All Blacks 2024
-
So, after a tight England series, thoughts?
Props: Scrum good. Defense good. Lineout work not good. Carrying not good. Overall look to be in a pretty good place, but shit we do need some yards out of these blokes.
Hookers. Taylor has been pretty good around the track defensively, still loves a dumb breakdown penalty. But threw poorly. Aumua looked good off the bench but i am not ready to chuck him the keys yet. Not our worst spot.
Locks. SBarrett got shown on Saturday what a real world class lock looks like. He's a trier Scott, but he lacks that bit of class to help separate us from other teams. Patty T was picked to carry, and didn't do it too well. Lineout was a bit shit. Vaa'i has added a bit off the bench in both games, has come a long was since last year. As a unit again not bad without being world beaters, obviously scrumming well but need to suss the fucking lineout.
The tight 5 is the least of our worries it seems. Not dominant, but pretty handy.Loosies. Disjointed is the best word i can come up with. Papali'i had an okay test and a good test. He is what he is, and when he's on like Saturday he's an asset. Sure to start going forward. Savea is a problem. All his weaknesses are really highlighted when the youtube reel shit isn't there to compensate. Two very quiet games, definitely beaten by his opposite. Finau barely fired a shot. Definitely looks hesitant where at the level below he's flat out. Could be instructions or it could be that the game is too quick. Needs to find something and quick. The other options aren't tall enough. If Finau isn't going to carry and hit like in Super season then the whole trio is too weak. Jacobson came on and worked, like he does, but he's no differnece maker at this level. Big area of improvement.
Halfbacks. At expectation. We got what we knew we already had because they are not new. TJ is TJ and will always be TJ. Christie slows the game down and has an average pass. Ratima looked better just because he got the ball out quick and let us play. In my mind decisions to be made, but the coaches may value the experience in South Africa which means the rest of the team will suffer. If our plan is fast and wide, then playing shitty passing halfbacks is an enormous handbrake.
- DMac was what we thought. At the heart of everything good we do. Incredible at getting others in to space, or finding mismatches by drawing players. We're obviously trying to get him the ball in wide channels to use his pace (like how the Crusaders used Mo'unga). Kicked from hand pretty well, brought back the wipers as well. When we get bogged down he battles, and definitely looks worse with ropey ball from 9. Tough as fuck in defense as well.
Midfield. Should be settled, probably isn't. I see the sentiment on here is still "play Reiko on the wing, he can't distribute" even though that is never happening. Looks to me like they are being asked to play narrow and straight to try and give DMac space to loop them and get out wide. Problem is, neither of our midfield are actually great passers of the ball. Jordie passes late, and often very inaccurately, putting everyone under pressure. Reiko is not a natural either. I still think this is our best combination, JB can really carry in traffic, and Reiko has pace. They just need to work out the new system. Defensively they are adequate, but neither rock solid.
Wingers: okay i guess. Reece is a livewire, happy to pin his ears, happy to stick his head over the ball. Telea beats tacklers for fun, but lacks top end pace, and defensively is pretty suspect. I am not sure either should be feeling confident about their place going forward.
Fullbacks: Hand up, very wrong about both these blokes. Perofeta went way better than i thought. Still put himself under pressure unnecessarily at times, but should have set up a try in both games, and looked quite lively in attack. Obviously my "BB is cooked" aged like milk. Ok in the first, but with the same shit we have whinged about for years. The 2nd had a ropey kick, and that skill/luck double kick. But he came on and added a lot. He and DMac always look like they play well together. Two good options. When Jordan comes back he's a wing again?
I don't really see what the plan is except to use DMacs passing to outflank the rush, or to loop him and get him in the wider spaces. Carrying needs work as the English rush defence was sitting guys down as soon as they got the ball. The way the Irish set up their forward runners compared to ours is night and day different.
Defence looks okay, but England got plenty of joy when they put pace on the game, and we are still quite passive. It looked to me like a huge focus on legs tackles rather than dominant hits, which is a big departure from previous years.Great to win 2-0. The Fiji game you would think makes it 3-0 to start. Plenty to work on before a big game in the Republic.
@mariner4life said in All Blacks 2024:
So, after a tight England series, thoughts?
Props: Scrum good. Defense good. Lineout work not good. Carrying not good.
I've been beating this drum forever. Despite what Ryan says our props offer nothing as ball-carriers, de Groot especially. With PT anonymous we had no go-forward in the tight five. When Slipper is more of a threat carrying the ball, we've got problems. We can't just be relying on the loose forwards to get over the advantage line.
-
@Bovidae only 32 going I was told. Hoping to hear some names that aren’t going later today
@Landers92 said in All Blacks 2024:
@Bovidae only 32 going I was told. Hoping to hear some names that aren’t going later today
Been told it’s the original 32 that were selected that are going minus TJ. Sounds like the 4 that were training with them aren’t going. Asked if Hotham was going but wasn’t sure, I would assume he is based off what happened at the position.
-
@mariner4life said in All Blacks 2024:
So, after a tight England series, thoughts?
Props: Scrum good. Defense good. Lineout work not good. Carrying not good.
I've been beating this drum forever. Despite what Ryan says our props offer nothing as ball-carriers, de Groot especially. With PT anonymous we had no go-forward in the tight five. When Slipper is more of a threat carrying the ball, we've got problems. We can't just be relying on the loose forwards to get over the advantage line.
@Bovidae said in All Blacks 2024:
@mariner4life said in All Blacks 2024:
So, after a tight England series, thoughts?
Props: Scrum good. Defense good. Lineout work not good. Carrying not good.
I've been beating this drum forever. Despite what Ryan says our props offer nothing as ball-carriers, de Groot especially. With PT anonymous we had no go-forward in the tight five. When Slipper is more of a threat carrying the ball, we've got problems. We can't just be relying on the loose forwards to get over the advantage line.
Hard for any ball runners to make the adv line after Christie has a cup of tea before clearing... It was noticeable how the runners were moving onto the ball and making meters, as soon as Ratima got on...
-
So, after a tight England series, thoughts?
Props: Scrum good. Defense good. Lineout work not good. Carrying not good. Overall look to be in a pretty good place, but shit we do need some yards out of these blokes.
Hookers. Taylor has been pretty good around the track defensively, still loves a dumb breakdown penalty. But threw poorly. Aumua looked good off the bench but i am not ready to chuck him the keys yet. Not our worst spot.
Locks. SBarrett got shown on Saturday what a real world class lock looks like. He's a trier Scott, but he lacks that bit of class to help separate us from other teams. Patty T was picked to carry, and didn't do it too well. Lineout was a bit shit. Vaa'i has added a bit off the bench in both games, has come a long was since last year. As a unit again not bad without being world beaters, obviously scrumming well but need to suss the fucking lineout.
The tight 5 is the least of our worries it seems. Not dominant, but pretty handy.Loosies. Disjointed is the best word i can come up with. Papali'i had an okay test and a good test. He is what he is, and when he's on like Saturday he's an asset. Sure to start going forward. Savea is a problem. All his weaknesses are really highlighted when the youtube reel shit isn't there to compensate. Two very quiet games, definitely beaten by his opposite. Finau barely fired a shot. Definitely looks hesitant where at the level below he's flat out. Could be instructions or it could be that the game is too quick. Needs to find something and quick. The other options aren't tall enough. If Finau isn't going to carry and hit like in Super season then the whole trio is too weak. Jacobson came on and worked, like he does, but he's no differnece maker at this level. Big area of improvement.
Halfbacks. At expectation. We got what we knew we already had because they are not new. TJ is TJ and will always be TJ. Christie slows the game down and has an average pass. Ratima looked better just because he got the ball out quick and let us play. In my mind decisions to be made, but the coaches may value the experience in South Africa which means the rest of the team will suffer. If our plan is fast and wide, then playing shitty passing halfbacks is an enormous handbrake.
- DMac was what we thought. At the heart of everything good we do. Incredible at getting others in to space, or finding mismatches by drawing players. We're obviously trying to get him the ball in wide channels to use his pace (like how the Crusaders used Mo'unga). Kicked from hand pretty well, brought back the wipers as well. When we get bogged down he battles, and definitely looks worse with ropey ball from 9. Tough as fuck in defense as well.
Midfield. Should be settled, probably isn't. I see the sentiment on here is still "play Reiko on the wing, he can't distribute" even though that is never happening. Looks to me like they are being asked to play narrow and straight to try and give DMac space to loop them and get out wide. Problem is, neither of our midfield are actually great passers of the ball. Jordie passes late, and often very inaccurately, putting everyone under pressure. Reiko is not a natural either. I still think this is our best combination, JB can really carry in traffic, and Reiko has pace. They just need to work out the new system. Defensively they are adequate, but neither rock solid.
Wingers: okay i guess. Reece is a livewire, happy to pin his ears, happy to stick his head over the ball. Telea beats tacklers for fun, but lacks top end pace, and defensively is pretty suspect. I am not sure either should be feeling confident about their place going forward.
Fullbacks: Hand up, very wrong about both these blokes. Perofeta went way better than i thought. Still put himself under pressure unnecessarily at times, but should have set up a try in both games, and looked quite lively in attack. Obviously my "BB is cooked" aged like milk. Ok in the first, but with the same shit we have whinged about for years. The 2nd had a ropey kick, and that skill/luck double kick. But he came on and added a lot. He and DMac always look like they play well together. Two good options. When Jordan comes back he's a wing again?
I don't really see what the plan is except to use DMacs passing to outflank the rush, or to loop him and get him in the wider spaces. Carrying needs work as the English rush defence was sitting guys down as soon as they got the ball. The way the Irish set up their forward runners compared to ours is night and day different.
Defence looks okay, but England got plenty of joy when they put pace on the game, and we are still quite passive. It looked to me like a huge focus on legs tackles rather than dominant hits, which is a big departure from previous years.Great to win 2-0. The Fiji game you would think makes it 3-0 to start. Plenty to work on before a big game in the Republic.
@mariner4life Pretty fair assessment.
Big Tamaiti can carry - I've been a bit surprised he hasn't been the bench option, but maybe he's still getting up to speed.
Him, Sami T., and Tosi would make a pretty fearsome bomb squad!
Hopefully some further improvement to come from Scott Barrett. He hadn't played for several months. Next year, when we hopefully have Lord, Holland and Darry in the arsenal, we should have a taller and better lineout.
At 6, we really need a legitimate third lineout jumper. If not Finau, then Suafoa, Dunshea and Hannah are guys with the desired dimensions.
When Dunshea burst onto the scene it was playing number 8 vs the British and Irish Lions. Since then he's had a lot of injuries and now seems to have pushed into lock. Dunno whether he's still got the mobility to play 6.
Too early for Hannah, but I don't think he's tall enough to be a test lock.
Telea looks to have lost a yard of pace from last year, whether through injury or hitting the 27 years mark. He needs to re-find it, because we have plenty of good wings.
Rieko's also 27, so no way is he transitioning back to wing. We'll get to see what Proctor can do, but I don't expect him to push out Rieko this year, if at all.
I expect Jordan to return as a fullback. Whether he goes there immediately, or transitions, that's where his long term future will be IMO. This time next year, he'll be 27 as well.
-
@mariner4life Pretty fair assessment.
Big Tamaiti can carry - I've been a bit surprised he hasn't been the bench option, but maybe he's still getting up to speed.
Him, Sami T., and Tosi would make a pretty fearsome bomb squad!
Hopefully some further improvement to come from Scott Barrett. He hadn't played for several months. Next year, when we hopefully have Lord, Holland and Darry in the arsenal, we should have a taller and better lineout.
At 6, we really need a legitimate third lineout jumper. If not Finau, then Suafoa, Dunshea and Hannah are guys with the desired dimensions.
When Dunshea burst onto the scene it was playing number 8 vs the British and Irish Lions. Since then he's had a lot of injuries and now seems to have pushed into lock. Dunno whether he's still got the mobility to play 6.
Too early for Hannah, but I don't think he's tall enough to be a test lock.
Telea looks to have lost a yard of pace from last year, whether through injury or hitting the 27 years mark. He needs to re-find it, because we have plenty of good wings.
Rieko's also 27, so no way is he transitioning back to wing. We'll get to see what Proctor can do, but I don't expect him to push out Rieko this year, if at all.
I expect Jordan to return as a fullback. Whether he goes there immediately, or transitions, that's where his long term future will be IMO. This time next year, he'll be 27 as well.
-
So, after a tight England series, thoughts?
Props: Scrum good. Defense good. Lineout work not good. Carrying not good. Overall look to be in a pretty good place, but shit we do need some yards out of these blokes.
Hookers. Taylor has been pretty good around the track defensively, still loves a dumb breakdown penalty. But threw poorly. Aumua looked good off the bench but i am not ready to chuck him the keys yet. Not our worst spot.
Locks. SBarrett got shown on Saturday what a real world class lock looks like. He's a trier Scott, but he lacks that bit of class to help separate us from other teams. Patty T was picked to carry, and didn't do it too well. Lineout was a bit shit. Vaa'i has added a bit off the bench in both games, has come a long was since last year. As a unit again not bad without being world beaters, obviously scrumming well but need to suss the fucking lineout.
The tight 5 is the least of our worries it seems. Not dominant, but pretty handy.Loosies. Disjointed is the best word i can come up with. Papali'i had an okay test and a good test. He is what he is, and when he's on like Saturday he's an asset. Sure to start going forward. Savea is a problem. All his weaknesses are really highlighted when the youtube reel shit isn't there to compensate. Two very quiet games, definitely beaten by his opposite. Finau barely fired a shot. Definitely looks hesitant where at the level below he's flat out. Could be instructions or it could be that the game is too quick. Needs to find something and quick. The other options aren't tall enough. If Finau isn't going to carry and hit like in Super season then the whole trio is too weak. Jacobson came on and worked, like he does, but he's no differnece maker at this level. Big area of improvement.
Halfbacks. At expectation. We got what we knew we already had because they are not new. TJ is TJ and will always be TJ. Christie slows the game down and has an average pass. Ratima looked better just because he got the ball out quick and let us play. In my mind decisions to be made, but the coaches may value the experience in South Africa which means the rest of the team will suffer. If our plan is fast and wide, then playing shitty passing halfbacks is an enormous handbrake.
- DMac was what we thought. At the heart of everything good we do. Incredible at getting others in to space, or finding mismatches by drawing players. We're obviously trying to get him the ball in wide channels to use his pace (like how the Crusaders used Mo'unga). Kicked from hand pretty well, brought back the wipers as well. When we get bogged down he battles, and definitely looks worse with ropey ball from 9. Tough as fuck in defense as well.
Midfield. Should be settled, probably isn't. I see the sentiment on here is still "play Reiko on the wing, he can't distribute" even though that is never happening. Looks to me like they are being asked to play narrow and straight to try and give DMac space to loop them and get out wide. Problem is, neither of our midfield are actually great passers of the ball. Jordie passes late, and often very inaccurately, putting everyone under pressure. Reiko is not a natural either. I still think this is our best combination, JB can really carry in traffic, and Reiko has pace. They just need to work out the new system. Defensively they are adequate, but neither rock solid.
Wingers: okay i guess. Reece is a livewire, happy to pin his ears, happy to stick his head over the ball. Telea beats tacklers for fun, but lacks top end pace, and defensively is pretty suspect. I am not sure either should be feeling confident about their place going forward.
Fullbacks: Hand up, very wrong about both these blokes. Perofeta went way better than i thought. Still put himself under pressure unnecessarily at times, but should have set up a try in both games, and looked quite lively in attack. Obviously my "BB is cooked" aged like milk. Ok in the first, but with the same shit we have whinged about for years. The 2nd had a ropey kick, and that skill/luck double kick. But he came on and added a lot. He and DMac always look like they play well together. Two good options. When Jordan comes back he's a wing again?
I don't really see what the plan is except to use DMacs passing to outflank the rush, or to loop him and get him in the wider spaces. Carrying needs work as the English rush defence was sitting guys down as soon as they got the ball. The way the Irish set up their forward runners compared to ours is night and day different.
Defence looks okay, but England got plenty of joy when they put pace on the game, and we are still quite passive. It looked to me like a huge focus on legs tackles rather than dominant hits, which is a big departure from previous years.Great to win 2-0. The Fiji game you would think makes it 3-0 to start. Plenty to work on before a big game in the Republic.
@mariner4life said in All Blacks 2024:
I still think this is our best combination,
Two limited passer is fine when the team plays a smash and base forward based game
But thats not what Robertson wants it seems. So, it a poor combination. Esp when we have the option of Proctor where passing is a strength
I also though Perofeta was good the first game. But poor the 2nd. He not a test FB and really needs to focus on 1st
-
@mariner4life Pretty fair assessment.
Big Tamaiti can carry - I've been a bit surprised he hasn't been the bench option, but maybe he's still getting up to speed.
Him, Sami T., and Tosi would make a pretty fearsome bomb squad!
Hopefully some further improvement to come from Scott Barrett. He hadn't played for several months. Next year, when we hopefully have Lord, Holland and Darry in the arsenal, we should have a taller and better lineout.
At 6, we really need a legitimate third lineout jumper. If not Finau, then Suafoa, Dunshea and Hannah are guys with the desired dimensions.
When Dunshea burst onto the scene it was playing number 8 vs the British and Irish Lions. Since then he's had a lot of injuries and now seems to have pushed into lock. Dunno whether he's still got the mobility to play 6.
Too early for Hannah, but I don't think he's tall enough to be a test lock.
Telea looks to have lost a yard of pace from last year, whether through injury or hitting the 27 years mark. He needs to re-find it, because we have plenty of good wings.
Rieko's also 27, so no way is he transitioning back to wing. We'll get to see what Proctor can do, but I don't expect him to push out Rieko this year, if at all.
I expect Jordan to return as a fullback. Whether he goes there immediately, or transitions, that's where his long term future will be IMO. This time next year, he'll be 27 as well.
@Chris-B said in All Blacks 2024:
Rieko's also 27, so no way is he transitioning back to wing
Maybe on whether it depends on Robertson. Or 2 limited super rugby coaches
As the backline only started to function well when the the reserves came on.
-
@mariner4life Pretty fair assessment.
Big Tamaiti can carry - I've been a bit surprised he hasn't been the bench option, but maybe he's still getting up to speed.
Him, Sami T., and Tosi would make a pretty fearsome bomb squad!
Hopefully some further improvement to come from Scott Barrett. He hadn't played for several months. Next year, when we hopefully have Lord, Holland and Darry in the arsenal, we should have a taller and better lineout.
At 6, we really need a legitimate third lineout jumper. If not Finau, then Suafoa, Dunshea and Hannah are guys with the desired dimensions.
When Dunshea burst onto the scene it was playing number 8 vs the British and Irish Lions. Since then he's had a lot of injuries and now seems to have pushed into lock. Dunno whether he's still got the mobility to play 6.
Too early for Hannah, but I don't think he's tall enough to be a test lock.
Telea looks to have lost a yard of pace from last year, whether through injury or hitting the 27 years mark. He needs to re-find it, because we have plenty of good wings.
Rieko's also 27, so no way is he transitioning back to wing. We'll get to see what Proctor can do, but I don't expect him to push out Rieko this year, if at all.
I expect Jordan to return as a fullback. Whether he goes there immediately, or transitions, that's where his long term future will be IMO. This time next year, he'll be 27 as well.
@Chris-B said in All Blacks 2024:
Telea looks to have lost a yard of pace from last year, whether through injury or hitting the 27 years mark. He needs to re-find it, because we have plenty of good wings.
Seemed to lose some speed mid season of Super Rugby.
-
@Chris-B said in All Blacks 2024:
Telea looks to have lost a yard of pace from last year, whether through injury or hitting the 27 years mark. He needs to re-find it, because we have plenty of good wings.
Seemed to lose some speed mid season of Super Rugby.
@Tim said in All Blacks 2024:
@Chris-B said in All Blacks 2024:
Telea looks to have lost a yard of pace from last year, whether through injury or hitting the 27 years mark. He needs to re-find it, because we have plenty of good wings.
Seemed to lose some speed mid season of Super Rugby.
Maybe he lost speed mid season I don't know, but the guy has always been on the slow side. I am not sure why people are surprised by this.
-
@mariner4life said in All Blacks 2024:
I still think this is our best combination,
Two limited passer is fine when the team plays a smash and base forward based game
But thats not what Robertson wants it seems. So, it a poor combination. Esp when we have the option of Proctor where passing is a strength
I also though Perofeta was good the first game. But poor the 2nd. He not a test FB and really needs to focus on 1st
@Winger said in All Blacks 2024:
@mariner4life said in All Blacks 2024:
I still think this is our best combination,
Two limited passer is fine when the team plays a smash and base forward based game
But thats not what Robertson wants it seems. So, it a poor combination. Esp when we have the option of Proctor where passing is a strength
I also though Perofeta was good the first game. But poor the 2nd. He not a test FB and really needs to focus on 1st
i havent had a chance to read through the match thread, was this the consensus for the second test?
-
@Winger said in All Blacks 2024:
@mariner4life said in All Blacks 2024:
I still think this is our best combination,
Two limited passer is fine when the team plays a smash and base forward based game
But thats not what Robertson wants it seems. So, it a poor combination. Esp when we have the option of Proctor where passing is a strength
I also though Perofeta was good the first game. But poor the 2nd. He not a test FB and really needs to focus on 1st
i havent had a chance to read through the match thread, was this the consensus for the second test?
@Kiwiwomble said in All Blacks 2024:
@Winger said in All Blacks 2024:
@mariner4life said in All Blacks 2024:
I still think this is our best combination,
Two limited passer is fine when the team plays a smash and base forward based game
But thats not what Robertson wants it seems. So, it a poor combination. Esp when we have the option of Proctor where passing is a strength
I also though Perofeta was good the first game. But poor the 2nd. He not a test FB and really needs to focus on 1st
i havent had a chance to read through the match thread, was this the consensus for the second test?
It varies
But he cost a certain try. And his line clearing was poor = poor for me
He was also replaced at 48 minutes and this was the start of the backline transformation. With (almost*) everything going right for Barrett (* one poor clearing kick)
-
@Chris-B said in All Blacks 2024:
Telea looks to have lost a yard of pace from last year, whether through injury or hitting the 27 years mark. He needs to re-find it, because we have plenty of good wings.
Seemed to lose some speed mid season of Super Rugby.
@Tim said in All Blacks 2024:
@Chris-B said in All Blacks 2024:
Telea looks to have lost a yard of pace from last year, whether through injury or hitting the 27 years mark. He needs to re-find it, because we have plenty of good wings.
Seemed to lose some speed mid season of Super Rugby.
I thought that too ... Was there a niggle or something???
-
@mariner4life Pretty fair assessment.
Big Tamaiti can carry - I've been a bit surprised he hasn't been the bench option, but maybe he's still getting up to speed.
Him, Sami T., and Tosi would make a pretty fearsome bomb squad!
Hopefully some further improvement to come from Scott Barrett. He hadn't played for several months. Next year, when we hopefully have Lord, Holland and Darry in the arsenal, we should have a taller and better lineout.
At 6, we really need a legitimate third lineout jumper. If not Finau, then Suafoa, Dunshea and Hannah are guys with the desired dimensions.
When Dunshea burst onto the scene it was playing number 8 vs the British and Irish Lions. Since then he's had a lot of injuries and now seems to have pushed into lock. Dunno whether he's still got the mobility to play 6.
Too early for Hannah, but I don't think he's tall enough to be a test lock.
Telea looks to have lost a yard of pace from last year, whether through injury or hitting the 27 years mark. He needs to re-find it, because we have plenty of good wings.
Rieko's also 27, so no way is he transitioning back to wing. We'll get to see what Proctor can do, but I don't expect him to push out Rieko this year, if at all.
I expect Jordan to return as a fullback. Whether he goes there immediately, or transitions, that's where his long term future will be IMO. This time next year, he'll be 27 as well.
@Chris-B said in All Blacks 2024:
Hopefully some further improvement to come from Scott Barrett.
Just rewatching the first half and he is in absolutely everying. Extraordinary motor - so many involvements. I'm very very impressed - missed it live but his workrate is off the charts.
-
@Tim said in All Blacks 2024:
@Chris-B said in All Blacks 2024:
Telea looks to have lost a yard of pace from last year, whether through injury or hitting the 27 years mark. He needs to re-find it, because we have plenty of good wings.
Seemed to lose some speed mid season of Super Rugby.
Maybe he lost speed mid season I don't know, but the guy has always been on the slow side. I am not sure why people are surprised by this.
@Crazy-Horse said in All Blacks 2024:
@Tim said in All Blacks 2024:
@Chris-B said in All Blacks 2024:
Telea looks to have lost a yard of pace from last year, whether through injury or hitting the 27 years mark. He needs to re-find it, because we have plenty of good wings.
Seemed to lose some speed mid season of Super Rugby.
Maybe he lost speed mid season I don't know, but the guy has always been on the slow side. I am not sure why people are surprised by this.
He's never been express.
But, the last couple of tests he's repeatedly been cutting back inside which is a giveaway that your opponent has you beaten for pace.
I don't recall that from last year - not when he had an outside break.
-
Just on Rieko and his “limited” distribution - I’ll need to go and rewatch a heap of games, but feel like I can count on one finger the number of times where he’s received the ball in space and had the option to go himself or put someone into space. Just seems like it’s crash ball every time, and I put that down to gameplay and Jordie more than Rieko’s limitations
-
@Crazy-Horse said in All Blacks 2024:
@Tim said in All Blacks 2024:
@Chris-B said in All Blacks 2024:
Telea looks to have lost a yard of pace from last year, whether through injury or hitting the 27 years mark. He needs to re-find it, because we have plenty of good wings.
Seemed to lose some speed mid season of Super Rugby.
Maybe he lost speed mid season I don't know, but the guy has always been on the slow side. I am not sure why people are surprised by this.
He's never been express.
But, the last couple of tests he's repeatedly been cutting back inside which is a giveaway that your opponent has you beaten for pace.
I don't recall that from last year - not when he had an outside break.
@Chris-B said in All Blacks 2024:
@Crazy-Horse said in All Blacks 2024:
@Tim said in All Blacks 2024:
@Chris-B said in All Blacks 2024:
Telea looks to have lost a yard of pace from last year, whether through injury or hitting the 27 years mark. He needs to re-find it, because we have plenty of good wings.
Seemed to lose some speed mid season of Super Rugby.
Maybe he lost speed mid season I don't know, but the guy has always been on the slow side. I am not sure why people are surprised by this.
He's never been express.
But, the last couple of tests he's repeatedly been cutting back inside which is a giveaway that your opponent has you beaten for pace.
I don't recall that from last year - not when he had an outside break.
true, the thing we might be underestimating is his ability to make ground through congestion (either breaking tackles or just threading the needle), worst case with cutting back is you are closer to your support, best case make a break towards the posts, im still very happy with Telea...with a little work to be done on positioning on defence
-
@mariner4life Pretty fair assessment.
Big Tamaiti can carry - I've been a bit surprised he hasn't been the bench option, but maybe he's still getting up to speed.
Him, Sami T., and Tosi would make a pretty fearsome bomb squad!
Hopefully some further improvement to come from Scott Barrett. He hadn't played for several months. Next year, when we hopefully have Lord, Holland and Darry in the arsenal, we should have a taller and better lineout.
At 6, we really need a legitimate third lineout jumper. If not Finau, then Suafoa, Dunshea and Hannah are guys with the desired dimensions.
When Dunshea burst onto the scene it was playing number 8 vs the British and Irish Lions. Since then he's had a lot of injuries and now seems to have pushed into lock. Dunno whether he's still got the mobility to play 6.
Too early for Hannah, but I don't think he's tall enough to be a test lock.
Telea looks to have lost a yard of pace from last year, whether through injury or hitting the 27 years mark. He needs to re-find it, because we have plenty of good wings.
Rieko's also 27, so no way is he transitioning back to wing. We'll get to see what Proctor can do, but I don't expect him to push out Rieko this year, if at all.
I expect Jordan to return as a fullback. Whether he goes there immediately, or transitions, that's where his long term future will be IMO. This time next year, he'll be 27 as well.
@Chris-B said in All Blacks 2024:
At 6, we really need a legitimate third lineout jumper. If not Finau, then Suafoa, Dunshea and Hannah are guys with the desired dimensions.
Wait… When you say this, are you referring to them being possible options for the All Blacks at 6? Or just line out options in their preferred positions? Really need some clarity on this
-
Just on Rieko and his “limited” distribution - I’ll need to go and rewatch a heap of games, but feel like I can count on one finger the number of times where he’s received the ball in space and had the option to go himself or put someone into space. Just seems like it’s crash ball every time, and I put that down to gameplay and Jordie more than Rieko’s limitations
@voodoo said in All Blacks 2024:
Just on Rieko and his “limited” distribution - I’ll need to go and rewatch a heap of games, but feel like I can count on one finger the number of times where he’s received the ball in space and had the option to go himself or put someone into space. Just seems like it’s crash ball every time, and I put that down to gameplay and Jordie more than Rieko’s limitations
Agreed.
Jordie aint a crash hot passer.
He's like an unco' giraffe.
And that's what we have in the midfield right now, two physically gifted players or aren't natural distributors (aaaah for the days of Nonu)
