AB RWC squad
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@nzzp said in RWC squad. Who's in, who's out?:
@canefan said in RWC squad. Who's in, who's out?:
I don't think we totally appreciate how hard it is to replace so many legendary players. Any other team in the world loses all time greats like GOAT, DC, Nonu and Snake, and Kevvie, would be poked for a whole cup cycle. We go into the cup with a strong win % over the last 4 years and are one of the favorites again
That said, there are a few blips that we didn't like in teh last four years.
- Losing 2x to Ireland
- Loss and draw to BIL
- Losing to Aus
- Loss and draw to SA
Mind you, our record since the last RWC is 38-2-4. We'lll take it for sure
Compared to the last cycle, where we were 49-2-3, losing to SA, Aus, England (and 2 draws with Aus), it's pretty similar (alghouth more matches played)
First loss to the Irish was *, on a narrow field. The draw to the BIL also has a *, a deal is a deal mon ami
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@nzzp said in RWC squad. Who's in, who's out?:
Compared to the last cycle, where we were 49-2-3, losing to SA, Aus, England (and 2 draws with Aus), it's pretty similar (alghouth more matches played)
Ooops, that included the RWC. So probably more like 42-2-3 and surprisingly similar.
How high are our standards? 3-4 losses in 4 years and we're grizzly
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@nzzp said in RWC squad. Who's in, who's out?:
How high are our standards? 3-4 losses in 4 years and we're grizzly
Yep. A high bar has been set for well over 100 years.
I think the nature of the wins (and losses) over the last couple of years generates the angst, as well as who they were against (Ireland).
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I love these type of stories, as the life of a professional rugby player seems to be in 4 yr cycles now.
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@Wally said in RWC squad. Who's in, who's out?:
I remember watching Nepo playing club footy when he was about 20. Mike Cron ( who I know) stopped for a chat. I said that young tighthead looks ok. He replied: too small will never make it.
proof Mike Cron knows fuck all!!!
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@Bovidae my son watched the piece on the news last night about him, so was then stoked to meet him today at Okara Park (esp as my son plays prop too)
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@taniwharugby Ah, that's right. The ABs are touring the country today.
I see Cane, Moli, Jacobson, ALB and Weber were at Hinuera school.
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@Bovidae said in RWC squad. Who's in, who's out?:
@taniwharugby Ah, that's right. The ABs are touring the country today.
I see Cane, Moli, Jacobson, ALB and Weber were at Hinuera school.
Oh man!! That's where I live!
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@Bovidae said in RWC squad. Who's in, who's out?:
@taniwharugby Ah, that's right. The ABs are touring the country today.
I see Cane, Moli, Jacobson, ALB and Weber were at Hinuera school.
The new CBHS.
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Absolutely stoked for Jacobson. A true bolter. He is a good'un and a keeper. Reckon he will step into regular blindside boots next season.
Selectors have obviouslly rewarded mobility, attitude, hunger and youth over seniority, experience and waning impact, which I support 100 per cent. \Bloody good choices. Excellent for Moli, Jacobsnon, Reece , Bridge etc,
I'm also pleased for Todd, - Mr Reliable who has been rewarded for his committment,
Just one thing, As a Chiefs supprter, pleased for Weber, but can;t help wondering whether it may have been better to take J Ioane as a spare 1st five, -
@Jailbreak7 said in RWC squad. Who's in, who's out?:
Selectors have obviouslly rewarded mobility, attitude, hunger and youth over seniority, experience and waning impact, which I support 100 per cent. \Bloody good choices.
Done both really. SBW, Crotty, BFA, Moody, some others, even the captain until last match could have been questioned on waning impact. Seem to have a bit of a balance - so yeah, bloody good choices.
I would have gone for three 1st fives too, but not at the expense of a half back, annoying little shits but necessary and no one else in the squad really covers adequately. They obviously feel from the announcements that they can cover for no 10.
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2 x 10s is a risk. minnows are irrelevant, it's injury cover that matters, and the big games.
mounga and barrett are both required for us to use our first choice game plan.
we get one injury, we have to change the game plan - and we have a decent plan B, and smith to cover fullback. still a strong team. however, there'd be serious temptation to keep the injured guy with the squad if he'll recover, cause it's our #1 game plan...
that means no bench 10 cover - we get a 2nd injury, we lose. crotty, jordie, tj are horrible options.
i don't see the value in taking e.g. jordie barrett (as well as reece and bridge) by comparison. assuming rieko and smith are first choice, we still have reece and bridge as wing cover without jordie, even a couple of the midfielders beyond that if necessary, and at fullback we have barrett, smith, bridge. midfield is well covered. 2 injuries doesn't hurt us anywhere near as badly in those positions, and 10 is the more important position. the only justification i can think of is they want jordie on the bench to cover multiple positions, but they don't think he's good enough in any position to justify his selection over anyone else.
no injuries and nobody will remember the decision, but it's not a good one in my opinion.rest of the team pretty good though. i like the look of jacobson, but do think they fucked around with fifita too long when more would have been achieved giving frizzell and jacobson those opportunities before the squad naming.
oh and well played owen franks, a really bloody good all black.
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@reprobate said in RWC squad. Who's in, who's out?:
2 x 10s is a risk. minnows are irrelevant, it's injury cover that matters, and the big games.
Who's number 3 though? There's no one at a level anywhere near BB or Mo'unga. Lima fell off a cliff too, and 10 is so critical I can see why they're rolling the dice
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@nzzp has to be Ioane. Sure he's nowhere near the other two, but he is miles better than jordie, TJ, or crotty. we have an experienced halfback to take the pressure off him, who he has played a lot with. He's played some very good super games there this season, as opposed to our other supposed back-ups.
