Players to build the team around?
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@nzzp A Smith is the best halfback in the world and has been for a while. He has the perfect game. He's fast to the ruck, has the sharpest pass, kicks well and supports attacking play brilliantly. How often do you see him finishing off a try following a break?
He's your only player currently playing at a world class level IMO (in the sense that he would make a XV of the worlds best in his position). Id take him over any of Faf, White, Youngs, etc in a heartbeat.
Dunno about comparing him with Gregan. They feel like different eras to me. He's definitely better than Genia was, except for maybe 2011 vintage Genia.
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@Chris-B said in Players to build the team around?:
I think that if you're looking at people who are in the conversation for being one of the five greatest ABs of the past 50 years, then probably Retallick is the only one we have at present and he probably only gets a mention.
But, if you're talking about people who are World Class to the extent of being potential winners of a World Player of the Year award - then we obviously have Beauden, then Aaron Smith, Sam Whitelock, Sam Cane, Richie Moúnga and doubtless several others.
Big problem is that many of our best guys are approaching the end of the road or are at the very start of it.
I think the guys in the middle tier are not carrying the load they should. They're either out of form, being mis-selected or doing foolish things that are costing us dearly.
I remember after the dust had settled following the 2011 RWC and McCaw had played his 100th test, there was a bit of noise around - how many more tests? Will he be there in 4 years?
It’s crazy to think that we got another 45 tests from McCaw after that 2011 win over France. Was he hanging on? Did Hansen overplay him? Was he past it? There’s some pretty memorable games from 2012-15 without even mentioning the semi against the Boks when I thought he really lifted after Kaino’s YC.
Could Aaron Smith be that guy that keeps on keeping on where his influence and high level of play is still doing the business beyond what we the fans think
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@nzzp It's actually a question I've been wondering about, because I've been wondering whether Mo'unga has quietly become the best first five in the world.
Some would have Beauden ahead of him.
Farrell is a better kicker, but probably not a better player.
Ford?
Sexton is probably cooked.
There's no compelling choice for me.
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@Chris-B said in Players to build the team around?:
@nzzp It's actually a question I've been wondering about, because I've been wondering whether Mo'unga has quietly become the best first five in the world.
Some would have Beauden ahead of him.
Farrell is a better kicker, but probably not a better player.
Ford?
Sexton is probably cooked.
There's no compelling choice for me.
The landscape is pretty bare of quality 10s right now
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@Chris-B said in Players to build the team around?:
Mo'unga has quietly become the best first five in the world
that simply cannot be true.
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@ACT-Crusader said in Players to build the team around?:
@Chris-B said in Players to build the team around?:
I think that if you're looking at people who are in the conversation for being one of the five greatest ABs of the past 50 years, then probably Retallick is the only one we have at present and he probably only gets a mention.
But, if you're talking about people who are World Class to the extent of being potential winners of a World Player of the Year award - then we obviously have Beauden, then Aaron Smith, Sam Whitelock, Sam Cane, Richie Moúnga and doubtless several others.
Big problem is that many of our best guys are approaching the end of the road or are at the very start of it.
I think the guys in the middle tier are not carrying the load they should. They're either out of form, being mis-selected or doing foolish things that are costing us dearly.
I remember after the dust had settled following the 2011 RWC and McCaw had played his 100th test, there was a bit of noise around - how many more tests? Will he be there in 4 years?
It’s crazy to think that we got another 45 tests from McCaw after that 2011 win over France. Was he hanging on? Did Hansen overplay him? Was he past it? There’s some pretty memorable games from 2012-15 without even mentioning the semi against the Boks when I thought he really lifted after Kaino’s YC.
Could Aaron Smith be that guy that keeps on keeping on where his influence and high level of play is still doing the business beyond what we the fans think
id love to know if he'd been courted by overseas clubs, i assume he has. there was a time there when TJP and TKB we're coming through where he was getting a a lot of heat and to stick at playing in NZ and come out the other side with some of the form weve seen this year is impressive
I always thought he was the kind of player that would shoot off to make his money...now i wonder if hes not more of a mccaw, one team until hes had enough
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@Kiwiwomble he would have to go to Japan. A lot of European rugby is not going to suit him at all.
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@KiwiMurph said in Players to build the team around?:
Romain Ntamack
He's still just "promising" isn't he?
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@Chris-B said in Players to build the team around?:
@KiwiMurph said in Players to build the team around?:
Romain Ntamack
He's still just "promising" isn't he?
as opposed to your boy Richie who is, what exactly?
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@Chris-B said in Players to build the team around?:
@KiwiMurph said in Players to build the team around?:
Romain Ntamack
He's still just "promising" isn't he?
Top point scorer in the Six Nations - scored three tries and a joint-high four try assists.
The only game France lost he left the field after 12 minutes.
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@mariner4life said in Players to build the team around?:
@Chris-B said in Players to build the team around?:
@KiwiMurph said in Players to build the team around?:
Romain Ntamack
He's still just "promising" isn't he?
as opposed to your boy Richie who is, what exactly?
Possibly the best in the world.
Come up with a list of guys who are better!
The pool is shallow.
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@Derpus Ordinarily you'd look to the World Champs to provide an option - but, I thought Faf was the guy driving the Springboks and Pollard was very subsidiary.
Edit: I agree Richie still has plenty to prove - I just don't see anyone who is compellingly better - unless it's Beauden.
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@Chris-B said in Players to build the team around?:
@canefan Yeah - I keep thinking I must have overlooked someone obvious.
Barrett is better.
Although I think he is currently injured, Pollard is miles better.
Although I hate him, Farrell is better.
Sexton is better.
Ntamack is probably better, and that's not discussing Sanchez either.
You're a good fluffybunny, but you've swallowed all of the Crusaders coolaid if you think Mo'unga is the best 10 in the world.
