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Super 15: Chiefs vs Highlanders. Waikato Stadium (25/2/2012, 06:35 GMT)
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<blockquote data-quote="Darwin" data-source="post: 482841" data-attributes="member: 24910"><p>At this stage it still sounds as though Messem is 50/50. If he doesn't start I'd expect to see a loose-trio of Latimer/Waldrom/Lee with Cane on the bench. I personally think Cane is already at least as good as Latimer, but I think Latimer does fill the role of blindside flanker very well, and they may need his experience on the pitch.</p><p></p><p>As you know I didn't think Leonard was that great last season. Consistent? Definitely. A standout? Not in my opinion. He has in my opinion the best box-kick in New Zealand, is a great cover defender (only exceeded by Cowan in this regard), and the pace to take the gap if one appears. however I thought his clearance at the back of the breakdown for the Chiefs was very messy last season - he made quite a few knock-ons, and his passing, though quick, often failed to find its mark (Donald often had to catch the ball behind him / at his feet / over his head). Obviously being behind the Chiefs pack wouldn't have helped this, but he will need to show some improvement in this area of his game this year. I think Leonard will be under a lot of pressure from Kerr-Barlow to retain the Chiefs starting jersey this season, as Kerr-Barlow has incredible potential.</p><p></p><p>In terms of AB's options at halfback, I hate to say it but Andy Ellis was our best halfback at the Rugby World Cup. Cowan was quite frankly shocking, and Weepu (despite being hyped up as the greatest player to walk this planet) was decidedly average (apart from kicking a few goals versus Argentina). I agree that Leonard is definitely in contention for the AB's again this, though personally I'd prefer Mathewson (assuming he has done a lot of work on his kicking game in the off-season), and I do think Aaron Smith may force his way into AB's contention this season (especially is Cowan continues on with his RWC form).</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Darwin, post: 482841, member: 24910"] At this stage it still sounds as though Messem is 50/50. If he doesn't start I'd expect to see a loose-trio of Latimer/Waldrom/Lee with Cane on the bench. I personally think Cane is already at least as good as Latimer, but I think Latimer does fill the role of blindside flanker very well, and they may need his experience on the pitch. As you know I didn't think Leonard was that great last season. Consistent? Definitely. A standout? Not in my opinion. He has in my opinion the best box-kick in New Zealand, is a great cover defender (only exceeded by Cowan in this regard), and the pace to take the gap if one appears. however I thought his clearance at the back of the breakdown for the Chiefs was very messy last season - he made quite a few knock-ons, and his passing, though quick, often failed to find its mark (Donald often had to catch the ball behind him / at his feet / over his head). Obviously being behind the Chiefs pack wouldn't have helped this, but he will need to show some improvement in this area of his game this year. I think Leonard will be under a lot of pressure from Kerr-Barlow to retain the Chiefs starting jersey this season, as Kerr-Barlow has incredible potential. In terms of AB's options at halfback, I hate to say it but Andy Ellis was our best halfback at the Rugby World Cup. Cowan was quite frankly shocking, and Weepu (despite being hyped up as the greatest player to walk this planet) was decidedly average (apart from kicking a few goals versus Argentina). I agree that Leonard is definitely in contention for the AB's again this, though personally I'd prefer Mathewson (assuming he has done a lot of work on his kicking game in the off-season), and I do think Aaron Smith may force his way into AB's contention this season (especially is Cowan continues on with his RWC form). [/QUOTE]
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Super 15: Chiefs vs Highlanders. Waikato Stadium (25/2/2012, 06:35 GMT)
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