*Official* All Blacks Thread

Discussion in 'Rugby Union Discussion' started by HeathDavisSpeed, Nov 11, 2011.

Page 5 of 47

  1. Hurricane JD Hurricane

    His defence was dissed after one game. Not sure if he has picked it up now.
     
    Hurricane, Apr 25, 2012
    #81

  2. Somerset SC Somerset

    I don't think his game's any more advanced than last season where he faded towards the end of Super Rugby. Wouldn't be surprised to see the same play out this season. Hardly a shortage of centres to pick from anyway - Nonu, SBW, Smith, Kahui for starters, and I'd place Fruean on the same second platform as Tamati Ellison and Benson Stanley.
     
    Somerset, Apr 25, 2012
    #82

  3. Somerset SC Somerset

    Aaron Smith's been the form halfback of the competition from my perspective. Ellis and TJ Perenara a close call for second. I don't think Weepu's a certainty for the AB squad by any means.
     
    Somerset, Apr 25, 2012
    #83

  4. Somerset SC Somerset

    Fully agreed - but I have a strong feeling he'll be part of the ABs anyway. Would much prefer a locking combination of Whitelock/Hoeata/Donnelly, though compared to the Thorn/Williams pairing thats a little short on international experience.
     
    Somerset, Apr 25, 2012
    #84

  5. Somerset SC Somerset

    I remember similar criticism of Nonu prior to the internationals last year, yet he was comfortably the best AB 12 ahead of SBW for the Tri Nations and World Cup, and the Nonu-Smith pairing was quite brilliant. I'd like to see SBW given a few more opportunities starting at 12 for the ABs this season but wouldn't count out Nonu giving him a run for his money.
     
    Somerset, Apr 25, 2012
    #85

  6. Mike ML Martyn

    He'll eventually lose a bit of weight and find some form. He's much like Ma'a Nonu in that he's almost a certainty for the All Blacks squad but will still need to perform on the international level or Smith, Ellis and guys like Perenara could take his spot.
     
    Mike, Apr 25, 2012
    #86

  7. Mike ML Martyn

    Haven't watched a Highlanders game for a few weeks but from what I saw of Tamati Ellison, he looked class as well. We certainly have no shortage of backs this year.
     
    Last edited: Apr 25, 2012
    Mike, Apr 25, 2012
    #87

  8. Rego RS Hutchinson

    Yeah Tamati has been playing well. So many centres to choose from.

    Ellison can play Fullback and could get picked on that basis. In the FB department Dagg is a certainty, Jane will play on the wing.

    There's players like Andre Taylor who are also playing well at FB.
     
    Rego, Apr 25, 2012
    #88

  9. Rego RS Hutchinson

    Oh and how could I forget...Ben Smith.

    Yeah doubt Ellison will make it, just too much conpetition.
     
    Rego, Apr 25, 2012
    #89

  10. Rego RS Hutchinson

    So here's my squad (some influenced by "I know they'll get picked, even though I wouldn't pick them")

    Props
    Tony Woodcock
    Owen Franks
    Ben Franks
    Charlie Faumuina

    Hookers
    Andrew Hore
    Keven Mealamu
    - picking they'll stick with these 2 oldies, I'd like to see Coles there but not sure

    Locks
    Jarrad Hoeata
    Sam Whitelock
    Brodie Retallick

    Loosies
    Kieran Read
    Richie McCaw
    Victor Vito
    Adam Thomson
    Matt Todd

    Halfbacks
    Aaron Smith
    Andy Ellis (I hate to say it)

    First Fives
    Dan Carter
    Aaron Cruden

    Wing/utility
    Cory Jane
    Hosea Gear

    Midfield/ utility
    Conrad Smith
    Ma'a Nonu
    Richard Kahui
    SBW (also a player I wouldn't personally pick)

    Fullback
    Israel Dagg
    Ben Smith

    That's a squad of 26. A squad of 30 would include: Weepu, Bekhuis/ or Broadhurst, Andre Taylor, Dane Coles

    It all comes down to how many players are chosen for each position really. In the past 3 HB's have been picked and 3 hookers. It all depends really.
     
    Last edited: Apr 25, 2012
    Rego, Apr 25, 2012
    #90

  11. Hurricane JD Hurricane

    why retallick?

    Has Thorn retired - i didn't notice.
     
    Hurricane, Apr 25, 2012
    #91

  12. Rego RS Hutchinson

    You haven't been watching the Chiefs obviously.

    Personally I'd like to see Coles in front of Mealamu.
    I don't really want to see the likes of Ali Williams, Weepu near the side but it'll probably happen.
     
    Rego, Apr 25, 2012
    #92

  13. Hurricane JD Hurricane

    Ahh he has retired - Just wondered why ahead of thorn.
     
    Hurricane, Apr 25, 2012
    #93

  14. Rego RS Hutchinson

    He hasn't retired. He plays for some Japan team in the Top League or whatever it's called.
     
    Rego, Apr 25, 2012
    #94

  15. HeathDavisSpeed HT Davis

    Brainless selection if either are there. They haven't shown the skill or the application. Henry's not usually one to accept a lack of application, and I hope this means they'll be watching from the stands.
     
    HeathDavisSpeed, Apr 25, 2012
    #95

  16. Gazza GJ Weaver

    Steve*
     
    Gazza, Apr 25, 2012
    #96

  17. Rego RS Hutchinson

    Rego, Apr 25, 2012
    #97

  18. Hurricane JD Hurricane

    I must be out of the loop - I thought Hansen Fox and Ian Foster were picking the team? What is Henry's role.
     
    Hurricane, Apr 25, 2012
    #98

  19. HeathDavisSpeed HT Davis

    Hahaha. Whoops. Yeah, my point is still valid though - probably more so actually.
     
    HeathDavisSpeed, Apr 25, 2012
    #99

  20. Rego RS Hutchinson

    He assists all coaches in all sports the last I heard.
     
    Rego, Apr 25, 2012
    #100
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