Foster, Robertson etc
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@Bones he would kept DC at 12 and played Mils at 13.
Nonu at 12 is a certainty for me, 13 could be anyone of Smith, Bunce and Robertson, but like Little/Bunce, its the combo of Nonu/Smith that probably takes it for me.
Individually I loved Bunce, saved his best for AB rugby, but what you hear about Robertson makes me wish I could have seen him play (and have a soft spot for him as I have got to know him personally as well and such a nice guy) obviously Conrad was often compared to Robertson, which probably says it all.
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Nonu is as great as DC and McCaw and I’ll fight anyone who claims otherwise
He and Smith are the greatest midfield pair to wear the AB jersey
Some older guys would put the Bill Osborne/Bruce Robertson combination as a serious alternative to any other one offered.
Yep. They were great, but I think the Conrad/Ma'a combo was a stronger one.
Bruce Robertson was similar to Conrad but probably a bit better (particularly on attack), but Ma'a is fair bit ahead of Bill Osborne. And that's no reflection on Conrad or Bill - far from it.
@Victor-Meldrew said in Foster:
Nonu is as great as DC and McCaw and I’ll fight anyone who claims otherwise
He and Smith are the greatest midfield pair to wear the AB jersey
Some older guys would put the Bill Osborne/Bruce Robertson combination as a serious alternative to any other one offered.
Yep. They were great, but I think the Conrad/Ma'a combo was a stronger one.
Bruce Robertson was similar to Conrad but probably a bit better (particularly on attack), but Ma'a is fair bit ahead of Bill Osborne. And that's no reflection on Conrad or Bill - far from it.
I remember when Osbourne was selected , he was a very different type of 12 than we had been used to at the time ,
More of a 12/13 type rather than a 12/10 type if that makes sense, more of an inside centre than a second five , it was a breath of fresh air to the shape and look of our attack at the time
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@MiketheSnow said in Foster:
Based on those 'highlights', still Bunce for me
No highlights reel for Robertson sadly, just a few extended Test highlights.
@Victor-Meldrew said in Foster:
@MiketheSnow said in Foster:
Based on those 'highlights', still Bunce for me
No highlights reel for Robertson sadly, just a few extended Test highlights.
Those that watched him will never forget , best centre I’ve seen at putting the winger in open space
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@Bones he would kept DC at 12 and played Mils at 13.
Nonu at 12 is a certainty for me, 13 could be anyone of Smith, Bunce and Robertson, but like Little/Bunce, its the combo of Nonu/Smith that probably takes it for me.
Individually I loved Bunce, saved his best for AB rugby, but what you hear about Robertson makes me wish I could have seen him play (and have a soft spot for him as I have got to know him personally as well and such a nice guy) obviously Conrad was often compared to Robertson, which probably says it all.
@taniwharugby said in Foster:
Conrad was often compared to Robertson, which probably says it all.
Seen them both live. Very similar players in many ways - intelligent, calm and utterly solid. Really smart players who could turn a game with a flash of genius. Both would have excelled in any era.
Robertson was more dangerous on attack, could spot a gap appearing before anyone else, drift thru, accelerate away and deliver a perfect pass to his winger. Silky smooth player with good defence and a great boot as well. Conrad would be a better defender, got more involved at the breakdown area, did some off-the-wall passing and as hard as nails.
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@taniwharugby said in Foster:
Conrad was often compared to Robertson, which probably says it all.
Seen them both live. Very similar players in many ways - intelligent, calm and utterly solid. Really smart players who could turn a game with a flash of genius. Both would have excelled in any era.
Robertson was more dangerous on attack, could spot a gap appearing before anyone else, drift thru, accelerate away and deliver a perfect pass to his winger. Silky smooth player with good defence and a great boot as well. Conrad would be a better defender, got more involved at the breakdown area, did some off-the-wall passing and as hard as nails.
@Victor-Meldrew said in Foster:
@taniwharugby said in Foster:
Conrad was often compared to Robertson, which probably says it all.
Seen them both live. Very similar players in many ways - intelligent, calm and utterly solid. Really smart players who could turn a game with a flash of genius. Both would have excelled in any era.
Robertson was more dangerous on attack, could spot a gap appearing before anyone else, drift thru, accelerate away and deliver a perfect pass to his winger. Silky smooth player with good defence and a great boot as well. Conrad would be a better defender, got more involved at the breakdown area, did some off-the-wall passing and as hard as nails.
Same mate, seen them both live, biggest difference was speed, Robertson was bloody quick, mauch a like Conrad, Robertson is still the best centre I have seen in my opinion. I always remember a show he put on when Counites beat Wllington by about 50 points way back when, it was breathtaking. And I always believe the try Batty scored in his last test against Lions, from an intercept, was all down to Robertson's speed when he rushed up in defence and caused the Lions to lose control of ball. He was just so silky. But we have been blessed to see a couple of centre like Robertson and Conrad in the Black jersey in our lifetimes!
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@Victor-Meldrew said in Foster:
@taniwharugby said in Foster:
Conrad was often compared to Robertson, which probably says it all.
Seen them both live. Very similar players in many ways - intelligent, calm and utterly solid. Really smart players who could turn a game with a flash of genius. Both would have excelled in any era.
Robertson was more dangerous on attack, could spot a gap appearing before anyone else, drift thru, accelerate away and deliver a perfect pass to his winger. Silky smooth player with good defence and a great boot as well. Conrad would be a better defender, got more involved at the breakdown area, did some off-the-wall passing and as hard as nails.
Same mate, seen them both live, biggest difference was speed, Robertson was bloody quick, mauch a like Conrad, Robertson is still the best centre I have seen in my opinion. I always remember a show he put on when Counites beat Wllington by about 50 points way back when, it was breathtaking. And I always believe the try Batty scored in his last test against Lions, from an intercept, was all down to Robertson's speed when he rushed up in defence and caused the Lions to lose control of ball. He was just so silky. But we have been blessed to see a couple of centre like Robertson and Conrad in the Black jersey in our lifetimes!
@Victor-Meldrew said in Foster:
@taniwharugby said in Foster:
Conrad was often compared to Robertson, which probably says it all.
Seen them both live. Very similar players in many ways - intelligent, calm and utterly solid. Really smart players who could turn a game with a flash of genius. Both would have excelled in any era.
Robertson was more dangerous on attack, could spot a gap appearing before anyone else, drift thru, accelerate away and deliver a perfect pass to his winger. Silky smooth player with good defence and a great boot as well. Conrad would be a better defender, got more involved at the breakdown area, did some off-the-wall passing and as hard as nails.
Same mate, seen them both live, biggest difference was speed, Robertson was bloody quick, mauch a like Conrad, Robertson is still the best centre I have seen in my opinion. I always remember a show he put on when Counites beat Wllington by about 50 points way back when, it was breathtaking. And I always believe the try Batty scored in his last test against Lions, from an intercept, was all down to Robertson's speed when he rushed up in defence and caused the Lions to lose control of ball. He was just so silky. But we have been blessed to see a couple of centre like Robertson and Conrad in the Black jersey in our lifetimes!
Both knew how to hold the ball - in two hands - as well. Reiko please take note...
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My potential future father in law played against Ian Macrae in Hawkes bay club rugby. Said he was a monster before his time.
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@Victor-Meldrew said in Foster:
@taniwharugby said in Foster:
Conrad was often compared to Robertson, which probably says it all.
Seen them both live. Very similar players in many ways - intelligent, calm and utterly solid. Really smart players who could turn a game with a flash of genius. Both would have excelled in any era.
Robertson was more dangerous on attack, could spot a gap appearing before anyone else, drift thru, accelerate away and deliver a perfect pass to his winger. Silky smooth player with good defence and a great boot as well. Conrad would be a better defender, got more involved at the breakdown area, did some off-the-wall passing and as hard as nails.
Same mate, seen them both live, biggest difference was speed, Robertson was bloody quick, mauch a like Conrad, Robertson is still the best centre I have seen in my opinion. I always remember a show he put on when Counites beat Wllington by about 50 points way back when, it was breathtaking. And I always believe the try Batty scored in his last test against Lions, from an intercept, was all down to Robertson's speed when he rushed up in defence and caused the Lions to lose control of ball. He was just so silky. But we have been blessed to see a couple of centre like Robertson and Conrad in the Black jersey in our lifetimes!
@Victor-Meldrew said in Foster:
@taniwharugby said in Foster:
Conrad was often compared to Robertson, which probably says it all.
Seen them both live. Very similar players in many ways - intelligent, calm and utterly solid. Really smart players who could turn a game with a flash of genius. Both would have excelled in any era.
Robertson was more dangerous on attack, could spot a gap appearing before anyone else, drift thru, accelerate away and deliver a perfect pass to his winger. Silky smooth player with good defence and a great boot as well. Conrad would be a better defender, got more involved at the breakdown area, did some off-the-wall passing and as hard as nails.
Same mate, seen them both live, biggest difference was speed, Robertson was bloody quick, mauch a like Conrad, Robertson is still the best centre I have seen in my opinion. I always remember a show he put on when Counites beat Wllington by about 50 points way back when, it was breathtaking. And I always believe the try Batty scored in his last test against Lions, from an intercept, was all down to Robertson's speed when he rushed up in defence and caused the Lions to lose control of ball. He was just so silky. But we have been blessed to see a couple of centre like Robertson and Conrad in the Black jersey in our lifetimes!
He had that rare ability to slightly get on the outside of his opposite , poke his nose through the gap between the 13 and the winger and make them panic with his pace ,
In perfect split second timing the ball has hit his winger on the chest , remember the trademark basketball pass over the top of the wingers outstretched hands .
It was fucken poetry in motion and he did it time and time again
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@Victor-Meldrew said in Foster:
@taniwharugby said in Foster:
Conrad was often compared to Robertson, which probably says it all.
Seen them both live. Very similar players in many ways - intelligent, calm and utterly solid. Really smart players who could turn a game with a flash of genius. Both would have excelled in any era.
Robertson was more dangerous on attack, could spot a gap appearing before anyone else, drift thru, accelerate away and deliver a perfect pass to his winger. Silky smooth player with good defence and a great boot as well. Conrad would be a better defender, got more involved at the breakdown area, did some off-the-wall passing and as hard as nails.
Same mate, seen them both live, biggest difference was speed, Robertson was bloody quick, mauch a like Conrad, Robertson is still the best centre I have seen in my opinion. I always remember a show he put on when Counites beat Wllington by about 50 points way back when, it was breathtaking. And I always believe the try Batty scored in his last test against Lions, from an intercept, was all down to Robertson's speed when he rushed up in defence and caused the Lions to lose control of ball. He was just so silky. But we have been blessed to see a couple of centre like Robertson and Conrad in the Black jersey in our lifetimes!
He had that rare ability to slightly get on the outside of his opposite , poke his nose through the gap between the 13 and the winger and make them panic with his pace ,
In perfect split second timing the ball has hit his winger on the chest , remember the trademark basketball pass over the top of the wingers outstretched hands .
It was fucken poetry in motion and he did it time and time again
IMO Bunce was more of a legend, more impactful defender than Conrad, tougher and superfit but in terms of the backline a - Conrad in the backline - backline is just that bit more organized.
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Nonu, Bunce combo for me. Would like to take Roberston as he's a Hastings Boy's* high alum but I didn't ever see him play.
- Useless fact: Hasting Boys essentially had a lock on the centre position for the ABs from 1967 through the 1970s as we had Bill Davis then Robertson.
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Nonu, Bunce combo for me. Would like to take Roberston as he's a Hastings Boy's* high alum but I didn't ever see him play.
- Useless fact: Hasting Boys essentially had a lock on the centre position for the ABs from 1967 through the 1970s as we had Bill Davis then Robertson.
Nonu, Bunce combo for me. Would like to take Roberston as he's a Hastings Boy's* high alum but I didn't ever see him play.
- Useless fact: Hasting Boys essentially had a lock on the centre position for the ABs from 1967 through the 1970s as we had Bill Davis then Robertson.
I’m not sure a locks skills suit playing in the midfield but I’m glad you’re excited
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surely it must be a concern that our super coaches can get players working as a cohesive unit, and then LM after a week gets a group of 2nd/3rd rated players gets them running smoothly, yet after several years, the ABs lurch from good to poor under Foster...these are the same players that other coaches can work with at the next level down.
Look at the Black Ferns too, look a well organised and well coached team.
I know we dont have the cattle we have had in previous years, but I think we still have good enough players to be the best, what we lack starts with Foster, and whatever his vision is, clearly is either too complicated or a bit shit.
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surely it must be a concern that our super coaches can get players working as a cohesive unit, and then LM after a week gets a group of 2nd/3rd rated players gets them running smoothly, yet after several years, the ABs lurch from good to poor under Foster...these are the same players that other coaches can work with at the next level down.
Look at the Black Ferns too, look a well organised and well coached team.
I know we dont have the cattle we have had in previous years, but I think we still have good enough players to be the best, what we lack starts with Foster, and whatever his vision is, clearly is either too complicated or a bit shit.
@taniwharugby said in Foster:
surely it must be a concern that our super coaches can get players working as a cohesive unit, and then LM after a week gets a group of 2nd/3rd rated players gets them running smoothly, yet after several years, the ABs lurch from good to poor under Foster...these are the same players that other coaches can work with at the next level down.
Look at the Black Ferns too, look a well organised and well coached team.
I know we dont have the cattle we have had in previous years, but I think we still have good enough players to be the best, what we lack starts with Foster, and whatever his vision is, clearly is either too complicated or a bit shit.
The most pleasing aspect of NZ XV was our effective rush defence & the aggression displayed at the breakdown.
Ireland are ranked No 1 in the world, however this match showed they simply don't have the same depth as NZ Rugby.
To exhibit such cohesiveness after only a week is a credit to the coaching team, recall how Foster's All Blacks got humiliated by the Irish in June, which was followed by Foster's apologists on here lamenting that our players were average and our depth poor.
Yet with a week's preparation (and under different coaches to Foster) our development team Ireland's 48-17.
Let's not forget that under Clayton McMillian our well-coached Maori ABs beat Ireland 32-17 as well... but no, the All Black coach isn't the problem guys!
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@taniwharugby said in Foster:
surely it must be a concern that our super coaches can get players working as a cohesive unit, and then LM after a week gets a group of 2nd/3rd rated players gets them running smoothly, yet after several years, the ABs lurch from good to poor under Foster...these are the same players that other coaches can work with at the next level down.
Look at the Black Ferns too, look a well organised and well coached team.
I know we dont have the cattle we have had in previous years, but I think we still have good enough players to be the best, what we lack starts with Foster, and whatever his vision is, clearly is either too complicated or a bit shit.
The most pleasing aspect of NZ XV was our effective rush defence & the aggression displayed at the breakdown.
Ireland are ranked No 1 in the world, however this match showed they simply don't have the same depth as NZ Rugby.
To exhibit such cohesiveness after only a week is a credit to the coaching team, recall how Foster's All Blacks got humiliated by the Irish in June, which was followed by Foster's apologists on here lamenting that our players were average and our depth poor.
Yet with a week's preparation (and under different coaches to Foster) our development team Ireland's 48-17.
Let's not forget that under Clayton McMillian our well-coached Maori ABs beat Ireland 32-17 as well... but no, the All Black coach isn't the problem guys!
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@kiwi_expat said in Foster:
Let's not forget that under Clayton McMillian our well-coached Maori ABs beat Ireland 32-17 as well.
They also lost the next week.
The ABs won the first test vs Ireland too remember.
@KiwiMurph said in Foster:
@kiwi_expat said in Foster:
Let's not forget that under Clayton McMillian our well-coached Maori ABs beat Ireland 32-17 as well.
They also lost the next week.
The ABs won the first test vs Ireland too remember.
I didn't forget that comprehensive 42-19 thrashing.
Schmidt ran the entire week's training as Foster was in isolation.
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surely it must be a concern that our super coaches can get players working as a cohesive unit, and then LM after a week gets a group of 2nd/3rd rated players gets them running smoothly, yet after several years, the ABs lurch from good to poor under Foster...these are the same players that other coaches can work with at the next level down.
Look at the Black Ferns too, look a well organised and well coached team.
I know we dont have the cattle we have had in previous years, but I think we still have good enough players to be the best, what we lack starts with Foster, and whatever his vision is, clearly is either too complicated or a bit shit.
@taniwharugby said in Foster:
I know we dont have the cattle we have had in previous years, but I think we still have good enough players to be the best, what we lack starts with Foster, and whatever his vision is, clearly is either too complicated or a bit shit.
Just to defend the versatility of Foster, it doesn't have to be an either/or.
The AB XV looked well coached today didn't they!
