@Frank said in Poll: ABs new First Five-Eighth:

@Higgins said in Poll: ABs new First Five-Eighth:

@MN5 said in Poll: ABs new First Five-Eighth:

What’s Luke McCallister up to?

Or, perish the thought, Ian Foster who had a game or two at first five for Waikato. He is already on the NZRFU payroll so would not cost us shareholders any more.

I played tennis with Ian Foster once (while he was playing for Waikato)
He wasn't that good. His forehand lacked power.
I didn't think this comment deserved its own thread, so I thought I'd leave it here.

I never saw the game, but I’d imagine his backhand wasn’t great either and he lacked pace along the baseline.

@NTA said in Aussie Rugby in general:

@ACT-Crusader I think that is what Drew was getting at, in a roundabout way. "Hey Izzy, what has changed here?"

I'm happy for him to get a month's pay and shown the door.

The point is that Drew can’t see past his own hand and fails to acknowledge that circumstances have changed since last year, i.e. Izzy was coming off contract and now he is just into a new one. Very very different.

@NTA said in Aussie Rugby in general:

Of course, maybe it was because THAT contract at the time was about to expire, and THIS one has just commenced.

I think this is more poignant than Drew Mitchell’s attempt at a gotcha moment.

@Victor-Meldrew said in Poll: ABs new First Five-Eighth:

Just want someone who's solid, isn't over-awed and doesn't go to pieces. That could be someone out of position from the current squad or a specialist with some solid S15 experience - e.g Otere Black.

Either way, any option needs some experience at 10 in the AB's pre- RWC games.

Black is still young and could develop into a solid 1st 5. He’s been around for a few seasons now but is yet to really nail down a starting spot at super level.

Like Henry did when he played Rangi at 1st 5, I think they will find someone within their squad.

@barbarian said in Aussie Rugby in general:

@nzzp said in Aussie Rugby in general:

@Rembrandt Cheika coming out and saying he won't pick him is massive. Lawyers will ahve a field day with a lack of due process in that one

Why? Surely the same as Cheika saying he won't pick a player because he isn't a great defender. The coach can do whatever he wants, and it has nothing to do with Israel's contractual status.

Plus RA have already said point blank they intend to tear up his contract. It's not like Cheika's comments aren't in line with that stated intention.

Having Cheika and Hooper front the media was a savvy move on RA's part, to dispel any story about a split between RA and the players or coaches. Now they look united and strong, in the eyes of the public at very least.

Has Cheika ever come out and said that about someone? Or any international coach for that matter?

International coaches these days seem to play to the “he’s an excellent talent that is still developing” line rather than point blank saying specifically why they aren’t selecting a player.

@Kirwan said in Who is the AB's 4th choice at 10?:

Personally, I blame Duluth for starting this thread. How did he know?

A bit arrogant of @Duluth worrying about our 4th when we don’t have a 3rd....

Don’t be sleepin on my Clippers.

Here’s my backline of 1st 5s

10 - Dan Carter
11 - Colin Slade
12 - Tom Taylor
13 - Tyler Bleyendaal
14 - Richie Mo’unga
15 - Mitch Hunt

@sparky said in Who is the AB's 4th choice at 10?:

If Crotty isn't the first-choice 12, I like the idea of slotting him into 10 from time to time.

Crotty is an excellent player. Interchangeable at 2nd 5 or centre. Can pass off both hands with good proficiency. Courageous in taking on the line. But given he takes an eternity to get a punt off, the number of charge down opportunities available would send NZ rugby fans into meltdown....

@Frank said in Who is the AB's 4th choice at 10?:

@ACT-Crusader said in Who is the AB's 4th choice at 10?:

@taniwharugby said in Who is the AB's 4th choice at 10?:

Buggar...

@Frank

Probably still better than Brett Cameron.

Not according to Grant Fox