@gt12 said in Current depth at 10:

@reprobate said in Current depth at 10:

@gt12 said in Current depth at 10:

@reprobate said in Current depth at 10:

@handa457 Anything that has as a benefit extending Beauden's playing career sounds a bit dubious to me, I'd knock 30 odd caps (at 10) off it if I could.
When has Perofeta ever locked down a starting spot at 10, at any level? He can't even demand that jersey for the 'naki and you think he should have more opportunities at AB level?

Building depth is great, but spreading talent across the Super teams (which makes a lot of sense) needs to come first. Quality players on the bench or in the stands is just stupid, but you can't pick guys for the ABs who don't start in that position at the level below.

Whilst I might agree with this, historically, multiple AB coaching teams (and the current ones seem to be even worse with their Crusader bias) have been happy to select reserves (even beyond the 23 at times).

So, there is no reason for player migration to other teams unless the player is likely to see very very little time (e.g., outside backs).

If you are likely to see minutes off the bench, why move?

I don't feel like this thread is about AB 1st fives at all, it seems to be a moan about player distribution.

At 10 though? It's one thing to pick a prop who can scrum well and lift in a lineout off the bench, or a hooker who can throw accurately - but the core role at 10 is game management. How can you possibly judge that in a bench player: you never actually get to see them manage a game?

I’m not defending it, I’m pointing out that the AB coaches haven't cared if they judge the players to be a class above.

We had DC, Slade, and Taylor all make the ABs as 10s while at the Saders.

More recently, Barrett, Perofeta, Plummer at the Blues.

It’s not new.

Interesting you mention Slade because going into that 2011 RWC the cupboard was bare at 10 - well at least in Henry’s eyes. Slade had only a handful of tests under his belt (5) and was favoured over Donald, and an even more green Cruden.

There was talk of Toeava playing 10 and we ended up bringing those guys in after multiple injuries, plus using Weepu.

So on the issue of building depth, you can see why having those experienced guys has been a mainstay for coaches of the last quarter of a century.

The Silver Fern

ACT Crusader