All Blacks 2022
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@KiwiMurph said in All Blacks 2022:
@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2022:
I will add Akira has been selcted at super and test level for very little reward, but as I said that was in past and believe he has high ceiling when he puts in effort
Ok this argument I simply do not get.
His first test against Aus in Brisbane he was excellent for 20 minutes before having to come off which in hindsight was a mistake (Ofa got red-carded).
His second test he had an absolute blinder vs Argentina
Last year he was outstanding in the Bledisloes before struggling vs the Boks.
Yep to be fair, Akira has been good against Aussie, and in super has really only played well last couple of seasons, up until then he killed it at NPC level, even his own coaches were publicly saying he needed to work harder. I still maintain he has a higher ceiling than most of our 6s, and he will show it against the big packs one day, and then will I think be right.
@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2022:
@KiwiMurph said in All Blacks 2022:
@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2022:
I will add Akira has been selcted at super and test level for very little reward, but as I said that was in past and believe he has high ceiling when he puts in effort
Ok this argument I simply do not get.
His first test against Aus in Brisbane he was excellent for 20 minutes before having to come off which in hindsight was a mistake (Ofa got red-carded).
His second test he had an absolute blinder vs Argentina
Last year he was outstanding in the Bledisloes before struggling vs the Boks.
Yep to be fair, Akira has been good against Aussie, and in super has really only played well last couple of seasons, up until then he killed it at NPC level, even his own coaches were publicly saying he needed to work harder. I still maintain he has a higher ceiling than most of our 6s, and he will show it against the big packs one day, and then will I think be right.
Will Genia, when interviewed, noted that Akira’s physical presence made him the NZ Loosie which Aussie sides were wary of.
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The seven loosies are the most interesting.
Assuming all fit, Cane, Ardie and Paps cover seven.
For a roaming 8, Ardie and Sotutu fit the bill, with latter tops in lineout, which oughtn’t to be forgotten.
Physical 6/8s start IMO with Akira. The next straightforward pick is Frizell, but for me he’s one of those players who looks very good in Super and against ‘B’ test sides, but ordinary at highest level.
I’d rather give one or both of MMT or Pita Gus a run at 6, with flexibility to play 8.If only two big 6s chosen the door is opened for Jacobson, who looks good at 7 and 8, and OK at 6, even if a little less physical.
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@cgrant said in All Blacks 2022:
@Billy-Tell said in All Blacks 2022:
@cgrant said in All Blacks 2022:
@Chris-B said in All Blacks 2022:
@cgrant I think there could be a new tighthead prop to replace Taavao and Lomax. I'd pick Newell, but it could be Jager. Next couple of weeks will be interesting there.
The loose forward injuries potentially open up a chance for someone - I previously had 6 spots inked in and a plus one, who could have been capped or uncapped. Now there's likely plus three - with Ioane, Cane, Savea and Sotutu inked in. MMT and Robinson probably the best uncapped chances, since I don't think they'll pick an uncapped 7 unless we lose Cane or Savea.
There's probably at least one spot available in the midfield - I think RTS has the inside running, Sullivan if they're prepared to take two newbies.
And probably one in the outside backs - could go to a fullback (probably Perofeta) or a wing (Leicester, Talea or some other bolter).
Newell had a mare against the Reds. He was surprisingly well dominated by his opponent at scrum time, conceding two successive penalties. Jager or maybe Williams could be the bolter on the TH side.
He did not have a mare. Jager was better than expected but newell looks very promising. There have been a heap of crap props in recent times but some of the youngsters look full of potential.
He is very promising but I maintain he had a mare against the Reds. It's a bit too early for him IMO. He should be in the squad next year or for the EOYT.
Was it you that said he had a mare against the Reds because he was pinged twice in a row by the ref? Do we know the ref got those calls right? I admit I know nothing about the front row but is basing a player's performance on a ref's interpretation fair, especially given said ref has a knack for making questionable decisions at times?
@Crazy-Horse He was rightly pinged twice against a journeyman, not against a scrum ace. I was among those who thought that he should be selected for this winter's squad but his last outings were rather meh. His form has slipped sensibly. This is why Ryan is giving his preference to Jager. Currently ... but things may change.
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I do like Hall though.
He talks about the other halfbacks really well; it must be hard to not get a mention and he might even get pushed out of the Maori team.
I feel sorry for him that he didn’t get a cap against Japan.
@gt12 when it comes to the Crusaders Hall never gives a sound objective opinion. Cullen Grace is nowhere near his 2020 form. If he plugged MMT I would agree with him, PGS form has dropped he was good in the middle of Super but his for has declined as the season has progressed. As a halfback he is not in the same league as Fakatava, Christie or even Webber.
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Grace is developing well. He has a big skill set and is adding physicality as he gets more experience. Let's see how he goes on Saturday.
Sotutu, though, he is having a real special season. If he can transfer that to test rugby, I would have him ahead of Savea at No.8. -
@Bones said in All Blacks 2022:
@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2022:
guess I showing my age, can't remember what I posted 5 minutes before
There's no hope for remembering previous test level performances by AB 6s then eh...
Mate ask my missus, I can remember details of games from 70s etc that I watched, how players went, but not what she asked me to do 5 minutes ago, and what is posted on internet by myself or anyone else is of so little importance, it struggles to stay in my memory, and I admit that. I can remember what mates I go to rugby say from years back, but I guess it's because I know they rugby men?? I don't know anyone on here!
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@FakatavaFuture said in All Blacks 2022:
Bryn Hall believes it's time for a Cullen Grace recall🥴
Ahead of Sotutu!
Fucking hell Bryn, get you tongue out of your mates’ asses.
@gt12 said in All Blacks 2022:
@FakatavaFuture said in All Blacks 2022:
Bryn Hall believes it's time for a Cullen Grace recall🥴
Ahead of Sotutu!
Fucking hell Bryn, get you tongue out of your mates’ asses.
To be fair though ,although we might or might not agree, players out on park would have a f***** sight more idea than any of us who are the players that are going well. Although his thoughts like anyones may be slightly coloured etc, I do find him and Parsons opinion real bloody interesting on that podcast.
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@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2022:
Mate ask my missus
Sounds like a legit thing to do over reading your posts!
@Bones said in All Blacks 2022:
@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2022:
Mate ask my missus
Sounds like a legit thing to do over reading your posts!
Well if they upset you so much don't read em.
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@FakatavaFuture said in All Blacks 2022:
Bryn Hall believes it's time for a Cullen Grace recall🥴
He is actuallu playing well, and a bloody good lineout option, bit like Read, though whether he ahead of other options?
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@Bones said in All Blacks 2022:
@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2022:
Mate ask my missus
Sounds like a legit thing to do over reading your posts!
Well if they upset you so much don't read em.
@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2022:
@Bones said in All Blacks 2022:
@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2022:
Mate ask my missus
Sounds like a legit thing to do over reading your posts!
Well if they upset you so much don't read em.
Your missus isn't usually that upsetting.
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@FakatavaFuture said in All Blacks 2022:
@Dan54 it's just that I feel MMT is knocking on the door more at present
Yep, he's certainly been form 6/8 I reckon too, I wouldn't be upset if he was there by any means. I was really on his wagon a couple of years back, he didn't ge well last year, but certainly seems back on his game this year.
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if i am picking 6 loosies
Akira
Sotutu
Papali'i
Savea
MMT
FinauFinau is my bolter because he likes to hurt people, and we don't have many of those. Also, as i said yesterday, i've picked my starting 4, and then guys i would want to swap in if they aren't available.
Also Savea is a 7/utility bench option, not an 8I am also well aware that this is a mile from what they will pick.
@mariner4life said in All Blacks 2022:
Finau
Finau is my bolter because he likes to hurt people, and we don't have many of those.
Really rate Finau too, though he maybe a year or 2 off, he only 23, or something so I can see a future for him perhaps after WC?
Mainly as I don't see them taking new young fellas. -
@FakatavaFuture said in All Blacks 2022:
@Dan54 it's just that I feel MMT is knocking on the door more at present
Yep, he's certainly been form 6/8 I reckon too, I wouldn't be upset if he was there by any means. I was really on his wagon a couple of years back, he didn't ge well last year, but certainly seems back on his game this year.
@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2022:
@FakatavaFuture said in All Blacks 2022:
@Dan54 it's just that I feel MMT is knocking on the door more at present
Yep, he's certainly been form 6/8 I reckon too, I wouldn't be upset if he was there by any means. I was really on his wagon a couple of years back, he didn't ge well last year, but certainly seems back on his game this year.
Behind Sotutu and Akira, but certainly ahead of Frizzell, just on workrate on defence. Be a good backup to Akira to see how he handles the next level.
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36 players = 2 full teams less one outside back plus 7 'extras'
What I think will be close to the selection.
Props: Ofa Tuungafasi, Nepo Laulala, Ethan de Groot, Aiden Ross, George Bower, Alex Hodgman/ Angus Ta'avao
Hookers: Codie Taylor, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Dane Coles
Locks: Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Scott Barrett, Tupou Vaa'i, Josh Lord
Loose forwards: Sam Cane (c), Ardie Savea, Dalton Papalii, Akira Ioane, Luke Jacobson, Hoskins Sotutu, (MMT/Finau/Grace/Frizzell)
Halfbacks: Aaron Smith, Finlay Christie, Folau Fakatava (Weber and TJ to NZ Maori)
First-fives: Beauden Barrett, Richie Mo'unga, Stephen Perofeta
Midfield: Jack Goodhue, Rieko Ioane, Quinn Tupaea, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
Outside backs: Will Jordan, Sevu Reece, Caleb Clarke, Jordie Barrett, Leicester Fainga'anuku
Room for one more. Either another prop or two of those bracketed loose forwards.
