AB Positions up for grabs
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Bird was very good during the EOYT, particularly against the French in Lyon. He is not very old so he is a serious contender for the AB, given the fact that Scott Barrett has shown his lack of physicality in the tight against muscular opposition.
If Fatialofa can regain his 2016 form, then he could be the best of the reserves.
Gareth Evans could also be a contender for the Cane's backup. He is the type of player that won't let his team down. -
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@tim said in AB Positions up for grabs:
Backup Openside Flanker
Savea - very fast, good link player, but lacks size. Did not impress last year, where his defence (especially around the ruck) was exposed by Australia, and his lack of physicality by the Lions. How much weight has he put on in the off-season? Didn't notice him in the preseason game against the Blues. 24 years old.
But fuck he is tall
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@tim the pack did not perform well? Really? What games did you watch? All Black scrum destroyed all comers last year, line out was great as usual, maybe breakdown and defence could've been better. But that does not relate to the pack not being good
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Bird really stepped up a notch last year and had games where he outshone BBBR (more likely they shared the workload). Has a chance if he shows out again.
Harris was singled out by the coaches for his contributions on the EOYT. I also couldn't see why from what we observed on the pitch, but they have the detailed numbers both on and off the field to judge by and appeared quite happy with him.
Hames deserves a bit more black jersey pay if only for that scrum against Scotland which may well have saved our arses (legal or not)We need another 9, another 10, to sort out the midfield options and settle down with them, also get another 'second fullback' (Duffie?) going.
Other questions are how to fit the talents of Jordie B and DMac into the team irrespective of injuries. Two valuable players for a RWC squad makeup but somehow we need to keep them involved and gaining on field experience.
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http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11996709
"With Lima going we've gone from having two starting No 10s who are both comfortable driving the game to only one so it's going to be interesting watching Damian and how he goes at five-eighth for the Chiefs, Richie Mo'unga for the Crusaders and young Stephen who is injured at the moment for the Blues and all the other five-eighths for that matter," Hansen said.
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@nepia said in AB Positions up for grabs:
@tim Damn, I forgot I was setting you up for your one man war on Squire ;).
He's not fighting that alone
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@tim haha i dont even remeber posting that dont know how you do!
on joe edwards he was not offered a contract above his auckland one so he wasnt in a position to stay and is now in 3rd division in france. his body was done at 22.
@seu cooper looks to be trying him at 8 will be interesting i think they lack depth at 8 at the chiefs
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@muddyriver said in AB Positions up for grabs:
i dont even remeber posting that dont know how you do!
It was right on the money!
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@nepia said in AB Positions up for grabs:
Is Hames still a fill in? I think he probably did enough over the season to be considered a worthy selection.
I reckon Hames is a lock in, given that Crockett will at best make it to next year's RWC, so we're really looking for two assistants to Moody.
Hames has been preferred to the other choices and he's acquired nine caps worth of experience so I'd say the gap between him and the next best option widened last season rather than closed.
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3rd Halfback
Smith and Perenara are obviously the top two. Kerr-Barlow has gone, and there are no players with significant international experience left. This is wide open.
Contenders:
Hall and Drummond at the Crusaders. Both good but not much more. Hall is faster around the field and looks a little bit sharper, not very consistent though. Was preferred for the playoffs last year. Was injured at the end of the year and Drummond got a chance with the ABs.
Brad Weber - has the pass and speed to the ruck, but does he have the game for test rugby? He's rather small, and has struggled on defence. Is returning from a serious injury.
Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (T3) - Looks in good shape, looks faster too. Another small player. Has looked really good at times in lower grades.
Pulu - would make a good impact sub. Very physical. Would you want this man starting for your team? Pass is often too slow, not great at getting to rucks quickly.
Pity that Enari is injured. Looked really good for NZ U20.
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Backup 1st 5
Sopoaga won't play unless there's an injury problem, and Hansen has named three players they're watching: Mo'unga, McKenzie, and Perofeta.
Contenders:
Mo'unga - developing a good all-round game, improving on defence. Pretty small. Likely to be picked.
McKenzie - brilliant in open space, but erratic and has a high error rate. Small. AB coaches are enthusiastic, but he could struggle for consistency.
Perofeta - young but a lot of potential. Questions over kicking game and defence. Can he control a game at the top level? Looked sharp against the Chiefs. Completely dominant at U20 World Cup last year. Has had a bad run of injuries.
Otere Black is injured; Tiaan Falcon is too young yet (promising player though); Gatland is steady and has a good kicking game, but probably lacks the speed and skill level for test rugby; Hunt wouldn't disgrace himself, and performs well under pressure, but probably lacks the overall quality for test rugby.
We lack depth compared with recent seasons, but at least we're not Australia.
