TRC squad
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I'm utterly opposed to Ben Smith at 13. It was the stopgappiest of stopgap measures in 2013 or whenever it was, and while not a disaster it was not a resounding success either. <br><br>
He's bloody good at 14 or 15 and I hope he stays there. -
I'm not against Ben Smith at 13. It isn't a World Cup and we at least have some good wing options. Also the last time we played a fullback at centre for a Tri Nations we basically went undefeated (Mils in 2006).<br><br>
I'd name Crotty at 12 but use Moala and Naholo in midfield to get us over the gain line when required.<br><br>
It's basically the same backline many would select except Smith would be better used as a organiser in midfield and our strike players could roam more. -
<p>Yeah, I'm not really pushing Smith at 13, its more I fully expect he will get time there this year.</p>
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<p>I'd be perfectly happy with Crotty there, I just feel because he is seen as a bit "average" there will always be a call for him to replaced, and 99% of NZ centre options are great Super centres, but not test centres. Look at the way Rene Ranger was a Super centre, but for the ABs & in France he was seen as a wing as he lacked the 13 skillset. NZ Super centres are mostly like that.</p> -
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/83056077/chiefs-midfielder-anton-lienertbrown-replaces-sonny-bill-williams-in-all-blacks'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/83056077/chiefs-midfielder-anton-lienertbrown-replaces-sonny-bill-williams-in-all-blacks</a></p>
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<p>Obviously wanted cover at 12.</p> -
Fekitoa started the season at 13 and played a number of games there before being moved because of injury. <br><br>
Didn't Moala play in different positions this year as well? Plus were there games where he came off the bench? -
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Nairobi" data-cid="604984" data-time="1470893080">
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<p>I think ALB will be a good long term AB. <strong>He and Ngatai can become the next AB midfield pair,</strong> and it helps that they are both in one SR team.<br>
hopefully he kicks on quickly so the team can do away with steady crotty</p>
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<p>off the top of my head I'd say those two have a combined All Black career of about 10 minutes.....and all of those belong to Ngatai.</p>
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<p>That's pretty fucken rough on Crotty, Fekitoa, Moala, SBW and even Taminuvula. Are they all just keeping the jerseys warm ?</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Wurzel" data-cid="605012" data-time="1470900908">
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<p>I've never known a player to have ownership of an All Black jersey quite like Ngatai. The way he's talked about 'round here he's the first name Hansen puts on the team sheet.</p>
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<p>Yeah apparently he's gonna walk into the team and put all the other pretenders into their rightful place and some guy I've never heard of will be joining him. Sweet.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="MN5" data-cid="605005" data-time="1470897727"><p>
off the top of my head I'd say those two have a combined All Black career of about 10 minutes.....and all of those belong to Ngatai.<br><br>
That's pretty fucken rough on Crotty, Fekitoa, Moala, SBW and even Taminuvula. Are they all just keeping the jerseys warm ?</p></blockquote>
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In my opinion ALB has the biggest upside out of all those names you have there. Ngatai was the real deal but has shit luck with injuries.<br><br>
SBW is off course the incumbent but age is not on his side. I don't rate the others much. -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="KiwiMurph" data-cid="604786" data-time="1470849167">
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<p>Moala deserves a crack at 13. His defence since moving to 13 this season (Blues/one ABs test) has been excellent.</p>
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<p>As long as he passes the ball. Neither Fekitoa or Moala are great distributors, but I would prefer Moala on form.</p> -
<p>I'm less worried re our 13's distribution, more with their organisation of the defensive line. The prospect of Folau or Bosch coming into the backline against a Fekitoa run backline D gives me the shits. </p>
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<p>Especially as the end result will be Dagg having to try & cover the mess, slipping of a miracle tackle on Folau & having the fern berate his shithouse defence. Or Savea stuck in no mans land covering 2 guys & the Fern asking why his D is so awful after being great just a year ago.</p> -
<p>I don't share the same overriding concern about Fekitoa's defensive alignment abilities. He's not the only one making calls out there. Whoever is at 13 is working with his wingers and fullback. Both Dagg and Ben are pretty vocal too. Also Fekitoa has made some excellent tackles . It's a strong part of his game and if he wasn't communicating I bet the coaches would know.</p>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="gollum" data-cid="605057" data-time="1470916672">
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<p>I'm less worried re our 13's distribution, more with their organisation of the defensive line. The prospect of Folau or Bosch coming into the backline against a Fekitoa run backline D gives me the shits. </p>
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<p>Especially as the end result will be Dagg having to try & cover the mess, slipping of a miracle tackle on Folau & having the fern berate his shithouse defence. Or Savea stuck in no mans land covering 2 guys & the Fern asking why his D is so awful after being great just a year ago.</p>
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<p>They don't need to be "miracle" attempts for Dagg to miss 'em.</p>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Don Frye" data-cid="605066" data-time="1470919499">
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<p>They don't need to be "miracle" attempts for Dagg to miss 'em.</p>
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<p>TBF, at least Dagg got a hand (fingertip) on him, May also made the two white Smith's look silly and stationary before even getting to Dagg and they're two of the Fern's greatest heroes. </p>
