AB bolters thread
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="hydro11" data-cid="579576" data-time="1463139370"><p>They will take 2 opensides, Read and Kaino. Personally, I think Luatua has to make it. It's tempting to take Dixon but Vito is still around. I would probably find a spot for Dixon but I don't think it is clear cut.</p></blockquote>
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Vito is surely out of the picture - a guy already signed for overseas who has been mailing it in for most of Super Rugby.<br><br>
I'm a Luatua and Blues fan but i'm not sure he 'has' to make it over Dixon. Dixon is playing bloody well and can cover 6, lock and 8. -
<p>Vito is out of the picture. Dixon has shown in last years Super Rugby semi and final that he has what it takes and has backed it up this season</p>
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<p>If Read was to go down injured , who starts at 8 ? </p>
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<p>This is where I see Vito as a loss , a genuine 8 now IMO </p> -
Whitelock the younger.....
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<p>Let's not lose the run of ourselves.</p>
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<p>Whitelock L has had 2 excellent games in my time watching him play: the Reds (for the Crusaders) 2 seasons back I think, and last night.</p>
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<p>He's not yet the 2nd best 8 in NZ.</p>
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<p>Ye olde loose forward AB squad selections is going to be mighty interesting.</p> -
I have Dixon as the 2nd best 6 in the country right now, behind the kaino of 2015. He's better than the next best available 8 in the country, who is probably squire. If they take 5 or 6 specialist loose forwards then he's in. If they want a guy to be a hybrid lock, 6 and 8 or a guy to cover a loose forward positions then that's a different story.
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Provincial Stalwart" data-cid="579601" data-time="1463167941">
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<p>I have Dixon as the 2nd best 6 in the country right now, behind the kaino of 2015. He's better than the next best available 8 in the country, who is probably squire. If they take 5 or 6 specialist loose forwards then he's in. If they want a guy to be a hybrid lock, 6 and 8 or a guy to cover a loose forward positions then that's a different story.</p>
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<p>Yeah, if they want a 6/8/Lock it has to be Luatua, who in fairness has been in decent enough form.</p>
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<p>I didn't realise until recently that kaino is 33, so a succession plan definitely needs to be put in place at 6.</p>
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<p>Taufua wasn't bad, but dixon was better i think.</p> -
Don't understand the love for luatua. He looked better than he actually was in 2013 due to playing for unbeaten all blacks. He turned up unfit for the blues in 2014, got his public humiliation that june running wind sprints, picked for the 2014 rugby championship after a lock injury crisis (BBBR and PT were crocked) and has been an ex all black ever since. He's as hard as a marshmallow and we have better young lock / 6 options.
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Provincial Stalwart" data-cid="579604" data-time="1463168586"><p>Don't understand the love for luatua. He looked better than he actually was in 2013 due to playing for unbeaten all blacks. He turned up unfit for the blues in 2014, got his public humiliation that june running wind sprints, picked for the 2014 rugby championship after a lock injury crisis (BBBR and PT were crocked) and has been an ex all black ever since. He's as hard as a marshmallow and we have better young lock / 6 options.</p></blockquote>
That's a bit unfair as he has been in excellent form this year! Probably blues best player this year -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Provincial Stalwart" data-cid="579604" data-time="1463168586"><p>
Don't understand the love for luatua. He looked better than he actually was in 2013 due to playing for unbeaten all blacks. He turned up unfit for the blues in 2014, got his public humiliation that june running wind sprints, picked for the 2014 rugby championship after a lock injury crisis (BBBR and PT were crocked) and has been an ex all black ever since. He's as hard as a marshmallow and we have better young lock / 6 options.</p></blockquote>
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That's harsh. Frankly I disagree entirely. -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="kiwiinmelb" data-cid="579595" data-time="1463164199"><p>If Read was to go down injured , who starts at 8 ? <br>
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This is where I see Vito as a loss , a genuine 8 now IMO<br></p></blockquote>
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Where is the value in picking Vito when he's buggering off overseas? IMO ABs are better off developing another 8 option, or at least seeing if someone can play there (think Dixon/Luatua/Squire etc). -
I think there's a kid called akira ioane who's earmarked for that trial sometime this year.<br><br>
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Blindside is where we station our pack enforcer. Jerry Collins, Jerome kaino. I don't picture luatua as capable of providing that muscle. <br><br>
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An enforcer job is certainly a role Dixon doesn't mind taking on. He's absolutely fantastic.
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Provincial Stalwart" data-cid="579647" data-time="1463183614">
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<p><strong>Blindside is where we station our pack enforcer</strong>. Jerry Collins, Jerome kaino. I don't picture luatua as capable of providing that muscle.<br><br>
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<p>Yeah but Rueben Thorne and Taine Randell have played there too.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="kiwiinmelb" data-cid="579595" data-time="1463164199"><p>If Read was to go down injured , who starts at 8 ? <br><br>
This is where I see Vito as a loss , a genuine 8 now IMO</p></blockquote>
Kaino with Luatua to the blindside. After Rio it will be Akira as Read's understudy. Massive upsides to him.<br><br>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="MN5" data-cid="579649" data-time="1463184744"><p>Yeah but Rueben Thorne and Taine Randell have played there too.</p></blockquote>
Yeah but Jamie Joseph and cowboy Shaw. <br><br>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Provincial Stalwart" data-cid="579660" data-time="1463188088">
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<p>Yeah but <strong>Jamie Joseph</strong> and cowboy Shaw.</p>
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<p>Standing on an opposition player's hand is not really the enforcement we're looking for. :)</p> -
Cowboy Shaw was known to help old ladies across the road though. And it was only kyran Bracken's hand (by JJ)<br><br>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="KiwiMurph" data-cid="579619" data-time="1463174557">
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<p>Where is the value in picking Vito when he's buggering off overseas? IMO ABs are better off developing another 8 option, or at least seeing if someone can play there (think Dixon/Luatua/Squire etc).</p>
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<p>Nah I wasnt suggesting they pick him , just saying he is a bit of a loss , not so much as a bench option , but as a starting 8 option if it was needed </p>
