All Blacks 2025
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@reprobate I like the look of Higgins - hopefully he makes the grade. He's definitely a good distributor and I think that's what you need at second five in elite international rugby.
Even though Big Jim is one of my Ta$man boys - I'm still to be convinced he's what we need at second five. Carries well. Excellent pilferer. Can he distribute effectively? Can he kick effectively? At elite international level?
There's been much criticism that even with Jordie and Rieko in the midfield, we're poor distributors. I'm sceptical about sticking converted wings in there and expecting it to improve.
@Chris-B said in All Blacks 2025:
@reprobate I like the look of Higgins - hopefully he makes the grade. He's definitely a good distributor and I think that's what you need at second five in elite international rugby.
Even though Big Jim is one of my Ta$man boys - I'm still to be convinced he's what we need at second five. Carries well. Excellent pilferer. Can he distribute effectively? Can he kick effectively? At elite international level?
There's been much criticism that even with Jordie and Rieko in the midfield, we're poor distributors. I'm sceptical about sticking converted wings in there and expecting it to improve.
Nonu being the obvious reference point.
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@sparky hearing from a credible source that Simon Parker is right in the mix , they like the fact that he is a very big and tall back row forward who carries extremely well and is a line out option that can moved around the lineout set up ,more importantly would add a strong balance to a shorter back row even he’s rolled out for the first 60 minutes
You don’t realise how big the guy is until your standing beside him ,6’4 and 117 kgsFrom personal point of view it would compliment a coupe of dynamic loose forwards say Ardie at 7 and Wallace at 8 with an out and out 6 just doing the grind.
Can see a DPK coming off the bench for the last 20@Steven-Harris said in All Blacks 2025:
@sparky hearing from a credible source that Simon Parker is right in the mix , they like the fact that he is a very big and tall back row forward who carries extremely well and is a line out option that can moved around the lineout set up ,more importantly would add a strong balance to a shorter back row even he’s rolled out for the first 60 minutes
You don’t realise how big the guy is until your standing beside him ,6’4 and 117 kgsFrom personal point of view it would compliment a coupe of dynamic loose forwards say Ardie at 7 and Wallace at 8 with an out and out 6 just doing the grind.
Can see a DPK coming off the bench for the last 20He fills that role at Chiefs and is keeping Finau out of starting 15.
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@booboo said in Moana Pasifika v Blues:
@reprobate said in Moana Pasifika v Blues:
7 has always been his best position
12?
If he moved to 12 now, it would mean Jules being dropped - which would be a pretty sweet move on Ardie's part.
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@booboo said in Moana Pasifika v Blues:
@reprobate said in Moana Pasifika v Blues:
7 has always been his best position
12?
If he moved to 12 now, it would mean Jules being dropped - which would be a pretty sweet move on Ardie's part.
@reprobate ultimate flex
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@ploughboy Wallace Sititi can obviously cover 6 so can Scott Barrett. Two specialist 6s may be seen as a luxury. It really depends on other squad options.
@sparky said in All Blacks 2025:
@ploughboy Wallace Sititi can obviously cover 6 so can Scott Barrett. Two specialist 6s may be seen as a luxury. It really depends on other squad options.
Scott Barrett has always been pretty shit at 6, and he's certainly not got younger and faster. Other than in-game 3 x loose forward injuries absolute emergency, I'd hate to see him viewed as cover.
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@sparky said in All Blacks 2025:
@ploughboy Wallace Sititi can obviously cover 6 so can Scott Barrett. Two specialist 6s may be seen as a luxury. It really depends on other squad options.
Scott Barrett has always been pretty shit at 6, and he's certainly not got younger and faster. Other than in-game 3 x loose forward injuries absolute emergency, I'd hate to see him viewed as cover.
@reprobate yep, right now I think leaving him to focus on getting back to form at lock is more important.
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@sparky said in All Blacks 2025:
@ploughboy Wallace Sititi can obviously cover 6 so can Scott Barrett. Two specialist 6s may be seen as a luxury. It really depends on other squad options.
Scott Barrett has always been pretty shit at 6, and he's certainly not got younger and faster. Other than in-game 3 x loose forward injuries absolute emergency, I'd hate to see him viewed as cover.
@reprobate said in All Blacks 2025:
@sparky said in All Blacks 2025:
@ploughboy Wallace Sititi can obviously cover 6 so can Scott Barrett. Two specialist 6s may be seen as a luxury. It really depends on other squad options.
Scott Barrett has always been pretty shit at 6, and he's certainly not got younger and faster. Other than in-game 3 x loose forward injuries absolute emergency, I'd hate to see him viewed as cover.
Yeah but guys who can apparently ‘cover’ other positions is part of the whole coaching mantra. Not sure Razor will change that mentality.
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@reprobate yep, right now I think leaving him to focus on getting back to form at lock is more important.
@taniwharugby said in All Blacks 2025:
@reprobate yep, right now I think leaving him to focus on getting back to form at lock is more important.
Yeah, given he's captain we really need him to be a guaranteed starter. If they want a lock/6 then I think Ah Kuoi is the only viable option right now.
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I wonder if that means no Hoskins
@Crazy-Horse said in All Blacks 2025:
I wonder if that means no Hoskins
Even if fatty Ryan wasn't a hater, the problem for Hos is that he's an 8, in a team where the coach doesn't like specialists.
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It is Mark Robinson's former club too. I think it is good that they do this. When Foster was coach one of the AB squad announcements was from TA Sports.
@Bovidae said in All Blacks 2025:
It is Mark Robinson's former club too. I think it is good that they do this. When Foster was coach one of the AB squad announcements was from TA Sports.
I also pleased to see Coastal used for announcement! There is a club that deserves credit, last year they actually brought a farm , use the profit to help keep costs down for players, and they look after the gear etc of the Opunake College teams,as well as Saturday morning club.. They built up a dairy herd with help of club members, and leased a farm , put on a manager etc,until got into position to actually buy a farm. Never underestimate haw good the farming community is to be involved with!
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@Crazy-Horse said in All Blacks 2025:
I wonder if that means no Hoskins
Even if fatty Ryan wasn't a hater, the problem for Hos is that he's an 8, in a team where the coach doesn't like specialists.
@antipodean said in All Blacks 2025:
@Crazy-Horse said in All Blacks 2025:
I wonder if that means no Hoskins
Even if fatty Ryan wasn't a hater, the problem for Hos is that he's an 8, in a team where the coach doesn't like specialists.
I know I'm a broken record on the subject, but I'm going to be extremely fucked off (again) when they don't pick him.
Think it was Mariner who used the phrase "guys who move the needle". That is exactly who I think Sotutu is. He will never have the number of involvements someone like Blackadder/Papalii/Jacobson does, but he may well be the guy who creates the winning try against a tight defence.
I am still holding out some slim hopes based on Ardie now looking like a definite starter at 7 rather than 8, someone's bit of gossip earlier in the season about Ryan and Sotutu having had a positive chat, and that he has built into the season slowly - he was the one Blues guy who I think really lifted to try and get them back up over Moana. When Roberston picks (the admittedly excellent) Lio-Willie instead, it's going to do my head in. We can't afford our coaches to ignore guys like Sotutu, they need to back themselves to get the best out of them.
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@antipodean said in All Blacks 2025:
@Crazy-Horse said in All Blacks 2025:
I wonder if that means no Hoskins
Even if fatty Ryan wasn't a hater, the problem for Hos is that he's an 8, in a team where the coach doesn't like specialists.
I know I'm a broken record on the subject, but I'm going to be extremely fucked off (again) when they don't pick him.
Think it was Mariner who used the phrase "guys who move the needle". That is exactly who I think Sotutu is. He will never have the number of involvements someone like Blackadder/Papalii/Jacobson does, but he may well be the guy who creates the winning try against a tight defence.
I am still holding out some slim hopes based on Ardie now looking like a definite starter at 7 rather than 8, someone's bit of gossip earlier in the season about Ryan and Sotutu having had a positive chat, and that he has built into the season slowly - he was the one Blues guy who I think really lifted to try and get them back up over Moana. When Roberston picks (the admittedly excellent) Lio-Willie instead, it's going to do my head in. We can't afford our coaches to ignore guys like Sotutu, they need to back themselves to get the best out of them.
@reprobate said in All Blacks 2025:
Ryan and Sotutu having had a positive chat
I can see Sotutu going overseas for the big $$$ and to play for England.
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@reprobate said in All Blacks 2025:
Ryan and Sotutu having had a positive chat
I can see Sotutu going overseas for the big $$$ and to play for England.
@nzzp said in All Blacks 2025:
@reprobate said in All Blacks 2025:
Ryan and Sotutu having had a positive chat
I can see Sotutu going overseas for the big $$$ and to play for England.
I not sure he would get in English squad. I have to admit, I not as convinced as some how good he is. Just personal thing.
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@Crazy-Horse said in All Blacks 2025:
I wonder if that means no Hoskins
Even if fatty Ryan wasn't a hater, the problem for Hos is that he's an 8, in a team where the coach doesn't like specialists.
@antipodean said in All Blacks 2025:
@Crazy-Horse said in All Blacks 2025:
I wonder if that means no Hoskins
Even if fatty Ryan wasn't a hater, the problem for Hos is that he's an 8, in a team where the coach doesn't like specialists.
And the third best 8 in NZ after Savea and Sititi.
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@antipodean said in All Blacks 2025:
@Crazy-Horse said in All Blacks 2025:
I wonder if that means no Hoskins
Even if fatty Ryan wasn't a hater, the problem for Hos is that he's an 8, in a team where the coach doesn't like specialists.
And the third best 8 in NZ after Savea and Sititi.
@Frank said in All Blacks 2025:
@antipodean said in All Blacks 2025:
@Crazy-Horse said in All Blacks 2025:
I wonder if that means no Hoskins
Even if fatty Ryan wasn't a hater, the problem for Hos is that he's an 8, in a team where the coach doesn't like specialists.
And the third best 8 in NZ after Savea and Sititi.
Who are the player of the year in 7, and the incumbent AB 6....
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@nzzp said in All Blacks 2025:
@reprobate said in All Blacks 2025:
Ryan and Sotutu having had a positive chat
I can see Sotutu going overseas for the big $$$ and to play for England.
I not sure he would get in English squad. I have to admit, I not as convinced as some how good he is. Just personal thing.
@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2025:
@nzzp said in All Blacks 2025:
@reprobate said in All Blacks 2025:
Ryan and Sotutu having had a positive chat
I can see Sotutu going overseas for the big $$$ and to play for England.
I not sure he would get in English squad. I have to admit, I not as convinced as some how good he is. Just personal thing.
Razor has hacked Dan's account
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@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2025:
@nzzp said in All Blacks 2025:
@reprobate said in All Blacks 2025:
Ryan and Sotutu having had a positive chat
I can see Sotutu going overseas for the big $$$ and to play for England.
I not sure he would get in English squad. I have to admit, I not as convinced as some how good he is. Just personal thing.
Razor has hacked Dan's account
@canefan said in All Blacks 2025:
@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2025:
@nzzp said in All Blacks 2025:
@reprobate said in All Blacks 2025:
Ryan and Sotutu having had a positive chat
I can see Sotutu going overseas for the big $$$ and to play for England.
I not sure he would get in English squad. I have to admit, I not as convinced as some how good he is. Just personal thing.
RazorTubby Ryan has hacked Dan's accountThis is how I would do it, and emphasis on the "personal thing".
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@nzzp said in All Blacks 2025:
@reprobate said in All Blacks 2025:
Ryan and Sotutu having had a positive chat
I can see Sotutu going overseas for the big $$$ and to play for England.
I not sure he would get in English squad. I have to admit, I not as convinced as some how good he is. Just personal thing.
@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2025:
@nzzp said in All Blacks 2025:
@reprobate said in All Blacks 2025:
Ryan and Sotutu having had a positive chat
I can see Sotutu going overseas for the big $$$ and to play for England.
I not sure he would get in English squad. I have to admit, I not as convinced as some how good he is. Just personal thing.
As it happens, they've just announced one:
Richard Capstick
Ben Curry
Alex Dombrandt
Emeka Illione
Jack Kenningham
Tom WillisIf he was eligible for that list, I'd reckon he'd be on it.
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@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2025:
@nzzp said in All Blacks 2025:
@reprobate said in All Blacks 2025:
Ryan and Sotutu having had a positive chat
I can see Sotutu going overseas for the big $$$ and to play for England.
I not sure he would get in English squad. I have to admit, I not as convinced as some how good he is. Just personal thing.
As it happens, they've just announced one:
Richard Capstick
Ben Curry
Alex Dombrandt
Emeka Illione
Jack Kenningham
Tom WillisIf he was eligible for that list, I'd reckon he'd be on it.
@reprobate said in All Blacks 2025:
@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2025:
@nzzp said in All Blacks 2025:
@reprobate said in All Blacks 2025:
Ryan and Sotutu having had a positive chat
I can see Sotutu going overseas for the big $$$ and to play for England.
I not sure he would get in English squad. I have to admit, I not as convinced as some how good he is. Just personal thing.
As it happens, they've just announced one:
Richard Capstick
Ben Curry
Alex Dombrandt
Emeka Illione
Jack Kenningham
Tom WillisIf he was eligible for that list, I'd reckon he'd be on it.
Three of them are with the Lions though
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@reprobate said in All Blacks 2025:
@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2025:
@nzzp said in All Blacks 2025:
@reprobate said in All Blacks 2025:
Ryan and Sotutu having had a positive chat
I can see Sotutu going overseas for the big $$$ and to play for England.
I not sure he would get in English squad. I have to admit, I not as convinced as some how good he is. Just personal thing.
As it happens, they've just announced one:
Richard Capstick
Ben Curry
Alex Dombrandt
Emeka Illione
Jack Kenningham
Tom WillisIf he was eligible for that list, I'd reckon he'd be on it.
Three of them are with the Lions though
@MN5 said in All Blacks 2025:
@reprobate said in All Blacks 2025:
@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2025:
@nzzp said in All Blacks 2025:
@reprobate said in All Blacks 2025:
Ryan and Sotutu having had a positive chat
I can see Sotutu going overseas for the big $$$ and to play for England.
I not sure he would get in English squad. I have to admit, I not as convinced as some how good he is. Just personal thing.
As it happens, they've just announced one:
Richard Capstick
Ben Curry
Alex Dombrandt
Emeka Illione
Jack Kenningham
Tom WillisIf he was eligible for that list, I'd reckon he'd be on it.
Three of them are with the Lions though
None of them are with the Lions, three others are (and there are injuries) - nevertheless, it's the current England squad.
edit: unless that's what Dan meant - he wouldn't make the squad because he'd be with the Lions?
