AB Test Team v France.
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For the record I did not see the Ngatai comments but I would have said the same about him too (pre concussion).I also said Aki will make Irish team as soon as he is qualified. To be fair even though I referred to Whitelock I think I could have said the same about a lot more kiwis particularly in the back row. In a world where Whitelock hadn’t played for ABs and was qualified for England Eddie Jones would ship him into the squad without a single club game. I would have him over Robshaw all day long. The fact that Hugh’s is no 8 kind of makes my point. The ease which kiwis or kiwi based players make other national teams and the record of the ABs is hardly debatable, no arrogance just facts.
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@dmx You would really have him over Robshaw?
I definitely wouldn'tAnyway that point is probably moot as England last played Itoje at 6 and now they have got the emerging Underhill and Simmonds who are both going to end up better than LW if not already.
You are probably one of those guys who say that the best 30 players in the world are 1st and 2nd All Black XV and refuse to acknowledge that cohesion, game plan, coaching, combinations etc.. play any part in a team sport.
And yeah I do agree that many All Blacks would walk straight in to any team, but thinking that a 4th stringer would, is just delusional.
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@cantab79 said in AB Test Team v France.:
Can't believe people are seriously suggesting that Steve Hansen has not called up Akira Ioane because he is saving him for the Maori team. Is there any precedent to back up this theory? Luke Whitelock has outplayed Ioane at both Super Rugby and Mitre 10 Cup levels this year, and that's why he's been selected.
If that was the case AC why was Ioane called into the squad for the Dunedin test this year instead of Whitelock to his home Super franchise park?
I'm pretty sure the coaches have given a halfback a run in the Maori ABs instead of having them hold tackle bags with the ABs in past.
At any rate, at least this call up to the squad is deserved this time.
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Come on fellas we all know Luke has made the ABs because of family reputation. It’s finally nice to see him come out of Adam’s shadow....
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@act-crusader said in AB Test Team v France.:
Come on fellas we all know Luke has made the ABs because of family reputation. It’s finally nice to see him come out of Adam’s shadow....
I feel genuinely sorry for Adam, if he hadn't have decided he would be a back in a loose forwards body back in the day he too would likely have been an AB as well.
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@pakman said in AB Test Team v France.:
The Whitelocks, the Barretts and the Clarkes (five of whom played for Waikato in one sixties match) would go close to being able to field a first class XV between them!
I kind of doubt the Clarkes could keep up with the pace of the game nowadays
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@pakman said in AB Test Team v France.:
@hooroo I tend to agree given they're in their eighties. Amazing to have so many talented players in one family.
Agreed! Good Mare and Good Stallion.
I do wonder if their fathers run the line of Men breed men
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it's past 5am, isnt the team usually named by now
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@taniwharugby You forgot to add the 12 hours time difference with France
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@stargazer pfft, 12 hours schmours!
NZ team should be named at 5am NZT, while we are all asleep regardless of where we are playing!
Otherwise it makes our 'whens the team named' quip pointless
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ALL BLACKS: Damian McKenzie, Waisake Naholo, Ryan Crotty, Sonny Bill Williams, Rieko Ioane, Beauden Barrett, Aaron Smith; Kieran Read (capt), Sam Cane, Vaea Fifita, Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano, Nepo Laulala, Dane Coles, Kane Hames. Reserves: Codie Taylor, Wyatt Crockett, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Scott Barrett, Matt Todd, TJ Perenara, Lima Sopoaga, Anton Lienert-Brown.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/98702338/all-blacks-coach-steve-hansen-hands-vaea-fifita-big-chance-to-impress-against-france -
Ha ha
The Akira for the Maori team theory was correct.
He replaces Whitelock after his Maori commitments are over.
Welll done to those who put forward the theory.
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Ardie, Squires and
Kainoto start the mid week against French Barbarians. Kaino heading back to NZ with his PCL injury, -
The team is fine except ALB on the bench. Laumape please Steve.
