Maori Tour

Nepia

@family-man said in EOYT 2017:

@stargazer no Declan o Donnell or Jonah Lowe I’m surprised at

Yeah, forgot about Jonah Lowe, he should be there as one of the million midfielders - as he can adequately cover wing.

@No-Quarter Yeah, seems strange Akira isn't getting a look in - although maybe they just want to see him get game time so happy for him to go with the Maori.

Bovidae

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.

Nepia

@bovidae said in EOYT 2017:

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.

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

Man, sucks to be the new coach when it comes to selecting outside backs - Cooper could have called on D Mac, NMS, James Lowe with Proctor as a back up and MacMillan is left with Curtis (I always thought Curtis was an Islander and Stevenson was Maori but I got that the wrong way round it seems).

Zac Guildford would have been a handy addition to this team ... (on the field).

Nepia

Another thought for the Maori All Blacks - is Elliot Dixon injured? Signed overseas?

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.

The Silver Fern

Maori Tour