Players to build the team around?
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Personal opinion...
I think Mckenzie could be the best 10 in the country if given the chance.
He only got one start at 10 for the AB's where he destroyed the french in one of the most complete performances at fly half. To the point that I believe that game inspired the dual playmaker system because the coaches wanted to get him and Beauden involved regularly touching the ball ('want your best players touching the ball often' something along those lines from a Hansen quote at the time).
This all fell apart when Mckenzie got injured in 2019 and they had to migrate that to Mounga/Beauden with Beauden going from 3 years at 10 to jumping in at fullback in a world cup year.
Or maybe I'm remembering everything wrong and I'm a moron.
Either way, I'd like to see Mckenzie get a shot at 10 with the AB pack in front of him.
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@junior said in Players to build the team around?:
@Chris-B said in Players to build the team around?:
@gt12 said in Players to build the team around?:
By the way, I wasn't necessarily trying to start a 'dump Mo'unga' discussion, just trying to further my point that this 'picking both' selection policy isn't working.
At the core of that is the idea that we are better with 'dual playmakers,' but there is not much evidence to support that as a strategy for starting matches.
We've done well with it when we've used explosive individuals with playmaking ability late in games - primarily Barrett and then Mackenzie.
Yeah, I know. And it may go back to the thing that (I think it was you posted) about us trying to pick pairs.
The thing about Mo'unga's missed tackle is that he's not the first or last first five they've tried to hide on defense. And he is nowhere close to the likes of DC in defense.
What Mo'unga does do - better than anyone else, IMO - is play well in traffic. He's Carlos Mk II. So with a rush defense, I think his catch, pass, run decisions/execution are better than pretty much anyone. He's also got fantastic acceleration - at least close to Barrett, even if he doesn't have quite the top end speed.
He's been sub-par when playing against the rush defence, just like everyone else. His ability in traffic is a bit of a red herring because one of the objectives of the rush defence - other than catching a ball-carrier in midfield begins the advantage line - is to force the attacking team back into channel 1 / 2 where the defensive backrow can again go smash and force a turnover. We don't therefore need a midget chopping back in when forced (you're better served by taking that space first with some bulk a la SBW circa Lions I). In any event, he hasn't exactly been using his footwork to beat the rush defence, as he's been as guilty as BB of taking the ball flat footed and shovelling shit to his midfield.
I don't necessarily agree completely, but it's a well made point.
I don't think anyone has solved the rush defense, but I think Richie offers more potential than most - and probably more with the right coaching team around him!!!
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@Machpants said in Players to build the team around?:
As another aside, I’m worried Wales will ditch their coach by the end of the year - and Razor will be on his way to get the ‘required’ international experience. Leaving us stuck with Foster or A N Other coach not contracted until RWC
If he signs, who else is free this side of RWC 2023? JJ/TB are tied up, Rennie of course, Gatland has the Lions. We have made our bed as they say and now we must lie in it. Look forward to 2027 peoples....
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@Machpants said in Players to build the team around?:
That was my point, we might be stuck with Foster or a real noob! Hopefully Razor will be happy to hang on one more year for his guaranteed ABs post
Umaga and Mauger 😀
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@Crazy-Horse said in Players to build the team around?:
@Machpants said in Players to build the team around?:
That was my point, we might be stuck with Foster or a real noob! Hopefully Razor will be happy to hang on one more year for his guaranteed ABs post
Umaga and Mauger 😀
dont forget Hammett
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@Kruse said in Players to build the team around?:
@Derpus said in Players to build the team around?:
all time arsehole 15
Have we done that thread yet?
Fitzy's on both lists
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@nzzp said in Players to build the team around?:
@Kruse said in Players to build the team around?:
@Derpus said in Players to build the team around?:
all time arsehole 15
Have we done that thread yet?
Fitzy's on both lists
A fair bit of competition for that #2 jersey, I'd say.
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@Kruse said in Players to build the team around?:
@nzzp said in Players to build the team around?:
@Kruse said in Players to build the team around?:
@Derpus said in Players to build the team around?:
all time arsehole 15
Have we done that thread yet?
Fitzy's on both lists
A fair bit of competition for that #2 jersey, I'd say.
maybe thats why im unpopular
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@Machpants said in Players to build the team around?:
As another aside, I’m worried Wales will ditch their coach by the end of the year - and Razor will be on his way to get the ‘required’ international experience. Leaving us stuck with Foster or A N Other coach not contracted until RWC
That is the most depressing thing that has happened today, and I have literally just come home from a funeral.
