Canes vs Jags
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<p>I've been very impressed by Laumape so far this season. He has rarely put a foot wrong on both attack and defense and he has the potential to take his game up a notch or two as the season progresses. He reminds me of a young Ma'a Nonu. All the power in the world but has to find that distribution game to eventually become a world class player. </p>
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<p>He is going to be a long term Hurricane so it is important the Canes find a suitable partner that can offer more in the way of kicking and distribution. I like the look of Peter Umaga Jensen (NZ schools captain in 2015), like his uncle Tana he has the physical presence and skill set to go a long way in rugby. Apparently Umaga Jensen has been carrying players on his back in the early rounds of Wellington club rugby - great signs for a future Hurricanes star.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Canes4life" data-cid="571285" data-time="1460258754">
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<p>I've been very impressed by Laumape so far this season. He has rarely put a foot wrong on both attack and defense and he has the potential to take his game up a notch or two as the season progresses. He reminds me of a young Ma'a Nonu. All the power in the world but has to find that distribution game to eventually become a world class player. </p>
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<p>He is going to be a long term Hurricane so it is important the Canes find a suitable partner that can offer more in the way of kicking and distribution. I like the look of Peter Umaga Jensen (NZ schools captain in 2015), like his uncle Tana he has the physical presence and skill set to go a long way in rugby. <strong>Apparently Umaga Jensen has been carrying players on his back in the early rounds of Wellington club rugby - great signs for a future Hurricanes star.</strong></p>
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<p>Nice of him to help them out but even at club level players really need to learn to stand on their own two feet if they are gonna last.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="hydro11" data-cid="571264" data-time="1460249392">
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<p>Laumape is fine, I think. Halaholo vs Aso I'm not sure about.</p>
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<p>I'm not convinced about Laumape yet. He needs to take a look at his tackling options I reckon. Several times he went for a ball-and-all tackle that just allowed the ball carrier to carve off an additional 10 metres before going to ground which just put everybody else under pressure. He should take their legs and let someone else worry about covering the offload.</p> -
<p>I'm with Higgins that there isn't a lot of creativity in the Canes attack (especially the midfield). Watched the first half from behind the posts where it is obvious that there is very little manipulation going on to create space and use it.</p>
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<p>Considering the Canes do pretty well on the scoreboard maybe their method of play works well but it seems to me that their current MO is to play the basics and use the firepower to take advantage of field position or defensive errors. Whether that is enough to win a title will be seen.</p>
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<p>The midfield are partly the issue in this but probably just because being new, the strategy is to not overcomplicate things.</p>
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<p>BTW I didn't think much of BBs control of the game or kicking from hand, especially clearances. Stands way to deep and only gets the ball to around the 22 max.</p> -
<p>I almost started a new thread for this to put a spotlight on him but will just make this small post instead.</p>
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<p>How good is Blade Thomson! Strong game on the weekend. 17 line out catches this season. 2 tries already. </p>
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<p>I have him down as the 3rd best lock in the country at the moment all things considered and would include him in the AB training squad as an "Apprentice" or some junior learning role.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="hurricane" data-cid="571604" data-time="1460366670">
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<p>I almost started a new thread for this to put a spotlight on him but will just make this small post instead.</p>
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<p>How good is Blade Thomson! Strong game on the weekend. 17 line out catches this season. 2 tries already. </p>
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<p>I have him down as the 3rd best lock in the country at the moment all things considered and would include him in the AB training squad as an "Apprentice" or some junior learning role.</p>
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<p>I totally agree re Thomson. He deserves a crack in the A.Bs. More than a junior role though I reckon. He would be my loose forward/lock cover over a guy like Luatua. I like the look of Elliot Dixon from the highlanders aswell. Both players are very similar and I wouldn't be surprised if both of them made the test side this year.</p>
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<p>My All Black loose forwards would be:</p>
<p>1. Blade Thomson - replaces Victor Vito</p>
<p>2. Sam Cane</p>
<p>3. Jerome Kaino</p>
<p>4. Keiran Read</p>
<p>5. Elliot Dixon - replaces Liam Messam</p>
<p>6. Ardie Savea - replaces King Richie McCaw</p> -
<p>when you write it out like that, it's a pretty underwhelming lineup</p>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="mariner4life" data-cid="571659" data-time="1460415704">
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<p>when you write it out like that, it's a pretty underwhelming lineup</p>
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<p>Funny how the same data can be interpreted completely differently.</p>
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<p>I was reading down that list and had a smile on my face thinking 'Niiiiiiiiiice' and then I read your post and was surprised. Sure it would be nice if there was a Mr McCaw, I agree</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="MN5" data-cid="571662" data-time="1460415917">
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<p>With a name like Blade he has to be tough though doesn't he ?</p>
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<p>His name isn't Sue.</p> -
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Hooroo" data-cid="571661" data-time="1460415869">
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<p>Funny how the same data can be interpreted completely differently.</p>
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<p>I was reading down that list and had a smile on my face thinking 'Niiiiiiiiiice' and then I read your post and was surprised. Sure it would be nice if there was a Mr McCaw, I agree</p>
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<p>Agreed.</p>
<p>Expectations of All Black loose forwards are <em>extremely</em> high.</p>
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<p>I'm happy to see both Dixon and Thomson make the cut. Dixon looks to have the better skill set but Thomson is a genuine 6/lock. Sure they could be the next X Rush and J Gibbes, but there have been plenty of good provincial players who have gone on to be good test players.</p> -
<p>I know he doesn't have the experience levels others do in the 6/lock role but Vaea Fifita could be a bolter if they are only looking at this stage for a project to bring into camp.</p>
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<p>I would say that the AB selectors would be very interested in getting a hold of him to see how he goes/what he is like etc. The guy is a farkin huge. Well tall enough to be effective at lock. Has enough size for contact and has the athleticism to get around the park at 6.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Frank" data-cid="571688" data-time="1460422224">
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<p><strong>Blade Thomson is too light for a starting lock role </strong>- really like his play though.</p>
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<p>Beauden Barrett is absolutely dreaming if he is thinking he is anywhere near the starting 10 for the ABs.</p>
<p>Cruden and Sopoaga are miles ahead.</p>
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<p>Well Ian Jones was a light bloke. Still I guess the game has moved on in terms of the types of players suited to fill roles?</p>
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<p>I will note that he plays like a big man (Thomson).</p> -
Re Barrett: Yes his clearance kicking from in goal is absolutely shit house. He basically gives the opposition a line out within the 22 every damn time.
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Rancid Schnitzel" data-cid="571727" data-time="1460432718">
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<p>Re Barrett: Yes his clearance kicking from in goal is absolutely shit house. He basically gives the opposition a line out within the 22 every damn time.</p>
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<p>His overall kicking in general leaves everyone nervous. He is so inconsistent and that is why he is probably only going to be seen as a super sub on the test scene from now on. Or at least until he sorts the boot out.</p> -
<p>TBF...he is a pretty damned good super-sub whichever way you cut it!</p>
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<p>He's the best super-sub we've ever had!</p>
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I think Cruden has an absolute lock on the ab 10 jumper now. I reckon he'll keep it warm until McKenzie takes over.
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Rancid Schnitzel" data-cid="571756" data-time="1460456873">
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<p>I think Cruden has an absolute lock on the ab 10 jumper now. I reckon he'll keep it warm until McKenzie takes over.</p>
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<p>Hmm, I can only be convinced if Cruden is going to show some consistently good goal kicking. If not, I'd say Sopoaga has a good chance.</p>
