All Blacks 2025
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Disagree that Hotham's passing is too slow. I think it's deceptive because it lppks effortless.
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@Crazy-Horse said in All Blacks 2025:
Disagree that Hotham's passing is too slow. I think it's deceptive because it lppks effortless.
I think he has the worst passing of the young halfback options, to be honest. Good ball runner but slow passer.
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@Mr-Fish said in All Blacks 2025:
@Crazy-Horse said in All Blacks 2025:
Disagree that Hotham's passing is too slow. I think it's deceptive because it lppks effortless.
I think he has the worst passing of the young halfback options, to be honest. Good ball runner but slow passer.
I would rate them all about the same with their passing. All good enough but all prone to spraying a pass every now and then.
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@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2025:
I agree with everyone on Ardie's game last night. We may need to remember I doubt he would get that leeway in a test. That really was a hesitant display by the Blues, they looked a little lost at times, and certainly struggled to connect.
Yes correct. He's immense, don't get me wrong, but yes, and I am a Moana fan, but he does get the rub of the green at breakdown time especially in home games. Last night, and the first Highlanders fixture were classic examples of where he won a few that he probably wouldn't at test level. The Blues also didn't enjoy the physicality Moana bought.
On Rieko, is it worth trying him at right wing with Proctor at centre? He's still a world class defender don't get me wrong and I'm happy enough to see him in the team, but yes, having him wider would free him up on attack and I don't think we need to see another season of Sevu Reece out there when we already know that he's not the answer like he is at Super level.
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@booboo said in Moana Pasifika v Blues:
@Canes4life said in Moana Pasifika v Blues:
Ardie is insane. Fuck you all that ever thought he wasn’t AB level. He’s on another planet.
Who thought anyone holds a grudge for nine years about an opinion about a player not being as good as another player in that moment nine years ago.
Maybe change that to the last few years and you’d be a bit more accurate with that statement.
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@African-Monkey yeah Reiko at wing could be interesting.
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@frugby said in All Blacks 2025:
For mine, Savea is at 7, and Sititi is with him. I am not convinced Finau compliments those two, as his best attribute is running with it in the wide channels.
Recycling an old joke:
Finau - "Fuck, you're playing well, Ardie!!!"
Ardie (to Sititi) - "What did he say?"
Sititi - "Dunno. I couldn't hear him. He's out in the wide channels!"
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@frugby said in All Blacks 2025:
For mine, Savea is at 7, and Sititi is with him. I think to free Sititi up to roam, we probably want a really tight guy, which could be Lio-Willie, or they could take a risk on a bruiser in Parker. I am not convinced Finau compliments those two, as his best attribute is running with it in the wide channels.
With all the talent at lock, I do also expect them to consider Barrett or Vaa'i on the blindside.
Not a terrible shout, which is why I wouldn't be surprised to see someone like Jacobsen picked at 6, not because I'm his number 1 fan, but because he at least will work hard I'm the tight.
It's a real position of interest I feel, and the whole balance of the loose trio is the main area where there is uncertainty around who will play where.
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@cgrant Still plenty of Super games for injuries to take a toll.
On Tight forwards:
I think they'd have been pretty comfortable with Wiliams, EDG and Ofa as their looseheads. Any news on when Ofa will be back? I guess with a neck injury they'll be a bit cautious. Bower and Numia were the NZ XV props last year. Some drums beating for Norris. Fusitua also worth a look I think. I'm inclined to think Norris might have jumped up a few rungs on the ladder and might get the nod, but still water to pass under the bridge.
Hooker - Taylor, Tukei'aho and Aumua clearly the first three in the pecking order - probably in that order. George Bell clearly in the frame if one of them gets injured and he can quickly find form. McAlister also worth a mention.
I can't see them switching from Lomax, Tosi and Newell unless there's an injury. NZ XV tightheads last year were Dyer, Ma'u and Renata and I think it would be one of those three would be promoted if there was an injury. Taávao been going well, but a blast from the past.
Locks - Barrett and Vaa'i are certainties and Scott will surely be captain unless he resigns. I think Patty T. and Darry had the inside running for the other two spots if they were both fit. With Darry out, I think Patty becomes a certainty and they will pick either Lord or Holland as the fourth lock. Lord feels a bit more like an incumbent, so I'd guess they'll go with him.
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Who on earth has thought that "Ardie is not All Black level" in the last nine years?
Plenty suggested he didn't play that well last year. And they were right.
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@booboo said in Moana Pasifika v Blues:
Who on earth has thought that "Ardie is not All Black level" in the last nine years?
Plenty suggested he didn't play that well last year. And they were right.
Plot twist. At the end of the year, Ardie removes his mask and underneath he's....Laumape.
Haterz
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@booboo said in Moana Pasifika v Blues:
@Canes4life said in Moana Pasifika v Blues:
Ardie is insane. Fuck you all that ever thought he wasn’t AB level. He’s on another planet.
Who thought anyone holds a grudge for nine years about an opinion about a player not being as good as another player in that moment nine years ago.
The fern always remembers.
Ardie will pass 100 test caps this year. Richly deserved. Never seen a player quite like him. Very easily my favourite current All Black.
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@Frank said in All Blacks 2025:
Ah Kuoi has a good workrate and size for a 6.
This could be his best position at int. level.
is he quick enough?Can't see him being any slower than Kaino, Grace, Blackadder, Finau, etc. Plus Vaai, Savea, Sititi are no slouches.
