I prefer Todd over Savea myself. I still haven't seen what Savea offers apart from fresh legs off the bench, seems highly visible but generally ineffective but maybe I have missed his work in tight..
I think I also prefer Todd for a bench position now.

@milk said in All Blacks Squad for France:

McKenzie at 22-years-old is already the most-rounded attacking 10 in New Zealand. His passing is superior to Barrett and his running game is more dangerous than Mo’unga.

And his mistakes are more spectacular than Quade Cooper's.

@pakman - A bit concerned that Owen Franks will have lost his pace when he returns.

Yes he may not score so many tries for the ABs from now on..

@Kruse said in All Blacks vs Boks:

The best thing about BBBR scoring tries is that look of pure unadulterated joy on such a huge scary head.

Yes it is like Jaws playing Forrest Gump, getting a puppy for Christmas.

@salacious-crumb said in Scotland v Australia:

I did n't see this test. How did Tongan Thor go?

He lost his hammer.

@Rancid-Schnitzel I note commentators always rave on about BBBR's engine but Whitelock is just as fit and energetic. He doesn't stand out as much but I rate him very very highly.

@da_grubster said in Ireland II:

inconceivable...
I don't think it means what you think it means..

@wally Israel can't be happy how the Crusaders came in hard from so far behind.

highly paid professionals who don't know the rules. Hi Sonny!

@African-Monkey Franks won't be happy. He broke the code.

The Blues have been staggeringly consistent-at developing players who play far better at the other franchises and at making obviously talented players that they do keep practise imitating headless chickens.

**hmm or maybe they don't know to fully develop them?

I prefer Todd over Savea myself. I still haven't seen what Savea offers apart from fresh legs off the bench, seems highly visible but generally ineffective but maybe I have missed his work in tight..
I think I also prefer Todd for a bench position now.

@chris-b props for suggesting classical music.
Makes me think maybe the Blues should run out to Phantom of the Harbour..

@shadowtrooper said in All Blacks Squad for France:

Ta'avao
1.94m 124kg apparently. I did not realize he was such a big lad.

@milk said in All Blacks Squad for France:

McKenzie at 22-years-old is already the most-rounded attacking 10 in New Zealand. His passing is superior to Barrett and his running game is more dangerous than Mo’unga.

And his mistakes are more spectacular than Quade Cooper's.

I think Todd's reliability and readiness counts against him, they know he can come in straight away and be useful so they will pick "potentially more potential" Savea over him. But quite frankly, how long before the Savea experiment just becomes another experiment? Has he really been improving at international level?
I do wonder about Ione-is he actually competing against Savea or Taufua? Frizell??
As to height, if Taufua is about Richie's height (who infrequently played 6 or 8 in emergency) that doesn't seem to be a problem to me, but given his low to the ground powerful frame perhaps 6 would be more suitable than 8 for Taufua? **Not sure how well he goes at the back of the scrum.
Am a bit sad not to see some of Ben Lam in action.
Also suspect NMS (one of my fave players) is a bit lucky, hopefully some of his speed has returned..

@mn5 it gets caught in his hair