All Blacks vs Wales
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Toddy" data-cid="583721" data-time="1464498210">
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<p><span style="color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Midfield looks the biggest worry. Some real talented individuals but how they gel at test will be interesting. Would feel a lot better if SBW wasn't away with the 7's team.</span></p>
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<p>With all the usual (condescending) caveats about it only being the NH, only the Pro 12, only Connacht, only Pat Lam as coach etc, but if Bundee Aki returned to NZ and played with the form he has this season, I think he would be right in the mix. In saying that he's more of a 12 than a 13, and I expect SBW to have a lock on the jersey if he's genuinely signed on until 2019.</p> -
<p>thing is, there are plenty of examples of players that head off-shore and flourish, there ar eprobably a number of reasons for it.</p>
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<p>I know you said if he continued his current form, but we also know the path from the NH back home is one that is well trodden, and even then, players get lost and dont find the form they have in the NH or before they left.</p>
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<p>Overall, pretty happy with the squad, a couple of suprises, but not huge ones</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="rotated" data-cid="583662" data-time="1464477595"><p>That's got to be a wee bit crushing for Cane. Hansen has been talking about Cane is the model for how they have brought guys through ready to be full time contributors without missing a beat. Now he's basically been told before camp begins that all that's happened with Richie going is he is going to play the first 40 minutes instead of the last 30 (assuming that is the Smith/SBW model).<br><br>
Cane has the motor and has earned the right to be playing Richie minutes.</p></blockquote>
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Does it mean that Cane will be subbed? It was often Nonu who stayed on.. <br><br>
It could be that Cane will be asked to do a Richie and move to 6.<br><br>
Overall, good squad. I'm surprised that Luatua isn't in it though - Squire over him was a surprise. Interesting to see if he sticks around or if it's a 'get a look at him' selection. Maybe Luatua is a known quantity?<br><br>
Bit of a kick in the ass for TJP! -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Billy Tell" data-cid="583740" data-time="1464502880"><p>With all the usual (condescending) caveats about it only being the NH, only the Pro 12, only Connacht, only Pat Lam as coach etc, but if Bundee Aki returned to NZ and played with the form he has this season, I think he would be right in the mix. In saying that he's more of a 12 than a 13, and I expect SBW to have a lock on the jersey if he's genuinely signed on until 2019.</p></blockquote>
Aki has been hugely impressive over here. Best 12 in Europe by a country mile IMHO. -
<p>Episode 1 of the Wales Summer Tour starts this afternoon at HQ.</p>
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<p>Gatland has picked an experienced and established 23.</p>
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<p>Notable absentees are Charteris, Warburton & J Davies.</p>
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<p>England by no means a pushover but if we don't dominate and win by scoring tries, then we can kiss any hope of avoiding an embarrassing whitewash south of the equator goodbye.</p>
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<p>Wales by 13-18</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Canes4life" data-cid="583714" data-time="1464495362">
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<p>My thoughts on today's squad announcement.</p>
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<p>- Dixon and Ardie were shoe ins and were pretty obvious selections heading into today's announcement. </p>
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<p>- I still believe Taufua is more of an open-side than an international quality 6. Like Josh Kronfield said on the Breakdown this week he is more of a 6 1/2 type player who is probably a tad small to be a international blindside and is more suited to playing openside which probably counted against him. I do believe he will be an All Black, just not sure when at this stage.</p>
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<p>- Ofa can probably count his lucky stars that no other prop in N.Z can cover both sides of the scrum. He's definitely the worst player in the squad and it is highly unlikely he will see game time.</p>
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<p>- I love the selection of Damian McKenzie but he will probably only see game time in game three, more of a learning year for him.</p>
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<p>- Squire was a surprise, however is size, speed and versatility would suit the A.Bs style of game.</p>
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<p>I'm really looking forward to these first test matches against Wales. With players like Dixon, Coles, A Savea, A Smith, Nahalo and Barrett, this squad has the ability to take the speed of the test game to a whole new level. </p>
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<p>The 23 picks itself really and id say it will look something like this.</p>
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<p>1. Wyatt Crockett</p>
<p>2. Dane Coles</p>
<p>3. Owen Franks</p>
<p>4. Brodie Rettalick</p>
<p>5. Sam Whitelock</p>
<p>6. Jerome Kaino</p>
<p>7. Sam Cane</p>
<p>8. Keiran Read (c)</p>
<p>9. Aaron Smith</p>
<p>10. Aaron Cruden</p>
<p>11. Julian Savea</p>
<p>12. Ryan Crotty (Id prefer Ngatai but selectors seem to like Crotty and his experience will be valuable).</p>
<p>13. Malakai Fekitoa</p>
<p>14. Waisaki Nahalo</p>
<p>15. Ben Smith</p>
<p>Reserves:</p>
<p>16. Codie Taylor</p>
<p>17. Joe Moody</p>
<p>18. Charlie Faumauina</p>
<p>19. Patrick Tuipolotu</p>
<p>20. Ardie Savea</p>
<p>21. Tawera Kerr Barlow (TJ Perenara if TKB is not fit)</p>
<p>22. Beauden Barrett</p>
<p>23. Charlie Ngatai </p>
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<p> Remember the AB are playing Wales so they must expect Roberts on the crash ball in the Cruden - Crotty zone if both are the first choice selections. Are they strong enough to stop him ? I have no problem concerning Cruden's defense. He can stop very big men running at him. I would be more concerned by Crotty vs Roberts. </p> -
Ardie and Julian are the 44th set of brothers to make the ABs. That seems like a lot.. I'm struggling to think of many in recent times.
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="No Quarter" data-cid="583782" data-time="1464518892"><p>Ardie and Julian are the 44th set of brothers to make the ABs. That seems like a lot.. I'm struggling to think of many in recent times.</p></blockquote>
Too much drugs bro! Anyone in the front row spring to mind? -
In my defense I did say I can't think of many. I'm tired...
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="cgrant" data-cid="583777" data-time="1464515467">
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<p> Remember the AB are playing Wales so they must expect Roberts on the crash ball in the Cruden - Crotty zone if both are the first choice selections. Are they strong enough to stop him ? I have no problem concerning Cruden's defense. He can stop very big men running at him. I would be more concerned by Crotty vs Roberts. </p>
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<p>I'm far from a Crotty cheerleader but I don't think he has defensive issues.</p> -
<p>Extremely happy with the squad.</p>
<p>Congrats to all the newbies, stoked for all of you.</p>
<p>The mongrel is back in the pack! Some may see Squire as left field, but I can see why he appeals. Feel the ABs always go better with a dog in the mix...</p>
<p>Moala is to be cover for Ngatai? At least some comfort there.</p>
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<p>Wow. The conversation round the MacKenzie dinner table will be an interesting one tonight.</p>
<p>Great for Dixon and well done to T Franklin, have been impressed with his outings.</p>
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<p>Not so sure on Ofa T. But Shag and co must have intel on him that we are not privy to.</p>
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<p>Like always. you have to feel for guys that missed the cut - Luatua must have been close, and Matt Todd looks destined to be the Marty Holah of the noughties..Hika also not in favour.</p>
<p>Reggie Goodes surely can't be far off, Feel certain that the time will come for Lowe, Faddes, ALB, Fatialofa and Seu. They will have their day.</p>
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<p>Looks like there is an emphasis on several things as I see it; 1. Reward for hard work 2. Building combinations, note that partnerships from super franchises have been selected. 3. Variation of role. read into that the lock/loose forward mix and Ofa t. 4. And as some may say most crucial of all - POTENTIAL. A succession plan, what players can offer, being able to mould players and application to the task all very important as I see it.</p> -
With the midfield bear in mind Crotty and Fekitoa have played test footy together and in the Republic. <br><br>
I would not be surprised to see 12. Fekitoa 13. Crotty -
Pleased that squad, although a few differences to my own. <br><br>
Age counted against a return for Cory Jane I suspect, a slight shame because given how much Wales kick it up in the air, his skill under the high ball would have been useful. Ofa T got ahead of Reegie Goodes because he can play on both sides. The backrow selection was always going to be enormously competitive given the talent available. Todd and Luatua are unlucky to miss out, but Ardie Savea, Dixon and Squire have all earned their selection through hard work and playing consistently well. Stoked to see Izzy Dagg back, he's been playing some of the best Rugby of his career.<br><br>
I guess Hansen and co. have roughly the same 23 or top 25 as us all, beyond that they have gone for potential and for people they think they can make much better players. And given their track record you would back them to do so. -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="MiketheSnow" data-cid="583776" data-time="1464515463"><p>Episode 1 of the Wales Summer Tour starts this afternoon at HQ.<br><br>
Gatland has picked an experienced and established 23.<br><br>
Notable absentees are Charteris, Warburton & J Davies.<br><br>
England by no means a pushover but if we don't dominate and win by scoring tries, then we can kiss any hope of avoiding an embarrassing whitewash south of the equator goodbye.<br><br>
Wales by 13-18</p></blockquote>
Personally Mike I think Gatland going for his tried & trusted could work against him. England have a lot of players seemingly keen to prove a point - former 1st choice locks Launchbury & Lawes for instance. Their new Kiwi flanker Harrison as well as Harlequins tyro Clifford too.<br>
Then in the backs people like Luther Burrell who most Wales supporters were amazed was dropped for the RWC as he always plays well against us.<br>
It's always a worry for me when a hungry side with a point to prove plays a side with no worries of keeping their places. This is partly due to Wales' perceived lack of depth but also Gatlands reluctance to blood new players. -
Not seeing anything from Wales that has me concerned. In fact it's a worry for them that their A side is losing to an England B side. Ford is making Beauden Barrett look like a reliable goal kicker. England did get one dodgy try though, definite knock on for mine.
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Pretty much what I thought unfortunately would happen. <br>
Wales atrocious in the 2nd half, not helped by the poor decision by the officials for the Jack Clifford try but Wales were pretty clueless to be honest.<br>
We're going to be stuffed by you guys.
