Reshuffling the All Blacks backline
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The interesting thing about Sopoaga's kicking percentage is the number of tough penalty attempts he took on last year, due to their confidence his captain's had.in him. Also the number of tries the Highlanders scored out wide.
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="SouthernMan" data-cid="567897" data-time="1459152917">
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<p>The interesting thing about Sopoaga's kicking percentage is the number of tough penalty attempts he took on last year, due to their confidence his captain's had.in him. Also the number of tries the Highlanders scored out wide.</p>
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<p> </p>
<p>Lima kicked an incredible penalty from about 50 out on the angle and a tricky wind in last game.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I know one kick doesn't mean much but this one was worth being in the highlights reel.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I like the way he just quietly goes about his work and he's showing all the skills needed - Cruden/Sopoaga/Barrett, we're in good shape considering we've just lost the best ever</p> -
<p>Definitely exciting times and for the first time in years some genuine debate/unknown about several selections.</p>
<p>You would think they would be looking to minimise the amount of disruption to the team when trying to cover a hole as big as the one left in midfield.</p>
<p>For that reason I don't see D mac starting at 15 or a total newbie coming in to cover 14 while other guys are out. Good chance D mac will be in the squad to get experience though.</p>
<p>So for example I can see them going with:</p>
<p>Smith</p>
<p>Cruden</p>
<p>Savea</p>
<p>12</p>
<p>13</p>
<p>Smith</p>
<p>Barrett</p>
<p>So the only "new" part is the 12/13 combo.</p>
<p>Im torn on moving Smith to 14 because he is so good at 15. However this often happens in games, at least at the rwc, where NMS would go off for Barret to come on with Smith going to 14.</p>
<p>I think that combination is the best/safest unless Dagg or Naholo come back on fire. I wouldn't totally discount Jane because while he has lost a bit of pace and has been out of favour he is still a "safe" selection because of his experience and quality under the high ball. He won't be first choice but could see them going for that if there are further injuries and they don't want to throw someone green in there while sorting out midfield. The risk obviously is that you then have two wings playing below their best if Savea doesn't improve.</p>
<p>On midfield my first choice at this point in time would be 12. Ngatai 13. Fekitoa with Crotty next in line and Fekitoa instructed to pass the ball occasionally. Moala and Ranger still very much in the mix for both midfield and wing so hopefully they can get an extended run to show form.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>First five is a hard one to call. I really like how Lima is playing and think that Highlanders style is the closest to test rugby any of the NZ teams play. I rate his goal and dropgoal kicking better than Cruden and Barrett but don't know if the stats back that up.</p>
<p>However, Cruden did a bloody good job for the years that Dan seemed to constantly be injured and we know being injured doesn't mean you have been dropped in Hansen's eyes. So can see him getting first shot. As much as I like Barrett's impact he just doesn't run the game well enough to be first choice for me.</p> -
<p>People seem to take it as a 'given' that Smith is so good at fullback that he shouldn't be moved back to the wing. I haven't seen any rugby this season, but last year once Smith was moved to fullback there was a growing chorus of claims that Smith wasn't making as much of an impact at 15 and that perhaps 14 was his best position at test level. What has changed?</p>
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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> -
<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>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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</blockquote>
<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">
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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>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>
