AB RWC squad
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so how many of the squad that are not playing Tonga will be playing M10 Cup on the weekend?
Surely all bar BBBR and Mounga (who I think Hansen said if it was the final this weekend, he could play) should be playing this weekend, either v Tonga or for thier Province?
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@taniwharugby Do you mean next weekend (the Tonga game isn't til next weekend)?
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@taniwharugby Yep, with the Tonga game being played next week, and the first game of the RWC in over 3 weeks, it would be a good idea to give several players a run this weekend, even some of the players who will lace up against Tonga.
You'd think that at least 6 players (Crotty + 5) should be released for this weekend's NPC.
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@KiwiMurph well on the weekend of the Tonga game that isnt this weekend
@Stargazer either that or on the Tonga weekend release all players not playing who are fit to thier province.
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Interesting comments from grant fox on laumape , on radio sport, said something like
If I was a betting man, good chance he still may end up at the World Cup
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@kiwiinmelb said in RWC squad. Who's in, who's out?:
If I was a betting man, good chance he still may end up at the World Cup
$1.05 one of the sicknotes don't make it
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If taking only two specialist first fives is too much of a risk, why don't they just drop Jordie and replace him with Josh? It's not as if Jordie is a particularly safe pair of hands. Yes, he can kick goals, but so can Josh. And we have enough fullbacks in the team already. Anyone have any insights into their thinking on this?
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@KiwiMurph said in RWC squad. Who's in, who's out?:
Stoked they went with Jacobson instead of Squire - never have been sold on Squire but have huge belief in Jacobson.
Question for you and others that expressed the same sentiments re Jacobson. What is the huge belief in Jacobson based on? Maybe I have missed a large chunck of his career to date, but hasn't he only played a handful of Super games plus five minutes in black? Sure he looked promising, but given his lack of game time at the pro level, this selection smacks of the other contenders showing they are not good enough and the selectors taking a punt. Unless Jacobson is a freak talent...
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@MrDenmore not insights, into their thinking no. But how I see it is tens need experience in the big games, and they'd rather take someone who has experience in internationals than someone who has experience at ten at lower levels. Like Piri in 2011, or the first BIL they'll play off nine, and an experienced player who knows the system will hopefully not shit the bed in 10. And there not enough time to blood ioane under real pressure before RWC. Since the last one we've lost two international quality tens, and then our third choice 10 in DMac. It's a risk, they see the lock of international experience a bigger risk than lack of time at 10. What I think the rational is. Hopefully it won't get found out!
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@Crazy-Horse yet to prove himself in black, but I think he's well proven at super level and a very abrasive player - probably a lot like a young Read. Beats tackles in a similar mode to Savea and hits in a similar mode to Cane.
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Not really a controversial squad. I struggle with Todd (3rd 7 behind Cane and Savea) but I agree with their two 10ās.
The ABs have proven time time again 10s can slot in to the squad. Think WC semi and final in 11, Sopoaga in Joburg 2015, Taylor in a Wellington Bled. If we lose both then Iām sure Ioane will be on a plane and or others.
Only change I would make is one of Hemopo or Frizell for Todd. I do think that Pat T may just surprise quite a few and proper step up.
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Like the squad. With 31 players you have to take a risk somewhere, and two 10s is the best risk to take given the players available, as others have said above.
Would be a different story if DMac was fit, he'd cover 10, replace Jordie Barrett in the outside backs, and allow them to take an extra midfielder in Laumape given how often SBW and Crotty are injured. So Laumape is the unluckiest man. Franks' time has passed sadly, but its the right call. Moli lucky Big Karl is still too crook.
No one has really stepped up to 6 (aside from Savea from an unconventional pathway), so taking one of Frizell/Fifita/Jacobson/Papali'i/Squire/Hemopo is all pretty much of a muchness; Jacobsen will get to beat up on some minnows and that's about it barring injuries.
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@Crazy-Horse This is what Hansen said on Jacobson:
"His maturity is way beyond that," he told Stuff. "He's ex-Under-20s captain, he understands the game really well, his defensive work is outstanding, his ability to get into the ruck and cause havoc there is outstanding and he's a good ball-carrier. "It's exciting where he could end up ā¦ if he stays injury-free he could have a long career in the All Blacks jersey."
Also mentioned that he was chosen ahead of Fifita and Hemopo at 6. No mention of Papalii at all. Jacobson could also feature at no.8 in some of those pool games if Read and/or Savea are rested.
