Canes vs Jags
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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> -
<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>
<p> </p>
<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> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="booboo" data-cid="571761" data-time="1460459670">
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<p>Cruden's goal kicking has been pretty much 100% consistent this year.</p>
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<p>Lol, you mean consistently not kicking?</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Stargazer" data-cid="571758" data-time="1460458717">
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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>
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<p>Sopoaga has said the the AB coaches have told him that in order to fit better with the game they play he needs to take on the line more. This is where Cruden (and BB) have it all over him.</p>
<p>Sopoaga has also said that doesn't necessarily fit with the gameplans of the Highlanders and he isn't going to go against those only to enhance his AB chances.</p>
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<p>As for goalkicking, Rennie has also stated that AC will take up the kicking duties after the bye. AC has said he is dead keen to take on the responsibility. His goalkicking comeback was delayed a little bit by D Mac being on a good roll.</p>
