RWC bolters
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So looks like there is room for there to be a couple of bolters in the RWC squad.
"This year, probably more than previous tournaments, there's room, because we've got some important decisions to make in certain positions, it's going to be about who puts their hands up and does it. In a couple of positions we probably don't have as many [options] as we'd like.
So 6 and I think an outside back is where there is the biggest chance of a bolter, so what options?
If Bridge got selected would he be a bolter? If Nonu made it back, would he be considered a bolter?
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=12206510&ref=rss
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A lot more was discussed in that interview from Martin Devlin (who fortunately didn't talk too much, himself) with Steve Hansen. Things like player welfare (particularly, the ABs), Six Nations and NZ players who've gone overseas taking a long time to settle at their new club (Savea angle). Maybe the Herald/Radio Sport are saving them up for several separate articles to get more clicks, but the link to the entire interview is in this article: https://www.radiosport.co.nz/on-air/the-devlin-radio-show/audio/all-blacks-coach-steve-hansen-speaks-to-martin-devlin/
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@Stargazer interview was yesterday and replayed it in 3 parts today on the radio, I only heard part when I had been out in the car around midday.
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@taniwharugby said in RWC bolters:
So looks like there is room for there to be a couple of bolters in the RWC squad.
"This year, probably more than previous tournaments, there's room, because we've got some important decisions to make in certain positions, it's going to be about who puts their hands up and does it. In a couple of positions we probably don't have as many [options] as we'd like.
So 6 and I think an outside back is where there is the biggest chance of a bolter, so what options?
If Bridge got selected would he be a bolter? If Nonu made it back, would he be considered a bolter?
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=12206510&ref=rss
one would think that over 100 tests for the ABs would make being a 'bolter' pretty tough but if Gary Stead selects him for the Black Caps I guess that would count as one.
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@Stargazer said in RWC bolters:
A lot more was discussed in that interview from Martin Devlin (who fortunately didn't talk too much, himself) with Steve Hansen.
Give Martin some credit for eight years he has got pretty much 90% out of the under-the-radar scoops from Hansen during his tenure - particularly back when he had the morning show. I think Shag is a little less forthcoming now that he has the weekend slot on ZB. I think he makes a good foil for Hansen and gets good answers out of him.
FWIW - reading between the lines he basically said the 6 jersey is up for grabs because Squire has been underwhelming, is heading overseas and is injured. He didn't identify any other position where a bolter could come from nor does any seem likely outside of the wing - which is a staple of All Black rugby and we have proudly taken a "bolter" of sorts to every World Cup since 1991, outside of 1999 (where the concept of defined backline positions did not matter).
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@MN5 well you could say it would be a surprise selection, which some might consider a 'bolt' from left field so not a stretch to say 'bolter'
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@taniwharugby said in RWC bolters:
@MN5 well you could say it would be a surprise selection, which some might consider a 'bolt' from left field so not a stretch to say 'bolter'
definitely.
if he's anything like Junior Tonu'u he could really shore up our wicket keeping problems.
I wonder what his batting is like?
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My reading of that. Shag knows more or less his starting XV bar injuries, but there is a huge question mark next to Six on the team list. Liam Squire is no RWC certainty.
There are 25 (experienced) players who Hansen has identified, bar injuries or a chronic loss of form, will be the backbone of the World Cup squad. The other six or seven spots are undecided and Hansen is willing to take a few younger or less experienced players, if their form, fitness and mindset justify selection.
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@booboo said in RWC bolters:
Robinson at 6?
I don't think we'll see a forward in the mix who hasn't been professional for a while. Playing well in February is one thing, but still playing well in October is hard. It's a heavy physical load.
Ideally Liam Squire comes good and plays the house down without getting injured
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@nzzp likely to early, but by the same token, Squire hasnt and shouldnt have the 6 jersey locked up (not least he is off overseas) but probably will by virtue of being servicable and experienced there, woulda been good to have given Akira a run there
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@taniwharugby It's early, but even then, they'd go for someone who has been playing well and has ABs experience. That would make Frizell the prime candidate, no matter how much some Ferners like to moan about him being an AB.
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@Stargazer for someone big on posting in correct threads, Frizzel is hardly a bolter
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@taniwharugby The point of my post is that Robinson wouldn't be a bolter. So posted in the right thread.
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@Stargazer erm, if he was selected he would be a bolter, or do you have another defnintion you are using?
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@taniwharugby Again, the point of my post is that Robinson wouldn't be selected (and, therefore, no bolter).
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@Stargazer fuck you can be dense sometimes...
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@taniwharugby It would help if you wouldn't do everything to misinterpret my post.
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@Stargazer I didnt mis-interpret anything.
This thread is about possible bolters, someone mentioned Robinson, granted, it is unlikely he will be selected, however, the point remains IF he was selected, he WOULD be a bolter, Frizzell, already capped, would not be a bolter, unlike last year, when Frizzell was a bolter.
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@taniwharugby Sigh, my point was not about Robinson being a bolter if selected. It was about Robinson unlikely to be selected.
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I feel like I am reading the 'lazy runner' debate again, only it's been disguised.
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@Crazy-Horse @MN5 you 2 new around here?
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@booboo said in RWC bolters:
@akan004 said in RWC bolters:
@nzzp One of the advantages of playing for the Blues...guaranteed a few weeks off during the finals to refresh the body.
Who are the Chief's loosies?
It will be good to have Cane well rested, we're going to need him to go beast mode in Japan.
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@Stargazer said in RWC bolters:
@taniwharugby The point of my post is that Robinson wouldn't be a bolter. So posted in the right thread.
Que?
There's a difference between "wouldn't be" and "won't be".
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@Stargazer said in RWC bolters:
@taniwharugby Sigh, my point was not about Robinson being a bolter if selected. It was about Robinson unlikely to be selected.
Again ... sometimes I think you're deliberately obtuse ...
... and then ...
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@Bones said in RWC bolters:
@Chris-B he looks pretty out of shape and not in as good form as last year.
He always has (looked pretty out of shape).
He's hitting his lineout targets, scrumming OK and a few nice little touches around the field.
I reckon he's done quite well starting for the Crusaders - and I'm not enamoured of his competition (for the third spot).
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Another way to look at this. Who are the 26 players who if fit are very likely indeed to go to Japan?
Moody, Franks, Ofa T, Laulala,
Taylor, Coles, Harris
Retallick, Whitelock, S. Barrett, Patrick T
Cane, Savea, Read
A.Smith, Perenera
B.Barrett, Mo'unga
Crotty, SBW (should be Laumape), Goodhue
R. Ioane, B. Smith, DMac, J.Barrett -
@Stargazer Based on Hansen's remarks (see article near top of thread) that most NZ fans could already name 25 or so of the RWC squad, that there is room for more bolters than in the past and getting those last positions right will be the priority for the selectors now.
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In 2015, the initial squad for the RWC consisted of:
3 hookers
5 props
3 locks
6 loosies
3 halfbacks
3 first five-eighths
4 midfielders (2 second five-eighths and 2 centres)
4 outside backs (2 specialist wings)The number of 10s and outside backs will depend on whether they name Dmac as a first five-eighth, fullback, or utility back, but you'd expect at least two specialist wings again. So Rieko and at least one of Naholo/Bridge. BFA will be a certainty if fit. So adding up the 10s and outside backs (7), there's probably only room for two of Naholo, Bridge and Jordie.
Midfielders: probably four players, Crotty, Goodhue, ALB, and one of SBW/Laumape. Agree it should be Laumape, but ...
Halfbacks select themselves.
Lock/loosie will be interesting: will they count S Barrett as a lock or a loosie. Combined there should be 7 spots. Certainties are Retallick, S Whitelock, S Barret, A Savea, Read. Cane is a big question. Will he be fit enough in time? Will he come back as the quality player from before his broken neck. Todd will be in the conversation. The 6 jersey is the big question. S Barrett can play there; they might consider Cane for that spot, too.
Props: we need at least 2 LH and 2 TH, and preferably one that can play both (Ofa). So probably Moody, Franks, Laulala, Ofa and ... Tu'inukuafe?
Hookers: Taylor and Coles are certainties, if fit. I'm afraid Harris will be picked, too. It will be hard for any other hooker to play himself into the squad. I'd like them to try Makalio during the TRC, but don't think it will happen.
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