
I suspect his stats in the 2nd half of season are far better than his stats at the beginning.

Hooroo

Looking at those stats you have to ask how Sheilds got the nod?

KiwiMurph

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Hooroo" data-cid="602320" data-time="1470106222">
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Looking at those stats you have to ask how Sheilds got the nod?
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Which nod?

RoninWC

My $0.02 worth.
 
Disappointed over the following:
 
Luatua's exclusion
Fekitoa's inclusion
 
I thought that Luatua had played his way into the squad and should be there and has earned the call up after his downfall of a couple of seasons ago.
I thought that Fekitoa had played his way out of the squad.
 
His form IMO has gone backwards since his breakout year last year. I just don't feel confident when he get's the ball in hand as he has this "headless chook" look about him.
Sure, it's likely that defences have caught up with him this year and he's being marked much closer and the opposition don't give him the room he needs on the outside.
The other drawback with him is that his ball playing/distribution is really pretty poor. That stupid backhanded pass in the semi-final was just stupid when a better little pop pass would have had a much better result.
 
He looks like he can't really pass well to both sides which is an absolute must for a 13.

Hooroo

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="KiwiMurph" data-cid="602321" data-time="1470106333">
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Which nod?
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Nice! I had a Sheilds/Squire moment!
 
Nothing to see here!

Frank

I am hoping they pick Moala and Crotty for the first Bledisloe. You'd think, since this is his 3rd season in the AN camp, Fekitoa would have ironed out his deficiencies.
 
Barrett will be the only AB playing right through the Super season 'til the end (Coles had a rest last week). Hopefully straight into the starting 10 position.

Gunner

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Frank" data-cid="602329" data-time="1470108891">
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I am hoping they pick Moala and Crotty for the first Bledisloe. You'd think, since this is his 3rd season in the AN camp, Fekitoa would have ironed out his deficiencies.
 
Barrett will be the only AB playing right through the Super season 'til the end (Coles had a rest last week). Hopefully straight into the starting 10 position.
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Not according to the article in the Herald today...

MN5

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Hooroo" data-cid="602327" data-time="1470108272">
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Nice! I had a Sheilds/Squire moment!
 
Nothing to see here!
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If someone could write a nice detailed analysis of the relative strengths and weaknesses of Dixon/Squires/Luatua I'd be most appreciative. A virtual beer is an option, or a real one if they're in the Hurricanes cachement area.

Tim

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Hooroo" data-cid="602327" data-time="1470108272">Nice! I had a Sheilds/Squire moment! 
 
Nothing to see here!</blockquote>
 
Can you smell toast?

ACT Crusader

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="MN5" data-cid="602332" data-time="1470109543">If someone could write a nice detailed analysis of the relative strengths and weaknesses of Dixon/Squires/Luatua I'd be most appreciative. A virtual beer is an option, or a real one if they're in the Hurricanes cachement area.</blockquote>
 
Here's the Fern's "analysis" on these three: 
Dixon - not sure about him; love his workrate; lose the hair band thing; try scoring loosie; does dumb stuff; got shown up in finals footy; best 6 last two years 
Shields - error prone; dumb stuff; runs upright; better this year; stupid penalties; well involved; heaps of tackles 
Luatua - at the bakery; on fire in the second half of the year; goes missing; tall rangey forward the ABs need; covers lock; not a lock; can play 6/8; not really a 6; he's from Auckland....

MN5

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="ACT Crusader" data-cid="602340" data-time="1470110894">
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Here's the Fern's "analysis" on these three: 
Dixon - not sure about him; love his workrate; lose the hair band thing; try scoring loosie; does dumb stuff; got shown up in finals footy; best 6 last two years 
Shields - error prone; dumb stuff; runs upright; better this year; stupid penalties; well involved; heaps of tackles 
Luatua - at the bakery; on fire in the second half of the year; goes missing; tall rangey forward the ABs need; covers lock; not a lock; can play 6/8; not really a 6; he's from Auckland....
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Very good. I said Squires not Shields though.....who are you....Hooroo ?

The Silver Fern

TRC squad