Maori Tour

[Bovidae]

Season-ending surgery.

[Bovidae]

@nepia said in EOYT 2017:

Has Apisai played much for Wellington this year to warrant his inclusion? Any other hookers out there?

Good question. I've only watched one Wellington game all year (vs Waikato) and Apisai was on the bench. Royal was also in the Maori squad last year.

[Bones]

Is Kara Pryor injured?

[Nepia]

@bones said in EOYT 2017:

Is Kara Pryor injured?

I prefer him to his brother, but his brothers seems higher in the pecking order.

[Tim]

@bones Yes.

[Bones]

@nepia he's bloody good, surprised there's no space for him.

[Bones]

@tim ah righto then. Great loose forward selections.

[taniwharugby]

Kara Pryor played on Friday v Wellngton, not sure he is injured, but his form has been average this season, bar playing well in the opening and closing games of our season, whereas Dan has been in great form all season.

[Tim]

@taniwharugby He was listed as "unavailable due to injury" along with players like Bryn Hall.

[Tim]

Players unavailable due to injury are: Otere Black, Namatahi Waa, Ben May, Matt Proctor, Jacob Skeen, Kara Pryor, Leighton Price, Elliot Dixon, Bryn Hall.

http://www.allblacks.com/News/31658/new-talent-new-coach-new-chapter-for-maori-all-blacks

[Bones]

@tim he's nothing like Bryn Hall.

[taniwharugby]

@tim odd, he didnt look injured when he went off, just looked farked, but then I heard he had injured his shoulder in the game v Auckland so maybe he's been carrying it (and its been affecting his play) and needs to get it right for super rugby?

[Tim]

@taniwharugby Yeah, he's had a lot of injuries this year, so maybe he needs surgery or rest until Super Rugby?

[Chiefy07]

Surprised Ruru made it in ahead of Sam Nock. Stoked for Ross Wright - has been knocking on doors for a long time. He's a better hooker than Polwart too if they get short at hooker...

[ACT Crusader]

@bovidae said in Maori Tour:

A quick look at last year's Maori squad shows that Emery, Guyton and Marty McKenzie have missed out amongst the backs. No Prinsep, Apisai and Kainga in the forwards.

So to answer your question @Nepia, Polwart is a hometown pick.

A little surprised not to see Marty McKenzie not make it given he is a reliable goal kicker and can cover 10 and 15. He's had a decent NPC season this year too.

[pakman]

@stargazer Who are the wings going to be? Seems to be a very odd selection, albeit only two games.

[Crucial]

Very light on loosies as well. One more probably needed.

[ACT Crusader]

@crucial said in Maori Tour:

Very light on loosies as well. One more probably needed.

It's only two games and there might be an option to cherry pick some players off the AB squad for the French Baabaas game if there are injuries in Vancouver.

[Stargazer]

@pakman The official team naming lists Curtis, Wainui and Ngatai as outside backs, which is odd, because Wainui and Ngatai are midfielders. Ngatai has covered fullback a few times for Taranaki, but Wainui??? They wil name at least one more outside back, so hopefully Wainui will provide cover from the bench only.

[ARHS]

@stargazer

Surely they are after two more outside backs? Joe Webber and Declan O'Donnell must be strong contenders, but how does that impact on sevens contracts? Hopefully one or both make it. Else it is a toss-up between Emery, McKenzie and Lowe.

Franklin gives enough loosie and lock cover IMO. Surprising Prinsep misses out though.