Players to build the team around?
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@Chris-B said in Players to build the team around?:
Mo'unga has quietly become the best first five in the world
that simply cannot be true.
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@ACT-Crusader said in Players to build the team around?:
@Chris-B said in Players to build the team around?:
I think that if you're looking at people who are in the conversation for being one of the five greatest ABs of the past 50 years, then probably Retallick is the only one we have at present and he probably only gets a mention.
But, if you're talking about people who are World Class to the extent of being potential winners of a World Player of the Year award - then we obviously have Beauden, then Aaron Smith, Sam Whitelock, Sam Cane, Richie Moúnga and doubtless several others.
Big problem is that many of our best guys are approaching the end of the road or are at the very start of it.
I think the guys in the middle tier are not carrying the load they should. They're either out of form, being mis-selected or doing foolish things that are costing us dearly.
I remember after the dust had settled following the 2011 RWC and McCaw had played his 100th test, there was a bit of noise around - how many more tests? Will he be there in 4 years?
It’s crazy to think that we got another 45 tests from McCaw after that 2011 win over France. Was he hanging on? Did Hansen overplay him? Was he past it? There’s some pretty memorable games from 2012-15 without even mentioning the semi against the Boks when I thought he really lifted after Kaino’s YC.
Could Aaron Smith be that guy that keeps on keeping on where his influence and high level of play is still doing the business beyond what we the fans think
id love to know if he'd been courted by overseas clubs, i assume he has. there was a time there when TJP and TKB we're coming through where he was getting a a lot of heat and to stick at playing in NZ and come out the other side with some of the form weve seen this year is impressive
I always thought he was the kind of player that would shoot off to make his money...now i wonder if hes not more of a mccaw, one team until hes had enough
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@Kiwiwomble he would have to go to Japan. A lot of European rugby is not going to suit him at all.
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@KiwiMurph said in Players to build the team around?:
Romain Ntamack
He's still just "promising" isn't he?
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@Chris-B said in Players to build the team around?:
@KiwiMurph said in Players to build the team around?:
Romain Ntamack
He's still just "promising" isn't he?
as opposed to your boy Richie who is, what exactly?
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@Chris-B said in Players to build the team around?:
@KiwiMurph said in Players to build the team around?:
Romain Ntamack
He's still just "promising" isn't he?
Top point scorer in the Six Nations - scored three tries and a joint-high four try assists.
The only game France lost he left the field after 12 minutes.
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@mariner4life said in Players to build the team around?:
@Chris-B said in Players to build the team around?:
@KiwiMurph said in Players to build the team around?:
Romain Ntamack
He's still just "promising" isn't he?
as opposed to your boy Richie who is, what exactly?
Possibly the best in the world.
Come up with a list of guys who are better!
The pool is shallow.
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@Derpus Ordinarily you'd look to the World Champs to provide an option - but, I thought Faf was the guy driving the Springboks and Pollard was very subsidiary.
Edit: I agree Richie still has plenty to prove - I just don't see anyone who is compellingly better - unless it's Beauden.
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@Chris-B said in Players to build the team around?:
@canefan Yeah - I keep thinking I must have overlooked someone obvious.
Barrett is better.
Although I think he is currently injured, Pollard is miles better.
Although I hate him, Farrell is better.
Sexton is better.
Ntamack is probably better, and that's not discussing Sanchez either.
You're a good fluffybunny, but you've swallowed all of the Crusaders coolaid if you think Mo'unga is the best 10 in the world.
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@Chris-B Faf certainly slowed the ball down and controlled the pace with his Box kicks, but any playmaking that did happen came off Pollard. He also defends well in his own channel and kicks well out of hand and from the T.
Farrell is also better, he's just not as flashy. He's absolutely core to what England do though. In your face rush defence starts with him.
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@Derpus I'd choose Farrell ahead of Pollard - and I'd certainly agree there's a case for him being the best - especially if you're playing a bit of 10 man rugby.
@gt12 I actually can't remember seeing Ntamack - but, he's just a kid. A 21 year old first five who's the best? Maybe..?
Sanchez isn't in the conversation IMO.
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Dear Richie
If you read this thread don’t worry about some old codger @Chris-B. Sure he’s triggered a few with his musings, keep working on your game. Defence has improved but let’s get that kicking game going and varying your depth in attack. Chip kick use sparingly and find touch aye bro.
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@Chris-B said in Players to build the team around?:
@Derpus I'd choose Farrell ahead of Pollard - and I'd certainly agree there's a case for him being the best - especially if you're playing a bit of 10 man rugby.
@gt12 I actually can't remember seeing Ntamack - but, he's just a kid. A 21 year old first five who's the best? Maybe..?
> Sanchez isn't in the conversation IMO.
He was easily the best 10 on the park last weekend, yet you are the one arguing that Mo'unga is the best in the world. That was kind of my point.
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@gt12 Yeah - but Richie has probably outplayed him on every other occasion that they've met. He may even have been better on Saturday, but I don't think I can bring myself to check!
I'm not really arguing that Richie is an absolute gun first five, just that no-one else is either - except maybe Beauden and Richie is being preferred to him.
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@Chris-B said in Players to build the team around?:
@Derpus I'd choose Farrell ahead of Pollard - and I'd certainly agree there's a case for him being the best - especially if you're playing a bit of 10 man rugby.
@gt12 I actually can't remember seeing Ntamack - but, he's just a kid. A 21 year old first five who's the best? Maybe..?
Sanchez isn't in the conversation IMO.
He has the same number of test starts as Mounga (14) and is 5 years younger.
