All Blacks 2024
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An article about Ratima and Hotham. Otago fans won't be happy reading why Hotham ended up in Ta$man.
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@Bovidae Yeah this was known at the time... Otago wanted to stick with their local guys which in fairness it isn't like Nathan Hastie wasn't also a really highly rated halfback.
Unfortunately, he has had a torrid run with injuries.
I can also kind of understand why Otago didn't want to pick a guy who would almost certainly leave in a few years... ORFU clearly had a strategy change.
Injuries have worked against both Otago and the Highlanders here, because had he never had those ACL injuries, I think there is every chance Folau Fakatava would now be the #1 All Blacks halfback.
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So a 36 man squad for the Rugby Championship...
Can definitely add Cane and Jordan to the initial 32 - probably Darry as well if Lord isn't back fit. Will the 36th player just be a fourth halfback in Hotham, or will it be David Havili?
Could any of the current 32 dropout? Christie would have to be the only one who has done anything close to playing his way out, but assuming Perenara is out, would be surprised if they dropped him.
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@Bovidae said in All Blacks 2024:
An article about Ratima and Hotham. Otago fans won't be happy reading why Hotham ended up in Ta$man.
It’s a Tom Donnelly classic that is.
In all seriousness, not all the blame goes on him but by Christ how the fuck do you let someone like Hotham walk and not even offer him an npc contract?! Even if you do have Hastie there coming through at the same time and around the same age, competition it good and the cream will rise.
Let’s hope this same mistake doesn’t happen with Pledger, for the sake of all of us Otago tragic’s.
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@Landers92 said in All Blacks 2024:
@Bovidae said in All Blacks 2024:
An article about Ratima and Hotham. Otago fans won't be happy reading why Hotham ended up in Ta$man.
It’s a Tom Donnelly classic that is.
In all seriousness, not all the blame goes on him but by Christ how the fuck do you let someone like Hotham walk and not even offer him an npc contract?! Even if you do have Hastie there coming through at the same time and around the same age, competition it good and the cream will rise.
Let’s hope this same mistake doesn’t happen with Pledger, for the sake of all of us Otago tragic’s.
They had Arscott too... and possibly even Hammington? These situations are never as clear-cut as people like to make them. I don't actually believe the ORFU are that incompetent that they rated Hotham as below those three.
Bit different to Super Rugby, where you're offering guys pro contracts.
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Jordan and Cane set for recalls as All Blacks switch focus
The high-profile pair will likely be named in New Zealand's 36-man Rugby Championship squad after recovering from long-term injuries.
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@pakman not far off, the Hurricanes posted this the other day. Can't wait for him to get back, he was one of the best props in Super this year and will push for AB selection once fit.
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@Canes4life said in All Blacks 2024:
@pakman not far off, the Hurricanes posted this the other day. Can't wait for him to get back, he was one of the best props in Super this year and will push for AB selection once fit.
With Williams, his carrying ability is a point of difference. You'd expect he'd be in AB plans.
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@Old-Samurai-Jack said in All Blacks 2024:
@Canes4life said in All Blacks 2024:
@pakman not far off, the Hurricanes posted this the other day. Can't wait for him to get back, he was one of the best props in Super this year and will push for AB selection once fit.
With Williams, his carrying ability is a point of difference. You'd expect he'd be in AB plans.
He's always been one of the top props around the park but this year his scrummaging has been top notch aswell which is more down to him maturing. The first game against the Chiefs this year where he lifted one of their props off their feet in a scrum was epic. He's also probably the only prop to match up against Newell this year aswell.
It's not surprising both him and Billy Proctor have matured at the same time, they played in the same 1st 15 so obvioulsy both have come of age this year. The magic 25 years of age is where players usually start hitting their stride.
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so assuming the reports are correct and Sam Cane will be added to the existing squad, we have yet another similar-sized loose forward? what even is this selecting?
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@mariner4life
Way too many 6.5s -Cane, Papalii, Blackadder, Jacobson.One 6 (Finau) who isn't up to it so far.
Wish Akira had stayed.Our best 6 is probably Scott Barrett, but we don't have enough good locks.
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@mariner4life said in All Blacks 2024:
so assuming the reports are correct and Sam Cane will be added to the existing squad, we have yet another similar-sized loose forward? what even is this selecting?
and one committed to retiring....so selecting him is prioritising short term wins over future development
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@Kiwiwomble Peter Lakai might miss out if Cane is included. Shame.
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@mariner4life they're all in the scott robertson mould?
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I think the changes are going to be relatively straightforward. I don’t think anyone played themselves out of the 32 but there will be replacements if the injured players are now fit.
Additions to the 32 man squad
- 1 x prop (Numia?)
- 1 x lock (Darry or Lord)
- 1 x loosie (Cane)
- 1 x back (Jordan)
Replacements (if fit)
- Sami for Bell
The Waikato Times
