TRC squad

kiwiinmelb

I get the feeling Lowe will end up being one of those guys that continuously gets close to selection , but finds himself outside looking in more than the other way around, A bit like an Anthony Tuitavake

reprobate

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="gollum" data-cid="602178" data-time="1470048655">
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Luatua struggles a bit in that he only really works as a 8, he's probably the second best 8 in NZ right now, but a specialist 8 is not really a lot of use in a squad for the TN's with Read in there. 
 
Before people jump on the idea he is a 6, in super rugby yes, but he doesn't play like an All Black 6 - he very much plays like a AB 8, even when he is playing 6... It wouldn't surprise me to see him straight into statrting if Read got long term crocked.
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could say the same about how dixon plays i reckon though, he's a lot more read than kaino.

Bones

Osborne is ineligible too isn't he?

Milk

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Bones" data-cid="602197" data-time="1470058216">
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Osborne is ineligible too isn't he?
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Yeah, he played for Fiji this year in the Pacific Nations Cup.

gollum

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="reprobate" data-cid="602192" data-time="1470053243">
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could say the same about how dixon plays i reckon though, he's a lot more read than kaino.
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Dixon played very tight in the Wales test, looked like he had been told to do nothing but tackle & hit rucks. Squire came on & played a wider running game. In his AB games Luatua has done nothing but play the wide running game.
 
 
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Chris B." data-cid="602182" data-time="1470049539">
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Partially a game of maths - if you look at the 10 starting wings in the Super sides.
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I think you need to add in the looser running 13's. If you go back a few years a guy like Ranger was a valid super centre, but only ever viable as a wing for the ABs. I don't think the selectors would have an issue picking a super centre as a wing & converting them. There may even be a long term case to be made for Fekitoa to try out the wing, tucking the ball under your arm & running like a paniced chook is less of a problem there. Be interesting to see if during the TNs they sub him on there.

rotated

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="gollum" data-cid="602206" data-time="1470063216">
<div>I think you need to add in the looser running 13's. If you go back a few years a guy like Ranger was a valid super centre, but only ever viable as a wing for the ABs. I don't think the selectors would have an issue picking a super centre as a wing & converting them. There may even be a long term case to be made for Fekitoa to try out the wing, tucking the ball under your arm & running like a paniced chook is less of a problem there. Be interesting to see if during the TNs they sub him on there.</div>
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It's a pretty good point over the past 8 years having two wings who played wing exclusively at Super level has been the exception rather than the rule. We've either had converted fullbacks Ben Smith, Israel Dagg in 2010, Cory Jane earlier in his career, Piatau or centres Kahui & Toeava. SBW even had a little tinker there during the 2011 RWC.
 
Definitely not against trialling some raw talent that can make it stick elsewhere out there, although Ben Smith to 14, Barrett to 15 - which is happening anyway in the 2nd half, is my preferred option for Bledisloe I.

Crucial

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="rotated" data-cid="602207" data-time="1470063966">It's a pretty good point over the past 8 years having two wings who played wing exclusively at Super level has been the exception rather than the rule. We've either had converted fullbacks Ben Smith, Israel Dagg in 2010, Cory Jane earlier in his career, Piatau or centres Kahui & Toeava. SBW even had a little tinker there during the 2011 RWC. 
Definitely not against trialling some raw talent that can make it stick elsewhere out there, although Ben Smith to 14, Barrett to 15 - which is happening anyway in the 2nd half, is my preferred option for Bledisloe I.</blockquote>
 
Smith 14, BB 15 also provides an option of Moala on the bench if starting SBW and Crotty/Fekitoa.

sparky

No massive surprises in the squad and I'm about 95% positive about it. 
I am delighted with them retaining Julian Savea, a proven outstanding test performer. Big wingers need more TLC than most players and can drift in and out of form. I can't see Lowe developing into a world-class test winger; too many flaws in his game. The midfield looks better than the Wales squad, I'm excited by the combination of SBW and Moala. Those are the best half backs and first fives. A little disappointed there is no place for D Mac who I think could do a similar role off the bench to BB but we will need to wait until the EOYT to see him as Super sub 
It is as you were in the forwards, they have backed the experience of Romano above the form of Bird and have decided they needed 4 locks. They obviously think that Ofa T can develop into a test quality Prop on both sides of the scrum, which will be handy if possible. I am a little concerned about the lack of depth at Prop though. There are four proven test performers at Prop (Moody, Crockett, Owen Franks and Fauminia) but a gulf in qualify available behind them. 
Like others, I am disappointed that Luatua misses out again for Dixon and Squire. I think his form is better and he has more strength and x-factor. He could develop into a world-class backrow forward and become the long-term replacement for Kaino or Read. I guess Hansen and co. like Dixon and Squire's work rate and range of skills. 
In short, the coaches have showed confidence in their ability to get the best out of their players and backed their own earlier judgements.

Provincial Stalwart

The coaches like the fact that Dixon has been the best 6 in Super Rugby in 2015 and 2016, and aren't blinded by the fact he played a couple of average games in a couple of very average Highlanders performances the last two weeks. In the medium term (post 2017) the vacancy is at 6 and Dixon is the heir apparent as we speak.
 
Fans clamour for selectorial changes based on the slightest evidence that a player is out of form. They tend to ignore the evidence that selectorial changes are minimal and gradual.
 
The panel has liked Squire since 2014, when they picked him to play in one of those "Game of Three Halves" hit outs prior to the RC starting. They select players on skill and attributes to fit their game plan, reinforce it with continuity of selection and take 12 months or more to assess a player. 
 
Luatua has had a pretty strong 2016, I'm no fan but I'll say that much. He has developed his tight game considerably. However, he's excelled at SR level in a new position at 8 where the ABs captain dominates. I see he and Squire as being pretty even, they are exactly the same size and cover 8 and 6 and lock in that order, though individually they have different attributes. Currently Squire has the nod and should get all of 2016 to audition. Almost certainly injury will intervene and Luatua has been named as the next cab off the rank.
 
Luatua is probably held to a higher standard by the selectors in that he's already been trialled and it seems he failed the "character" test by turning up unfit in 2014. He has to atone for his misdeeds and in 2016 he has made a pretty good fist of doing so.

pakman

Whilst it is the case that Dixon has played 6 all season, I agree with the consensus that he would fit more into the AB pattern as an 8. However, for me the pecking order is Read/Luatua/Dixon. Thinking about selection/extra six it strikes me that Read will play 80 against all the major teams and so not planning to give second string 8 any real game time. Hence Luatua shadows and is called up only if Read crocked. Gives a chance to play Dixon/Squire against Argies. Todd clearly there given Cane concussion.
In backs ALB and Seta in extra six as selectors still wrestling with midfield. Dmac will be on EOYT, but is injury cover. 
Nanai the most interesting as can't easily imagine a scenario where he'd get on the park in TRC. Maybe early taster a la Savea (A) a couple of years ago?

Dice

I'm just happy that Luatua is at least in camp. This puts Dixon and Squire on notice that if they don't perform, they could easily be overtaken by Luatua.
 
Happy for Nanai to be training with the team as well. He was working in a factory not long ago and now he has one foot in the ABs.
 
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Provincial Stalwart" data-cid="602224" data-time="1470084045">
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The coaches like the fact that Dixon has been the best 6 in Super Rugby in 2015 and 2016, and aren't blinded by the fact he played a couple of average games in a couple of very average Highlanders performances the last two weeks. In the medium term (post 2017) the vacancy is at 6 and Dixon is the heir apparent as we speak.
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Jaco Kriel for me.

MN5

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="pakman" data-cid="602225" data-time="1470084739">
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Whilst it is the case that Dixon has played 6 all season, I agree with the consensus that he would fit more into the AB pattern as an 8. However, for me the pecking order is Read/Luatua/Dixon. Thinking about selection/extra six it strikes me that Read will play 80 against all the major teams and so not planning to give second string 8 any real game time. Hence Luatua shadows and is called up only if Read crocked. Gives a chance to play Dixon/Squire against Argies. Todd clearly there given Cane concussion.
In backs ALB and Seta in extra six as selectors still wrestling with midfield. Dmac will be on EOYT, but is injury cover. 
Nanai the most interesting as can't easily imagine a scenario where he'd get on the park in TRC. Maybe early taster a la Savea (A) a couple of years ago?
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.....and with Luke Whitelock waiting in the wings after that. Wow, what a time to be alive as an AB fan !

KiwiMurph

I think with Nanai it's a sign he is the next winger in line if someone goes down prior to the EOYT (where NMS will be available and perhaps Rieko too) as they've made it quite clear DMac is not seen as a winger. Nanai can play all back 3 positions which is handy.

ACT Crusader

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="shark" data-cid="602174" data-time="1470047062">I don't know where all the love for James Lowe comes from, or quite why some posters believe he's on the fringe. There was a single speculative story in the Waikato rag a few weeks ago talking him up, based purely on opinion. Nanai has been impressive and warrants a look in a training camp, so I'm pleased to see him named as cover. I'm also a big Moala fan, so am rapt to see him there.</blockquote>
 
At the beginning of the year when everyone was predicting their AB teams I had Moala as a starting winger for the ABs. For me at the end of last season there were question marks over Savea and Naholo and I liked Moala's attacking game. Whilst he has a bit of tunnel vision, you don't mind that on the wing when you've got a robust running game to beat the defender. 
Thus season he's developed and improved. Looks fitter and has had more consistent time in the midfield. There's a few rough edges to his centre game that need ironing out, but he's shown this year he can continually get better. Could be a very effective bench option as well.

MN5

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="ACT Crusader" data-cid="602240" data-time="1470089436">
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At the beginning of the year when everyone was predicting their AB teams I had Moala as a starting winger for the ABs. For me at the end of last season there were question marks over Savea and Naholo and I liked Moala's attacking game. Whilst he has a bit of tunnel vision, you don't mind that on the wing when you've got a robust running game to beat the defender. 
Thus season he's developed and improved. Looks fitter and has had more consistent time in the midfield. There's a few rough edges to his centre game that need ironing out, but he's shown this year he can continually get better. Could be a very effective bench option as well.
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For whatever reason Moala reminds me heaps of Alama Ieremia, a lot of his flair that he showed for the Canes was kinda coached out of him in the ABs when I guess his main job was to cart it up and give the ball to his more illustrious outside backs. Let's hope the selectors show a bit more vision with Moala cos in his time on the field against Wales he showed all sorts of upside but also room for improvement.

Nepia

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Provincial Stalwart" data-cid="602224" data-time="1470084045">
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The coaches like the fact that Dixon has been the best 6 in Super Rugby in 2015 and 2016, and aren't blinded by the fact he played a couple of average games in a couple of very average Highlanders performances the last two weeks. In the medium term (post 2017) the vacancy is at 6 and Dixon is the heir apparent as we speak.
 
Fans clamour for selectorial changes based on the slightest evidence that a player is out of form. They tend to ignore the evidence that selectorial changes are minimal and gradual.
 
The panel has liked Squire since 2014, when they picked him to play in one of those "Game of Three Halves" hit outs prior to the RC starting. They select players on skill and attributes to fit their game plan, reinforce it with continuity of selection and take 12 months or more to assess a player. 
 
Luatua has had a pretty strong 2016, I'm no fan but I'll say that much. He has developed his tight game considerably. However, he's excelled at SR level in a new position at 8 where the ABs captain dominates. I see he and Squire as being pretty even, they are exactly the same size and cover 8 and 6 and lock in that order, though individually they have different attributes. Currently Squire has the nod and should get all of 2016 to audition. Almost certainly injury will intervene and Luatua has been named as the next cab off the rank.
 
Luatua is probably held to a higher standard by the selectors in that he's already been trialled and it seems he failed the "character" test by turning up unfit in 2014. He has to atone for his misdeeds and in 2016 he has made a pretty good fist of doing so. 
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Clearly there is no character test (when they feel like it). Savea has turned up fat two years running, has had one good game (against France in a walkover) and is still in the ABs.

Provincial Stalwart

Yes, it appears hypocritical when you look at it in such blunt terms.
 
But the panel has to be prgmatic. We are relatively weak on the wings in NMS' absence. We may see Ben Smith and Moala in the RC i.e. two guys "out of position". Savea has the runs on the board in comparison to Naholo and any of the other competing options the panel are mulling over. In comparison, at 6 we've got a buttload of quality options coming out our date, though none are exactly tried and tested.
 
Don't forget, they need someone to immediately start at 11 whereas in the 6 / 8 position, we've got the luxury of having a look at multiple quality options to back up and eventually succeed Kaino. There's a big difference between starting and easing a guy in off the bench.

MN5

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Provincial Stalwart" data-cid="602264" data-time="1470097093">
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Yes, it appears hypocritical when you look at it in such blunt terms.
 
But the panel has to be prgmatic. We are relatively weak on the wings in NMS' absence. We may see Ben Smith and Moala in the RC i.e. two guys "out of position". Savea has the runs on the board in comparison to Naholo and any of the other competing options the panel are mulling over. In comparison, at 6 we've got a buttload of quality options coming out our date, though none are exactly tried and tested.
 
Don't forget, they need someone to immediately start at 11 whereas in the 6 / 8 position, we've got the luxury of having a look at multiple quality options to back up and eventually succeed Kaino. There's a big difference between starting and easing a guy in off the bench.
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Dunno about that, these days ABs are expected to come off the bench and "make shit happen"

Username

For those who asked, Luatua's stats added.
 
Shields / Dixon / Luatua
Games
15 / 15 / 15
Minutes
1064 / 1112 / 1126
Tries
2 / 4 / 1
Carries
112 / 69 / 133
Metres
219 / 299 / 438
Clean Breaks
5 / 12 / 6
Defenders Beaten
5 / 12 / 23
Offloads
4 / 11 / 18
Passes
29 / 59 / 92
Lineout Catches
15 / 63 / 29
Lineout Steals
0 / 11 / 3
Tackles
141 / 103 / 110
Missed Tackles
25 / 16 / 15
Tackles Success
84.8 / 86.6 / 88
Turnovers Conceded
16 / 11 / 19
 
Seems Luatua does more running. Dixon superior in the lineout. Depends on gameplans and how players are used, obviously. Interesting to look at nonetheless.

Duluth

Luatua had a slow start to the season as he adjusted to no 8
 
I suspect his stats in the 2nd half of season are far better than his stats at the beginning.

The Silver Fern

TRC squad