Reshuffling the All Blacks backline

Cantab79

Can I also just say that I think George Moala is the ideal no.23 to partner Barrett on the bench because he covers all the positions that BB doesn't (ie. 12, 13 and wing).

antipodean

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="tubbyj" data-cid="567783" data-time="1459126304">Fekiota made the WC squad ahead of Crotty</blockquote> That's the factual component of your post. With Wayne Smith in the coaching set up, Fekitoa's perceived frailties would be ironed out. No doubt during the selection meetings they canvassed the "what-if" scenario of Conrad going down and were more than happy with Malakai's ability to step in, particularly when they've opted for him to replace an unavailable Conrad in 2014. What makes you think something has changed?

bobily

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Cantab79" data-cid="567791" data-time="1459127657">
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My question with Ngatai is if he's as good as his fans have been saying is, why hasn't he had more opportunities? I understand that we've had a locked in midfield for years, but there have been some opportunities for new players to be brought into the midfield and consistently other players have been chosen over Ngatai. What is it about Ngatai that the selectors have struggled to embrace? It's not as if he's just burst onto the scene, he debuted six or seven years ago for the Canes.
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He has always had all the skills, but has had a lot of problems getting consistent game time together due to injuries.

Unco

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="tubbyj" data-cid="567783" data-time="1459126304">
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I think Crotty lost out in the WC because they already had spades of what he offered. Ie leadership, organisation. If Conrad Smith went down injured I am sure he would have been first man on the plane and leapfrogged Fekitoa into the team.
 
Again I like Fekitoa and don't want to run him down as a footballer but I just don't see them going from Conrad Smith whose strength lay completely in those areas to Fekitoa who last year missed alot of tackles in the Black shirt and ran out of the line alot which he continues to do for the Highlanders even if he has been more sucessful so far (which I am sure was not all the AB selectors were asking of him). Defense is way to important to the way the All Blacks play and centre is the lynchpin position in the backline.
 
Fekiota made the WC squad ahead of Crotty as he is a very dynamic runner and covers 3 positions from 12 to wing. No way were they starting a WC knockout match with Crotty on the wing.
 
If Fekitoa starts this season I think it will probably be on the wing (if we are exposed there by injuries as we are at the moment) or at 12 inside of Crotty which is also a strong possibilty that should be added to my contenders in the above post..
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Crotty was obviously first in line if any midfielders went down during the RWC but you're dreaming if you think he would've leapfrogged anyone into the team. If Conrad went down, we would've seen a SBW/Nonu midfield (just like the second half of the final), with Fekitoa on the bench.
 
If we want a Conrad-like in the backline then Ngatai would already fill that spot at 12, letting Fekitoa slot into his best position outside him. On top of that, Ngatai's just a better player than Crotty. A noticeably better runner, kicker and offloader at the very least.
 
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Cantab79" data-cid="567791" data-time="1459127657">
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My question with Ngatai is if he's as good as his fans have been saying is, why hasn't he had more opportunities? I understand that we've had a locked in midfield for years, but there have been some opportunities for new players to be brought into the midfield and consistently other players have been chosen over Ngatai. What is it about Ngatai that the selectors have struggled to embrace? It's not as if he's just burst onto the scene, he debuted six or seven years ago for the Canes.
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He's struggled with injuries a lot but it's also worth remembering that two of those six years were in Hammett's Hurricanes as well. He still did enough in his first couple of years at the Chiefs to guarantee a starting spot if he was fit, he just wasn't fit very often. Last year was the first time he really went through most of the season injury free and he's built on that this year.

booboo

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Cantab79" data-cid="567795" data-time="1459127867">
Can I also just say that I think George Moala is the ideal no.23 to partner Barrett on the bench because he covers all the positions that BB doesn't (ie. 12, 13 and wing).</blockquote>
 
Good point

Billy Tell

I don't think the worlds best side, if it wants to remain so, can afford 70 to 75% goal kickers. Which is what AC & BB are. Maybe Cruden can be coached to a better percentage. 80% is the minimum. 
I hope Cruden & Sopoaga get at least a test each vs Wales.

Wurzel

This thread really puts a dent in the notion that New Zealand produces the world's finest rugby minds

hydro11

Fekitoa is in the category of "too much natural talent not to pick." I have been critical of his distribution skills on here in the past. If Crotty was in good form last year, I would have picked him if Conrad went down. I just think Fekitoa has the potential to be a great and Crotty doesn't have that. I just don't think the selectors can turn down su h great talent. If a player isn't 00% perfect or well rounded, that's what you have coaches for.
 
I think the 12 position is most exciting. Ngatai deserves first shot as things stand but Thompson, Crotty, Laumape and Moala are all doing good things.

hydro11

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Crucial" data-cid="567785" data-time="1459126721">
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I get the argument for Crotty as the level head in the centres but I think Ngatai can also fill that role and has far more future in him as a long term AB
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Sumo had an article last year about how Polynesian players are called explosive and pakehas are called solid even when that isn't even the case. Ngatai seems a perfect example of this. Not only does Ngatai fill the Conrad role but he also has a far better kicking game as well. If you want one 'solid' guy in midfield then Ngatai fills that role superbly (while also being a fantastic attacking player in his own right).

Nepia

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Billy Tell" data-cid="567866" data-time="1459143585">
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I don't think the worlds best side, if it wants to remain so, can afford 70 to 75% goal kickers. Which is what AC & BB are. Maybe Cruden can be coached to a better percentage. 80% is the minimum. 
I hope Cruden & Sopoaga get at least a test each vs Wales.
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Who of our kickers are over 80%?

Wurzel

It's a pretty boring viewpoint but here's how I say the first All Blacks squad...
 
Halfback: One will miss out of TJP, TKB and Weber
First Five: All of Cruden, Barrett and Sopoaga will be in given BB's utility value in the 23
Midfield: One will miss out of Ngatai, Fekitoa, Moala and Crotty
Back Three: Anyone's guess given injuries but Smith and Savea are definites. Don't be surprised to see Moala and Lowe in the mix especially if Naholo and Dagg can't re-find their form.

Frank

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Nepia" data-cid="567877" data-time="1459147661">
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Who of our kickers are over 80%?
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Sopoaga is at 80 this year to date. <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='https://rugby.statbunker.com/competitions/KickingStrikeRate?comp_id=511'>https://rugby.statbunker.com/competitions/KickingStrikeRate?comp_id=511</a>
Only 67% last year
But then 84% the year before.
I guess a lot depends on where the tries were scored.

Nepia

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Frank" data-cid="567880" data-time="1459148811">
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Sopoaga is at 80 this year to daye. <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='https://rugby.statbunker.com/competitions/KickingStrikeRate?comp_id=511'>https://rugby.statbunker.com/competitions/KickingStrikeRate?comp_id=511</a>
Only 67% last year
But then 84% the year before.
I guess a lot depends on where the tries were scored.
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TBF, we don't know over what timeframe Billy Tell means. Is it currently, career etc.

Billy Tell

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Nepia" data-cid="567877" data-time="1459147661">
Who of our kickers are over 80%?</blockquote>
 
Well they are playing for Racing & Pau now... 
But being serious we do need someone who can kick at 80%. 
Cruden might be able to recover those stats, I have no faith in Barrett, Sopoaga and McKenzie are unknowns but strike me as having the temperament.

SouthernMan

The interesting thing about Sopoaga's kicking percentage is the number of tough penalty attempts he took on last year, due to their confidence his captain's had.in him. Also the number of tries the Highlanders scored out wide.

Bovidae

Anyone know the career kicking % for Cruden and Barrett in the ABs? Sopoaga was 5/7 in his test debut. Their Super rugby stats might not be indicative of their success at international level.

Siam

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="SouthernMan" data-cid="567897" data-time="1459152917">
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The interesting thing about Sopoaga's kicking percentage is the number of tough penalty attempts he took on last year, due to their confidence his captain's had.in him. Also the number of tries the Highlanders scored out wide.
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Lima kicked an incredible penalty from about 50 out on the angle and a tricky wind in last game.
 
I know one kick doesn't mean much but this one was worth being in the highlights reel.
 
I like the way he just quietly goes about his work and he's showing all the skills needed - Cruden/Sopoaga/Barrett, we're in good shape considering we've just lost the best ever

pukunui

Definitely exciting times and for the first time in years some genuine debate/unknown about several selections.
You would think they would be looking to minimise the amount of disruption to the team when trying to cover a hole as big as the one left in midfield.
For that reason I don't see D mac starting at 15 or a total newbie coming in to cover 14 while other guys are out. Good chance D mac will be in the squad to get experience though.
So for example I can see them going with:
Smith
Cruden
Savea
12
13
Smith
Barrett
So the only "new" part is the 12/13 combo.
Im torn on moving Smith to 14 because he is so good at 15. However this often happens in games, at least at the rwc, where NMS would go off for Barret to come on with Smith going to 14.
I think that combination is the best/safest unless Dagg or Naholo come back on fire. I wouldn't totally discount Jane because while he has lost a bit of pace and has been out of favour he is still a "safe" selection because of his experience and quality under the high ball. He won't be first choice but could see them going for that if there are further injuries and they don't want to throw someone green in there while sorting out midfield. The risk obviously is that you then have two wings playing below their best if Savea doesn't improve.
On midfield my first choice at this point in time would be 12. Ngatai 13. Fekitoa with Crotty next in line and Fekitoa instructed to pass the ball occasionally. Moala and Ranger still very much in the mix for both midfield and wing so hopefully they can get an extended run to show form.
 
First five is a hard one to call. I really like how Lima is playing and think that Highlanders style is the closest to test rugby any of the NZ teams play. I rate his goal and dropgoal kicking better than Cruden and Barrett but don't know if the stats back that up.
However, Cruden did a bloody good job for the years that Dan seemed to constantly be injured and we know being injured doesn't mean you have been dropped in Hansen's eyes. So can see him getting first shot. As much as I like Barrett's impact he just doesn't run the game well enough to be first choice for me.

Crazy Horse

People seem to take it as a 'given' that Smith is so good at fullback that he shouldn't be moved back to the wing. I haven't seen any rugby this season, but last year once Smith was moved to fullback there was a growing chorus of claims that Smith wasn't making as much of an impact at 15 and that perhaps 14 was his best position at test level. What has changed?

taniwharugby

has Wynne Grey even been watching Super rugby?
 
<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11613100'>http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11613100</a>
 
15) Ben Smith: what's not to like about the world's best fullback.
14) Waisake Naholo: Has made a strong recovery from his leg injury and shown all his old pace, high workrate and defensive solidity under the high ball.
13) Malakai Fekitoa: Dovetails in so well with his Highlanders mates, improving his defensive strikes and distribution and is a lethal dynamo with the ball.
12) Charlie Ngatai: All the numbers reinforce what we are seeing out on the track. A key part in his progress has been his sustained fitness and a prolonged run at second five eighths with SBW on sevens duty.
<div>11) Julian Savea: Showing the benefits of his intensive bootcamp and is back to a vigorous volcanic force down the left flank.</div>
10) Lima Sopoaga: A specialist five eighths who absorbs the pressure of goal-kicking and all the heat that comes with guiding a backline and calling the shots. His partnership with Smith and other Highlanders is another plus.
9) Aaron Smith: That was as difficult as picking buddy Ben at fullback. No brainer choices to bookend the All Black backline.

The Silver Fern

Reshuffling the All Blacks backline