Possible All Blacks 2020
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@cgrant I think Ross' scrummaging is better than you say. He quite likely could have been an AB based on form before his injury which gave Karl his chance with the Chiefs and subsequently AB selection.
With a new scrummaging coach in Feek he might have different ideas to Cron on whether the likes of Tu'ungafasi and Moli are best suited as international LHs or THs. That will change the mix of the props if Ofa, especially, is considered to be primarily a TH prop. That then puts big Karl back into the conversation.
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@Marty said in Possible All Blacks 2020:
@Bones summary: (1) has major woody for Goodhue at 12; (2) manages to write entire column without tying it to thuggish AB's vs Ireland, Dublin 2016
So now that the final nail is in the coffin, Goodhue can go back to playing centre?
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@cgrant said in Possible All Blacks 2020:
Maybe but right now, there aren't many LHP of international quality in NZ behind Moody. Moli hasn't shown he is up to it. So who else ? Hodgman looked promising against the Chiefs before his injury. He is big and strong, while his scrummaging seemed to have improved. Ross has a big workrate but his scrummaging is suspect. Johnstone is a good scrummager but his mobility is far from being top notch. Armstrong is playing better these days than he has ever done but I don't know how he is rated by Foster. Numia is promising but still too green. So, IMO, big Karl will probably be selected for the AB squad.
Big Karl played 68 minutes in the heat, and is looking fitter! At least one of those dropped balls was because Nock rocketted at him from close quarters. He's in my squad.
Meanwhile who's class scrummager on the TH side, other than Nepo.
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@cgrant said in Possible All Blacks 2020:
Ennor ? Aso ?
Ennor as a Wing. Got the running game and aerial skills. But his passing not as strong as other AB midfield options.
Aso, very good player indeed going forward against weaker opposition. He'll need to work on his defence before he's ready to face a top quality Test team
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@Victor-Meldrew While I agree Cane should have been selected he would not have made the difference. We were man handled in the forwards and this has been an ongoing weakness exposed by Oz in Perth. Mariner has it right that we have too many fit buggers and not enough mongrel and size.
Now Fosters teams have never been known for their forward packs so maybe we are screwed. So I got the obligatory stab at our new AB coach out of the way. He is just too happy with life. Someone should hit him the shins with a 9 iron.
I think we are set at prop. So many options and Karl is playing himself back in the mix. Cane has been a good servant of NZ rugby but is it time to move on. Ginger and Papalii have been good and Sotutu the flavor on the month for good reason. PT has lifted his work rate and is looking good. Through in a token Cantab and we should be good despite Foster.
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@broughie said in Possible All Blacks 2020:
@Victor-Meldrew While I agree Cane should have been selected he would not have made the difference. We were man handled in the forwards and this has been an ongoing weakness exposed by Oz in Perth. Mariner has it right that we have too many fit buggers and not enough mongrel and size.
Now Fosters teams have never been known for their forward packs so maybe we are screwed. So I got the obligatory stab at our new AB coach out of the way. He is just too happy with life. Someone should hit him the shins with a 9 iron.
I think we are set at prop. So many options and Karl is playing himself back in the mix. Cane has been a good servant of NZ rugby but is it time to move on. Ginger and Papalii have been good and Sotutu the flavor on the month for good reason. PT has lifted his work rate and is looking good. Through in a token Cantab and we should be good despite Foster.
Blues win a couple of games and the fans start to get cocky. -
@booboo yeah I am surprised the 'time to move on from Cane' comment hasn't caused a Fern meltdown 😀
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@Crazy-Horse said in Possible All Blacks 2020:
@booboo yeah I am surprised the 'time to move on from Cane' comment hasn't caused a Fern meltdown 😀
Still the best NZ back row player. 😉
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Does anyone know how big the squad is for the July Wales/Scotland games?
It will be interesting to see what they do with the third 7 (behind Cane and Ardie). Given Cane and Ardie can play multiple positions i'd be fairly confident they'll look at another 7 option in the squad.
Boshier has been in outstanding form, Christie has started his Super career terrifically and Papalii wants to play 7 and after his showing vs Stormers may get a prolonged shot there for the Blues.
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