AB EOYT 2018
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@antipodean said in AB EOYT 2018:
@mariner4life said in AB EOYT 2018:
@chris-b said in AB EOYT 2018:
@mariner4life said in AB EOYT 2018:
I actually worry about us against Ireland with Savea at 7 and one of the shit 6s. Fucking Retallic better be back, and both Read and Whitelock better have stormers.
I think that they've gone cap-in-hand to Robbie, to free Matt Todd, shows they're expecting these England/Ireland tests to be tight. Won't surprise me at all to see Matt in the seven jersey - with Ardie providing more utility value from the bench - in fact, I'm expecting it.
I'm interested to see what role Dane Coles plays in those two tests - whether he can get sufficiently up to speed to supplant Harris. Hopefully!
Other than Sam Cane (and just maybe Kane Hames), we might be rolling out the A-team forward pack.
I would be pretty happy with that. We're going to have to be a little harder at the ball than we have been of late, simply because Ireland are so happy to play a million really small phases, just keep the ball and wear you down. They are very patient, and very disciplined.
We just need to find a heap of blokes who tackle like Cane, Kaino, Collins. Then the Irish won't want to retain and carry the ball.
oh yea so no worries then...
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@chris-b I'm not so sure, Ardie has stepped up in his last 2 consecutive outings, despite the fact I'm not a huge fan, I think he has earnt a start, at least in the game v Aus.
While I know Todd is still contracted to NZR so is different to the hordes in Europe, still feel that as he bailed, he shouldnt get first bite at the cherry, add in the fact that NZR let him go when they really only had Cane (has had more than his fair share of head knocks) and Ardie (who up until recently had struggled to show the physicality required) surely they should have forseen the situation of one of Cane or Ardie picking up an injury.
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@taniwharugby There was some earlier discussion where someone reckoned Todd had sought advice from Hansen about signing in Japan and Hansen hadn't bothered to get back to him - so he signed.
That they've bothered to go and get him suggests to me that they won't be playing any games around ethics. They'll pick the players best suited for various roles and I think it will be Todd starting, with Ardie and Scott Barrett on the bench - though I won't be incredulous if you are right!
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@chris-b does the players association not do the negotiating side of things with his manager?
Sure they need to involve Hansen, and assume NZR has someone that does the contracting and negotiations at the behest of Hansen, there would appear a huge breakdown somewhere along the line if they failed to respond to him.
On another issue of supposed poor communication, Radio Sport were discussing this morning the fact that the newbies only found out of thier selection from friends or media rather than anyone in NZR calling to say hey pal, you have hit the big time. Whereas Gareth Evans supposedly heard from other Magpies palyers in a Whats App group chat and then a text and email, and actually thought his mates were pranking him.
I think there'd be something cool about hearing your name read out for the first time on the radio, but you'd expect in todays day and age there'd be a bit more going on, I mean when do they get to pick up the new Ranger for starters!
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@no-quarter said in AB EOYT 2018:
Well I am absolutely living for the Akira Ioane posts right now. I cannot get my head around it. Have at it lads, don't let anyone put you off.
Yep. I don't get any of the arguments. We keep hearing how vital it is to be part of the AB environment, learn the systems, serve an apprenticeship etc. Yet apparently if you have an incumbent in front of you the best option is lots of game time for the Maori? Makes zero sense. People mention Kaino, but he was left out because his form wasn't good enough when tested at AB level. He was found badly wanting against Ireland in 06 I think it was. How are we to gauge how good Ioane is if he never even gets a shot? The whole thing is an absolute mystery. I just hope he doesn't get disheartened and pisses off for the cash. That would be a tragedy. He has potential great written all over him. Unlike certain others....
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@frank said in AB EOYT 2018:
If you see Akira out on the piss in the next few days, this might the time to give him a wide fuckin' berth.
I understand he shouts.
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@no-quarter said in AB EOYT 2018:
Well I am absolutely living for the Akira Ioane posts right now. I cannot get my head around it. Have at it lads, don't let anyone put you off.
I think Steven Harris' story is on the money. It's cross-referenced with magpie in aus story of having been out drinking with Akira and Lumape the night before the test. Plus - Steven "knows people". He gets interviewed on the radio occasionally!
What we also know is that for the French series, Akira was training with the ABs, while a bunch of other loose forwards who are now in the squad ahead of him - Evans, Hunt and Papali'i - weren't.
So, he's slipped down the pecking order on the back of a couple of late season games for the Blues and then the NPC - or he's doing penance.
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@taniwharugby I think Todd was more ringing Hansen informally to seek advice and not pull a Steven Luatua. But, who knows - the story could be bullshit for all I know.
Does seem a bit odd the newbies only finding out when everyone else does. Usually, they know a day or so ahead of time and "only told mum and dad!".
Mind you - if I thought I had any chance of being picked I'd be glued to the live stream.
