AB bolters thread
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Yeah for me Todd is a bit like Sopoaga. Either he starts or he is not in the 23. But I would start him ahead of Savea if cane was unavailable.
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="hydro11" data-cid="576944" data-time="1462355808">
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<p>The more I think about this squad, the less I think there will be too many surprises. If I look at the loose forwards we have Read, Cane and Kaino the definites. Luatua will be there to back up lock, <strong>Vito should be there</strong> and then you have Savea (although Todd would also do a good job). No real room for Blade Thompson, Dixon or even Akira Ioane even if he was available. I feel the same way about the likes of James Lowe - it's hard to squeeze them in even if they are playing up to standard.</p>
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<p>4th lock, last prop, last hooker, last midfield or outside back are probably the main debates. There could be surprises elsewhere but I'm not expecting them.</p>
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<p>Vito is gone. Absolutely no point picking him when there are players in the wings ready to be tested.</p>
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<p>And I think they will go for an enlarged squad (ie 35 maybe). With positions up for grabs and multiple candidates, why not get as many as possible in camp to get a good look up close.</p> -
<p>Hansen has already said the squad is limited to 32 (36 for the EOYT I think). They might be allowed to invite a few more along informally.</p>
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<p>I agree that Vito is a waste of a pick.</p> -
<p>Shame about Vito , </p>
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<p>Been watching him a bit more recently , cant help but feel with him leaving we never quite got to see the best of him . </p>
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<p>Right now he is in his prime and I believe he would make a very good test number 8 , </p>
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<p>The problems with depth sometimes. </p> -
<p>Id like to see Elliot Dixon in there somewhere. He offers the perfect mix of hardness/mobility for a blindside flanker and I remember thinking after the Canes lost the final last year that he was by far the best player on the pitch. He has been immense for the Landers recently and I believe he deserves a shot. I would have him way ahead of guys like Taufua. Infact id have a guy like B Thomson before Taufua. He just seems to be too small for an International no 6.</p>
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<p>never thought Taufua was that small, but then I googled him...</p>
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<p>[attachment=2020:Capture.JPG]</p>
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His BMI must be off the charts!!
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<p>That's Wikipedia for you. Lies.</p>
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<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://crusaders.co.nz/the-team/jordan-taufua '>http://crusaders.co.nz/the-team/jordan-taufua </a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>100kg</p>
<p>185 cm.</p>
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<p>Too small for International standards IMO.</p>
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<p>Does anyone else see him more of an open-side than a blindside. I reckon he could be superb there. </p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Canes4life" data-cid="577183" data-time="1462440236">
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<p>That's Wikipedia for you. Lies.</p>
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<p>never, the information on Wiki is from such reliable sources! </p> -
<p>I think I believe the Crusaders website more though. :yes:</p>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Canes4life" data-cid="577186" data-time="1462440496">
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<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://crusaders.co.nz/the-team/jordan-taufua '>http://crusaders.co.nz/the-team/jordan-taufua </a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>100kg</p>
<p>185 cm.</p>
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<p>Too small for International standards IMO.</p>
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<p>Does anyone else see him more of an open-side than a blindside. I reckon he could be superb there. </p>
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<p>Lol Nepia will be all over this post if/when he sees it.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Canes4life" data-cid="577186" data-time="1462440496">
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<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://crusaders.co.nz/the-team/jordan-taufua '>http://crusaders.co.nz/the-team/jordan-taufua </a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>100kg</p>
<p>185 cm.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Too small for International standards IMO.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Does anyone else see him more of an open-side than a blindside. I reckon he could be superb there. </p>
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<p>Another 5kg would be handy. He could be a Chris Masoe type bench player for higher honours. He certainly plays like he is bigger.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="mikedogz" data-cid="577203" data-time="1462443675">
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<p>Another 5kg would be handy. He could be a Chris Masoe type bench player for higher honours. He certainly plays like he is bigger.</p>
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<p>Taufua's more than 100kg.</p>
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<p>105kgs minimum - probably more.</p> -
<p>Even at 105kg or so he would be a great 7.</p>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Canes4life" data-cid="577174" data-time="1462439842">
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<p>Id like to see Elliot Dixon in there somewhere. He offers the perfect mix of hardness/mobility for a blindside flanker and I remember thinking after the Canes lost the final last year that he was by far the best player on the pitch. He has been immense for the Landers recently and I believe he deserves a shot. I would have him way ahead of guys like Taufua. <strong>In fact id have a guy like B Thomson before Taufua. </strong>He just seems to be too small for an International no 6.</p>
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<p>That's somewhat optimistic of you given he is not currently being named to hold a starting position in the Hurricanes. Is he carrying a minor niggle that is too big a risk to take naming him to start?</p> -
<p>The problem for Thomson is that he is so versatile. He can play lock, 6 and No 8 and I guess not playing consistently in one position is his downfall when it comes to test selection, where the selectors only really need one player like that in the test squad. Personally i believe he is a better player than Shields but because he can cover so many positions he is therefore used where ever he is needed. I think the side would look better if Thomson started but I guess the coaches see him as an impact player. Coming off the bench doesn't reduce his importance to the side because he has a skill set and work-rate that would do wonders on the international scene. If you go back and watch the Canes vs Crusaders games over the last two years Thomson had Read's number on both of those occasions.</p>
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<p>I also feel when Vito leaves he will have the opportunity to nail down that No 8 spot and I believe we will the see the best out of him getting consistent game time in one position.</p>
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<p>just a wee snippit of him at 8 where I think he plays best. :yes:</p>
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<p>You have got me confused. Both the locks named to start against the Lions and the Sharks have also been touted as lock/blindside versatile yet Thompson is currently unable to usurp them for a starting spot. Are you implying that Fatialofa and Fifita are both better locks than Thompson but Thompson is a significantly better blindside than the other two are better than him at lock?</p>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Higgins" data-cid="577234" data-time="1462450597">
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<p>You have got me confused. Both the locks named to start against the Lions and the Sharks have also been touted as lock/blindside versatile yet Thompson is currently unable to usurp them for a starting spot. Are you implying that Fatialofa and Fifita are both better locks than Thompson but Thompson is a significantly better blindside than the other two are better than him at lock?</p>
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<p>I think Fifita is slightly better than Thompson. And he can play 8, 6 or lock. Bit short for lock though 1.96 and Thompson is slightly taller 1.98. But both are good</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Chris B." data-cid="577207" data-time="1462445670"><p>
Taufua's more than 100kg.<br><br>
105kgs minimum - probably more.</p></blockquote>
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He's noticeably gained weight this year, one of the more solid loosies in our pack when watching live.
