All Blacks 2024
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@Duluth said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:
Not specifically talking about Lam, but isn’t there more need for utilities in a smaller squad? There’s more room for specialists who aren’t starters in a larger squad
In general I would agree but I think in this scenario there's enough utility already. ALB, Jordie, Proctor can play 12. ALB, Rieko and Proctor can play 13.
Note if they pick Plummer, Poihipi or Havili as the 3rd 10 they can also cover 12.
Rieko covers wing in addition to the likely 3-4 wingers they will pick.
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@mariner4life said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:
@Chris-B said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:
My personal pick is David Havili over Billy Proctor
TBF i will join them at the pitchfork and torch shed for that one
Havili is a non-entity and his utility value is a myth.
@mariner4life said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:
@Chris-B said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:
My personal pick is David Havili over Billy Proctor
TBF i will join them at the pitchfork and torch shed for that one
Havili is a non-entity and his utility value is a myth.
That’s not true.
He’s equally underwhelming no matter what position he plays.
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@mariner4life said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:
there really isn't the need for "utilities" in the back line. Nearly everyone can play in more than one position. The only value BBarrett brings is he covers 10 and 15. ALB covers both midfields. You can stick anyone on a wing
Picking a guy because he's put a 15 and a 12 jersey on before is flawed thinking.
I agree with that completely.
Giving someone credit because they can "play somewhere in a pinch" isn't sound. The question really should be - are you happy to start them there.
In Havili's case, he's a second five. He's played fuck all at fullback in recent years. And he's clearly not as good as Jordie. He may or may not be the next best second five - he's in a pack of contenders - but he doesn't cover the midfield anywhere near as well as ALB, so he's not going to be in the 23 barring injury. And he's a known quantity.
Simply for "political" reasons, if I were Razor I wouldn't pick him for this squad. He's not a must have, and there's more to be learned by picking someone new.
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Some of these posts are downright weird, from the dark corners of people's imaginations. One thing is obvious though, a lot of you have been severely traumatized by the Crusader's success over the years. As well as conveniently forgetting, the head coach is from the Bay, Holland is a former Canes coach, and MacDonald is Blues coach. My fear is that the deserving Crusaders players won't get a fair shake because of the poor performance of the team. I remember a whole bunch of Blues players in the ABs when they were playing shite though so maybe it'll be OK.
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@Old-Samurai-Jack said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:
deserving Crusaders players won't get a fair shake
Feel free to put some specific names here.
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@KiwiMurph said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:
@Old-Samurai-Jack said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:
deserving Crusaders players won't get a fair shake
Feel free to put some specific names here.
Sevu Reece, Codie Taylor, anyone else standout this year? Jamie Hannah looks very good but probably too early for him.
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@Old-Samurai-Jack said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:
Some of these posts are downright weird, from the dark corners of people's imaginations. One thing is obvious though, a lot of you have been severely traumatized by the Crusader's success over the years. As well as conveniently forgetting, the head coach is from the Bay, Holland is a former Canes coach, and MacDonald is Blues coach. My fear is that the deserving Crusaders players won't get a fair shake because of the poor performance of the team. I remember a whole bunch of Blues players in the ABs when they were playing shite though so maybe it'll be OK.
you do have to question how deserving, Highlander have been shit and lived with 1-2 players in the AB's squad
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@KiwiMurph said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:
@Old-Samurai-Jack said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:
deserving Crusaders players won't get a fair shake
Feel free to put some specific names here.
I'd give Ethan Blackadder one more chance to stay injury free.
He was all over the Blues last timethey played. -
With only 32 players being named they will use the two Māori games as an opportunity to give some fringe AB players a chance to play at a higher level and be ready if needed. Obviously not all players are eligible but in some positions like halfback, midfield, outside backs and loose forward there are plenty that will be in the next tier of players. The same will apply for the AB XV later in the year.
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The Crusaders will have a fair representation in the forwards. Taylor and Barrett obviously, but their props are excellent as well. Blackadder is a definitely maybe, but in my mind his resume and ceiling isn't enough to overlook the fact he is older and made of glass.
Outside of Reece, who in their backline is even close to good enough? 12 months ago maybe, but now? -
@mariner4life said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:
Blackadder is a definitely maybe
His nickname should be Oasis
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Lam has made every post a winner for the Blues this year at 12 but he has played a very direct and straight style at 12 ( as per game plan). I have yet to see if he can play a passing game or a draw and pass game at a consistently good level. It depends on the way the ABs plan to play but I expect then to want more than what Lam has shown this year.
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@mariner4life said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:
@Chris-B said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:
My personal pick is David Havili over Billy Proctor
TBF i will join them at the pitchfork and torch shed for that one
Havili is a non-entity and his utility value is a myth.
My uncle’s mate said he saw Havili in Wellington carrying a large keg that was marked special powder circa 2020
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@Crazy-Horse said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:
Lam has made every post a winner for the Blues this year at 12 but he has played a very direct and straight style at 12 ( as per game plan). I have yet to see if he can play a passing game or a draw and pass game at a consistently good level. It depends on the way the ABs plan to play but I expect then to want more than what Lam has shown this year.
Agree. For me Lam is an excellent winger that can play a direct running type of game closer in. And because the Blues have two AB wingers, his value means he’s too good for the Blues not to pick.
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@mariner4life said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:
The Crusaders will have a fair representation in the forwards. Taylor and Barrett obviously, but their props are excellent as well. Blackadder is a definitely maybe, but in my mind his resume and ceiling isn't enough to overlook the fact he is older and made of glass.
Outside of Reece, who in their backline is even close to good enough? 12 months ago maybe, but now?Other than McLeod being in a bucket of about 4 players that would be in consideration of a utility spot, given that he’s been in the squad recently - None.
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@Chris-B pitchforks have already sold out across the greater Wellington region, we are ready to go come Monday night!
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Everyone here is picking "the best 32 players" or really, in most cases "the obvious ones plus my favourites"
I hope we are miles wrong and the coaches have a very specific way they want to play, and pick the players who will play best in that system. And then come out and fucking say it.
Would be a refreshing change -
@mariner4life said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:
Everyone here is picking "the best 32 players" or really, in most cases "the obvious ones plus my favourites"
It makes for some pretty good and funny entertainment though
