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[2014 Mid-Year Tests] New Zealand
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<blockquote data-quote="nickdnz" data-source="post: 646927" data-attributes="member: 38640"><p>Well telegraphed but a couple of surprises. No backup hooker. Seems Hansen is really unimpressed with the other hooker options. I admit it's not like my mind has been blown by the form of any of our hookers, but against a third string England team I feel they're being a tad short-sighted. Someone better step up soon, the World Cup is next year...and Mealamu will be going on 70 years old or so (mind you he had his best game for a while against the Canes I thought). No surpirses at all when it comes to the props. It's a real shame Afeaki is constantly injured - while I feel Tameifuna would have been interesting (I feel people are a bit harsh on him for his weight - but he could improve his fitness). Interesting we have two locks that seems to be selected more on potential than form. Not saying Bird and Tuipulotu are in bad form, the latter of which was a beast verse the Canes, but I'd probably have only picked one of the two and gone with a more experienced option.</p><p></p><p>I love Vito, but I'm very surprised to see him get the nod. 6 loose forwards is somewhat excessive - especially while people are talking of Kaino as an 8 option (I'd straight prefer to see him at 6 with Vito at 8 if Read is rested - Messam on the bench...or in the stands...or watching at home on TV I don't really care).</p><p></p><p>Halfbacks were as expected - however Aaron Smith's form is so far ahead of everyone else it's crazy. I'd love to see Peranara get a crack in the first test, but his delivery hasn't been spectacular lately. Behind a dominant forward pack though it should be better. 1st 5/8ths again are as expected. Slade was very average during the 2011 RWC for the ABs, so if he gets a shot I hope his form improves to how he is playing for the Crusaders. I wonder if Cruden will start of Barrett, Barrett is in the best form of his life while Cruden has just come back from injury and not been able to change the Chiefs fortunes.</p><p></p><p>I somehow see Crotty as more of an inside centre than a wing <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite7" alt=":p" title="Stick Out Tongue :p" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":p" />. I'm not crazy about him but chances are he'll be replaced by SBW some 2015 - so I guess it's hard to care. Fekitoa has looked great - a very exciting option at centre. While people focus on his great running ability - what's been more amazing to me is his defense. He is everywhere, without leaving holes. I didn't notice it till I watched him live verse the Canes', the amount of ground the guy covers to shut down attacks is incredible. His technique is pretty damn fantastic as well while he has the athleticism to catch people from behind. After 2015 he could well replace Conrad.</p><p></p><p>I hope Ben Smith replaces Dagg at fullback but I think it's unlikely for this test series (and his form is improving to be fair).</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="nickdnz, post: 646927, member: 38640"] Well telegraphed but a couple of surprises. No backup hooker. Seems Hansen is really unimpressed with the other hooker options. I admit it's not like my mind has been blown by the form of any of our hookers, but against a third string England team I feel they're being a tad short-sighted. Someone better step up soon, the World Cup is next year...and Mealamu will be going on 70 years old or so (mind you he had his best game for a while against the Canes I thought). No surpirses at all when it comes to the props. It's a real shame Afeaki is constantly injured - while I feel Tameifuna would have been interesting (I feel people are a bit harsh on him for his weight - but he could improve his fitness). Interesting we have two locks that seems to be selected more on potential than form. Not saying Bird and Tuipulotu are in bad form, the latter of which was a beast verse the Canes, but I'd probably have only picked one of the two and gone with a more experienced option. I love Vito, but I'm very surprised to see him get the nod. 6 loose forwards is somewhat excessive - especially while people are talking of Kaino as an 8 option (I'd straight prefer to see him at 6 with Vito at 8 if Read is rested - Messam on the bench...or in the stands...or watching at home on TV I don't really care). Halfbacks were as expected - however Aaron Smith's form is so far ahead of everyone else it's crazy. I'd love to see Peranara get a crack in the first test, but his delivery hasn't been spectacular lately. Behind a dominant forward pack though it should be better. 1st 5/8ths again are as expected. Slade was very average during the 2011 RWC for the ABs, so if he gets a shot I hope his form improves to how he is playing for the Crusaders. I wonder if Cruden will start of Barrett, Barrett is in the best form of his life while Cruden has just come back from injury and not been able to change the Chiefs fortunes. I somehow see Crotty as more of an inside centre than a wing :P. I'm not crazy about him but chances are he'll be replaced by SBW some 2015 - so I guess it's hard to care. Fekitoa has looked great - a very exciting option at centre. While people focus on his great running ability - what's been more amazing to me is his defense. He is everywhere, without leaving holes. I didn't notice it till I watched him live verse the Canes', the amount of ground the guy covers to shut down attacks is incredible. His technique is pretty damn fantastic as well while he has the athleticism to catch people from behind. After 2015 he could well replace Conrad. I hope Ben Smith replaces Dagg at fullback but I think it's unlikely for this test series (and his form is improving to be fair). [/QUOTE]
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