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    2018 AB Depth Chart

    Sports Talk
    allblacks
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    • Tim
      Tim last edited by Duluth

      Forwards

      Loosehead Hooker Tighthead Locks Blindside Openside No 8
      Moody Coles Franks Retallick Kaino Cane Read
      Crockett Taylor Ofa Tu'ungafasi Whitelock Big Gap Todd Big Gap (Kaino can fill in here)
      Hames Harris Nepo Laulala Big gap Ioane Savea Squire
      Manu Coltman Jeffery Toomaga-Allen S Barrett Squire Gibson Ioane
      Lienert-Brown Parsons Siate Tokolahi Romano Fifita Dillon Hunt Whitelock
      Ofa Tu'ungafasi Funnell Atu Moli Scrafton Mitchell Brown K Pryor Shields/Messam
      Mitchell Graham GPT Sione Mafileo Franklin D Pryor Savea
      Reg Goodes Riccitelli Fatialofa Lentjes
      Hodgman Dixon Bird Boshier
      Aki Seiuli Adrian Smith Tuipulotu

      Backs

      Halfback 10 12 13 Wings Fullback
      Smith Beauden Barrett SBW ALB Dagg Smith
      TJP Lima Sopoaga Crotty Crotty Ioane Dagg
      Weber Richie Mo'unga Laumape Goodhue Naholo Jordie Barrett
      Pulu Mitchell Hunt ALB Fekitoa (might be gone) Smith DMac
      Drummond Ihaia West Moala Ioane Nanai Nanai
      Hall Otere Black Buckman Moala Aso Havili
      Stephen Perofeta Faiane Aso Savea NMS
      Hayden Parker Ngatai Procter Duffie Stevenson
      Bryn Gatland Aso Vaega Stevenson
      Faauli Tamanivalu NMS (low b/c injuries)
      Havili
      Thompson

      Who are the top 2018 available players in each position? Ranked from 1 to 10? I will edit this thread to keep it up to date with the fern consensus.

      Lets start with LH props.

      1. Moody
      2. Crockett - 35 next January, when will he retire?
      3. Hames? Wasn't good against Lions, gives away a lot of penalties, contribution around the field so, so.
      4. Manu. Inconsistent scrummaging, was playing well before this year's injury. Gets injured quite a bit. Been in AB environment.
      5. Lienert-Brown. Test possibility or journeyman?
      6. Ofa Tu'ungafasi
      7. Mitchell Graham (out for season)
      8. Reg Goodes (out for season)
      9. Hodgman
      10. Aki Seiuli

      Up and comers and youngsters:

      Who are they? Hodgman looks good, hopefully he will injury free next year. Lindenmuth was good for the U20s, but it takes quite a while to mature as a prop.

      Stargazer booboo 2 Replies Last reply Reply Quote 1
      • mariner4life
        mariner4life last edited by

        Ben May appearing on anything linked with the All Blacks offends me

        Tim 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 8
        • Tim
          Tim @mariner4life last edited by

          @mariner4life LOL. He's about the only fit option at the Hurricanes. Give me names.

          1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
          • mariner4life
            mariner4life last edited by

            given recent history, look for people debuting this year in Super rugby.

            Kruse 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
            • Chris B.
              Chris B. last edited by

              Not Ben May.

              Reg Goodes , Mitchell Graham and Alex Hodgman ahead of him for a start.

              Tim 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
              • Tim
                Tim @Chris B. last edited by

                @Chris-B. Was thinking of Mitchell Graham but hasn't been injured a lot of the last 18 months? Goodes is certainly better than Maym but isn't he a long-term concussion casualty?

                Chris B. 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                • Stargazer
                  Stargazer @Tim last edited by

                  @Tim said in 2018 AB Depth Chart:

                  Who are the top 2018 available players in each position? Ranked from 1 to 10? I will edit this thread to keep it up to date with the fern consensus.

                  Lets start with LH props.

                  1. Moody
                  2. Crockett - 35 next January, when will he retire?
                  3. Hames? Wasn't good against Lions, gives away a lot of penalties, contribution around the field so, so.
                  4. Manu. Inconsistent scrummaging, was playing well before this year's injury. Gets injured quite a bit. Been in AB environment.
                  5. Lienert-Brown. Test possibility or journeyman?
                  6. Ben May? Is not very good. Do the Chiefs have a better option here?

                  Up and comers and youngsters:

                  Who are they? Hodgman looks good, hopefully he will injury free next year. Lindenmuth was good for the U20s, but it takes quite a while to mature as a prop.

                  U20s players, if you want them on the list, who looked good this year: Ezekiel Lindenmuth and Pouri Rakete-Stones (who can cover LH, TH and even hooker, although I've never seen him play in the no. 2 jersey).

                  Last year's U20s made us cry.

                  1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
                  • Chris B.
                    Chris B. @Tim last edited by

                    @Tim said in 2018 AB Depth Chart:

                    @Chris-B. Was thinking of Mitchell Graham but hasn't been injured a lot of the last 18 months? Goodes is certainly better than Maym but isn't he a long-term concussion casualty?

                    Hopefully we're only down to the No. 6 choice and they might not actually be required before the summer break. 🙂

                    Ofa Tu'ungafasi as a loosehead before Ben, as well.

                    Tim 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
                    • Tim
                      Tim @Chris B. last edited by

                      @Chris-B. Yeah, Ofa has improved massively at LH.

                      1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                      • Tim
                        Tim last edited by

                        OK, on to tight head.

                        1. Franks
                        2. Ofa Tu'ungafasi
                        3. Nepo Laulala
                        4. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen
                        5. Siate Tokolahi
                        6. Atu Moli
                        7. Sione Mafileo

                        Is Oliver Jager NZ qualified? Quite a few tightheads in Super Rugby teams aren't.

                        C Chris B. Stargazer 3 Replies Last reply Reply Quote 0
                        • C
                          cgrant last edited by

                          Back to the LH, Seuli (spelling ?) has been in great form for the Highlanders : strong scrummager and very dynamic in the loose.
                          Lindenmuth is one to watch for the future.
                          Hodgman's scrummaging is a concern. Just a question of technique, I guess because he is a huge man.
                          Lienert-Brown is not big enough for the international scene IMO.
                          Ben May has done well for the Canes last year and this year as well but he is over 30 so he won't be in contention.

                          pukunui 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
                          • Stockcar86
                            Stockcar86 last edited by

                            If we can propose injured players, Brendon Edmonds at loosehead

                            Tim 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
                            • Tim
                              Tim @Stockcar86 last edited by

                              @Stockcar86 Hasn't he been injured for two years? Not in contention.

                              Stockcar86 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                              • Stockcar86
                                Stockcar86 @Tim last edited by

                                @Tim said in 2018 AB Depth Chart:

                                @Stockcar86 Hasn't he been injured for two years? Not in contention.

                                April 2016, so 14 months

                                1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                • booboo
                                  booboo @Tim last edited by

                                  @Tim good thread. Like this sort of stuff. Will contribute out of match time ... and sober ...

                                  1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                  • Tim
                                    Tim last edited by Tim

                                    Right, on to Hooker.

                                    1. Coles (hopefully back for the RC)
                                    2. Taylor
                                    3. Harris (not sure about this guy, at all - outplayed by Parsons and Taylor this year)
                                    4. Coltman
                                    5. Parsons
                                    6. Funnell (always liked the look of him, would love to watch him starting against quality opposition)
                                    7. GPT (FFS Blues)
                                    8. Riccitelli (young but promising)
                                    9. Dixon (exposed by the Lions, journeyman at best)
                                    10. Adrian Smith (deadset Harbour legend)

                                    Asafo Aumua is the obvious young player to look for.

                                    booboo 2 Replies Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                    • pukunui
                                      pukunui @cgrant last edited by

                                      @cgrant said in 2018 AB Depth Chart:

                                      Back to the LH, Seuli (spelling ?) has been in great form for the Highlanders : strong scrummager and very dynamic in the loose.
                                      Lindenmuth is one to watch for the future.
                                      Hodgman's scrummaging is a concern. Just a question of technique, I guess because he is a huge man.
                                      Lienert-Brown is not big enough for the international scene IMO.
                                      Ben May has done well for the Canes last year and this year as well but he is over 30 so he won't be in contention.

                                      Is he the one with dreadlocks/longish hair?
                                      I have noticed him a lot in the loose this year. Always makes yards.

                                      C 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
                                      • booboo
                                        booboo @Tim last edited by booboo

                                        @Tim said in 2018 AB Depth Chart:

                                        Right, on to Hooker.

                                        1. Coles (hopefully back for the RC)
                                        2. Taylor
                                        3. Harris (not sure about this guy, at all - outplayed by Parsons and Taylor this year)
                                        4. Coltman
                                        5. Parsons
                                        6. Funnell (always liked the look of him, would love to watch him starting against quality opposition)
                                        7. GPT (FFS Blues)
                                        8. Riccitelli (young but promising)
                                        9. Dixon (exposed by the Lions, journeyman at best)
                                        10. Adrian Smith (deadset Harbour legend)

                                        Asafo Aumua is the obvious young player to look for.

                                        Dare I mention Elliot ...

                                        Jeez ..

                                        ... stuff ...

                                        .. and things...

                                        Tim 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                        • Tim
                                          Tim @booboo last edited by

                                          @booboo Elliot's off overseas.

                                          1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 2
                                          • pukunui
                                            pukunui last edited by

                                            Lots of people (on this thread snd the exodus one) suggesting that Crockett won't make it to the next RWC because of his age. Is this even a thing anymore? He seems to be in the form of his life and guys like Brad Thorn, Richie, Woodcock and Kevvy have proven that you can keep playing well into your mid-late 30s.

                                            Stargazer Chris B. 2 Replies Last reply Reply Quote 1
                                            • Stargazer
                                              Stargazer @pukunui last edited by Stargazer

                                              @pukunui said in 2018 AB Depth Chart:

                                              Lots of people (on this thread snd the exodus one) suggesting that Crockett won't make it to the next RWC because of his age. Is this even a thing anymore? He seems to be in the form of his life and guys like Brad Thorn, Richie, Woodcock and Kevvy have proven that you can keep playing well into your mid-late 30s.

                                              I agree with that, but he' signed until the end of 2018. Question is whether that contract will be extended, whether he'll go overseas or retire at the end of his contract.

                                              1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                              • Bones
                                                Bones last edited by

                                                Yeah I'd rate Seuli a lot higher, is surprisingly good in the scrum. Can't for the life of me see how DLB is too small when he appears to dwarf a couple others on the list.

                                                Tim 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                                • Chris B.
                                                  Chris B. @pukunui last edited by

                                                  @pukunui

                                                  Wyatt will be 35 next January. Pushing right up against the age barrier to make the RWC in 2019. He'd be older than BBBT and Kev if he played in it.

                                                  List of New Zealand national rugby union team player records - Wikipedia
                                                  ACT Crusader pukunui 2 Replies Last reply Reply Quote 1
                                                  • Tim
                                                    Tim @Bones last edited by

                                                    @Bones

                                                    Height 1.84 m (6 ft 0 in)
                                                    Weight 112 kg

                                                    1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
                                                    • ACT Crusader
                                                      ACT Crusader @Chris B. last edited by

                                                      @Chris-B. said in 2018 AB Depth Chart:

                                                      @pukunui

                                                      Wyatt will be 35 next January. Pushing right up against the age barrier to make the RWC in 2019. He'd be older than BBBT and Kev if he played in it.

                                                      List of New Zealand national rugby union team player records - Wikipedia

                                                      I guess his career could be prolonged given he's only playing 25-30 minutes of footy per test match. Good quality footy at that, but he's not taking the battering of big minutes like others. Hansen and co have really found the best way to use him and he's worked on his craft being an excellent impact player.

                                                      1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                                      • pukunui
                                                        pukunui @Chris B. last edited by

                                                        @Chris-B. said in 2018 AB Depth Chart:

                                                        @pukunui

                                                        Wyatt will be 35 next January. Pushing right up against the age barrier to make the RWC in 2019. He'd be older than BBBT and Kev if he played in it.

                                                        List of New Zealand national rugby union team player records - Wikipedia

                                                        Those guys were playing pretty well when they retired though. What's to say if the RWCs they retired after were a year later that they wouldn't have made it to them?

                                                        Just don't think age should be used as an indicator unless you are talking long term plans.

                                                        Not saying he will definitely make it. But if he stays in good nick and form then why not.

                                                        Chris B. 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
                                                        • C
                                                          cgrant @pukunui last edited by

                                                          @pukunui
                                                          Yes, it's him. He's having a very good SR and did not look bad against the Lions.

                                                          1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                                          • C
                                                            cgrant last edited by

                                                            Hookers :
                                                            Coltman in front of Harris for me (I know Hansen thinks differently; he is the selector so he must be right).
                                                            Greg Pleasants-Tate is one of the most underrated player of the SR. He's better than Dixon IMO (more physical, skills).

                                                            1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 2
                                                            • booboo
                                                              booboo @Tim last edited by

                                                              @Tim said in 2018 AB Depth Chart:

                                                              Right, on to Hooker.

                                                              1. Coles (hopefully back for the RC)
                                                              2. Taylor
                                                              3. Harris (not sure about this guy, at all - outplayed by Parsons and Taylor this year)
                                                              4. Coltman
                                                              5. Parsons
                                                              6. Funnell (always liked the look of him, would love to watch him starting against quality opposition)
                                                              7. GPT (FFS Blues)
                                                              8. Riccitelli (young but promising)
                                                              9. Dixon (exposed by the Lions, journeyman at best)
                                                              10. Adrian Smith (deadset Harbour legend)

                                                              Asafo Aumua is the obvious young player to look for.

                                                              Other names that spring to mind ...
                                                              ...

                                                              Faiva

                                                              Apisai (? NZQ'ed?)
                                                              Anderson-Heather
                                                              Moulds

                                                              C 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                                              • C
                                                                cgrant @Tim last edited by

                                                                @Tim said in 2018 AB Depth Chart:

                                                                OK, on to tight head.

                                                                1. Franks
                                                                2. Ofa Tu'ungafasi
                                                                3. Nepo Laulala
                                                                4. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen
                                                                5. Siate Tokolahi
                                                                6. Atu Moli
                                                                7. Sione Mafileo

                                                                Is Oliver Jager NZ qualified? Quite a few tightheads in Super Rugby teams aren't.

                                                                After the Lions games against the Chiefs and the Canes, I think JTA has leapfrogged Laulala. JTA scrummed very well last night against Joe Marler, one of the strongest scrummager of the NH, and was very busy in the loose. I'd like to see him selected for the EOYT.

                                                                1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
                                                                • Chris B.
                                                                  Chris B. @pukunui last edited by

                                                                  @pukunui said in 2018 AB Depth Chart:

                                                                  @Chris-B. said in 2018 AB Depth Chart:

                                                                  @pukunui

                                                                  Wyatt will be 35 next January. Pushing right up against the age barrier to make the RWC in 2019. He'd be older than BBBT and Kev if he played in it.

                                                                  List of New Zealand national rugby union team player records - Wikipedia

                                                                  Those guys were playing pretty well when they retired though. What's to say if the RWCs they retired after were a year later that they wouldn't have made it to them?

                                                                  Just don't think age should be used as an indicator unless you are talking long term plans.

                                                                  Not saying he will definitely make it. But if he stays in good nick and form then why not.

                                                                  I'm not saying he definitely can't, either - but, at some point age is definitely going to finish you if nothing else does. And, that list is looking at the very extreme of more than 1150 All Blacks. On the other hand, being part of the tight five obviously gives you a better chance.

                                                                  Wyatt's pretty much the age right now that Tony Woodcock finished at and I think at the end Tony was hanging on a bit in terms of injuries and others going past him. Where Wyatt looks like he's still in good nick, so I don't think he needs to pull the pin right now.

                                                                  I guess, for me, two years ahead is pretty long term - if you look back two years our team has changed quite a lot. That will doubtless happen looking two years forward.

                                                                  1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
                                                                  • Chris B.
                                                                    Chris B. @Tim last edited by Chris B.

                                                                    @Tim said in 2018 AB Depth Chart:

                                                                    OK, on to tight head.

                                                                    Is Oliver Jager NZ qualified? Quite a few tightheads in Super Rugby teams aren't.

                                                                    He might be...seems like he's been in Christchurch for a while - since 2014 at least. How long does he have to be there?

                                                                    http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/provincial/83544474/pipe-dream-fulfilled-in-canterbury-for-fitting-irish-prop-oliver-jager

                                                                    taniwharugby 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                                                    • taniwharugby
                                                                      taniwharugby @Chris B. last edited by

                                                                      @Chris-B. 3 years since he finished school I believe.

                                                                      Chris B. 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                                                      • Chris B.
                                                                        Chris B. @taniwharugby last edited by Chris B.

                                                                        This post is deleted!
                                                                        1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                                                        • mariner4life
                                                                          mariner4life last edited by

                                                                          The pisition that kicked us off:

                                                                          B Barrett
                                                                          L Sopoaga
                                                                          Beaver
                                                                          M Banks
                                                                          I Dagg

                                                                          1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 5
                                                                          • Tim
                                                                            Tim last edited by

                                                                            Isn't Banks off to Treviso?

                                                                            http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/92249072/highlanders-marty-banks-leaving-new-zealand-for-real-at-end-of-season

                                                                            mariner4life 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                                                            • mariner4life
                                                                              mariner4life @Tim last edited by

                                                                              @Tim not when he's in the AB squad #flipflop

                                                                              1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 2
                                                                              • Tim
                                                                                Tim last edited by

                                                                                So, for next year's 10's:

                                                                                1. Beauden Barrett
                                                                                2. Lima Sopoaga
                                                                                3. Richie Mo'unga
                                                                                4. Mitchell Hunt
                                                                                5. Ihaia West
                                                                                6. Otere Black
                                                                                7. Stephen Perofeta
                                                                                8. Hayden Parker
                                                                                9. Bryn Gatland
                                                                                G Bovidae Stargazer 3 Replies Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                                                                • G
                                                                                  Gunner @Tim last edited by

                                                                                  @Tim said in 2018 AB Depth Chart:

                                                                                  So, for next year's 10's:

                                                                                  1. Beauden Barrett
                                                                                  2. Lima Sopoaga
                                                                                  3. Richie Mo'unga
                                                                                  4. Mitchell Hunt
                                                                                  5. Ihaia West
                                                                                  6. Otere Black
                                                                                  7. Stephen Perofeta
                                                                                  8. Ihaia West
                                                                                  9. Hayden Parker
                                                                                  10. Bryn Gatland

                                                                                  Fixed

                                                                                  Stargazer 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                                                                  • Stargazer
                                                                                    Stargazer @Tim last edited by

                                                                                    @Tim said in 2018 AB Depth Chart:

                                                                                    OK, on to tight head.

                                                                                    1. Franks
                                                                                    2. Ofa Tu'ungafasi
                                                                                    3. Nepo Laulala
                                                                                    4. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen
                                                                                    5. Siate Tokolahi
                                                                                    6. Atu Moli
                                                                                    7. Sione Mafileo

                                                                                    Is Oliver Jager NZ qualified? Quite a few tightheads in Super Rugby teams aren't.

                                                                                    I'm not sure whether all these players add to AB depth, more NZ SR depth. Or do you think all these players have the potential to develop into ABs? Have Tokolahi, Moli and Mafileo (and Jager) shown enough of that potential? Just a question.

                                                                                    Tim 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
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