Skip to content
  • Categories
Collapse

The Silver Fern

  • Tipping
  • Team Sheets
  • Highlights
  • Results
    • All Blacks

      Search every All Blacks Test. Filter results by year, opposition, location, venue, city and RWC stage

    • Super Rugby

      Search every Super Rugby since match 1996

    • NPC

      Search NPC results. Only first division matches from 1976-2005. All results from the 14 team competition (2006-present) are included

All Blacks 2024

Scheduled Pinned Locked Moved Sports Talk
allblacks
7.4k Posts 135 Posters 668.9k Views 4 Watching
  • Oldest to Newest
  • Newest to Oldest
  • Most Votes
Reply
  • Reply as topic
Log in to reply
This topic has been deleted. Only users with topic management privileges can see it.
  • Dan54D Dan54

    @Bones said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

    @Canes4life why Ratima over Funaki?

    But yeah interesting that Hotham has all of a sudden become a favourite for some after running the ball well in a couple of games (and looking awful earlier), yet others have been performing all season and now aren't as good...

    What team does Hotham play for again?

    Though to be fair mate, Hotham has been on NZR's radar as an up and comer for a few years now. Have heard him name checked etc by Steve Lancaster a year or 2 back when discussing players they have got on radar.

    BonesB Offline
    BonesB Offline
    Bones
    wrote on last edited by
    #2527

    @Dan54 said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

    @Bones said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

    @Canes4life why Ratima over Funaki?

    But yeah interesting that Hotham has all of a sudden become a favourite for some after running the ball well in a couple of games (and looking awful earlier), yet others have been performing all season and now aren't as good...

    What team does Hotham play for again?

    Though to be fair mate, Hotham has been on NZR's radar as an up and comer for a few years now. Have heard him name checked etc by Steve Lancaster a year or 2 back when discussing players they have got on radar.

    You can talk about this imaginary radar all you like, but I don't think it really means anything.

    MN5M R Dan54D 3 Replies Last reply
    0
    • BonesB Bones

      @Dan54 said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

      @Bones said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

      @Canes4life why Ratima over Funaki?

      But yeah interesting that Hotham has all of a sudden become a favourite for some after running the ball well in a couple of games (and looking awful earlier), yet others have been performing all season and now aren't as good...

      What team does Hotham play for again?

      Though to be fair mate, Hotham has been on NZR's radar as an up and comer for a few years now. Have heard him name checked etc by Steve Lancaster a year or 2 back when discussing players they have got on radar.

      You can talk about this imaginary radar all you like, but I don't think it really means anything.

      MN5M Online
      MN5M Online
      MN5
      wrote on last edited by MN5
      #2528

      @Bones said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

      @Dan54 said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

      @Bones said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

      @Canes4life why Ratima over Funaki?

      But yeah interesting that Hotham has all of a sudden become a favourite for some after running the ball well in a couple of games (and looking awful earlier), yet others have been performing all season and now aren't as good...

      What team does Hotham play for again?

      Though to be fair mate, Hotham has been on NZR's radar as an up and comer for a few years now. Have heard him name checked etc by Steve Lancaster a year or 2 back when discussing players they have got on radar.

      You can talk about this imaginary radar all you like, but I don't think it really means anything.

      If you need a radar to spot them I have to assume they can’t be very good players.

      BonesB 1 Reply Last reply
      1
      • MN5M MN5

        @Bones said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

        @Dan54 said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

        @Bones said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

        @Canes4life why Ratima over Funaki?

        But yeah interesting that Hotham has all of a sudden become a favourite for some after running the ball well in a couple of games (and looking awful earlier), yet others have been performing all season and now aren't as good...

        What team does Hotham play for again?

        Though to be fair mate, Hotham has been on NZR's radar as an up and comer for a few years now. Have heard him name checked etc by Steve Lancaster a year or 2 back when discussing players they have got on radar.

        You can talk about this imaginary radar all you like, but I don't think it really means anything.

        If you need a radar to spot them I have to assume they can’t be very good players.

        BonesB Offline
        BonesB Offline
        Bones
        wrote on last edited by
        #2529

        @MN5 said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

        @Bones said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

        @Dan54 said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

        @Bones said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

        @Canes4life why Ratima over Funaki?

        But yeah interesting that Hotham has all of a sudden become a favourite for some after running the ball well in a couple of games (and looking awful earlier), yet others have been performing all season and now aren't as good...

        What team does Hotham play for again?

        Though to be fair mate, Hotham has been on NZR's radar as an up and comer for a few years now. Have heard him name checked etc by Steve Lancaster a year or 2 back when discussing players they have got on radar.

        You can talk about this imaginary radar all you like, but I don't think it really means anything.

        If you need a radar to spot them I have to assume they can’t be very good players.

        Draw us up a quick sketch of the player radar, you know you wanna.

        1 Reply Last reply
        0
        • BonesB Bones

          @Dan54 said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

          @Bones said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

          @Canes4life why Ratima over Funaki?

          But yeah interesting that Hotham has all of a sudden become a favourite for some after running the ball well in a couple of games (and looking awful earlier), yet others have been performing all season and now aren't as good...

          What team does Hotham play for again?

          Though to be fair mate, Hotham has been on NZR's radar as an up and comer for a few years now. Have heard him name checked etc by Steve Lancaster a year or 2 back when discussing players they have got on radar.

          You can talk about this imaginary radar all you like, but I don't think it really means anything.

          R Offline
          R Offline
          ruggabee
          wrote on last edited by ruggabee
          #2530

          @Bones said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

          @Dan54 said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

          @Bones said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

          @Canes4life why Ratima over Funaki?

          But yeah interesting that Hotham has all of a sudden become a favourite for some after running the ball well in a couple of games (and looking awful earlier), yet others have been performing all season and now aren't as good...

          What team does Hotham play for again?

          Though to be fair mate, Hotham has been on NZR's radar as an up and comer for a few years now. Have heard him name checked etc by Steve Lancaster a year or 2 back when discussing players they have got on radar.

          You can talk about this imaginary radar Aura all you like, but I don't think it really means anything.

          Now you could be a northern hemisphere scribe talking about the mythical All Black 'Aura' haha.

          1 Reply Last reply
          0
          • BonesB Bones

            @Dan54 said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

            @Bones said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

            @Canes4life why Ratima over Funaki?

            But yeah interesting that Hotham has all of a sudden become a favourite for some after running the ball well in a couple of games (and looking awful earlier), yet others have been performing all season and now aren't as good...

            What team does Hotham play for again?

            Though to be fair mate, Hotham has been on NZR's radar as an up and comer for a few years now. Have heard him name checked etc by Steve Lancaster a year or 2 back when discussing players they have got on radar.

            You can talk about this imaginary radar all you like, but I don't think it really means anything.

            Dan54D Offline
            Dan54D Offline
            Dan54
            wrote on last edited by Dan54
            #2531

            @Bones said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

            @Dan54 said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

            @Bones said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

            @Canes4life why Ratima over Funaki?

            But yeah interesting that Hotham has all of a sudden become a favourite for some after running the ball well in a couple of games (and looking awful earlier), yet others have been performing all season and now aren't as good...

            What team does Hotham play for again?

            Though to be fair mate, Hotham has been on NZR's radar as an up and comer for a few years now. Have heard him name checked etc by Steve Lancaster a year or 2 back when discussing players they have got on radar.

            You can talk about this imaginary radar all you like, but I don't think it really means anything.

            Well it just means they see them as players with a future at a high level. Doesn't mean they will get there, just they will be mentored etc.
            I think they usually fairly good at picking players they see with a big future.
            Not suggesting Hotham will go near ABs this year or anything. Mind you I still say I be very surprised if Christie isn't in AB squad as a 9.

            BonesB Chris B.C 2 Replies Last reply
            2
            • Dan54D Dan54

              @Bones said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

              @Dan54 said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

              @Bones said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

              @Canes4life why Ratima over Funaki?

              But yeah interesting that Hotham has all of a sudden become a favourite for some after running the ball well in a couple of games (and looking awful earlier), yet others have been performing all season and now aren't as good...

              What team does Hotham play for again?

              Though to be fair mate, Hotham has been on NZR's radar as an up and comer for a few years now. Have heard him name checked etc by Steve Lancaster a year or 2 back when discussing players they have got on radar.

              You can talk about this imaginary radar all you like, but I don't think it really means anything.

              Well it just means they see them as players with a future at a high level. Doesn't mean they will get there, just they will be mentored etc.
              I think they usually fairly good at picking players they see with a big future.
              Not suggesting Hotham will go near ABs this year or anything. Mind you I still say I be very surprised if Christie isn't in AB squad as a 9.

              BonesB Offline
              BonesB Offline
              Bones
              wrote on last edited by
              #2532

              @Dan54 said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

              @Bones said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

              @Dan54 said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

              @Bones said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

              @Canes4life why Ratima over Funaki?

              But yeah interesting that Hotham has all of a sudden become a favourite for some after running the ball well in a couple of games (and looking awful earlier), yet others have been performing all season and now aren't as good...

              What team does Hotham play for again?

              Though to be fair mate, Hotham has been on NZR's radar as an up and comer for a few years now. Have heard him name checked etc by Steve Lancaster a year or 2 back when discussing players they have got on radar.

              You can talk about this imaginary radar all you like, but I don't think it really means anything.

              Well it just means they see them as players with a future at a high level. Doesn't mean they will get there, just they will be mentored etc.
              I think they usually fairly good at picking players they see with a big future.
              Not suggesting Hotham will go near ABs this year or anything. Mind you I still say I be very surprised if Christie isn't in AB squad as a 9.

              Good to hear they don't deem any other players have a future.

              Go radar you good thing.

              Dan54D 1 Reply Last reply
              0
              • M Mr Fish

                @African-Monkey said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

                @sparky I understand that the AB coaches don't like Akira as well as a lot of non Blues fans, but he's very important to how this Blues side plays. We're a worse side without him out there, as we've see when he hasn't played. Cotter has gotten the best out of him playing in close quarters, where as previous coaches used him exclusively in the wider channels, to the point where he didn't look comfortable in his role in the ABs side once Ryan and Schmidt took over in 2022. If he got picked now to play the role they want him to play, he'd be far more comfortable in playing it.

                Segner hasn't played much of late. He's a good player who does the core roles in every loose forward position very well, but isn't as strong in contact as the other Blues players yet, and I think he'd struggle at the next level currently. Lakai is better as someone who can play in all 3 positions in the loose.

                I wouldn't be surprised if Ioane makes the All Blacks ahead of Sotutu, to be perfectly honest.

                If the selectors plump for Savea, Papali'i, Finau, Lakai and Blackadder then I think all the positions are fairly well covered so there's no desperate need to go for any specific specialists, in which case either Sotutu or Ioane fits the bill, and I think Ioane is better suited to Test rugby.

                P Offline
                P Offline
                pakman
                wrote on last edited by pakman
                #2533

                @Mr-Fish said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

                @African-Monkey said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

                @sparky I understand that the AB coaches don't like Akira as well as a lot of non Blues fans, but he's very important to how this Blues side plays. We're a worse side without him out there, as we've see when he hasn't played. Cotter has gotten the best out of him playing in close quarters, where as previous coaches used him exclusively in the wider channels, to the point where he didn't look comfortable in his role in the ABs side once Ryan and Schmidt took over in 2022. If he got picked now to play the role they want him to play, he'd be far more comfortable in playing it.

                Segner hasn't played much of late. He's a good player who does the core roles in every loose forward position very well, but isn't as strong in contact as the other Blues players yet, and I think he'd struggle at the next level currently. Lakai is better as someone who can play in all 3 positions in the loose.

                I wouldn't be surprised if Ioane makes the All Blacks ahead of Sotutu, to be perfectly honest.

                If the selectors plump for Savea, Papali'i, Finau, Lakai and Blackadder then I think all the positions are fairly well covered so there's no desperate need to go for any specific specialists, in which case either Sotutu or Ioane fits the bill, and I think Ioane is better suited to Test rugby.

                To some degree it depends on what TWM are looking for. If they want specialist 7s and 8s, then Paps, Lakai, RD and Hoskins ought to be selected. Finau will be the hitman 6, which would leave Blackadder, Akira and Jacobson fighting for last place. The former has disadvantage of only having two games on which to be judged.

                Tough area to pick from

                G 1 Reply Last reply
                0
                • BonesB Bones

                  @Dan54 said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

                  @Bones said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

                  @Dan54 said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

                  @Bones said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

                  @Canes4life why Ratima over Funaki?

                  But yeah interesting that Hotham has all of a sudden become a favourite for some after running the ball well in a couple of games (and looking awful earlier), yet others have been performing all season and now aren't as good...

                  What team does Hotham play for again?

                  Though to be fair mate, Hotham has been on NZR's radar as an up and comer for a few years now. Have heard him name checked etc by Steve Lancaster a year or 2 back when discussing players they have got on radar.

                  You can talk about this imaginary radar all you like, but I don't think it really means anything.

                  Well it just means they see them as players with a future at a high level. Doesn't mean they will get there, just they will be mentored etc.
                  I think they usually fairly good at picking players they see with a big future.
                  Not suggesting Hotham will go near ABs this year or anything. Mind you I still say I be very surprised if Christie isn't in AB squad as a 9.

                  Good to hear they don't deem any other players have a future.

                  Go radar you good thing.

                  Dan54D Offline
                  Dan54D Offline
                  Dan54
                  wrote on last edited by
                  #2534

                  @Bones said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

                  @Dan54 said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

                  @Bones said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

                  @Dan54 said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

                  @Bones said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

                  @Canes4life why Ratima over Funaki?

                  But yeah interesting that Hotham has all of a sudden become a favourite for some after running the ball well in a couple of games (and looking awful earlier), yet others have been performing all season and now aren't as good...

                  What team does Hotham play for again?

                  Though to be fair mate, Hotham has been on NZR's radar as an up and comer for a few years now. Have heard him name checked etc by Steve Lancaster a year or 2 back when discussing players they have got on radar.

                  You can talk about this imaginary radar all you like, but I don't think it really means anything.

                  Well it just means they see them as players with a future at a high level. Doesn't mean they will get there, just they will be mentored etc.
                  I think they usually fairly good at picking players they see with a big future.
                  Not suggesting Hotham will go near ABs this year or anything. Mind you I still say I be very surprised if Christie isn't in AB squad as a 9.

                  Good to hear they don't deem any other players have a future.

                  Go radar you good thing.

                  I know you being sarcastic (or hope so for your sake), but if anyone doesnt think players are on radar at every level of game they haven't been involved in the game very long. It's why some players get picked for academies etc, and others aren't . Doesn't ignore any other player in anyway.

                  1 Reply Last reply
                  0
                  • P pakman

                    @Mr-Fish said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

                    @African-Monkey said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

                    @sparky I understand that the AB coaches don't like Akira as well as a lot of non Blues fans, but he's very important to how this Blues side plays. We're a worse side without him out there, as we've see when he hasn't played. Cotter has gotten the best out of him playing in close quarters, where as previous coaches used him exclusively in the wider channels, to the point where he didn't look comfortable in his role in the ABs side once Ryan and Schmidt took over in 2022. If he got picked now to play the role they want him to play, he'd be far more comfortable in playing it.

                    Segner hasn't played much of late. He's a good player who does the core roles in every loose forward position very well, but isn't as strong in contact as the other Blues players yet, and I think he'd struggle at the next level currently. Lakai is better as someone who can play in all 3 positions in the loose.

                    I wouldn't be surprised if Ioane makes the All Blacks ahead of Sotutu, to be perfectly honest.

                    If the selectors plump for Savea, Papali'i, Finau, Lakai and Blackadder then I think all the positions are fairly well covered so there's no desperate need to go for any specific specialists, in which case either Sotutu or Ioane fits the bill, and I think Ioane is better suited to Test rugby.

                    To some degree it depends on what TWM are looking for. If they want specialist 7s and 8s, then Paps, Lakai, RD and Hoskins ought to be selected. Finau will be the hitman 6, which would leave Blackadder, Akira and Jacobson fighting for last place. The former has disadvantage of only having two games on which to be judged.

                    Tough area to pick from

                    G Offline
                    G Offline
                    Gunner
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #2535

                    @pakman said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

                    @Mr-Fish said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

                    @African-Monkey said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

                    @sparky I understand that the AB coaches don't like Akira as well as a lot of non Blues fans, but he's very important to how this Blues side plays. We're a worse side without him out there, as we've see when he hasn't played. Cotter has gotten the best out of him playing in close quarters, where as previous coaches used him exclusively in the wider channels, to the point where he didn't look comfortable in his role in the ABs side once Ryan and Schmidt took over in 2022. If he got picked now to play the role they want him to play, he'd be far more comfortable in playing it.

                    Segner hasn't played much of late. He's a good player who does the core roles in every loose forward position very well, but isn't as strong in contact as the other Blues players yet, and I think he'd struggle at the next level currently. Lakai is better as someone who can play in all 3 positions in the loose.

                    I wouldn't be surprised if Ioane makes the All Blacks ahead of Sotutu, to be perfectly honest.

                    If the selectors plump for Savea, Papali'i, Finau, Lakai and Blackadder then I think all the positions are fairly well covered so there's no desperate need to go for any specific specialists, in which case either Sotutu or Ioane fits the bill, and I think Ioane is better suited to Test rugby.

                    To some degree it depends on what TWM are looking for. If they want specialist 7s and 8s, then Paps, Lakai, RD and Hoskins ought to be selected. Finau will be the hitman 6, which would leave Blackadder, Akira and Jacobson fighting for last place. The former has disadvantage of only having two games on which to be judged.

                    Tough area to pick from

                    Who the heck is RD?

                    BonesB P Victor MeldrewV 3 Replies Last reply
                    3
                    • G Gunner

                      @pakman said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

                      @Mr-Fish said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

                      @African-Monkey said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

                      @sparky I understand that the AB coaches don't like Akira as well as a lot of non Blues fans, but he's very important to how this Blues side plays. We're a worse side without him out there, as we've see when he hasn't played. Cotter has gotten the best out of him playing in close quarters, where as previous coaches used him exclusively in the wider channels, to the point where he didn't look comfortable in his role in the ABs side once Ryan and Schmidt took over in 2022. If he got picked now to play the role they want him to play, he'd be far more comfortable in playing it.

                      Segner hasn't played much of late. He's a good player who does the core roles in every loose forward position very well, but isn't as strong in contact as the other Blues players yet, and I think he'd struggle at the next level currently. Lakai is better as someone who can play in all 3 positions in the loose.

                      I wouldn't be surprised if Ioane makes the All Blacks ahead of Sotutu, to be perfectly honest.

                      If the selectors plump for Savea, Papali'i, Finau, Lakai and Blackadder then I think all the positions are fairly well covered so there's no desperate need to go for any specific specialists, in which case either Sotutu or Ioane fits the bill, and I think Ioane is better suited to Test rugby.

                      To some degree it depends on what TWM are looking for. If they want specialist 7s and 8s, then Paps, Lakai, RD and Hoskins ought to be selected. Finau will be the hitman 6, which would leave Blackadder, Akira and Jacobson fighting for last place. The former has disadvantage of only having two games on which to be judged.

                      Tough area to pick from

                      Who the heck is RD?

                      BonesB Offline
                      BonesB Offline
                      Bones
                      wrote on last edited by
                      #2536

                      @Gunner I've literally just clicked reading it again, thanks! Savea

                      G 1 Reply Last reply
                      4
                      • BonesB Bones

                        @Gunner I've literally just clicked reading it again, thanks! Savea

                        G Offline
                        G Offline
                        Gunner
                        wrote on last edited by
                        #2537

                        @Bones thanks.

                        I literally went back through the thread looking for some elusive prick with initials RD.

                        Ban that fulla for wasting my time 🤣

                        P 1 Reply Last reply
                        5
                        • G Gunner

                          @pakman said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

                          @Mr-Fish said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

                          @African-Monkey said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

                          @sparky I understand that the AB coaches don't like Akira as well as a lot of non Blues fans, but he's very important to how this Blues side plays. We're a worse side without him out there, as we've see when he hasn't played. Cotter has gotten the best out of him playing in close quarters, where as previous coaches used him exclusively in the wider channels, to the point where he didn't look comfortable in his role in the ABs side once Ryan and Schmidt took over in 2022. If he got picked now to play the role they want him to play, he'd be far more comfortable in playing it.

                          Segner hasn't played much of late. He's a good player who does the core roles in every loose forward position very well, but isn't as strong in contact as the other Blues players yet, and I think he'd struggle at the next level currently. Lakai is better as someone who can play in all 3 positions in the loose.

                          I wouldn't be surprised if Ioane makes the All Blacks ahead of Sotutu, to be perfectly honest.

                          If the selectors plump for Savea, Papali'i, Finau, Lakai and Blackadder then I think all the positions are fairly well covered so there's no desperate need to go for any specific specialists, in which case either Sotutu or Ioane fits the bill, and I think Ioane is better suited to Test rugby.

                          To some degree it depends on what TWM are looking for. If they want specialist 7s and 8s, then Paps, Lakai, RD and Hoskins ought to be selected. Finau will be the hitman 6, which would leave Blackadder, Akira and Jacobson fighting for last place. The former has disadvantage of only having two games on which to be judged.

                          Tough area to pick from

                          Who the heck is RD?

                          P Offline
                          P Offline
                          pakman
                          wrote on last edited by
                          #2538

                          @Gunner RD Savea

                          1 Reply Last reply
                          1
                          • G Gunner

                            @Bones thanks.

                            I literally went back through the thread looking for some elusive prick with initials RD.

                            Ban that fulla for wasting my time 🤣

                            P Offline
                            P Offline
                            pakman
                            wrote on last edited by
                            #2539

                            @Gunner let’s hope the POMs have a similar problem come match day!

                            BonesB 1 Reply Last reply
                            0
                            • P pakman

                              @Gunner let’s hope the POMs have a similar problem come match day!

                              BonesB Offline
                              BonesB Offline
                              Bones
                              wrote on last edited by
                              #2540

                              @pakman said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

                              @Gunner let’s hope the POMs have a similar problem come match day!

                              The big news will be WR allowing his defection to England

                              1 Reply Last reply
                              0
                              • G Gunner

                                @pakman said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

                                @Mr-Fish said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

                                @African-Monkey said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

                                @sparky I understand that the AB coaches don't like Akira as well as a lot of non Blues fans, but he's very important to how this Blues side plays. We're a worse side without him out there, as we've see when he hasn't played. Cotter has gotten the best out of him playing in close quarters, where as previous coaches used him exclusively in the wider channels, to the point where he didn't look comfortable in his role in the ABs side once Ryan and Schmidt took over in 2022. If he got picked now to play the role they want him to play, he'd be far more comfortable in playing it.

                                Segner hasn't played much of late. He's a good player who does the core roles in every loose forward position very well, but isn't as strong in contact as the other Blues players yet, and I think he'd struggle at the next level currently. Lakai is better as someone who can play in all 3 positions in the loose.

                                I wouldn't be surprised if Ioane makes the All Blacks ahead of Sotutu, to be perfectly honest.

                                If the selectors plump for Savea, Papali'i, Finau, Lakai and Blackadder then I think all the positions are fairly well covered so there's no desperate need to go for any specific specialists, in which case either Sotutu or Ioane fits the bill, and I think Ioane is better suited to Test rugby.

                                To some degree it depends on what TWM are looking for. If they want specialist 7s and 8s, then Paps, Lakai, RD and Hoskins ought to be selected. Finau will be the hitman 6, which would leave Blackadder, Akira and Jacobson fighting for last place. The former has disadvantage of only having two games on which to be judged.

                                Tough area to pick from

                                Who the heck is RD?

                                Victor MeldrewV Offline
                                Victor MeldrewV Offline
                                Victor Meldrew
                                wrote on last edited by
                                #2541

                                @Gunner said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

                                @pakman said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

                                @Mr-Fish said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

                                @African-Monkey said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

                                @sparky I understand that the AB coaches don't like Akira as well as a lot of non Blues fans, but he's very important to how this Blues side plays. We're a worse side without him out there, as we've see when he hasn't played. Cotter has gotten the best out of him playing in close quarters, where as previous coaches used him exclusively in the wider channels, to the point where he didn't look comfortable in his role in the ABs side once Ryan and Schmidt took over in 2022. If he got picked now to play the role they want him to play, he'd be far more comfortable in playing it.

                                Segner hasn't played much of late. He's a good player who does the core roles in every loose forward position very well, but isn't as strong in contact as the other Blues players yet, and I think he'd struggle at the next level currently. Lakai is better as someone who can play in all 3 positions in the loose.

                                I wouldn't be surprised if Ioane makes the All Blacks ahead of Sotutu, to be perfectly honest.

                                If the selectors plump for Savea, Papali'i, Finau, Lakai and Blackadder then I think all the positions are fairly well covered so there's no desperate need to go for any specific specialists, in which case either Sotutu or Ioane fits the bill, and I think Ioane is better suited to Test rugby.

                                To some degree it depends on what TWM are looking for. If they want specialist 7s and 8s, then Paps, Lakai, RD and Hoskins ought to be selected. Finau will be the hitman 6, which would leave Blackadder, Akira and Jacobson fighting for last place. The former has disadvantage of only having two games on which to be judged.

                                Tough area to pick from

                                Who the heck is RD?

                                R2D2's little brother.

                                1 Reply Last reply
                                0
                                • gt12G Offline
                                  gt12G Offline
                                  gt12
                                  wrote on last edited by gt12
                                  #2542

                                  It would be very fucking hard if Blackadder is selected as a 6 above guys doing the job there right now.

                                  Its just not close to his best position - bench loosie, ok, but starting 6, blurc.

                                  If they take 6 loosies, it should be pretty easy.

                                  KiwiwombleK 1 Reply Last reply
                                  5
                                  • F Offline
                                    F Offline
                                    Frank
                                    wrote on last edited by
                                    #2543

                                    I think Razor will pick Blackadder ahead of Akira.

                                    1 Reply Last reply
                                    2
                                    • Dan54D Dan54

                                      @Bones said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

                                      @Dan54 said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

                                      @Bones said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

                                      @Canes4life why Ratima over Funaki?

                                      But yeah interesting that Hotham has all of a sudden become a favourite for some after running the ball well in a couple of games (and looking awful earlier), yet others have been performing all season and now aren't as good...

                                      What team does Hotham play for again?

                                      Though to be fair mate, Hotham has been on NZR's radar as an up and comer for a few years now. Have heard him name checked etc by Steve Lancaster a year or 2 back when discussing players they have got on radar.

                                      You can talk about this imaginary radar all you like, but I don't think it really means anything.

                                      Well it just means they see them as players with a future at a high level. Doesn't mean they will get there, just they will be mentored etc.
                                      I think they usually fairly good at picking players they see with a big future.
                                      Not suggesting Hotham will go near ABs this year or anything. Mind you I still say I be very surprised if Christie isn't in AB squad as a 9.

                                      Chris B.C Offline
                                      Chris B.C Offline
                                      Chris B.
                                      wrote on last edited by Chris B.
                                      #2544

                                      @Dan54 said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

                                      Not suggesting Hotham will go near ABs this year or anything. Mind you I still say I be very surprised if Christie isn't in AB squad as a 9.

                                      I'll also be a bit surprised if Christie doesn't make it into this first selection. If I were Razor and Co. I'd be picking pretty much as much continuity as I could from last year and then slowly ease out the guys I'm less enamoured with (and slowly ease in my newbies). They're going to have at least half a dozen spots for rookies, as it is.**

                                      In the forwards, especially, I'm inclined to think Ryan would have pretty much had everyone he wanted last year. In the backs there's probably a bit more scope for the new selectors to be thinking, "why the hell did they pick him"?

                                      Have they ever said exactly who is on the AB selection panel? I presume Razor and Ryan (forwards coach) - which would then logically suggest Holland (backs coach)?

                                      On Hotham, I think anyone who's starting at halfback for their Super team isn't going to be too far away from the ABs this year. They're going to pick three halfbacks, but then if someone gets an injury....

                                      **I'm a pretty reactionary selector - Razor might be a lot more adventurous!

                                      gt12G Dan54D 2 Replies Last reply
                                      0
                                      • BovidaeB Bovidae

                                        @Machpants said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

                                        Darry? No way

                                        Strange it is then. 😉

                                        Chris B.C Offline
                                        Chris B.C Offline
                                        Chris B.
                                        wrote on last edited by
                                        #2545

                                        @Bovidae said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

                                        @Machpants said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

                                        Darry? No way

                                        Strange it is then. 😉

                                        https://www.waikatotimes.co.nz/sport/350297730/all-blacks-watch-five-positions-keeping-new-coach-scott-robertson-night

                                        Mark Hinton has Quinten in the inside lane.

                                        When pickings are slim Strange things happen! 🙂

                                        KiwiMurphK 1 Reply Last reply
                                        1
                                        • gt12G gt12

                                          It would be very fucking hard if Blackadder is selected as a 6 above guys doing the job there right now.

                                          Its just not close to his best position - bench loosie, ok, but starting 6, blurc.

                                          If they take 6 loosies, it should be pretty easy.

                                          KiwiwombleK Offline
                                          KiwiwombleK Offline
                                          Kiwiwomble
                                          wrote on last edited by
                                          #2546

                                          @gt12 said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

                                          It would be very fucking hard if Blackadder is selected as a 6 above guys doing the job there right now.

                                          Its just not close to his best position - bench loosie, ok, but starting 6, blurc.

                                          If they take 6 loosies, it should be pretty easy.

                                          it would be a very Fozzie thing to do, get the 15 highest rated people on the pitch at the same time even if out of position

                                          mariner4lifeM 1 Reply Last reply
                                          1
                                          Reply
                                          • Reply as topic
                                          Log in to reply
                                          • Oldest to Newest
                                          • Newest to Oldest
                                          • Most Votes


                                          • Login

                                          • Don't have an account? Register

                                          • Search
                                          • First post
                                            Last post
                                          0
                                          • Categories
                                          • Search