What is the best AB Midfield?
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I haven't seen our midfield operate with clinical precision for some time and it appears they are not coping with 'rush' defence or close inspection of our 10-12-13 numbers.
There's plenty of support for SBW especially after the last Test, however, I just wonder if he is one of the major reasons why Crotty or ALB are contained effectively.
Maybe a combination of ALB at 12 and Crotty outside, or maybe after we see more of Goodhue it could well be ALB at 12 with Goodhue outside. -
@tim said in WHAT IS THE BEST AB MIDFIELD COMBINATION:
I really like the look of Goodhue, but he may face the second season blues next year, as ALB did this year. Goodhue looks like a more physically robust player though.
Yes but that doesn't solve the question of #12 which is where I feel the AB's have a problem of quick decisive distribution.
What I would really like to see is Laumape at 12 with Goodhue outside him.....would be interesting to see if it would work.
Both have had exceptional seasons, but untried at Test level. -
Goodhue slotted into 12 seamlessly at NPC this year, although it is only NPC....is a pretty solid unit though.
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@bovidae said in WHAT IS THE BEST AB MIDFIELD COMBINATION:
The best performed AB midfield combo in the last 2 years has been Crotty (12) and ALB (13).
Agree. And the Crotty/Fekitoa one wasn’t far behind either.
SBW was always going to come back into the fray once fit. Hansen and co see more upside than what he may not be doing that grated on some fans.
At this point it appears they see SBW/Crotty as the first choice combo. But they are only in their first season of playing together as a combo, so as should be expected there have been ups and downs. I think there are question marks about what the will be for this combo.
Prior to 2008 we had the veritable revolving door for a good 6 years. And even after the cartel settled on Nonu/Smith, they were trying others in there at various points e.g. Kahui, Toeava, Stanley, Ranger, SBW, Bender. So Hansen at least is not afraid to try some things out and I think this tour we’ll see a few different things. I wouldn’t mind seeing a SBW/Laumape combo for instance. That could be SBW/Fruean circa 2011 Crusaders mark II.
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My only problem with Crotty is that while he has the goods, he seldom lasts more than a couple of tests before he is injured. He just doesn't seem durable .
Laumape/Goodhue is one I would like to see operate for a few games....maybe we may see that over the coming weeks or next year.
Whatever happens, my concern is that we need a settled combination pretty soon as time is running out before the RWC. There needs to be extended game time with the same combination ala Nonu/Smith, which is a given that it was quite unique to have their extended period as a settled combination in Super and at Test level. -
Long time reader, first time poster.
McKenzie 12, Sopoaga 13.
Reckon it's worth a go.
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@billy-tell outside Dagg. A Savea in 23.
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@centreman said in What is the best AB Midfield?:
@tim said in WHAT IS THE BEST AB MIDFIELD COMBINATION:
I really like the look of Goodhue, but he may face the second season blues next year, as ALB did this year. Goodhue looks like a more physically robust player though.
Yes but that doesn't solve the question of #12 which is where I feel the AB's have a problem of quick decisive distribution.
What I would really like to see is Laumape at 12 with Goodhue outside him.....would be interesting to see if it would work.
Both have had exceptional seasons, but untried at Test level.I agree, both are hugely exciting talents, but both are probably a couple of years away and a lot can happen in that time. But like you I'd love to see them together, I think they'd compliment each other in a similar way to Nonu and Smith.
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I wonder if ALB has put on a bit much size, because he looks bigger and if so, maybe affected his game a touch?
