Bledisloe II - Have a stab at the teams.

Stargazer

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Higgins" data-cid="608012" data-time="1471835445">
<div>
From a purely selfish Mitre 10 Cup viewpoint thank christ they did not call up Ash Dixon and Ricky Riccitelli.
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</blockquote>
 
Yes, especially because our best prop is a 21 year old hooker.

Higgins

Pretty sure Craig Wickes played for an All Black team against Fiji in Auckland in 1980 when we has 18 years 200 days old.

Higgins

And here is one especially for Nepia who will undoubtedly recall Lui Paewai was just 17 years 36 days old when be became All Black No 285 when played the first of his eight games for the 1923 All Blacks at Athletic Park..
 
<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.sportsground.co.nz/macrugby/50936/'>http://www.sportsground.co.nz/macrugby/50936/</a>
<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://stats.allblacks.com/asp/Profile.asp?ABID=685'>http://stats.allblacks.com/asp/Profile.asp?ABID=685</a>

KiwiMurph

Sounds like Rieko could even be in the frame to play this week. Team naming Thursday should be even more interesting this week compared to the usual shock of the team being named on Thursday....

DMX

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Stargazer" data-cid="607993" data-time="1471832442">Steve Hansen, when asked about Rieko Ioane's selection, said: 
 
"Yes, he had a very good Super season and he's really someone who we see, in the future, could have a long career. He's only 19 and he's got the opportunity with two guys who are injured - both are short-term injuries, so they'll be back. Seta has already been with us and we bring Rieko in to have a look at." 
 <a class="bbc_url" href="https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/sport/rugby/we-see-rieko-ioane-having-long-career-all-blacks-call-teenage-sensation-bledisloe-cup-decider.html?autoPlay=5093412660001">https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/sport/rugby/we-see-rieko-ioane-having-long-career-all-blacks-call-teenage-sensation-bledisloe-cup-decider.html?autoPlay=5093412660001</a></blockquote>
 
Ouch, that's really tough on James Lowe imho.

No Quarter

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="KiwiMurph" data-cid="608023" data-time="1471837554">
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Sounds like Rieko could even be in the frame to play this week. Team naming Thursday should be even more interesting this week compared to the usual shock of the team being named on Thursday....
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</blockquote>
How the hell do you know when the team is being named?! I'm reporting you to the police as a suspect in the bugging.

kiwiinmelb

Bryan Williams debuted at 19 , toured south africa and scored 14 tries in 13 games in an era where less tries were scored .

ACT Crusader

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="kiwiinmelb" data-cid="608040" data-time="1471840530">
<div>
Bryan Williams debuted at 19 , toured south africa and scored 14 tries in 13 games in an era where less tries were scored . 
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Toeava also debuted at 19 if I recall.

Bovidae

There's quite a few who debuted at 19, JK is another. Apart from Paewai and Wickes, the next youngest is Jasin Goldsmith (18 yrs 331 days).

sparky

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Stargazer" data-cid="607962" data-time="1471829121">
Disappointing (edit: with respect to the hookers). Radio Sport just tweeted this: 
All Blacks call in Liam Coltman and James Parsons, Damian McKenzie, Seta Tamanivalu and Reiko Ioane.</blockquote>None of those players are Hurricanes. :( 
The Hurricanes now have the fewest players in the AB squad of any NZ Super franchise, despite finishing top of the NZ conference and winning the Super title after not conceding a try in 240+ minutes of knock out Rugby.

Wurzel

No surprises to see Reiko there. I'd heard that the selectors were taking him to Europe in November with the view of having the starting centre for 2019.

dingo

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="sparky" data-cid="608051" data-time="1471843914">
None of those players are Hurricanes. :( 
The Hurricanes now have the fewest players in the AB squad of any NZ Super franchise, despite finishing top of the NZ conference and winning the Super title after not conceding a try in 240+ minutes of knock out Rugby.</blockquote>
 
Aren't you then supposed to suggest Boyd rings Shag and gives him a stern talking too?

African Monkey

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="sparky" data-cid="608051" data-time="1471843914">
<div>
None of those players are Hurricanes. :( 
The Hurricanes now have the fewest players in the AB squad of any NZ Super franchise, despite finishing top of the NZ conference and winning the Super title after not conceding a try in 240+ minutes of knock out Rugby.
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</blockquote>
It's just a bloody disgrace.

No Quarter

I am outraged.

sparky

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="No Quarter" data-cid="608062" data-time="1471847014">
I am outraged.</blockquote>Indeed. I am sooooooooooo outraged that I might support Australia this weekend. :) 
In all seriousness, congratulations to all five players. I am delighted to see DMac and Reiko Ioane in there who I think are going to be outstanding in a couple of seasons. 
I'd have picked Riccitelli as one of the Hookers and Proctor for utility value ahead of Seta. But as ever, lot of opinions, but it is only the coaches' selections that actually matter.

Smudge

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Higgins" data-cid="608012" data-time="1471835445">
<div>
From a purely selfish Mitre 10 Cup viewpoint thank christ they did not call up Ash Dixon and Ricky Riccitelli.
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</blockquote>
 
A Hawke's Bay supporter taking a purely selfish viewpoint? Well, colour me stunned.

cgrant

Coltman is lucky, that's for sure. Was he injured in the latter stages of Super Rugby or had Pleasants Tate taken his place on merit on the Highlanders bench ?

Chris B.

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="sparky" data-cid="608051" data-time="1471843914">
<div>
None of those players are Hurricanes. :( 
The Hurricanes now have the fewest players in the AB squad of any NZ Super franchise, despite finishing top of the NZ conference and winning the Super title after not conceding a try in 240+ minutes of knock out Rugby.
</div>
</blockquote>
 
On the other hand - the top four NZ Super sides finished on 53,52,51 and 50 points respectively - and the Hurricanes had the worst points differential of the lot.
 
The cards ended up falling you guys' way - three finals games against teams travelling from South Africa - well done for winning the competition, but I don't think you really dominated the competition.
 
I realise you are just joking - but, I thought I'd just point out a reality for the LCDs.

No Quarter

100%, the team with the home finals was always odds on to win the comp, and the Canes taking top spot was reliant on other results. But fuck me I'll take it after last years heart break

Frank

I am hoping Tuipulotu will actually get a start at some stage - perhaps this match.
 
We are so reliant on Retallick and Whitelock and I am not sure our depth is where it should be at lock.

The Silver Fern

Bledisloe II - Have a stab at the teams.