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Rugby Union
International Test Matches
New Zealand Maori v Ireland - Friday 18th (19.35 NZ/8.35 Irish) - Rotorua Int Stad
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<blockquote data-quote="Darwin" data-source="post: 324043" data-attributes="member: 24910"><p>While I agree that you need to have some spark in your wings, I think you are underestimating what Guildford brings to the table. He is probably the best kick chaser in the country, runs excellent lines, is very fast, and always seems to put himself in the right place to score tries. Though many people claim he is 'just a finisher' you have to wonder why he scores so many tries - being in the right place at the right time may seem like luck, but either Guildford is incredibly lucky or there is some skill in turning up in the right place. For example in last years Air New Zealand Cup Guildford scored 13 tries, while the other winger (Jason Kupa) scored 3. Gear undoubabtly scores tries that Guildford would not score. However Guildford scores tries that Gear would not score, by chasing through kicks or running the right lines in support - while these tries may not be as spectacular as running through 4 players to score, they are still worth the same number of points! </p><p></p><p>I don't know how you couldn't consider Ben Smith as a wing - he was selected as an All Black in that position last year, and played 11/13 games for the Highlanders in that position! He didn't standout for the Highlanders on the wing because he seldom got the ball (and the only times he really got the ball he was on the back foot) - he naturally looked better when he played at centre and fullback as he actually got to touch the ball. I think you underestimate his pace as well - he is very quick, I would certainly not consider him a slow wing. While I agree his future may be in the midfield, at the moment he should be considered as a wing/fullback capable of playing in the midfield, until he actually gets some extended gametime in the centre at provincial of super rugby level (though he has played almost exclusively at centre in club rugby for the last few years).</p><p></p><p>It will be interesting who the AB selectors pick come tri-nations time, as they will be extending there squad to 30, and therefore another outside back is likely to be added. Gear is in a better position than other contenders (Ben Smith, Ranger, Wulf etc) to push for this spot as he is playing high rugby every week at the moment.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Darwin, post: 324043, member: 24910"] While I agree that you need to have some spark in your wings, I think you are underestimating what Guildford brings to the table. He is probably the best kick chaser in the country, runs excellent lines, is very fast, and always seems to put himself in the right place to score tries. Though many people claim he is 'just a finisher' you have to wonder why he scores so many tries - being in the right place at the right time may seem like luck, but either Guildford is incredibly lucky or there is some skill in turning up in the right place. For example in last years Air New Zealand Cup Guildford scored 13 tries, while the other winger (Jason Kupa) scored 3. Gear undoubabtly scores tries that Guildford would not score. However Guildford scores tries that Gear would not score, by chasing through kicks or running the right lines in support - while these tries may not be as spectacular as running through 4 players to score, they are still worth the same number of points! I don't know how you couldn't consider Ben Smith as a wing - he was selected as an All Black in that position last year, and played 11/13 games for the Highlanders in that position! He didn't standout for the Highlanders on the wing because he seldom got the ball (and the only times he really got the ball he was on the back foot) - he naturally looked better when he played at centre and fullback as he actually got to touch the ball. I think you underestimate his pace as well - he is very quick, I would certainly not consider him a slow wing. While I agree his future may be in the midfield, at the moment he should be considered as a wing/fullback capable of playing in the midfield, until he actually gets some extended gametime in the centre at provincial of super rugby level (though he has played almost exclusively at centre in club rugby for the last few years). It will be interesting who the AB selectors pick come tri-nations time, as they will be extending there squad to 30, and therefore another outside back is likely to be added. Gear is in a better position than other contenders (Ben Smith, Ranger, Wulf etc) to push for this spot as he is playing high rugby every week at the moment. [/QUOTE]
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New Zealand Maori v Ireland - Friday 18th (19.35 NZ/8.35 Irish) - Rotorua Int Stad
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