Reshuffling the All Blacks backline
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Stargazer" data-cid="567668" data-time="1459081195">
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<p>When exactly will the first All Blacks squad of the year be named? </p>
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<p> </p>
<p>That's not something we've ever been able to nail down on the Fern. It's one of the great unknowns of All Black rugby.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="taniwharugby" data-cid="567956" data-time="1459201552">
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<p>has Wynne Grey even been watching Super rugby?</p>
<p> </p>
<p><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></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>15) Ben Smith:</strong> what's not to like about the world's best fullback.</p>
<p><strong>14) Waisake Naholo:</strong> Has made a strong recovery from his leg injury and shown all his old pace, high workrate and defensive solidity under the high ball.</p>
<p><strong>13) Malakai Fekitoa:</strong> Dovetails in so well with his Highlanders mates, improving his defensive strikes and distribution and is a lethal dynamo with the ball.</p>
<p><strong>12) Charlie Ngatai:</strong> 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.</p>
<div><strong>11) Julian Savea:</strong> Showing the benefits of his intensive bootcamp and is back to a vigorous volcanic force down the left flank.</div>
<p><strong>10) Lima Sopoaga:</strong> 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.</p>
<p><strong>9) Aaron Smith:</strong> That was as difficult as picking buddy Ben at fullback. No brainer choices to bookend the All Black backline.</p>
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<p>So Naholo's leg fracture has healed and he is running as freely as ever before?</p>
<p>Julian Fatboy has also all of a sudden shed kilo's and regained his speed in a couple of weeks?</p>
<p>What games has Wynn been watching?</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="ABman" data-cid="567962" data-time="1459203079"><p>So Naholo's leg fracture has healed and he is running as freely as ever before?<br>
Julian Fatboy has also all of a sudden shed kilo's and regained his speed in a couple of weeks?<br>
What games has Wynn been watching?</p></blockquote>
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Maybe there is an alternate rugby universe we don't know about? Or it is simply proof that he makes shit up. -
<p>That his predictions for what'll happen by the time the June test squad is announced. Still seems a bit delusional though, best case scenario for Savea, I think, is if Hansen sends him to fat camp in June and then he comes back for the last few SR rounds and RC fit.</p>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="taniwharugby" data-cid="567956" data-time="1459201552">
<div>
<p>has Wynne Grey even been watching Super rugby?</p>
<p> </p>
<p><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></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>15) Ben Smith:</strong> what's not to like about the world's best fullback.</p>
<p><strong>14) Waisake Naholo:</strong> Has made a strong recovery from his leg injury and shown all his old pace, high workrate and defensive solidity under the high ball.</p>
<p><strong>13) Malakai Fekitoa:</strong> Dovetails in so well with his Highlanders mates, improving his defensive strikes and distribution and is a lethal dynamo with the ball.</p>
<p><strong>12) Charlie Ngatai:</strong> 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.</p>
<div><strong>11) Julian Savea:</strong> Showing the benefits of his intensive bootcamp and is back to a vigorous volcanic force down the left flank.</div>
<p><strong>10) Lima Sopoaga:</strong> 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.</p>
<p><strong>9) Aaron Smith:</strong> That was as difficult as picking buddy Ben at fullback. No brainer choices to bookend the All Black backline.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p>The hell?!!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>For the first time in my life I wish comments were available on that article. Clearly written without having watched any games, or even reading the team sheets. How on earth can you get away with writing on something you have no idea about?!..oh wait its the Herald so as expected I suppose...</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Edit. ..and now click on the link and see the precursor paragraph that this is what he is prophesising come May...still a dumb article even though I mostly agree with the picks</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Rembrandt" data-cid="567970" data-time="1459204853">
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<p>The hell?!!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>For the first time in my life I wish comments were available on that article. Clearly written without having watched any games, or even reading the team sheets. How on earth can you get away with writing on something you have no idea about?!..oh wait its the Herald so as expected I suppose...</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Edit. ..and now click on the link and see the precursor paragraph that this is what he is prophesising come May...still a dumb article even though I mostly agree with the picks</p>
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<p> </p>
<p>And then after listing the nonsense they repeat the list immediately below in a graphic presumably for people who can't read normal type.</p> -
<p>it is more his description of the players, regardless of saying this is what he expects come May, the way he describes Naholo and Savea is kinda like they are playing and carving it up!</p>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="taniwharugby" data-cid="567956" data-time="1459201552">
<div>
<p>has Wynne Grey even been watching Super rugby?</p>
<p> </p>
<p><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></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>15) Ben Smith:</strong> what's not to like about the world's best fullback.</p>
<p><strong>14) Waisake Naholo:</strong> Has made a strong recovery from his leg injury and shown all his old pace, high workrate and defensive solidity under the high ball.</p>
<p><strong>13) Malakai Fekitoa:</strong> Dovetails in so well with his Highlanders mates, improving his defensive strikes and distribution and is a lethal dynamo with the ball.</p>
<p><strong>12) Charlie Ngatai:</strong> 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.</p>
<div><strong>11) Julian Savea:</strong> Showing the benefits of his intensive bootcamp and is back to a vigorous volcanic force down the left flank.</div>
<p><strong>10) Lima Sopoaga:</strong> 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.</p>
<p><strong>9) Aaron Smith:</strong> That was as difficult as picking buddy Ben at fullback. No brainer choices to bookend the All Black backline.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>Vigorous, volcanic force......who the fuck actually writes shit like that ?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Wynne is a fucken stupid name too.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Wurzel" data-cid="567879" data-time="1459148497">
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<p>It's a pretty boring viewpoint but here's how I say the first All Blacks squad...</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Halfback: One will miss out of TJP, TKB and Weber</p>
<p>First Five: All of Cruden, Barrett and Sopoaga will be in given BB's utility value in the 23</p>
<p>Midfield: One will miss out of Ngatai, Fekitoa, Moala and Crotty</p>
<p>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.</p>
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<p> </p>
<p>I suppose it depends a bit on how big of a squad they decide or are allowed to select. Given the need for a bit of backline rebuilding, I'd think a minimum of 14 backs - which would allow something like:</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Smith, TKB, TJP</p>
<p>Cruden, Sopoaga</p>
<p>Crotty, Moala, Fekitoa, Ngatai</p>
<p>Smith, Savea, Barrett, Naholo, McKenzie/Lowe/Osborne</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Bracketing a bit of a question as to whether they want McKenzie in the squad or whether they want to cover a slight shortage of specialist wings. So maybe they, instead, choose 15 backs. </p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="MN5" data-cid="567980" data-time="1459206668">
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<p>Vigorous, volcanic force......who the fuck actually writes shit like that ?</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Wynne is a fucken stupid name too.</strong></p>
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<p> </p>
<p>I love the insightful analysis you provide on a regular basis MN5.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="pukunui" data-cid="567987" data-time="1459208834">
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<p>After seeing his attempt at catching a high ball in the last game i hope osborne is well down the list. People seem to have written ranger off but hopefully with a run of full games he can get himself in contention.</p>
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<p> </p>
<p>As a Canterbury fan I've watched every single on of Osborne's provincial games, and TBH I don't think he's ever been All Black material. Credit to the Highlanders for getting the best out of him, but I don't think he has the skillset, work rate, defensive capability or consistency to be a serious option at test level.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="pukunui" data-cid="567987" data-time="1459208834">
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<p>After seeing his attempt at catching a high ball in the last game i hope osborne is well down the list. People seem to have written ranger off but hopefully with a run of full games he can get himself in contention.</p>
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<p> </p>
<p>I haven't completely written him off, but I think he's unlikely.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>He's pushing 30, has had a couple of turns for the ABs without nailing it, has come back from a stint overseas which history tells us probably won't have made him better, and has been pretty anonymous in the couple of games I saw him play for the Bues. Needs to have some outstanding games.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Cantab79" data-cid="567997" data-time="1459210286">
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<p>As a Canterbury fan I've watched every single on of Osborne's provincial games, and TBH I don't think he's ever been All Black material. Credit to the Highlanders for getting the best out of him, but I don't think he has the skillset, work rate, defensive capability or consistency to be a serious option at test level.</p>
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<p> </p>
<p>Nor me really, but pickings are a bit slim. As a Ta$man fan, James Lowe still seems a bit green for my liking - a bit suspect in his decision-making, though maybe playing for the Chiefs and Ta$man he's been encouraged to have a go. Who else? Proctor? FABJM? Sam McNicol? Tevita Li?</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="No Quarter" data-cid="567996" data-time="1459210134">
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<p>I love the insightful analysis you provide on a regular basis MN5.</p>
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<p> </p>
<p>I haven't watched much Super Rugby <strike>this</strike> any year so can't offer a great deal. Standard.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Is Ngatai a bit of a Kahui type player ie hard runner and tackler with a bit of a footballing brain to boot ? haven't seen much of him.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="MN5" data-cid="568005" data-time="1459211272">
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<p>Is Ngatai a bit of a Kahui type player ie hard runner and tackler with a bit of a footballing brain to boot ? haven't seen much of him.</p>
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<p> </p>
<p>Well, for what it's worth, Rennie on the radio this morning said he runs their attack.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Chris B." data-cid="568004" data-time="1459211086">
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<p>Nor me really, but pickings are a bit slim. As a Ta$man fan, James Lowe still seems a bit green for my liking - a bit suspect in his decision-making, though maybe playing for the Chiefs and Ta$man he's been encouraged to have a go. Who else? Proctor? FABJM? Sam McNicol? Tevita Li?</p>
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<p>
Of those you mentioned, Li and Lowe would be my preference. Li is obviously an excitement machine with ball in hand, and Lowe has the best kicking game of any winger in NZ.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Cantab79" data-cid="568009" data-time="1459211618">
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<p>Of those you mentioned, Li and Lowe would be my preference. Li is obviously an excitement machine with ball in hand, and Lowe has the best kicking game of any winger in NZ.</p>
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<p> </p>
<p>I think at present, Osborne is superior to both of those guys.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Lowe has some good games, but also some shockers (Dunedin last year) </p>
<p> </p>
<p>As far as I can see, Li has only one positive attribute - Pace.</p> -
<p>hopefully this is Li's breakout year at big boy level...he has shown glimpses at ITM and Super rugby after being an age grade star.</p>