SuperRugby: Crusaders v Stormers. 14/04/2012

[admartian]

Saying Carter's time is coming to an end is kinda funny. Two games from a 6 month groin injury I'd be very suprised if he was flawless, despite a good game from Taylor. Taylor, despite a good game, wouldn't be ahead of Cruden or Barrett in my mind.

Don't get me wrong, I wasn't saying that Dan was done. Simply that he isn't in his prime (or at least towards the end of his prime).

Just saying that he is in the latter stages - at least by the looks of it. Who knows, I mean we all saw the Jonny Wilkinson resurgence.

There's a big difference in saying someone is 'coming to an end' and that they are no longer at the peak of their powers.

No disrespect to Dan at all as he's one of my favourite players of all time. And I understand what an injury can do to an athlete, and do not underestimate recovery times translating into performances.

(Would probably make it easier if I was quoted if this was said in response to my post. Not that it could be any other as I was the only one to have mentioned Dan and 'latter' in the same sentence.)

 

[Larksea]

sure Dan is past his peak, it's not 2005 - he was mind blowing good. But IMO he's still the best 10 in the world and will prove that again in due time. he has that rare combination of pure talent, physical attributes and importantly shear hard work and commitment (important because that's what you need to come back from injury as he has done now and in the past). He already has most records in the game to his name and he still has 4+ years to give. in the past there have been murmurs around when Dan has an off game or looks quiet then he cuts a team to shreds.

 

[admartian]

sure Dan is past his peak, it's not 2005 - he was mind blowing good. But IMO he's still the best 10 in the world and will prove that again in due time. he has that rare combination of pure talent, physical attributes and importantly shear hard work and commitment (important because that's what you need to come back from injury as he has done now and in the past). He already has most records in the game to his name and he still has 4+ years to give. in the past there have been murmurs around when Dan has an off game or looks quiet then he cuts a team to shreds.

I'm not disagreeing with anyone that he isn't still the best. Rather just that he isn't as good as he was - but he's still very very good imo, and the most complete 10 still to play.

Not taking shots at Dan at all.

Right now, I'd start Dan at 12 fior the ABs and have Cruden there, seeing the way Nonu is playing. Plus I think the All Blacks are better at attacking the line the way Dan does it than a 2012 Nonu does.

 

[Larksea]

yeah I hear ya,

have to say that for the first time you would have to say there is a crop of serious talent coming through that could take game time off him if he's not near his best. Even with Slade off the radar.

Barrett - I think the best raw tallent NZ has seen since Carter himself burst onto the scene.
Cruden - what he lacks in size he makes up for with a rugby brain well beyond his years.
and Now Taylor as well

Sure it's just one awesome game from Taylor but it was not against some also ran side - it was against the then unbeaten stormers - there wont be many bigger games till the playoffs.

 

[admartian]

yeah I hear ya,

have to say that for the first time you would have to say there is a crop of serious talent coming through that could take game time off him if he's not near his best. Even with Slade off the radar.

Barrett - I think the best raw tallent NZ has seen since Carter himself burst onto the scene.
Cruden - what he lacks in size he makes up for with a rugby brain well beyond his years.
and Now Taylor as well

Sure it's just one awesome game from Taylor but it was not against some also ran side - it was against the then unbeaten stormers - there wont be many bigger games till the playoffs.

I'm encouraged by the promise as well.

I just hope they don't turn out the way stephen Brett and Lachie Munro did. :lol:

 

[Bull]

Habana dancing like a street beggar completely planked his name.

 

[theoh80]

Right now, I'd start Dan at 12 fior the ABs and have Cruden there, seeing the way Nonu is playing. Plus I think the All Blacks are better at attacking the line the way Dan does it than a 2012 Nonu does.

completely agree mate!! somehow you've gotta get him into the team, and he looked good in that roll on Saturday But in saying that i have no doubt that nonu will come into form the second he pulls on the black jersey.

Sorry if ive pulled the thread of topic