AB squad for the Bledisloe Cup?
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@Chris said in AB squad for the Bledisloe Cup?:
@MN5 said in AB squad for the Bledisloe Cup?:
@Bones said in AB squad for the Bledisloe Cup?:
@Chris said in AB squad for the Bledisloe Cup?:
@Bones excuse my fat fingers Wow does that say something about the size of our locks now ,scary we need some big young units coming through the system
BETTER ??
I don't really know what you're trying to say, so no.
He’s saying we need some big fluffybunnies. Parkinson is to everyone except you.
It's not obvious.
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Got a lot of time for DMac and really hope he gets back to his best.
That said, his form of late has been utter shite.
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@Victor-Meldrew said in AB squad for the Bledisloe Cup?:
Got a lot of time for DMac and really hope he gets back to his best.
That said, his form of late has been utter shite.
When you're making Jordie look like the safe option, it's time to take a bit of a look at yourself eh.
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@Bones said in AB squad for the Bledisloe Cup?:
@Victor-Meldrew said in AB squad for the Bledisloe Cup?:
Got a lot of time for DMac and really hope he gets back to his best.
That said, his form of late has been utter shite.
When you're making Jordie look like the safe option, it's time to take a bit of a look at yourself eh.
At the risk of raking over old coals, how I winced when he came on in RWC semi. Relieved when first play sensible.
You know the rest...
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@pakman said in AB squad for the Bledisloe Cup?:
@Bones said in AB squad for the Bledisloe Cup?:
@Victor-Meldrew said in AB squad for the Bledisloe Cup?:
Got a lot of time for DMac and really hope he gets back to his best.
That said, his form of late has been utter shite.
When you're making Jordie look like the safe option, it's time to take a bit of a look at yourself eh.
At the risk of raking over old coals, how I winced when he came on in RWC semi. Relieved when first play sensible.
You know the rest...
Well no, I don't know the rest of your imaginary game.
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@Machpants those lines and boxes look familiar...
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@Bones said in AB squad for the Bledisloe Cup?:
@pakman said in AB squad for the Bledisloe Cup?:
@Bones said in AB squad for the Bledisloe Cup?:
@Victor-Meldrew said in AB squad for the Bledisloe Cup?:
Got a lot of time for DMac and really hope he gets back to his best.
That said, his form of late has been utter shite.
When you're making Jordie look like the safe option, it's time to take a bit of a look at yourself eh.
At the risk of raking over old coals, how I winced when he came on in RWC semi. Relieved when first play sensible.
You know the rest...
Well no, I don't know the rest of your imaginary game.
Next play was stupid giving away crucial penalty which England kicked.
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Clear as mud.
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@Bones said in AB squad for the Bledisloe Cup?:
Clear as mud.
Sooo Mitch Hunt for the ABs?
You could’ve chucked three Ferners on that panel and had the same
confusionconclusion -
@ACT-Crusader said in AB squad for the Bledisloe Cup?:
@Bones said in AB squad for the Bledisloe Cup?:
Clear as mud.
Sooo Mitch Hunt for the ABs?
In 2022/23, he'll finally make the side and play bloody awesome - only to be confusingly and quietly left out of the squad for the 2023 RWC.
*See Ioane, Sopoaga.
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Top comment makes me wonder, what is the ranking of our last 3 world cup back 3s? (based on the last game played)
2011: Kahui, Jane, Dagg
2015: Savea, NMS, BFA
2019: Bridge, Reece, BB2019 would have to be the weakest.
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@mofitzy_ amazing how short a career Savea had. For a few years, he was a freak - could just run through a set backline, much like Prime Jonah. Really not sure what happened, wonder if his mental game faded, but he just stopped being a force. Honestly, by France Quarter in 2015 he was a busted flush, and a few sparks in that game didn't cover the dross that was being served up.
Amazing on form, but the back three is a tough place to live as an All Black; so much competition and talent running around.
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@mofitzy_ I'd probably go 2011.
2015 BFA is probably the best player of the 3 campaigns though.
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Def 2011. In hindsight having some rugby brain in Jane and Kahui on the wings (coupled with their skill levels) was great. The visibility of the game from either side and ability to communicate to Dagg on whether to be up or back was critical.
In 2015 and 2019 we relied on the fullback to do all the vision.
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@nzzp said in AB squad for the Bledisloe Cup?:
@mofitzy_ amazing how short a career Savea had. For a few years, he was a freak - could just run through a set backline, much like Prime Jonah. Really not sure what happened, wonder if his mental game faded, but he just stopped being a force. Honestly, by France Quarter in 2015 he was a busted flush, and a few sparks in that game didn't cover the dross that was being served up.
Amazing on form, but the back three is a tough place to live as an All Black; so much competition and talent running around.
I sometimes wonder if being a big fast powerful athlete ,When that level of raw athleticism is Your main weapon of what sets you apart,
If that’s type of rugby player has a more limited lifespan due to the body simply not being able to maintain that level of athleticism as long
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@nzzp said in AB squad for the Bledisloe Cup?:
@mofitzy_ amazing how short a career Savea had. For a few years, he was a freak - could just run through a set backline, much like Prime Jonah. Really not sure what happened, wonder if his mental game faded, but he just stopped being a force. Honestly, by France Quarter in 2015 he was a busted flush, and a few sparks in that game didn't cover the dross that was being served up.
Amazing on form, but the back three is a tough place to live as an All Black; so much competition and talent running around.
2013 and 2014 he was close to our best player - consistently playing well by running great lines, beating defenders, constant involvement in matches, strong under the high-ball and generally providing a great outlet for go forward ball.
2015 he just dropped off a cliff and I wonder if that drop in the 2015 SR final haunted him a little bit
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From what we saw this week end, should Slater and Eklund be considered as potential FABs ?
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@kiwiinmelb said in AB squad for the Bledisloe Cup?:
@nzzp said in AB squad for the Bledisloe Cup?:
@mofitzy_ amazing how short a career Savea had. For a few years, he was a freak - could just run through a set backline, much like Prime Jonah. Really not sure what happened, wonder if his mental game faded, but he just stopped being a force. Honestly, by France Quarter in 2015 he was a busted flush, and a few sparks in that game didn't cover the dross that was being served up.
Amazing on form, but the back three is a tough place to live as an All Black; so much competition and talent running around.
I sometimes wonder if being a big fast powerful athlete ,When that level of raw athleticism is Your main weapon of what sets you apart,
If that’s type of rugby player has a more limited lifespan due to the body simply not being able to maintain that level of athleticism as long
Not sure if Savea was ever quite at the Jonah/Cullen level of freakness but definitely in and around guys like Umaga/Rokocoko/Ioane. I'd also rate Hosea Gear somewhere round there not that he got many chances to show it at for the All Blacks.
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@MN5 said in AB squad for the Bledisloe Cup?:
If that’s type of rugby player has a more limited lifespan due to the body simply not being able to maintain that level of athleticism as long
I've cut up the quote , so apologies if mis quoting.
I actually think the body is able to maintain that level of athleticism for longer, but it takes years of consistent extreme dedication at home-diet, rest, family support, high-level training and stretching....and due to these factors, the Bus did not make the most of his opportunity IMO.Early Cullen was amazing. I wish we knew his fitness details from 15- when he destroyed Scotland. Then replicate that for every promising 15 year old.
Does anyone know what numbers Cullen was hitting during those years? -
@Wairau said in AB squad for the Bledisloe Cup?:
Does anyone know what numbers Cullen was hitting during those years?
The challenge is that the game has moved on massively from that. Cullen numbers probably don't work as well any more, as the defence is also stronger, faster, fitter and harder to break down.
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@nzzp said in AB squad for the Bledisloe Cup?:
@Wairau said in AB squad for the Bledisloe Cup?:
Does anyone know what numbers Cullen was hitting during those years?
The challenge is that the game has moved on massively from that. Cullen numbers probably don't work as well any more, as the defence is also stronger, faster, fitter and harder to break down.
The eye test tells me he would have been a freak in any era. As pure a stepper as anyone I've ever seen with no drop in pace when doing it. And fearless
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Just like to mention a few random ideas
- The AB captain has to be an automatic selection. That makes it one of B Barrett, S Whitelock or A Smith.
- B Barrett is a rugby genius. His best position is not 10.
- N Laumape has to start at 12.
- H Sotutu if you're good enough you're good enough. You start. Has McCaw like fortitude.
- J Barrett has to start somewhere. Probably on the wing. (His brother should start at 15). Best vision and passer off either hand for an outside back I've seen in years.
- Patrick Tuipulotu is a starter.
- Cant remember better mid field backs ever. Ennor, Laumape, ALB, Goodhue. No worries.
- Have enjoyed Super Rugby Aotearoa. The rugby talent from a small country is unreal.
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@BerniesCorner said in AB squad for the Bledisloe Cup?:
N Laumape has to start at 12
Laumape doesn't pass, kinda important skill for second five-eighth.
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@antipodean said in AB squad for the Bledisloe Cup?:
@BerniesCorner said in AB squad for the Bledisloe Cup?:
N Laumape has to start at 12
Laumape doesn't pass, kinda important skill for second five-eighth.
which is a bit of a bugger, because all our others can pass, and have nice light feet, but aren't physical units. So we give a bit somewhere no matter what.
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@BerniesCorner said in AB squad for the Bledisloe Cup?:
- B Barrett is a rugby genius. His best position is not 10.
love your work generally, but you need 'was'. He hasn't shown much recently, but I agree -w as a better 15 than 10. Best rugby player in the world for a while, but I don't think controlled games like great 10s do.
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@antipodean said in AB squad for the Bledisloe Cup?:
@BerniesCorner said in AB squad for the Bledisloe Cup?:
N Laumape has to start at 12
Laumape doesn't pass, kinda important skill for second five-eighth.
Nonu needs to get in his ear and show him how he developed that skill. Could be awesome if he develops a passing game - you could see how he attracts defenders to him
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@nzzp said in AB squad for the Bledisloe Cup?:
@antipodean said in AB squad for the Bledisloe Cup?:
@BerniesCorner said in AB squad for the Bledisloe Cup?:
N Laumape has to start at 12
Laumape doesn't pass, kinda important skill for second five-eighth.
Nonu needs to get in his ear and show him how he developed that skill. Could be awesome if he develops a passing game - you could see how he attracts defenders to him
yeah, i can't see it happening
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@mariner4life said in AB squad for the Bledisloe Cup?:
@nzzp said in AB squad for the Bledisloe Cup?:
@antipodean said in AB squad for the Bledisloe Cup?:
@BerniesCorner said in AB squad for the Bledisloe Cup?:
N Laumape has to start at 12
Laumape doesn't pass, kinda important skill for second five-eighth.
Nonu needs to get in his ear and show him how he developed that skill. Could be awesome if he develops a passing game - you could see how he attracts defenders to him
yeah, i can't see it happening
Unlikely, but goddamn how good would he be...
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@BerniesCorner said in AB squad for the Bledisloe Cup?:
Cant remember better mid field backs ever. Ennor, Laumape, ALB, Goodhue. No worries.
This makes no sense, two decent test players, one dude everyone says can't pass, and then a guy who seems to go well at Super level and dunce at NPC - you think they're better than when we had Nonu, Smith, SBW and Crotty running around? (Or do you have an extremely short memory?)
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@Nepia said in AB squad for the Bledisloe Cup?:
@BerniesCorner said in AB squad for the Bledisloe Cup?:
Cant remember better mid field backs ever. Ennor, Laumape, ALB, Goodhue. No worries.
This makes no sense, two decent test players, one dude everyone says can't pass, and then a guy who seems to go well at Super level and dunce at NPC - you think they're better than when we had Nonu, Smith, SBW and Crotty running around? (Or do you have an extremely short memory?)
or even 2011 - Kahui and good SBW:
Richard Kahui Waikato (12)
Ma’a Nonu Wellington (58)
Conrad Smith Wellington (48)
Sonny Bill Williams Canterbury (7) -
@KiwiMurph said in AB squad for the Bledisloe Cup?:
@nzzp Isaia Toeava
I was a massive fan of Ice v2.0. What an amazing player, brutally mismanaged by Ted and Wayne-O
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@KiwiMurph said in AB squad for the Bledisloe Cup?:
@nzzp Isaia Toeava
had me looking at the 2005 squad for the Northern Tour
I think i can confidently say it's the best squad of 35 ever picked by any nation at one time. Ridiculous depth of talent.
the 2007 World Cup was such a disgusting choke job of epic proportions.
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@mariner4life was it the 06 End of Year Tour where they basically alternated between two separate starting XVs?
I think 06 also was when ABs played one squad in Argentina (captained by Collins?) the same weekend (or very close to) another test the ABs had with a totally different squad (think it was a test in NZ).
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@KiwiMurph said in AB squad for the Bledisloe Cup?:
@mariner4life was it the 06 End of Year Tour where they basically alternated between two separate starting XVs?
I think 06 also was when ABs played one squad in Argentina (captained by Collins?) the same weekend (or very close to) another test the ABs had with a totally different squad (think it was a test in NZ).
2005 was where the hammered Wales one week, turned up with a new team the next week and hammered Ireland. its was taking the piss.
Then we beat England at Twickers despite 3 yellow cards (including 2 at the same time)
oh, and of course we beat Scotland on the way home.
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@mariner4life said in AB squad for the Bledisloe Cup?:
@KiwiMurph said in AB squad for the Bledisloe Cup?:
@mariner4life was it the 06 End of Year Tour where they basically alternated between two separate starting XVs?
I think 06 also was when ABs played one squad in Argentina (captained by Collins?) the same weekend (or very close to) another test the ABs had with a totally different squad (think it was a test in NZ).
2005 was where the hammered Wales one week, turned up with a new team the next week and hammered Ireland. its was taking the piss.
Then we beat England at Twickers despite 3 yellow cards (including 2 at the same time)
oh, and of course we beat Scotland on the way home.
Most redundant post ever. Poor old Scotties
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@MN5 said in AB squad for the Bledisloe Cup?:
@mariner4life said in AB squad for the Bledisloe Cup?:
@KiwiMurph said in AB squad for the Bledisloe Cup?:
@mariner4life was it the 06 End of Year Tour where they basically alternated between two separate starting XVs?
I think 06 also was when ABs played one squad in Argentina (captained by Collins?) the same weekend (or very close to) another test the ABs had with a totally different squad (think it was a test in NZ).
2005 was where the hammered Wales one week, turned up with a new team the next week and hammered Ireland. its was taking the piss.
Then we beat England at Twickers despite 3 yellow cards (including 2 at the same time)
oh, and of course we beat Scotland on the way home.
Most redundant post ever. Poor old Scotties
to really ram this home, teh wiki page for the tour has a write-up and details of the first 3 games, and only the score and scorers of the Scotland game. Disrespect.
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@mariner4life said in AB squad for the Bledisloe Cup?:
@MN5 said in AB squad for the Bledisloe Cup?:
@mariner4life said in AB squad for the Bledisloe Cup?:
@KiwiMurph said in AB squad for the Bledisloe Cup?:
@mariner4life was it the 06 End of Year Tour where they basically alternated between two separate starting XVs?
I think 06 also was when ABs played one squad in Argentina (captained by Collins?) the same weekend (or very close to) another test the ABs had with a totally different squad (think it was a test in NZ).
2005 was where the hammered Wales one week, turned up with a new team the next week and hammered Ireland. its was taking the piss.
Then we beat England at Twickers despite 3 yellow cards (including 2 at the same time)
oh, and of course we beat Scotland on the way home.
Most redundant post ever. Poor old Scotties
to really ram this home, teh wiki page for the tour has a write-up and details of the first 3 games, and only the score and scorers of the Scotland game. Disrespect.
Well to live up to the dour and tight stereotype they haven’t toured NZ In fucken donkeys years compared to Wales and Ireland. 2000 I think, from memory.
Also their fans are snowflakes so fuck them and all their AB hammerings.
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@mariner4life said in AB squad for the Bledisloe Cup?:
@KiwiMurph said in AB squad for the Bledisloe Cup?:
@mariner4life was it the 06 End of Year Tour where they basically alternated between two separate starting XVs?
I think 06 also was when ABs played one squad in Argentina (captained by Collins?) the same weekend (or very close to) another test the ABs had with a totally different squad (think it was a test in NZ).
2005 was where the hammered Wales one week, turned up with a new team the next week and hammered Ireland. its was taking the piss.
Then we beat England at Twickers despite 3 yellow cards (including 2 at the same time)
oh, and of course we beat Scotland on the way home.
The Fern was a funny place during that 05 EOYT. “Cheapening the jersey”...
Wales match
Tialata, Oliver, Hayman, Jack, Ryan, Collins, Masoe, So’oialo, Kelleher, Carter, Rokocoko, Umaga, Smith, Gear, MuliainaIreland match
Woodcock, Mealamu, Afoa, Eaton, Williams, Lauaki, McCaw, Tuiali’i, Weepu, Evans, Sivivatu, Mauger, Nonu, Howlett, L. MacDonaldOther players on tour
Taumoepeau, Hore, A. MacDonald, Cowan, Toeava
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