Exodus
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TJ Perenara has never quite managed to convince that he's a better option than even a not-quite fully-firing Smith.I disagree with this. When AS was not playing at his best the last few years, TJP has definitely looked the better player. I don't think there's much between the two; they're very different players and one will be more suitable to start against opponent A, and the other against opponent B.
This bit is hilarious:
The fact he's also sure he is committing to stay in New Zealand will give him a deeper foundation of stability and he will most likely once again prove he's in that select group, alongside Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Kieran Read, Sonny Bill Williams and Ben Smith that make a tangible and significant difference to the way the All Blacks play.When has SBW ever made "a tangible and significant difference to the way the All Blacks play"?
There is a bit of noise being made about his understudy at the Highlanders, but Folau Fakatava is an untested 19-year-old with an enormous way to go to prove he's even Super Rugby ready.Well, obviously the Highlanders management disagree, because they have already given him some game time and he'll get more soon. Fakatava is SR ready.
I think keeping AS in NZ will be a good thing. But mostly for the Highlanders, not the ABs. He'll turn 31 at the end of the year. I can't see him playing in black for 4 more years. Behind TJP, there are a few halfbacks that already are, or will be knocking on the door in the next few years. TTT is the obvious player to look at (if he gets more game time, that's another story), but also Hall, Enari, and yes, maybe in a few years time also Fakatava.
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@Stargazer said in Exodus 2019:
When has SBW ever made "a tangible and significant difference to the way the All Blacks play"?
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@antipodean So he made a good offload in a few games. That isn't "a tangible and significant difference to the way the All Blacks play". He also got a few cards in a few games, missed tackles etc. He doesn't belong in that same sentence with Retallick, Whitelock, Read and BFA. He isn't that influential and he isn't or has ever been that good.
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@Stargazer said in Exodus 2019:
When has SBW ever made "a tangible and significant difference to the way the All Blacks play"?
Playing with 14 men generally requires a significant difference to the defensive pattern.
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@Stargazer said in Exodus 2019:
When has SBW ever made "a tangible and significant difference to the way the All Blacks play"?
The most important off the top of my head was the semi in 2015 against SA. He came on, bent the line, ran hard and smashed people. Really made a difference in a very tight game
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@Stargazer said in Exodus 2019:
@nzzp Performing well (or badly) in one or a few specific games is not the same as making "a tangible and significant difference to the way the ABs play".
Changed world rugby with his offloading skills. There's that
Also - ask the saffers about him. He seemed to play really well, and (like LIam Messam) they generally seemed to consider him god-like and couldn't believe he wasn't starting all the time
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SBW - polarizing opinions since ages ago!
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Was watching a bit of the scarlets v Cardiff blues game,Commentator mentioned Willis Halaholo will be eligible for Wales in the upcoming autumn ..how the worm is turning..!
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Glad to see them doing something about the loss of players.
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Ryan Crotty to leave NZ at the end of the year. He's signed with Kubota Spears.
http://www.allblacks.com/News/33918/crotty-to-farewell-new-zealand-rugby
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@Stargazer said in Exodus 2019:
Ryan Crotty to leave NZ at the end of the year. He's signed with Kubota Spears.
http://www.allblacks.com/News/33918/crotty-to-farewell-new-zealand-rugby
That makes the RWC midfield selections easier
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Sam Lousi leaving the Canes to join Welsh club Scarlets.
Stuff
