AB RWC squad
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@Kirwan said in RWC squad. Who's in, who's out?:
@sparky said in RWC squad. Who's in, who's out?:
Basically if Beauden and Richie M collide and clash heads in the captain's run ahead of a test, we're f*****.
Could say the same with the hookers, halfbacks, props. Losing the top two players in any position will hurt us.
True, but that is why we are taking three Hookers, three half backs and five props (with three guys who can play each side).
Clearly they didn't see enough yet from Josh Ioane. Ryan Crotty will be fine against Canada or Namibia. But there is a risk of not having a specialist 10 for a major test.
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@sparky said in RWC squad. Who's in, who's out?:
Basically if Beauden and Richie M collide and clash heads in the captain's run ahead of a test, we're f*****.
Or how about Aaron Smith just step up? If we are down to the 3rd 10 (or further) it will be by the final against at NH heavyweight and it's not going to be a race to 40, it'll be a race to 20.
If they lose the RWC it's going to be crap goal kicking and tries through the inexperienced midfield combo. I almost think they will improve playing short handed at 10 in a RWC semi or final.
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The backup 10 suggestions are fucking laughable really. Kids rugby and mythical amateur games. Still, what other options do we have?
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@sparky said in RWC squad. Who's in, who's out?:
@Kirwan said in RWC squad. Who's in, who's out?:
@sparky said in RWC squad. Who's in, who's out?:
Basically if Beauden and Richie M collide and clash heads in the captain's run ahead of a test, we're f*****.
Could say the same with the hookers, halfbacks, props. Losing the top two players in any position will hurt us.
True, but that is why we are taking three Hookers, three half backs and five props (with three guys who can play each side).
Clearly they didn't see enough yet from Josh Ioane. Ryan Crotty will be fine against Canada or Namibia. But there is a risk of not having a specialist 10 for a major test.
At least the options listed (in their order) Jordie, Crotty, TJ and Smith are all experienced players.
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@Chris-B said in RWC squad. Who's in, who's out?:
Fox saying the midfield was the toughest selection and longest discussion - thinks there's a good chance Laumape will still get there.
Yeah, well they did pick Crotty and Fox said they could well have an injury before they land in Tokyo.
Absolutely do not put it past him doing a Trevor Franklin upon arrival at Narita.
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If you take a 3rd ten who do you drop?
Basically an outside back. Which one then?
There is always risk with only 31 players. One of the things I like about RWC TBH
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@Billy-Tell said in RWC squad. Who's in, who's out?:
If you take a 3rd ten who do you drop?
Basically an outside back. Which one then?
Reece
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@Billy-Tell said in RWC squad. Who's in, who's out?:
I’m happy for Todd too.
Whether you support his selection or not always happy for a guy who didn’t throw a sook and head overseas at the first obstacle
And the same for Crotty. I'm not his biggest fan but he was one of the last players culled for 2015.
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What to make of the intrigue around Squire? He looked out of the frame a couple of weeks ago, but then appeared to come back into it. All the media commentary suggested he had put his hand up to be included. But now they pass him over. Do they really think Jacobsen is the better option or does it suggest a lack of confidence in where his head is at?
Everyone is saying Franks is a big call, but he's looked over-the-hill for a while now and but for his scrummaging (admittedly a big positive) he wasn't adding a lot. But then are the other candidates a significant step-back in scrummaging ability given what they add around the field?
None of the rest is really surprising. I don't think Ben Smith was ever going to get dropped. Unlike Franks, he's still a big contributor, at least in terms of leadership and experience - plus you wonder whether the hamstring issue was affecting his performance in the early part of the international season.
Unlike some others, I don't think the lack of a third choice specialist first five is a big deal. Crotty or Jordie could play that role against the minnows
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@Billy-Tell BFA. But his leadership skills, experience and utility value mean he is worth it even if no longer first-choice.
Or Jordie but they see him as a game-breaker off the bench.
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@Bovidae said in RWC squad. Who's in, who's out?:
@Billy-Tell said in RWC squad. Who's in, who's out?:
I’m happy for Todd too.
Whether you support his selection or not always happy for a guy who didn’t throw a sook and head overseas at the first obstacle
And the same for Crotty. I'm not his biggest fan but he was one of the last players culled for 2015.
I’m happy with Crotty. Great squad man, a heap of experience which is important at the RWC, and if injury strikes at the last minute he will slot in more seamlessly than any of the other options.
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Pretty happy with that squad overall. Glad they didn't pick Squire. Was hoping that BBBR would be fit for the opening game but that would have been asking for too much. Just hope he can recover in time for the 1/4s That's the only major worry at this stage. The non selection of Franks makes sense. If they had picked him over Moli, they would have had four props capable of playing tighthead and only two at loosehead (Angus is not a realistic option), with only one of them being a specialist. Moli gives that extra loosehead option but needs to improve his scrummaging imo.
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@Duluth said in RWC squad. Who's in, who's out?:
@Billy-Tell said in RWC squad. Who's in, who's out?:
If you take a 3rd ten who do you drop?
Basically an outside back. Which one then?
Reece
Five midfielders none of which can play wing is the issue, whereas in 2011 all except Smith had been used at test level.
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Stoked for Luke Jacobson. Huge potential.
Think he could emerge from the tournament as a world-class flanker like Josh Kronfeld did in 1995.
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@rotated said in RWC squad. Who's in, who's out?:
@Duluth said in RWC squad. Who's in, who's out?:
@Billy-Tell said in RWC squad. Who's in, who's out?:
If you take a 3rd ten who do you drop?
Basically an outside back. Which one then?
Reece
Five midfielders none of which can play wing is the issue, whereas in 2011 all except Smith had been used at test level.
Pretty sure SBW has played on the wing for the ABs. Just saying.
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@Chris-B said in RWC squad. Who's in, who's out?:
Hansen also saying if they want a big forward pack they can move Scott Barrett to 6.
fuuuuuck
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@No-Quarter said in RWC squad. Who's in, who's out?:
@Bovidae said in RWC squad. Who's in, who's out?:
@Billy-Tell said in RWC squad. Who's in, who's out?:
I’m happy for Todd too.
Whether you support his selection or not always happy for a guy who didn’t throw a sook and head overseas at the first obstacle
And the same for Crotty. I'm not his biggest fan but he was one of the last players culled for 2015.
I’m happy with Crotty. Great squad man, a heap of experience
His experience rehabbing from injuries will be useful for BBBR.
which is important at the RWC,
This will be his first RWC.
and if injury strikes at the last minute he will slot in more seamlessly than any of the other options.
He will be the injury that strikes.
