AB "What could have been" XV
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Ok, continuing on from the World XV thread and some discussion of Rupeni on another thread i thought a "what could have been" AB xv might be fun. Criteria = guys who had potential to be something special at lower levels but never quite made it or never fulfilled their potential for whatever reason.
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? I don't know. Was Ben Afeaki a LH?
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Hika Elliot ? Seemed to have the skills for test rugby but never got much time there for whatever reason.
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Ben Tameifuna: Had a few flaws to his game but could have been a good AB if he had sorted those.
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James Ryan: retired early to be a lawyer didn't he?
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Keith Robinson: seemed to be constantly broken in 2004-2007 when we desperately needed a hard arse lock. BBBT, Whitelock and BBBR coming along after him sort of mean he gets a bit forgotten.
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Lauaki: looked awesome in 2005 but never really fulfilled his potential.
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Holah is probably the most well know being behind Richie. Maybe also Latimer who could have been a good test player. Todd might ultimately end up in this spot too.
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Nasi manu?? I only picked him because he was quality but never got a chance in tests. Hopefully Akira doesn't end up in this spot.
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Brendan Leonard maybe? Or Kahn Fotuali'i.
Both looked good at super level but either never got picked (kahn) or didn't kick on (Leonard) -
Nick Evans: stuck behind Carter for most of the time he was in NZ. Would have had a decent AB career if he had stayed given Dan was injured regularly.
11.Rupeni: could have been huge for the ABs. Instead he got fat in France.
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Ngatai: Who else? Could have been a good AB. Injuries and then probably the emergence of ALB and Laumape stopped that.
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Toeava: could pick him in lots of positions in this team. That is probably his main issue, he never settled in a spot to be able to claim it. Injuries also screwed him over.
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Kahui: picked him here because i can't think of anyone else. Injuries really screwed him out of a long AB career. Was awesome in 2011 though. Maybe NMS will fit in here in time.
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Piutau: Could have been on 50 caps by now. But chose to chase the cash.
Have i missed anyone?
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What about that centre/winger who had heart problems - played for the Crusaders and Chiefs? Can't believe his name is escaping me.
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@crazy-horse Robbie Fruean, beast at super level when fit.
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@tim said in AB "What could have been" XV:
@gunner knee injury
That's interesting I didn't realise it was an injury issue. Or maybe i did but forgot.
Yes, Fruen is a good one.
Broadhurst is another that was forced to retire just as he reached test level. His first test wasn't great but he could have improved.
Pat T is another who looks like he may end up in this category.
Could also include Luatua i guess.
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@crucial said in AB "What could have been" XV:
Doesn't really meet the criteria as he was awesome at top level but imagine 'what could have been' if Jonah was able to operate at 100%.
Isa Nacewa deserves a mention doesn't he?
Ah yeah Nacewa was in my original team before i started the thread. Totally forgot to include him though.
Agree with Lomu.
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Paul Williams broken leg that healed poorly
Jason Goldsmith - injury too
Both looked really promising.
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@crucial said in AB "What could have been" XV:
Stretching the criteria a bit but Hayman would have probably gone on to be a centurion AB if he hung around
Especially if he moved to number 8
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@bovidae said in AB "What could have been" XV:
Aaron Hopa for me at 6. He did everything Collins and Kaino were praised for doing, but before either of them hit the scene. I reckon he would have been a starter at RWC 99.
I might be recollecting through my Hurricanes/Lions goggles, but I remember Filo Tiatia pressing hard for AB selection in 1999. He just missed out on the RWC squad, then missed a call up when Carlos got hurt before the tourney. I can't remember who the replacement was (I seem to recall it was a back, Auckland?), but we could have used his physicality in the semi vs France
