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Top Ferners underrated players

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  • CrucialC Crucial

    @raznomore said in Top Ferners underrated players:

    Don't understand the Bridge hate. He's Ben Smith in the early days. I never saw Caleb Ralph score tries like Bridge does either..

    If he is to be equated with Ben Smith then he should be honing his fullback skills.
    I don't hate him, just think we can do better on the wing.
    At high international level you need wingers that can battle through that last 2 metres to the line. Whether by strength, fend or swerve.
    I get the feeling that Bridge requires more of a clear run. He does have skills to give himself that opportunity and those work against lesser teams.
    I just get the feeling that he will find himself bundled out often.

    raznomoreR Offline
    raznomoreR Offline
    raznomore
    wrote on last edited by
    #90

    @Crucial to be honest. I have watched fuck all of the Crusaders this year and Im basing this on his outings for the AB's. This isn't always a good indication of a player's abilities as they are getting excellent ball 90% of the time.

    1 Reply Last reply
    0
    • CrucialC Crucial

      @raznomore said in Top Ferners underrated players:

      Don't understand the Bridge hate. He's Ben Smith in the early days. I never saw Caleb Ralph score tries like Bridge does either..

      If he is to be equated with Ben Smith then he should be honing his fullback skills.
      I don't hate him, just think we can do better on the wing.
      At high international level you need wingers that can battle through that last 2 metres to the line. Whether by strength, fend or swerve.
      I get the feeling that Bridge requires more of a clear run. He does have skills to give himself that opportunity and those work against lesser teams.
      I just get the feeling that he will find himself bundled out often.

      KiwiwombleK Offline
      KiwiwombleK Offline
      Kiwiwomble
      wrote on last edited by
      #91

      @Crucial see, i feel we have people like frizzell for throwing themselves at the defense with five meters to go

      I think a wing that can split the defense from range is some good variety

      CrucialC 1 Reply Last reply
      0
      • CrucialC Crucial

        @raznomore said in Top Ferners underrated players:

        Don't understand the Bridge hate. He's Ben Smith in the early days. I never saw Caleb Ralph score tries like Bridge does either..

        If he is to be equated with Ben Smith then he should be honing his fullback skills.
        I don't hate him, just think we can do better on the wing.
        At high international level you need wingers that can battle through that last 2 metres to the line. Whether by strength, fend or swerve.
        I get the feeling that Bridge requires more of a clear run. He does have skills to give himself that opportunity and those work against lesser teams.
        I just get the feeling that he will find himself bundled out often.

        nzzpN Offline
        nzzpN Offline
        nzzp
        wrote on last edited by
        #92

        @Crucial said in Top Ferners underrated players:

        @raznomore said in Top Ferners underrated players:

        Don't understand the Bridge hate. He's Ben Smith in the early days. I never saw Caleb Ralph score tries like Bridge does either..

        If he is to be equated with Ben Smith then he should be honing his fullback skills.

        Smith's footwork was next level. That guy just beat people so often with a jink and step and swerve, and created some incredible AB tries. I don't see much of that in Bridge - seems more a Zac Guildford v2.0

        StargazerS 1 Reply Last reply
        3
        • KiwiwombleK Kiwiwomble

          @Crucial see, i feel we have people like frizzell for throwing themselves at the defense with five meters to go

          I think a wing that can split the defense from range is some good variety

          CrucialC Offline
          CrucialC Offline
          Crucial
          wrote on last edited by
          #93

          @Kiwiwomble said in Top Ferners underrated players:

          @Crucial see, i feel we have people like frizzell for throwing themselves at the defense with five meters to go

          I think a wing that can split the defense from range is some good variety

          Those breaks need to get results though. Your best chance of scoring after a break is for the player that made the break to be able to go all the way. Second best chance is to link with good support.
          We are talking about wingers being finishers though and finishers need exceptional finishing skills against good defences

          KiwiwombleK 1 Reply Last reply
          0
          • MN5M Online
            MN5M Online
            MN5
            wrote on last edited by
            #94

            @nzzp said in Top Ferners underrated players:

            @Crucial said in Top Ferners underrated players:

            @raznomore said in Top Ferners underrated players:

            Don't understand the Bridge hate. He's Ben Smith in the early days. I never saw Caleb Ralph score tries like Bridge does either..

            If he is to be equated with Ben Smith then he should be honing his fullback skills.

            Smith's footwork was next level. That guy just beat people so often with a jink and step and swerve, and created some incredible AB tries. I don't see much of that in Bridge - seems more a Zac Guildford v2.0

            Begs the big question, who was less shit ? Guildford or Ralph ?

            VirgilV canefanC 2 Replies Last reply
            0
            • MN5M MN5

              @nzzp said in Top Ferners underrated players:

              @Crucial said in Top Ferners underrated players:

              @raznomore said in Top Ferners underrated players:

              Don't understand the Bridge hate. He's Ben Smith in the early days. I never saw Caleb Ralph score tries like Bridge does either..

              If he is to be equated with Ben Smith then he should be honing his fullback skills.

              Smith's footwork was next level. That guy just beat people so often with a jink and step and swerve, and created some incredible AB tries. I don't see much of that in Bridge - seems more a Zac Guildford v2.0

              Begs the big question, who was less shit ? Guildford or Ralph ?

              VirgilV Offline
              VirgilV Offline
              Virgil
              wrote on last edited by
              #95

              @MN5 said in Top Ferners underrated players:

              @nzzp said in Top Ferners underrated players:

              @Crucial said in Top Ferners underrated players:

              @raznomore said in Top Ferners underrated players:

              Don't understand the Bridge hate. He's Ben Smith in the early days. I never saw Caleb Ralph score tries like Bridge does either..

              If he is to be equated with Ben Smith then he should be honing his fullback skills.

              Smith's footwork was next level. That guy just beat people so often with a jink and step and swerve, and created some incredible AB tries. I don't see much of that in Bridge - seems more a Zac Guildford v2.0

              Begs the big question, who was less shit ? Guildford or Ralph ?

              I know which one drunk less... oooohhh...

              1 Reply Last reply
              2
              • MN5M MN5

                @nzzp said in Top Ferners underrated players:

                @Crucial said in Top Ferners underrated players:

                @raznomore said in Top Ferners underrated players:

                Don't understand the Bridge hate. He's Ben Smith in the early days. I never saw Caleb Ralph score tries like Bridge does either..

                If he is to be equated with Ben Smith then he should be honing his fullback skills.

                Smith's footwork was next level. That guy just beat people so often with a jink and step and swerve, and created some incredible AB tries. I don't see much of that in Bridge - seems more a Zac Guildford v2.0

                Begs the big question, who was less shit ? Guildford or Ralph ?

                canefanC Offline
                canefanC Offline
                canefan
                wrote on last edited by
                #96

                @MN5 said in Top Ferners underrated players:

                @nzzp said in Top Ferners underrated players:

                @Crucial said in Top Ferners underrated players:

                @raznomore said in Top Ferners underrated players:

                Don't understand the Bridge hate. He's Ben Smith in the early days. I never saw Caleb Ralph score tries like Bridge does either..

                If he is to be equated with Ben Smith then he should be honing his fullback skills.

                Smith's footwork was next level. That guy just beat people so often with a jink and step and swerve, and created some incredible AB tries. I don't see much of that in Bridge - seems more a Zac Guildford v2.0

                Begs the big question, who was less shit ? Guildford or Ralph ?

                Ralph got more leeway

                1 Reply Last reply
                0
                • CrucialC Crucial

                  @Kiwiwomble said in Top Ferners underrated players:

                  @Crucial see, i feel we have people like frizzell for throwing themselves at the defense with five meters to go

                  I think a wing that can split the defense from range is some good variety

                  Those breaks need to get results though. Your best chance of scoring after a break is for the player that made the break to be able to go all the way. Second best chance is to link with good support.
                  We are talking about wingers being finishers though and finishers need exceptional finishing skills against good defences

                  KiwiwombleK Offline
                  KiwiwombleK Offline
                  Kiwiwomble
                  wrote on last edited by
                  #97

                  @Crucial when ive seen bridge i always thought he was a great finisher, as i say, maybe ive missed the bad stuff

                  MN5M 1 Reply Last reply
                  0
                  • KiwiwombleK Kiwiwomble

                    @Crucial when ive seen bridge i always thought he was a great finisher, as i say, maybe ive missed the bad stuff

                    MN5M Online
                    MN5M Online
                    MN5
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #98

                    @Kiwiwomble said in Top Ferners underrated players:

                    @Crucial when ive seen bridge i always thought he was a great finisher, as i say, maybe ive missed the bad stuff

                    Yeah but define a "great finisher".....is that merely someone who can catch a ball and run unopposed to the line ? Ralph was constantly referred to as a great finisher by Nisbo and Mex back in the day.

                    KiwiwombleK 1 Reply Last reply
                    0
                    • MN5M MN5

                      @Kiwiwomble said in Top Ferners underrated players:

                      @Crucial when ive seen bridge i always thought he was a great finisher, as i say, maybe ive missed the bad stuff

                      Yeah but define a "great finisher".....is that merely someone who can catch a ball and run unopposed to the line ? Ralph was constantly referred to as a great finisher by Nisbo and Mex back in the day.

                      KiwiwombleK Offline
                      KiwiwombleK Offline
                      Kiwiwomble
                      wrote on last edited by
                      #99

                      @MN5 i wont argue whether its universally true, i just havent seen him play enough, but what i remembered and then looked up on some highlight videos was yes, split the defense and run away but also receive a pass close to the line and get it down under pressure, a couple one handed body in the air in touch arm around the corner flag type deals....but maybe for each one of those he's dropped 10

                      1 Reply Last reply
                      0
                      • nzzpN nzzp

                        @Crucial said in Top Ferners underrated players:

                        @raznomore said in Top Ferners underrated players:

                        Don't understand the Bridge hate. He's Ben Smith in the early days. I never saw Caleb Ralph score tries like Bridge does either..

                        If he is to be equated with Ben Smith then he should be honing his fullback skills.

                        Smith's footwork was next level. That guy just beat people so often with a jink and step and swerve, and created some incredible AB tries. I don't see much of that in Bridge - seems more a Zac Guildford v2.0

                        StargazerS Offline
                        StargazerS Offline
                        Stargazer
                        wrote on last edited by
                        #100

                        @nzzp Geez, what a bs, haha. Bridge is way better and much more than "just a finisher". He's awesome under the high ball, fast, good on defence, great footwork. Yes, he's isn't Ben Smith level yet, but that may still come. But even if he doesn't reach BFA level, he's still a very good wing and fully deserves a further AB call-up.

                        KiwiMurphK 1 Reply Last reply
                        5
                        • CrucialC Crucial

                          @booboo said in Top Ferners underrated players:

                          @Crucial said in Top Ferners underrated players:

                          @booboo said in Top Ferners underrated players:

                          @Crucial said in Top Ferners underrated players:

                          @antipodean said in Top Ferners underrated players:

                          @Crucial said in Top Ferners underrated players:

                          @antipodean said in Top Ferners underrated players:

                          @ACT-Crusader said in Top Ferners underrated players:

                          For what it’s worth, I didn’t really rate TJ Faiane but the positive difference to the Blues set up and play was very noticeable when he was on the field as opposed to when he was out.

                          A genuine second five-eighth.

                          Say whaaat ?

                          You mean a genuine inside centre?

                          This is still a New Zealand forum?

                          The name used is relevant to the style of player.

                          A genuine second five is like when DC wore 12

                          A centre is like Laumape, Goodhue or Faiane.

                          Nah.

                          Your classic NZ crash ball 2nd 5/8 is like a Macrae or Osborne or Taylor.

                          It's only recently when we've been playing 2 x 10s that people have adapted the term to having a second first 5/8.

                          I don't like the term 'inside centre' really either but was using it to differentiate the 12 from 13 when playing two 'centres as opposed to two 'five-eights'.
                          I disagree about the crash ball 12. That is a reasonably modern usage of the position in NZ.
                          Our 12 was usually either a second playmaker type (a 'second' first five) like DC, Mauger, McAllister etc or a stepper with distribution skills like Little.
                          A 'genuine' second-five IMO plays to the origin of the name. One of the five-eighths that link the half to the three-quarters and is backup to the 10.
                          I don't see Faiane as a classic second-five, more a running, distributing centre.

                          Pom

                          Pom's don't even use the term Five-eight. It was a kiwi coined phrase decades ago.
                          As the game has changed so has the role of the 12.
                          In NZ the classic (i.e. traditional) style 12 is not the current model like Faiane/ALB/Goodhue etc
                          Nonu was an exception to the rule in that when he moved to 12 it was for line bending but over time he developed a much wider range of skills.
                          We refer to 12 and 13 as the Centres do we not?

                          boobooB Offline
                          boobooB Offline
                          booboo
                          wrote on last edited by
                          #101

                          @Crucial said in Top Ferners underrated players:

                          @booboo said in Top Ferners underrated players:

                          @Crucial said in Top Ferners underrated players:

                          @booboo said in Top Ferners underrated players:

                          @Crucial said in Top Ferners underrated players:

                          @antipodean said in Top Ferners underrated players:

                          @Crucial said in Top Ferners underrated players:

                          @antipodean said in Top Ferners underrated players:

                          @ACT-Crusader said in Top Ferners underrated players:

                          For what it’s worth, I didn’t really rate TJ Faiane but the positive difference to the Blues set up and play was very noticeable when he was on the field as opposed to when he was out.

                          A genuine second five-eighth.

                          Say whaaat ?

                          You mean a genuine inside centre?

                          This is still a New Zealand forum?

                          The name used is relevant to the style of player.

                          A genuine second five is like when DC wore 12

                          A centre is like Laumape, Goodhue or Faiane.

                          Nah.

                          Your classic NZ crash ball 2nd 5/8 is like a Macrae or Osborne or Taylor.

                          It's only recently when we've been playing 2 x 10s that people have adapted the term to having a second first 5/8.

                          I don't like the term 'inside centre' really either but was using it to differentiate the 12 from 13 when playing two 'centres as opposed to two 'five-eights'.
                          I disagree about the crash ball 12. That is a reasonably modern usage of the position in NZ.
                          Our 12 was usually either a second playmaker type (a 'second' first five) like DC, Mauger, McAllister etc or a stepper with distribution skills like Little.
                          A 'genuine' second-five IMO plays to the origin of the name. One of the five-eighths that link the half to the three-quarters and is backup to the 10.
                          I don't see Faiane as a classic second-five, more a running, distributing centre.

                          Pom

                          Pom's don't even use the term Five-eight. It was a kiwi coined phrase decades ago.
                          As the game has changed so has the role of the 12.
                          In NZ the classic (i.e. traditional) style 12 is not the current model like Faiane/ALB/Goodhue etc
                          Nonu was an exception to the rule in that when he moved to 12 it was for line bending but over time he developed a much wider range of skills.
                          We refer to 12 and 13 as the Centres do we not?

                          Not in my experience. Usually "mid-field".

                          2nd five-eighth and centre (or centre three-quarter).

                          SnowyS 1 Reply Last reply
                          3
                          • StargazerS Stargazer

                            @nzzp Geez, what a bs, haha. Bridge is way better and much more than "just a finisher". He's awesome under the high ball, fast, good on defence, great footwork. Yes, he's isn't Ben Smith level yet, but that may still come. But even if he doesn't reach BFA level, he's still a very good wing and fully deserves a further AB call-up.

                            KiwiMurphK Online
                            KiwiMurphK Online
                            KiwiMurph
                            wrote on last edited by KiwiMurph
                            #102

                            @Stargazer said in Top Ferners underrated players:

                            @nzzp Geez, what a bs, haha. Bridge is way better and much more than "just a finisher". He's awesome under the high ball, fast, good on defence, great footwork. Yes, he's isn't Ben Smith level yet, but that may still come. But even if he doesn't reach BFA level, he's still a very good wing and fully deserves a further AB call-up.

                            He doesn't have great footwork. It's his one big work-on in his game.

                            He's got plenty of strengths to his game (workrate, good speed, underrated power etc) but he doesn't have great footwork.

                            1 Reply Last reply
                            3
                            • boobooB booboo

                              @Crucial said in Top Ferners underrated players:

                              @booboo said in Top Ferners underrated players:

                              @Crucial said in Top Ferners underrated players:

                              @booboo said in Top Ferners underrated players:

                              @Crucial said in Top Ferners underrated players:

                              @antipodean said in Top Ferners underrated players:

                              @Crucial said in Top Ferners underrated players:

                              @antipodean said in Top Ferners underrated players:

                              @ACT-Crusader said in Top Ferners underrated players:

                              For what it’s worth, I didn’t really rate TJ Faiane but the positive difference to the Blues set up and play was very noticeable when he was on the field as opposed to when he was out.

                              A genuine second five-eighth.

                              Say whaaat ?

                              You mean a genuine inside centre?

                              This is still a New Zealand forum?

                              The name used is relevant to the style of player.

                              A genuine second five is like when DC wore 12

                              A centre is like Laumape, Goodhue or Faiane.

                              Nah.

                              Your classic NZ crash ball 2nd 5/8 is like a Macrae or Osborne or Taylor.

                              It's only recently when we've been playing 2 x 10s that people have adapted the term to having a second first 5/8.

                              I don't like the term 'inside centre' really either but was using it to differentiate the 12 from 13 when playing two 'centres as opposed to two 'five-eights'.
                              I disagree about the crash ball 12. That is a reasonably modern usage of the position in NZ.
                              Our 12 was usually either a second playmaker type (a 'second' first five) like DC, Mauger, McAllister etc or a stepper with distribution skills like Little.
                              A 'genuine' second-five IMO plays to the origin of the name. One of the five-eighths that link the half to the three-quarters and is backup to the 10.
                              I don't see Faiane as a classic second-five, more a running, distributing centre.

                              Pom

                              Pom's don't even use the term Five-eight. It was a kiwi coined phrase decades ago.
                              As the game has changed so has the role of the 12.
                              In NZ the classic (i.e. traditional) style 12 is not the current model like Faiane/ALB/Goodhue etc
                              Nonu was an exception to the rule in that when he moved to 12 it was for line bending but over time he developed a much wider range of skills.
                              We refer to 12 and 13 as the Centres do we not?

                              Not in my experience. Usually "mid-field".

                              2nd five-eighth and centre (or centre three-quarter).

                              SnowyS Offline
                              SnowyS Offline
                              Snowy
                              wrote on last edited by
                              #103

                              @booboo said in Top Ferners underrated players:

                              Not in my experience. Usually "mid-field".
                              2nd five-eighth and centre (or centre three-quarter).

                              Yep, backs are only ever a fraction of a player, except fullback. Fuck knows why they get an exemption, worst of the lot at avoiding work.

                              boobooB 1 Reply Last reply
                              2
                              • SnowyS Snowy

                                @booboo said in Top Ferners underrated players:

                                Not in my experience. Usually "mid-field".
                                2nd five-eighth and centre (or centre three-quarter).

                                Yep, backs are only ever a fraction of a player, except fullback. Fuck knows why they get an exemption, worst of the lot at avoiding work.

                                boobooB Offline
                                boobooB Offline
                                booboo
                                wrote on last edited by booboo
                                #104

                                @Snowy said in Top Ferners underrated players:

                                @booboo said in Top Ferners underrated players:

                                Not in my experience. Usually "mid-field".
                                2nd five-eighth and centre (or centre three-quarter).

                                Yep, backs are only ever a fraction of a player, except fullback. Fuck knows why they get an exemption, worst of the lot at avoiding work.

                                Nice. Love your work.

                                1 Reply Last reply
                                0
                                • Magpie_in_ausM Offline
                                  Magpie_in_ausM Offline
                                  Magpie_in_aus
                                  wrote on last edited by
                                  #105

                                  Me.

                                  I think I am both underrated player and a top ferner.

                                  MN5M 1 Reply Last reply
                                  2
                                  • Magpie_in_ausM Magpie_in_aus

                                    Me.

                                    I think I am both underrated player and a top ferner.

                                    MN5M Online
                                    MN5M Online
                                    MN5
                                    wrote on last edited by
                                    #106

                                    @Magpie_in_aus said in Top Ferners underrated players:

                                    Me.

                                    I think I am both underrated player and a top ferner.

                                    Who are you ? don't think I've seen you on here before.

                                    Magpie_in_ausM 1 Reply Last reply
                                    0
                                    • ACT CrusaderA Offline
                                      ACT CrusaderA Offline
                                      ACT Crusader
                                      wrote on last edited by ACT Crusader
                                      #107

                                      8af7b358-ac75-43ba-a782-fe6029bbb817-image.jpeg https://i.imgur.com/wF46vn1.jpg

                                      Looking at that, one could conclude that Cane is underrated by Sky or possibly overrated by AB selectors...🆘

                                      1 Reply Last reply
                                      2
                                      • BonesB Offline
                                        BonesB Offline
                                        Bones
                                        wrote on last edited by
                                        #108

                                        This thread is brilliant. @MN5 pretending he watches rugby and then not so subtly trying to get everyone to talk about players from 10-20 years ago.

                                        Funny with the Bridge pile on I've been watching him a bit closer and been surprised at his impact in traffic. He's "powered" his way in for a couple of tries too hasn't he? So the impression he folds at the first sign of a tackle seems way off.

                                        TimT MN5M 2 Replies Last reply
                                        2
                                        • BonesB Bones

                                          This thread is brilliant. @MN5 pretending he watches rugby and then not so subtly trying to get everyone to talk about players from 10-20 years ago.

                                          Funny with the Bridge pile on I've been watching him a bit closer and been surprised at his impact in traffic. He's "powered" his way in for a couple of tries too hasn't he? So the impression he folds at the first sign of a tackle seems way off.

                                          TimT Away
                                          TimT Away
                                          Tim
                                          wrote on last edited by
                                          #109

                                          @Bones said in Top Ferners underrated players:

                                          This thread is brilliant. @MN5 pretending he watches rugby and then not so subtly trying to get everyone to talk about players from 10-20 years ago.

                                          😆

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