The Silver Fern

@ACT-Crusader said in All Blacks v France III:

@brodean said in All Blacks v France III:

@ACT-Crusader said in All Blacks v France III:

@sparky said in All Blacks v France III:

@ACT-Crusader Finau's been disappointing in the first two Tests. If they select him, he'll need a good game to be retained in the squad for the RC.

I thought the first test he wasn’t too bad. Came on and did a number of things that had a positive impact.

Last weekend wasn’t great. He just needs one of those tests where he knuckles down and makes his tackles, create havoc at the tackle by playing quick off set piece and then provides at least 5-7 runs.

Well he had to play lock. He was fine. He contributed well to the breakdown, lineout, scrum and was accurate.

Kirifi was more of worry. Came on and gave away 3 penalties and turned the ball over within 20 minutes.

It wasn’t the position that was the problem as the set piece wasn’t the issue. It was more about what he was and wasn’t doing around the park.

Ok so you're saying the set piece wasn't an issue?

If a flanker is called to play lock and then the scrum is strong and stable, and we win all our lineout ball, then that's a win. We defended the maul well when he was on. His cleans were accurate and effective. He performed his core roles well as a lock.

Anything else is a bonus. He made some good tackles and a few carries. We didn't have a lot of possession for him to make 5 or 7 carries and that is not the primary role of a lock that comes on for 20 minutes.

He was involved in two breakdowns that won us penalties. He got his hand under the ball when Taofifenua busted over the line.

Not sure what else were you guys expecting? He makes a run down the side line like Issac Ross?

The good thing is that by my count, at least 8 of the squad, including those used in TRC U20 tournament, will be eligible next year.

@ACT-Crusader said in All Blacks v France III:

@brodean said in All Blacks v France III:

@ACT-Crusader said in All Blacks v France III:

@sparky said in All Blacks v France III:

@ACT-Crusader Finau's been disappointing in the first two Tests. If they select him, he'll need a good game to be retained in the squad for the RC.

I thought the first test he wasn’t too bad. Came on and did a number of things that had a positive impact.

Last weekend wasn’t great. He just needs one of those tests where he knuckles down and makes his tackles, create havoc at the tackle by playing quick off set piece and then provides at least 5-7 runs.

Well he had to play lock. He was fine. He contributed well to the breakdown, lineout, scrum and was accurate.

Kirifi was more of worry. Came on and gave away 3 penalties and turned the ball over within 20 minutes.

It wasn’t the position that was the problem as the set piece wasn’t the issue. It was more about what he was and wasn’t doing around the park.

Possibly because he's busy trying to come to terms with being a blindside flanker at this level and then was shoved into playing another.

It's this level of midwittery that has me worried about the coaches.

So not the worst U20 team of all time?

@ACT-Crusader said in All Blacks v France III:

@Bones said in All Blacks v France III:

@ACT-Crusader said in All Blacks v France III:

Are there any fit locks around if Patty is ruled out?

That's why I was trying to figure out what the issue would be with Ah Kuoi playing.

Haven’t heard anything concrete yet. At the very least we will need one new lock on the bench with Vaa’i out.

Might have been another thread where he was mentioned as an idiotic replacement (or some such) for PT.

@brodean said in All Blacks v France III:

@ACT-Crusader said in All Blacks v France III:

@sparky said in All Blacks v France III:

@ACT-Crusader Finau's been disappointing in the first two Tests. If they select him, he'll need a good game to be retained in the squad for the RC.

I thought the first test he wasn’t too bad. Came on and did a number of things that had a positive impact.

Last weekend wasn’t great. He just needs one of those tests where he knuckles down and makes his tackles, create havoc at the tackle by playing quick off set piece and then provides at least 5-7 runs.

Well he had to play lock. He was fine. He contributed well to the breakdown, lineout, scrum and was accurate.

Kirifi was more of worry. Came on and gave away 3 penalties and turned the ball over within 20 minutes.

It wasn’t the position that was the problem as the set piece wasn’t the issue. It was more about what he was and wasn’t doing around the park.

@Bones said in All Blacks v France III:

@ACT-Crusader said in All Blacks v France III:

Are there any fit locks around if Patty is ruled out?

That's why I was trying to figure out what the issue would be with Ah Kuoi playing.

Haven’t heard anything concrete yet. At the very least we will need one new lock on the bench with Vaa’i out.

Anyone know if Sam Darry is going to be fit and available for the RC?

@1kiwi said in Crusaders 2026:

@Chris said in Crusaders 2026:

I hear most of the squad is signed or has been re signed main areas are who the 3rd HB will be Drummond or Chapman maybe.
3rd First five James White or look for an experienced option.
Find a place for Oil Mathis maybe at Fletcher Andersons expense.
Maybe replace Strange if he goes overseas he has a contract in front of him.
Liam Jack probably will get that spot if Strange does move.
6th Prop stick with Finlay Brewis or look elsewhere.

I'd be surprised if Drummond sticks around for Super next year as he is likely going to be the third or fourth ranked halfback behind Hotham, Preston & possibly Louis Chapman in the mix too.

I agree I think Chapman maybe in the mix for the 3rd contract spot.
Especially if he has a strong NPC.