Menu
Forums
New posts
Search forums
What's new
New posts
Latest activity
Log in
Register
What's new
Search
Search
Search titles and first posts only
Search titles only
By:
New posts
Search forums
Menu
Log in
Register
Install the app
Install
Help Support The Rugby Forum :
Forums
Rugby Union
International Test Matches
All Blacks squad for their end of year tour
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Reply to thread
Message
<blockquote data-quote="Sneaki" data-source="post: 348393" data-attributes="member: 21570"><p>Well here are my thoughts then...</p><p></p><p>Picking Messam over Vito is the main surprise for me, personally I though that Vito had only gotten better as the season went on, maybe he didn't do quite enough while he was with the AB's. Or I suppose they could be giving Messam another shot at backing up solid form for Waikato with good form for the AB's, something I've yet to see from him. He's certainly got the potential though.</p><p></p><p>Also surprised to see Braid back! I've always thought he was lacking in size a little, but maybe the coaches figure they can overlook that with guys like Kaino and Read supporting him.</p><p> </p><p> Picking Donald over Slade/Cruden is another intriguing one, but personally I think the decision may have been made for them by Weepu's (very unfortunate) injury last night, as they would always need three halfbacks with Weepu out of the picture. And with Carter just coming back from injury they would want a relatively experienced back up there (and arguably the best kicker out of the three).</p><p> </p><p> The halfbacks pretty much picked themselves, I would have preferred Leonard or even Fotualii/anyone over Ellis (I'm not really a big fan of his), I'm not sure if Leonard's recovered from the head clash a couple of weeks ago though.</p><p> </p><p> The locks and props were farily straightforward too. I'll be intersted to see how Elliot does coming back though, as Hore might not be ready for the first couple of games.</p><p> </p><p> There were a few more surprises in the backs though, especially in the wings. It's great to see Gear getting another chance, while I also didn't forsee Joe still being in the mix with the recent form of Fruean and Ranger, as well as the return of Sivivatu. I think Joe would've been lucky to make it if Dagg was fit. Also I'm glad they brought Toeava back, as I think he's a safer player to pick than Ranger, and offers a lot more versatility.</p><p> </p><p> And of course SBW made it... no surprise there<img src="http://www.therugbyforum.com/../forumOLD/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" />. I'll be interested to see how much gametime he gets, whether it's just off the bench or if he starts against a couple of the NH teams.</p><p></p><p>Overall a good squad though, I can't wait to see how they perform on this tour.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Sneaki, post: 348393, member: 21570"] Well here are my thoughts then... Picking Messam over Vito is the main surprise for me, personally I though that Vito had only gotten better as the season went on, maybe he didn't do quite enough while he was with the AB's. Or I suppose they could be giving Messam another shot at backing up solid form for Waikato with good form for the AB's, something I've yet to see from him. He's certainly got the potential though. Also surprised to see Braid back! I've always thought he was lacking in size a little, but maybe the coaches figure they can overlook that with guys like Kaino and Read supporting him. Picking Donald over Slade/Cruden is another intriguing one, but personally I think the decision may have been made for them by Weepu's (very unfortunate) injury last night, as they would always need three halfbacks with Weepu out of the picture. And with Carter just coming back from injury they would want a relatively experienced back up there (and arguably the best kicker out of the three). The halfbacks pretty much picked themselves, I would have preferred Leonard or even Fotualii/anyone over Ellis (I'm not really a big fan of his), I'm not sure if Leonard's recovered from the head clash a couple of weeks ago though. The locks and props were farily straightforward too. I'll be intersted to see how Elliot does coming back though, as Hore might not be ready for the first couple of games. There were a few more surprises in the backs though, especially in the wings. It's great to see Gear getting another chance, while I also didn't forsee Joe still being in the mix with the recent form of Fruean and Ranger, as well as the return of Sivivatu. I think Joe would've been lucky to make it if Dagg was fit. Also I'm glad they brought Toeava back, as I think he's a safer player to pick than Ranger, and offers a lot more versatility. And of course SBW made it... no surprise there[IMG]http://www.therugbyforum.com/../forumOLD/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif[/IMG]. I'll be interested to see how much gametime he gets, whether it's just off the bench or if he starts against a couple of the NH teams. Overall a good squad though, I can't wait to see how they perform on this tour. [/QUOTE]
Verification
Post reply
Forums
Rugby Union
International Test Matches
All Blacks squad for their end of year tour
Top