AB RWC Squad
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@cgrant Yeah, Ennor is the closest thing to Ioane, so worth a selection. If Ioane was playing at Enmor's level, there'd be calls he's not a centre's arsehole though eh.
Would have liked to have seen Faingaanuku tried at centre if he was staying.
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@Bovidae said in AB RWC Squad predictions:
They could use LF as the centre against Uruguay and Namibia. He does lack some top-end pace as a winger.
I think that Williams and Laulala are clearly the 3rd choice options at prop. I don't think you can select Moody with not playing in so long. If he does get the nod then one of the above misses out.
Ofa cemented his place today. Last propping spot between Tamaiti and Moody. I suspect latter will go if fit.
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For me the real question is midfield.
I don't see ALB as starting 12. Prefer Goodhue, although I suspect Havilli will be TWM's back up for Jordie. Agree that Ennor closest like for like for Roane, but suspect ALB will get nod for bench role.
Slim chance of five midfielders, in which case it's Leicester OR Caleb.
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Pretty clear that there is a list of "essential players" now, whose injury would pose a huge risk to the WC campaign. Depth in the forwards has improved a lot. Would still hate to lose one of the top three locks. Savea in that category too.
Lomax
Smith
J Barrett
R Ioane -
@Chris-B almost tempted to take Newall over Laulala
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@Steven-Harris said in AB RWC Squad predictions:
@Chris-B
almosttemptedtotake Newall over Laulala -
@Steven-Harris said in AB RWC Squad predictions:
@Chris-B almost tempted to take Newall over Laulala
Yeah I don't really see what Laulala offers and I feel he's lived a pretty charmed life in black. Tough on him, but Newell has waltzed in and looked right at home.
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@Bones said in AB RWC Squad predictions:
@Steven-Harris said in AB RWC Squad predictions:
@Chris-B almost tempted to take Newall over Laulala
Yeah I don't really see what Laulala offers and I feel he's lived a pretty charmed life in black. Tough on him, but Newell has waltzed in and looked right at home.
The irony is, wasn't he picked over Franks at the last World Cup for his mobility/work around the field?
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@Bones said in AB RWC Squad predictions:
@Steven-Harris said in AB RWC Squad predictions:
@Chris-B almost tempted to take Newall over Laulala
Yeah I don't really see what Laulala offers and I feel he's lived a pretty charmed life in black. Tough on him, but Newell has waltzed in and looked right at home.
The THs will be Nepo, Lomax and Fletch. The rest have all been playing LH.
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@Steven-Harris said in AB RWC Squad predictions:
@Chris-B almost tempted to take Newall over Laulala
I've got both of them - on the strength of last night Fletch will be on the bench for the big games.
I think Williams will be the one to miss out if Moody is fit.
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@Chris-B said in AB RWC Squad predictions:
@Steven-Harris said in AB RWC Squad predictions:
@Chris-B almost tempted to take Newall over Laulala
I've got both of them - on the strength of last night Fletch will be on the bench for the big games.
The top 4 props are certain now. de Groot and Lomax start. Ofa and Newell are on the bench.
I'll be curious to see if they also use Ofa as a TH at the RWC, even in the minnow games.
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@Bones said in AB RWC Squad predictions:
@Steven-Harris said in AB RWC Squad predictions:
@Chris-B almost tempted to take Newall over Laulala
Yeah I don't really see what Laulala offers and I feel he's lived a pretty charmed life in black. Tough on him, but Newell has waltzed in and looked right at home.
Christie too
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@BerniesCorner said in AB RWC Squad predictions:
@Tim Smith probably most vital player in the squad, followed by JB and Savea.
Scott Barrett is the best player in the squad on current form.
Ardie on his day too. He was a terminator in Bled II.
