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International Test Matches
[2014 Mid-Year Tests] New Zealand
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<blockquote data-quote="Darwin" data-source="post: 647530" data-attributes="member: 24910"><p>Savea will be a big loss if ruled out (I understand he hasn't been ruled out quite yet). He was on fire earlier in the season but has been quieter over the last month - I wonder if this knee injury has been affecting his play for some time. If there is any doubt he needs to be rested to allow him to fully recover. It will leave our back three a bit unbalanced, as over recent seasons we have usually opted for one 'power' wing and one '2nd fullback' wing - without Savea (and Piutau) or backline does lack a bit of power (unless of course the AB's selectors pull of a shock selection and pick Fekitoa at centre).</p><p></p><p>Interesting to see Todd brought straight into the side to replace Cane despite only just recovering from injury. He is a good player, but rushing back injured players is not usually a good idea (though he is unlikely to feature unless McCaw gets injured).</p><p></p><p>The Read situation is quite worrying. I suspected there may be an issue with Read when they choose to include 6 loose-forwards and only 2 hookers. Honestly I would prefer if he just skipped this series, as there is no point in playing him if there is even the slightest risk to his health. He is <em>the</em> key player in the AB's in my opinion, but I'm sure we can survive a series without him. It will be interesting to see loose-forward combo the AB's opt for. I've been very impressed with Kaino at 8 this season, but I think Vito's style of play is more what the AB's want out of their 8, therefore I would probably go for: 6. Kaino, 7. McCaw, 8. Vito. This would be very harsh on Messam, who played very well for the AB's last season (and has looked for the Chiefs this year too), but he would be a good impact option off the bench (and I would start him in at least one of the tests).</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Darwin, post: 647530, member: 24910"] Savea will be a big loss if ruled out (I understand he hasn't been ruled out quite yet). He was on fire earlier in the season but has been quieter over the last month - I wonder if this knee injury has been affecting his play for some time. If there is any doubt he needs to be rested to allow him to fully recover. It will leave our back three a bit unbalanced, as over recent seasons we have usually opted for one 'power' wing and one '2nd fullback' wing - without Savea (and Piutau) or backline does lack a bit of power (unless of course the AB's selectors pull of a shock selection and pick Fekitoa at centre). Interesting to see Todd brought straight into the side to replace Cane despite only just recovering from injury. He is a good player, but rushing back injured players is not usually a good idea (though he is unlikely to feature unless McCaw gets injured). The Read situation is quite worrying. I suspected there may be an issue with Read when they choose to include 6 loose-forwards and only 2 hookers. Honestly I would prefer if he just skipped this series, as there is no point in playing him if there is even the slightest risk to his health. He is [I]the[/I] key player in the AB's in my opinion, but I'm sure we can survive a series without him. It will be interesting to see loose-forward combo the AB's opt for. I've been very impressed with Kaino at 8 this season, but I think Vito's style of play is more what the AB's want out of their 8, therefore I would probably go for: 6. Kaino, 7. McCaw, 8. Vito. This would be very harsh on Messam, who played very well for the AB's last season (and has looked for the Chiefs this year too), but he would be a good impact option off the bench (and I would start him in at least one of the tests). [/QUOTE]
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[2014 Mid-Year Tests] New Zealand
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