NZ Rugby selection thread / all blacks

[JM2K6]

Actually, not sure.

Aaron Smith at the top ahead of Christie

Also MO ahead of McKenzie

Yeah, plus a prop hence the confusion. It's like 90% alphabetical. I think it was fully alphabetical originally then they started making changes. Either way you can't read anything into it

[Grandpa]

Actually, not sure.

Aaron Smith at the top ahead of Christie

Also MO ahead of McKenzie

Yeah, plus a prop hence the confusion. It's like 90% alphabetical. I think it was fully alphabetical originally then they started making changes. Either way you can't read anything into it

Yeah, I think it's just random. Or incompetent ordering.

Or is based on age? Oldest to youngest by position? Or caps? Or maybe one of those complex IQ test games... work out the sequence....

[Ymx]

Who knows what goes on in the complexities of the great mind of Foster.

[Gumboot]

Wasn't Beauden also listed as a first five when they named the Rugby Championship squad?

I still have no idea how Clarke made the squad. It's like they're being willfully blind to his defensive incompetence.

[Kiwias]

Who knows what goes on in the complexities of the great mind of Foster.

[Grandpa]

Who knows what goes on in the complexities of the great mind of Foster.

You're just trying to make him look smart...

[Grandpa]

Wasn't Beauden also listed as a first five when they named the Rugby Championship squad?

I still have no idea how Clarke made the squad. It's like they're being willfully blind to his defensive incompetence.

I'm more bothered that Clarke doesn't seem to have much offensive competence either!

[Kiwias]

Foz is going to stun us all and start Ioane at 11 with JB at 12 and ALB at 13, Narawa at 14, and Jordan at 15. You read it here first.

[Grandpa]

Foz is going to stun us all and start Ioane at 11 with JB at 12 and ALB at 13, Narawa at 14, and Jordan at 15. You read it here first.

I wonder what Razor will do next year.. do you think he'll pick Rieko at 13?

[Gumboot]

Wasn't Beauden also listed as a first five when they named the Rugby Championship squad?

I still have no idea how Clarke made the squad. It's like they're being willfully blind to his defensive incompetence.

I'm more bothered that Clarke doesn't seem to have much offensive competence either!

This is true. I did a quick calculation of how Clarke compares with some of our best professional-era wings for tries scored after their first 17 tests:

Joe Rokocoko = 24 tries from his first 17 tests
Will Jordan = 19
Sitivini Sivivatu = 17
Rieko Ioane = 16
Julian Savea = 15
Jonah Lomu = 14
Tana Umaga = 13
Sevu Reece = 13
Doug Howlett = 12
George Bridge = 12
Jeff Wilson = 11
Ben Smith = 11
.
.
.
Caleb Clarke = 4

Damning.

OK, he fell over the line from a metre out to score a 5th try in his 18th test, but still...

How does he keep getting selected??

[Guy Smiley]

How does he keep getting selected??

Pies. He knows Fozzie loves pies and...

I don't know.

[Kiwias]

Foz is going to stun us all and start Ioane at 11 with JB at 12 and ALB at 13, Narawa at 14, and Jordan at 15. You read it here first.

I wonder what Razor will do next year.. do you think he'll pick Rieko at 13?

I suspect he will have Rieko at 11, where he most benefit to the team. I would not be surprised to see the backline I listed above. First five is a real issue as DMac would have to become a different player to bring out the best of this backline. Perofeta, Josh Ioane, Zarn Sullivan???

[Kiwias]

Joe Rokocoko = 24 tries from his first 17 tests
Will Jordan = 19
Sitivini Sivivatu = 17
Rieko Ioane = 16
Julian Savea = 15
Jonah Lomu = 14
Tana Umaga = 13
Sevu Reece = 13
Doug Howlett = 12
George Bridge = 12
Jeff Wilson = 11
Ben Smith = 11

Jeff Wilson and Ben Smith were slow starters. Jeff got three in his debut match so he got only eight in the next 16 matches, still way ahead of Clarke.

[Guy Smiley]

Foz is going to stun us all and start Ioane at 11 with JB at 12 and ALB at 13, Narawa at 14, and Jordan at 15. You read it here first.

I wonder what Razor will do next year.. do you think he'll pick Rieko at 13?

I suspect he will have Rieko at 11, where he most benefit to the team. I would not be surprised to see the backline I listed above. First five is a real issue as DMac would have to become a different player to bring out the best of this backline. Perofeta, Josh Ioane, Zarn Sullivan???

I think he'd play Rieko on the wing as well although that's not a certainty. Razor will be looking to build his RWC team for 2027 and younger players will be a priority. His trademark so far has been to develop a strong team and bring out the best in individuals, as opposed to promoting 'star' type players. Rieko will be one of the older players to provide the background experience, the spine if you like.

Josh Ioane showed a lot of improvement this year and could be in the mix but for my money, he doesn't have what it takes. Familiarity will help Fergus Burke's case and I think he has to come into the picture as a quality candidate in his own right. It's going to be interesting to see who Razor has his eye on and what he will do to develop player quality. I am excite.

[Gumboot]

Foz is going to stun us all and start Ioane at 11 with JB at 12 and ALB at 13, Narawa at 14, and Jordan at 15. You read it here first.

I wonder what Razor will do next year.. do you think he'll pick Rieko at 13?

I suspect he will have Rieko at 11, where he most benefit to the team. I would not be surprised to see the backline I listed above. First five is a real issue as DMac would have to become a different player to bring out the best of this backline. Perofeta, Josh Ioane, Zarn Sullivan???

Hopefully Zarn will kick on with more time at 10 for Auckland. Undecided on Perofeta, but he'll sure have a golden opportunity to grab a squad spot next year. Ioane runs too hot and cold for my liking. Not sure about the extent of the injury he picked up on the weekend. Sam Gilbert's probably got the skills to make a good fist of 10.

Someone currently flying under the radar, who I was mighty impressed with when he got a bit of game time for Canterbury last year, is Alex Harford. His performance against Auckland in Week 8 was something special. He looks like a very talented, natural 10 to me. He's stuck behind Fergus Burke at the moment, but I really hope he gets more chances.

[Kiwias]

I wonder what Razor will do next year.. do you think he'll pick Rieko at 13?

I suspect he will have Rieko at 11, where he most benefit to the team. I would not be surprised to see the backline I listed above. First five is a real issue as DMac would have to become a different player to bring out the best of this backline. Perofeta, Josh Ioane, Zarn Sullivan???

Hopefully Zarn will kick on with more time at 10 for Auckland. Undecided on Perofeta, but he'll sure have a golden opportunity to grab a squad spot next year. Ioane runs too hot and cold for my liking. Not sure about the extent of the injury he picked up on the weekend. Sam Gilbert's probably got the skills to make a good fist of 10.

Someone currently flying under the radar, who I was mighty impressed with when he got a bit of game time for Canterbury last year, is Alex Harford. His performance against Auckland in Week 8 was something special. He looks like a very talented, natural 10 to me. He's stuck behind Fergus Burke at the moment, but I really hope he gets more chances.

I was tempted to mention Burke and Harford but thought this would trigger the anti-Crusader/Canterbury crowd a bit much.

[Gumboot]

Not sure this place is big enough for a crowd of any sort, tbh.

[Ymx]

Not sure this place is big enough for a crowd of any sort, tbh.

Yeah, I don’t think one poster can be called a crowd.

[Grandpa]

Not sure this place is big enough for a crowd of any sort, tbh.

Yeah, I don’t think one poster can be called a crowd.

Guy and Kiwias? Need one more for a crowd!

Will be interesting how Razor plays it... he has 4 years to develop a team, so may well go young from the start... be interesting to see if he picks anyone over the age of 30!

[Ymx]

I think there’s only one staunch anti-sader poster here, and it’s not you grandad.

[Ymx]

How are you guys now feeling about the World Cup?

I think Foster had played a blinder in spending the last three years removing any sort of aura of the ABs to the international rugby.

I think a couple of tests have shown we have the players to threaten a very good game. So hey, you never know.

But I have to say, I’m now quite calm about it. Getting past the quarters will be a bonus.

[Gumboot]

How are you guys now feeling about the World Cup?

I think Foster had played a blinder in spending the last three years removing any sort of aura of the ABs to the international rugby.

I think a couple of tests have shown we have the players to threaten a very good game. So hey, you never know.

But I have to say, I’m now quite calm about it. Getting past the quarters will be a bonus.

Yeah, getting to the Semis would exceed my expectations as well. If we do, whether we progress further could come down to the bounce of the ball. But given Foster's track record, a spectacular meltdown a la the Ireland series is still the more likely outcome, imho.

BTW, who is this mysterious, evil anti-Cantab poster that you speak of?

[Guy Smiley]

BTW, who is this mysterious, evil anti-Cantab poster that you speak of?

It’ll be you, SAM. In the same way that YMX sees well funded terrorists disguised as boat people in the Channel, he sees your criticisms of players as an anti Crusader conspiracy.

[Ymx]

How are you guys now feeling about the World Cup?

I think Foster had played a blinder in spending the last three years removing any sort of aura of the ABs to the international rugby.

I think a couple of tests have shown we have the players to threaten a very good game. So hey, you never know.

But I have to say, I’m now quite calm about it. Getting past the quarters will be a bonus.

Yeah, getting to the Semis would exceed my expectations as well. If we do, whether we progress further could come down to the bounce of the ball. But given Foster's track record, a spectacular meltdown a la the Ireland series is still the more likely outcome, imho.

BTW, who is this mysterious, evil anti-Cantab poster that you speak of?

[Gumboot]

Shirley not? I've spent half this thread criticising the likes of Clarke and Laulala and referring to Moody and Harford in positively glowing terms.

Happy to engage in a bit of light-hearted parochial banter on Supe and NPC threads. But this one's about ABs selections, and I've never been "anti" any ABs based on their franchise or provincial allegiances.

Sorry but I think Guy might be right, mate - you seem to be seeing baddies that simply don't exist.

[Grandpa]

I think there’s only one staunch anti-sader poster here, and it’s not you grandad.

Oops I was thinking it was pro-sader...

[Grandpa]

How are you guys now feeling about the World Cup?

I think Foster had played a blinder in spending the last three years removing any sort of aura of the ABs to the international rugby.

I think a couple of tests have shown we have the players to threaten a very good game. So hey, you never know.

But I have to say, I’m now quite calm about it. Getting past the quarters will be a bonus.

The France game is a free shot... I hope we don't win that too well and get complacent. A narrow loss wouldn't be a bad thing...

Then if we do beat Ireland or SA in the quarters... don't blow it against Eddie Jones in the semi!!!

[Ymx]

Shirley not? I've spent half this thread criticising the likes of Clarke and Laulala and referring to Moody and Harford in positively glowing terms.

Happy to engage in a bit of light-hearted parochial banter on Supe and NPC threads. But this one's about ABs selections, and I've never been "anti" any ABs based on their franchise or provincial allegiances.

Sorry but I think Guy might be right, mate - you seem to be seeing baddies that simply don't exist.

Ha ha. It was kiwias doing the trouble making. I just took the bait happily.

[Gumboot]

[Ymx]

Oh, god, remember this.

I was sure he missed.

The legend

[Ymx]

How are you guys now feeling about the World Cup?

I think Foster had played a blinder in spending the last three years removing any sort of aura of the ABs to the international rugby.

I think a couple of tests have shown we have the players to threaten a very good game. So hey, you never know.

But I have to say, I’m now quite calm about it. Getting past the quarters will be a bonus.

The France game is a free shot... I hope we don't win that too well and get complacent. A narrow loss wouldn't be a bad thing...

Then if we do beat Ireland or SA in the quarters... don't blow it against Eddie Jones in the semi!!!

The France one has all the pressure on them. Favourites and hosts.

Though, if we do win, then we can no longer keep our heads under the parapet. So I’d agree.

[Grandpa]

Oh, god, remember this.

I was sure he missed.

The legend

His shirt... far too small...

[Ymx]

Yep, kicked the winning points for a World Cup with his love handles out.

England had the technical robot of Wilkinson in 2003, kicking the win.

But na .. we had Beaver !!! A real bloke.

[Grandpa]

How are you guys now feeling about the World Cup?

I think Foster had played a blinder in spending the last three years removing any sort of aura of the ABs to the international rugby.

I think a couple of tests have shown we have the players to threaten a very good game. So hey, you never know.

But I have to say, I’m now quite calm about it. Getting past the quarters will be a bonus.

The France game is a free shot... I hope we don't win that too well and get complacent. A narrow loss wouldn't be a bad thing...

Then if we do beat Ireland or SA in the quarters... don't blow it against Eddie Jones in the semi!!!

The France one has all the pressure on them. Favourites and hosts.

Though, if we do win, then we can no longer keep our heads under the parapet. So I’d agree.

Yeah, outright favourites if we beat France. I'm more worried about the effect it will have on the minds of the players... I like the All Blacks better when they have a point to prove... a hunger...

[Grandpa]

Yep, kicked the winning points for a World Cup with his love handles out.

England had the technical robot of Wilkinson in 2003, kicking the win.

But na .. we had Beaver !!! A real bloke.

Dan Carter was talking about it on the Aussie "The Good, the Bad and the Rugby" this week... and said that Beaver's last game for the All Blacks before that, was the defeat in Hong Kong where he failed to kick the ball out to win the game... and was vilified for it... in 2010? Imagine if he had never played for NZ again... what a great story...

[Ymx]

Yep, kicked the winning points for a World Cup with his love handles out.

England had the technical robot of Wilkinson in 2003, kicking the win.

But na .. we had Beaver !!! A real bloke.

Dan Carter was talking about it on the Aussie "The Good, the Bad and the Rugby" this week... and said that Beaver's last game for the All Blacks before that, was the defeat in Hong Kong where he failed to kick the ball out to win the game... and was vilified for it... in 2010? Imagine if he had never played for NZ again... what a great story...

Yeah, I remember that game, and being furious at the time myself.

But I watched it back, and couldn’t help but feel it wasn’t as bad as I thought. I have a feeling that there was still time on the clock so there would have been an Aussie line out any way. So they were still going to have to defend it.

Could be wrong.

[Dan54]

Tough one isn't it? If we beat France will the other teams be gunning for us even more? I not sure I think any team that plays ABs generally go to another level anyway. The one thing with a WC is you can afford a bad game in pool matches (or even bad luck etc) bit from QF, it really can be bounce of the ball at times, generally so little between top teams these days it will be nerve racking!!
For those that were around in 1987, remember how relaxed we could be then?? The rest of world were just shit really, so we could be confident (and no SA)

[Ymx]

[Ymx]

Yeah so it was 79:20 when he hoofed it down the field. There was still going to be an Aus line out.

We were very very harsh !

[Grandpa]

Yeah so it was 79:20 when he hoofed it down the field. There was still going to be an Aus line out.

We were very very harsh !

We were! I was screaming at him too! But looking back... it would have been a cruel ending to an All Blacks career... and mentally it may have scarred him for life...