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[2015 Super Rugby] New Zealand Squads/Pre-season Discussion
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<blockquote data-quote="Darwin" data-source="post: 681202" data-attributes="member: 24910"><p>The main thing going against Banks at this stage is that he is unproven at Super Rugby level. While I agree he has the potential to be a good Super Rugby player, many players take some time to make the step up (and some fail to make it altogether). The key thing for the Highlanders this season is having there first-five defending up in the line. Last season the tried to hide Sopoaga at fullback/on the wing, which resulted in (a) Sopoaga struggling with the positional/defensive requirements of wing/fullback, and (b) the best counter-attacking fullback in world rugby not being in a position to counter-attack as he was defending up in the line!</p><p></p><p>The frustrating thing about Sopoaga is that he can tackle when he wants to. He just often choses not to (ala Quade Cooper). Parker is a courageous defender, but his size counts against him (he's still better than Sopoaga). Banks isn't perfect on defense, but would certainly be our best defensive option at 10. He would probably only be our 3rd best goal-kicker, though that says a lot more about the quality of Sopoaga and Parker in this area....</p><p></p><p>I agree with the majority of that 23 suggested by Mr Fish. I would prefer Evans over Dixon at 6 (to give us some more presence at the breakdown, but Joseph does love Dixon). Perhaps there would be a case for Dan Pryor on the bench, as his pace could be a real asset in the last 20 minutes. I would also find a place for Geldenhuys, if only on the bench.</p><p></p><p>If Sopoaga is selected at 12 we will be in big trouble IMO. Treeby is a bit limited, but is solid. Potentially the most exciting combination would be 12. Fekitoa, 13. Emery. Obviously there would be issues on defense with this combination (though this could be somewhat alleviated by using Buckman in the midfield on defense), but the have serious attacking potential. Speaking of the mighty Barracuda.... I would love to see him in the midfield this season. Imagine how intimidating our defense would be with him at 12 and Fekitoa at 13! We could then start Naholo and Osbourne on the wings - certainly high risk, but high reward too....</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Darwin, post: 681202, member: 24910"] The main thing going against Banks at this stage is that he is unproven at Super Rugby level. While I agree he has the potential to be a good Super Rugby player, many players take some time to make the step up (and some fail to make it altogether). The key thing for the Highlanders this season is having there first-five defending up in the line. Last season the tried to hide Sopoaga at fullback/on the wing, which resulted in (a) Sopoaga struggling with the positional/defensive requirements of wing/fullback, and (b) the best counter-attacking fullback in world rugby not being in a position to counter-attack as he was defending up in the line! The frustrating thing about Sopoaga is that he can tackle when he wants to. He just often choses not to (ala Quade Cooper). Parker is a courageous defender, but his size counts against him (he's still better than Sopoaga). Banks isn't perfect on defense, but would certainly be our best defensive option at 10. He would probably only be our 3rd best goal-kicker, though that says a lot more about the quality of Sopoaga and Parker in this area.... I agree with the majority of that 23 suggested by Mr Fish. I would prefer Evans over Dixon at 6 (to give us some more presence at the breakdown, but Joseph does love Dixon). Perhaps there would be a case for Dan Pryor on the bench, as his pace could be a real asset in the last 20 minutes. I would also find a place for Geldenhuys, if only on the bench. If Sopoaga is selected at 12 we will be in big trouble IMO. Treeby is a bit limited, but is solid. Potentially the most exciting combination would be 12. Fekitoa, 13. Emery. Obviously there would be issues on defense with this combination (though this could be somewhat alleviated by using Buckman in the midfield on defense), but the have serious attacking potential. Speaking of the mighty Barracuda.... I would love to see him in the midfield this season. Imagine how intimidating our defense would be with him at 12 and Fekitoa at 13! We could then start Naholo and Osbourne on the wings - certainly high risk, but high reward too.... [/QUOTE]
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[2015 Super Rugby] New Zealand Squads/Pre-season Discussion
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