Landers v lions

tubbyj

See below

tubbyj

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Mattasaurus" data-cid="564200" data-time="1457770511">
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Where has Cruden got it over him?
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The biggest difference between Cruden and Sopoango is their leadership. Sopoanga still relies heavily on Ben Smith and Aaron Smith. I remember a Super game last season they had their WC stand down and the Highlanders looked half the team and Lima flat. Cruden dominates as a leader no matter what team he is in and who surrounds him.
 
With Nonu and Smith gone from the All Black backline and Richie as captain no way Cruden will not be the starting 10
 
In addition Sopoanga strikes me as a confidence player. He has had nothing but downhills at the moment over what is still a relatively short span. Cruden has proven he is the type of player who if he mucks up it is just water off the ducks back. Classic example is the miss from out wide in the Irish come from behind test. Knocks the second over just like Carter did in the quarterfinal.
 
I think we will need 3 10s in the leadup to the next WC and Sopoango has definitely booked his ticket as Carters replacement in that rotation with Cruden and Barret. However he is the junior player for now.

leytonandamanda

I think Damian Mckenzie is going to be there by next rwc although not sure if it be as a full back or at 10 
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Crucial

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="leytonandamanda" data-cid="565061" data-time="1458160910">I think Damian Mckenzie is going to be there by next rwc although not sure if it be as a full back or at 10 
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Or in the Barrett role.

tubbyj

I like Mackenzie but I can't see him cracking it unless Barrret either loses his pace off the mark (which we have seen happen with age or injury) or gets fed up with being the impact bench player and does a Luke McCallister/Carl Hayman and cashes in up north.

Crucial

I would suggest that if Barrett was injured DMc would get a look in. 
AB selectors don't tend to ignore freakish talent they see if there is a way they can use it

Bovidae

According to one snippet I read the AB coaches have been interested in McKenzie for some time but want him to gain experience. He turns 21 next month so has plenty of time to continue to develop. When he first played for Waikato McKenzie's front-on defence was poor but he's obviously worked on that, judging by his efforts this season. He also seems to be very level-headed for a player thrust onto the scene at a young age.
 
As to the AB midfield, a lot will depend on what position they believe Fekitoa is best suited. He has started a similar number of tests in the 12 jersey (3) as he has in the 13 jersey (4) but I get the impression Hansen and co don't entirely trust him yet as their centre. The centre usually leds the defensive line in the backs and Fekitoa has a bad habit of rushing out of the line. Fekitoa is improving every season, particularly his distribution.

Crucial

I still maintain that Fekitoa's rush out of the line is part of the Landers defensive plan at times. The players around him seem to totally expect it and position themselves in case he doesn't slow down or stop the attack.
It looks like some clever thinking on turning a potential weakness into a strength. Using his speed off the mark to best effect.
 
He just needs to make sure that if he is playing in a different defensive system he doesn't do this by habit.

tubbyj

Big games this season will be Chiefs VS Highlanders. Are their 2 of them?

No Quarter

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Crucial" data-cid="565074" data-time="1458163748">
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I still maintain that Fekitoa's rush out of the line is part of the Landers defensive plan at times. The players around him seem to totally expect it and position themselves in case he doesn't slow down or stop the attack.
It looks like some clever thinking on turning a potential weakness into a strength. Using his speed off the mark to best effect.
 
He just needs to make sure that if he is playing in a different defensive system he doesn't do this by habit.
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Even though the bloody Landers beat my Canes in the final last year relegating us to permanent brides maids, they are my favourite team to watch. Always have a clear game plan that everyone is on board with. They are the smartest Super team by some stretch at the moment. Chiefs, Blues, Saders and Canes always attract "WTF are they doing?" type comments.

The Silver Fern

Landers v lions