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
Super Rugby
NZ Squads So Far...
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="Darwin" data-source="post: 529949" data-attributes="member: 24910"><p>Right, bored again, so I will do a quick analysis of the Canes squad thus far:</p><p></p><p>I'm starting to quite like the look of the front row. Ben Franks is a massive gain, while May had probably his best season last year. Toomaga-Allen continues to improve, and I have been very impressed with his scrummaging for Wellington this season, while Goodes is another talented young prop. Coles continues to improve, while Matu'u is the ultimate impact player from the bench. The Canes may not have the most dominant scrum in the competition, but they should hold their own against most teams, and all of their front rowers are very good around the park. The locks are solid, if slightly lacking in star power - I'm sure they will add another lock or two as well (maybe Reddish again or a youngster like Latta/Fatialofa - Filipo has impressed, but I understand he is still signed with Wasps). There are plenty of good options in the loose forwards - I'm hoping to see Shields get plenty of starts in the 6 jersey next season.</p><p></p><p>The starting halves look strong, but the fact the lack of quality back-ups is a major area of concern. I'm sure Smylie and Eaton will again be in contention for the backup 9 spot this season, while Frae Wilson is also an option, but hasn't really impressed me for Wellington. Someone I think they should genuinely consider is young Taranaki halfback Jamison Gibson-Park, who looks a real talent. I'm sure the Canes will ignore him though (as he isn't from Wellington), then Nick will get all fired up when the Highlanders/Crusaders "poach" him <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite2" alt=";)" title="Wink ;)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=";)" /> . Southland/Fiji halfback Nemia Kenatale is another they could look at, as is Otago/Japan Fumiaki Tanaka (though I'm sure the Highlanders/Blues/Crusaders have their eyes on these two too). Not sure what the Canes will do in terms of a back-up 10. Bateman is clearly one option, though they need another goal-kicker in the XV if he played there (Andre Taylor?). James Marshall has been playing well for Taranaki (though again isn't a goal-kicker), while they could look at the likes of Ash Moeke, Hayden Parker (hopefully the Highlanders will sign him up though), or Michael Hobbs (I think Hobbs is probably the most likely). </p><p></p><p>Like in the halves, the rest of the backline look great in the starting positions, but depth looks to be a real issue. They look reasonably well covered in terms of midfield options (with Bateman, Hayward, C Smith, Buckman, and Leiua all capable of playing here), though I'd imagine they will add another midfielder (maybe someone like Willison). The Canes could do with a couple more options out wide too - Kurt Baker would be an obvious target (as he is off contract with the Highlanders and playing great rugby), while I would also look at the likes of Nemani, Nafi Tuitavake, Osbourne, Stowers (if available), Halai, Veainu, and Renata (as a goal-kicking fullback who could offer cover at 10).</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Darwin, post: 529949, member: 24910"] Right, bored again, so I will do a quick analysis of the Canes squad thus far: I'm starting to quite like the look of the front row. Ben Franks is a massive gain, while May had probably his best season last year. Toomaga-Allen continues to improve, and I have been very impressed with his scrummaging for Wellington this season, while Goodes is another talented young prop. Coles continues to improve, while Matu'u is the ultimate impact player from the bench. The Canes may not have the most dominant scrum in the competition, but they should hold their own against most teams, and all of their front rowers are very good around the park. The locks are solid, if slightly lacking in star power - I'm sure they will add another lock or two as well (maybe Reddish again or a youngster like Latta/Fatialofa - Filipo has impressed, but I understand he is still signed with Wasps). There are plenty of good options in the loose forwards - I'm hoping to see Shields get plenty of starts in the 6 jersey next season. The starting halves look strong, but the fact the lack of quality back-ups is a major area of concern. I'm sure Smylie and Eaton will again be in contention for the backup 9 spot this season, while Frae Wilson is also an option, but hasn't really impressed me for Wellington. Someone I think they should genuinely consider is young Taranaki halfback Jamison Gibson-Park, who looks a real talent. I'm sure the Canes will ignore him though (as he isn't from Wellington), then Nick will get all fired up when the Highlanders/Crusaders "poach" him ;) . Southland/Fiji halfback Nemia Kenatale is another they could look at, as is Otago/Japan Fumiaki Tanaka (though I'm sure the Highlanders/Blues/Crusaders have their eyes on these two too). Not sure what the Canes will do in terms of a back-up 10. Bateman is clearly one option, though they need another goal-kicker in the XV if he played there (Andre Taylor?). James Marshall has been playing well for Taranaki (though again isn't a goal-kicker), while they could look at the likes of Ash Moeke, Hayden Parker (hopefully the Highlanders will sign him up though), or Michael Hobbs (I think Hobbs is probably the most likely). Like in the halves, the rest of the backline look great in the starting positions, but depth looks to be a real issue. They look reasonably well covered in terms of midfield options (with Bateman, Hayward, C Smith, Buckman, and Leiua all capable of playing here), though I'd imagine they will add another midfielder (maybe someone like Willison). The Canes could do with a couple more options out wide too - Kurt Baker would be an obvious target (as he is off contract with the Highlanders and playing great rugby), while I would also look at the likes of Nemani, Nafi Tuitavake, Osbourne, Stowers (if available), Halai, Veainu, and Renata (as a goal-kicking fullback who could offer cover at 10). [/QUOTE]
Verification
Post reply
Forums
Rugby Union
Super Rugby
NZ Squads So Far...
Top