What did we learn about the AB's this year?

[Carter's Choice]

Sad to see Beauden Barrett using the media to coerce Ian Foster to select him at no.10. I've never previously seen another player use the media to pressure selectors in this way. This is unprecedented. Perhaps instead of trying to bully Ian Foster, BB should actually start playing some decent Rugby at 10, and stop living off his achievements in 2016?

[Jb1981]

I would prefer he did his talking on the field. I can’t see any good coming of his time in Japan. He’s still eligible for the ABs but playing in an environment where it is hard to assess form and if he is playing 10, he’ll be even more likely to want the Lion’s share of time there even if he is wearing 15.

If he can find some sort of form again a bench spot is looking more and more the best option. Failing that a pension contract offshore.

[Dan54]

I would prefer he did his talking on the field. I can’t see any good coming of his time in Japan. He’s still eligible for the ABs but playing in an environment where it is hard to assess form and if he is playing 10, he’ll be even more likely to want the Lion’s share of time there even if he is wearing 15.

If he can find some sort of form again a bench spot is looking more and more the best option. Failing that a pension contract offshore.

just out of interest did you see the press conference? I not quite sure what was said that upset anyone.

[Jb1981]

I would prefer he did his talking on the field. I can’t see any good coming of his time in Japan. He’s still eligible for the ABs but playing in an environment where it is hard to assess form and if he is playing 10, he’ll be even more likely to want the Lion’s share of time there even if he is wearing 15.

If he can find some sort of form again a bench spot is looking more and more the best option. Failing that a pension contract offshore.

just out of interest did you see the press conference? I not quite sure what was said that upset anyone.

No but there are extracts on the previous page - admittedly without the context of whether questions were asked or he raised it. I still think for Barrett and the AB’s game that he is better with less time at 10 for any side he is playing for. I don’t think it is a coincidence that him and Mo’unga on the field together has worked best when they have defined roles and both don’t try to play the same one.

[Dan54]

I would prefer he did his talking on the field. I can’t see any good coming of his time in Japan. He’s still eligible for the ABs but playing in an environment where it is hard to assess form and if he is playing 10, he’ll be even more likely to want the Lion’s share of time there even if he is wearing 15.

If he can find some sort of form again a bench spot is looking more and more the best option. Failing that a pension contract offshore.

just out of interest did you see the press conference? I not quite sure what was said that upset anyone.

No but there are extracts on the previous page - admittedly without the context of whether questions were asked or he raised it. I still think for Barrett and the AB’s game that he is better with less time at 10 for any side he is playing for. I don’t think it is a coincidence that him and Mo’unga on the field together has worked best when they have defined roles and both don’t try to play the same one.

I not commenting on where he should play etc, just wondered why anyone is upset that he replies to questions when he is at press conference where is the star player for his club in Japan. Mate , papers take extracts out of almost any press conference and try and get a reaction, it's called click bait? Happens in most sport or political writing. ou only have to read in papers what Trump has said or supposedly said, or has done, I have very very little time for him, but don't believe a hell of a lot what I read about what he says from press on either side.

[Ymx]

Has Trump now tried to claim the AB 10 jersey. Motherfucker.

[mrbrownstone]

I'd much rather Beauden let his form do the talking too, and I don't think pressuring through the media is a great look even if he was just responding to a silly quesion, but this is hardly unprecedented:

But in a column penned for The Rugby Site ahead of his 100th match for the Crusaders, Carter says he sees his international future in the No 10 jersey.

"I know I am going to get asked about whether I may move back to 12 in the latter half of my career. If I can keep my fitness and form for the 2015 World Cup might it be as a second five-eighth?" he writes.

"Well, let me be polite about this. I am a lot more comfortable at 10 these days. All that experience is better used at first-five. So, when you add it all up, it comes to 10."

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/6776 ... s-position

[Jb1981]

Has Trump now tried to claim the AB 10 jersey. Motherfucker.

He’s been advocating good clean out work - “stop the steal”.

[FujiKiwi]

Barrett saying that he’s “aspiring” to play “a little more” at 10 for the All Blacks hardly sounds like sinister coercion.

[Jimmy Smallsteps]

Barrett saying that he’s “aspiring” to play “a little more” at 10 for the All Blacks hardly sounds like sinister coercion.

He's got form for having a thinly veiled whinge about not getting to play 10 for the ABs.

Then he gets a start this year and plays like absolute shit.

He should be happy to start anywhere given his recent form.

[Jimmy Smallsteps]

I would prefer he did his talking on the field. I can’t see any good coming of his time in Japan. He’s still eligible for the ABs but playing in an environment where it is hard to assess form and if he is playing 10, he’ll be even more likely to want the Lion’s share of time there even if he is wearing 15.

If he can find some sort of form again a bench spot is looking more and more the best option. Failing that a pension contract offshore.

just out of interest did you see the press conference? I not quite sure what was said that upset anyone.

That's why we have reporters. So we don't have to attend them all ourselves. I for one had to work today.

[FujiKiwi]

Barrett saying that he’s “aspiring” to play “a little more” at 10 for the All Blacks hardly sounds like sinister coercion.

He's got form for having a thinly veiled whinge about not getting to play 10 for the ABs.

Then he gets a start this year and plays like absolute shit.

He should be happy to start anywhere given his recent form.

He wants to play at 10. It’s fine if he wants that and it’s OK for him to say so.

Like you I don’t think he should play at 10. Unlike you, I believe he’s within his rights to have his own wishes and to express them honestly.

[Jimmy Smallsteps]

Barrett saying that he’s “aspiring” to play “a little more” at 10 for the All Blacks hardly sounds like sinister coercion.

He's got form for having a thinly veiled whinge about not getting to play 10 for the ABs.

Then he gets a start this year and plays like absolute shit.

He should be happy to start anywhere given his recent form.

He wants to play at 10. It’s fine if he wants that and it’s OK for him to say so.

Like you I don’t think he should play at 10. Unlike you, I believe he’s within his rights to have his own wishes and to express them honestly.

Express his wishes honestly? Sure. If he'd come out once or twice and said my preferred position is 10, all good.

But what he is actually doing is mounting a concerted campaign, through the media, about what he thinks Foster's tactics should be. This is far from the only occasion.

He obviously thinks his record warrants it, but I think he's going too far and it's disrespectful towards the coach and the team.

[Dan54]

I would prefer he did his talking on the field. I can’t see any good coming of his time in Japan. He’s still eligible for the ABs but playing in an environment where it is hard to assess form and if he is playing 10, he’ll be even more likely to want the Lion’s share of time there even if he is wearing 15.

If he can find some sort of form again a bench spot is looking more and more the best option. Failing that a pension contract offshore.

just out of interest did you see the press conference? I not quite sure what was said that upset anyone.

That's why we have reporters. So we don't have to attend them all ourselves. I for one had to work today.

Mate it was on the news. Anyway if you read what reporters say to save you having to listen to anyone god help you, I hope you read bloody good papers.

[Dan54]

just out of interest did you see the press conference? I not quite sure what was said that upset anyone.

That's why we have reporters. So we don't have to attend them all ourselves. I for one had to work today.

Mate it was on the news. Anyway if you read what reporters say to save you having to listen to anyone god help you, I hope you read bloody good papers.
And apologies for asking if you saw it on tv mate, I just realised you live in melbourne so wouldn't of seen it.

[Certain Navigator]

Barrett saying that he’s “aspiring” to play “a little more” at 10 for the All Blacks hardly sounds like sinister coercion.

He's got form for having a thinly veiled whinge about not getting to play 10 for the ABs.

Then he gets a start this year and plays like absolute shit.

He should be happy to start anywhere given his recent form.

He wants to play at 10. It’s fine if he wants that and it’s OK for him to say so.

Like you I don’t think he should play at 10. Unlike you, I believe he’s within his rights to have his own wishes and to express them honestly.

Yep, totally agree. I personally wouldn't have Barrett anywhere near 10 for the ABs, but nobody should have any problem with him stating his aspirations to play there. Lots of players over the years have expressed a preference for one position over another and Barrett is just the latest — it's not as though he's doing a Trump.

Nothing to see here.

[mrbrownstone]

I'll believe it when he's signed on the dotted line, because we've heard this before, but the rumor that RTS is signing with NZR after this NRL season with an eye to the World Cup is circulating hard again.

Would love to see it, he's a special talent. Although at nearly 29 it'll be a difficult transition, competing against BB, Jordie, Jordan, Havili, McKenzie, Bridge, Reece, Clark et al.

You'd say his big strengths are his run metres and tackle busting ability. Last 3 seasons in the NRL he's come 8th, 2nd, and 6th for most tackle busts and 4th, 2nd, 5th for must run metres. No surprise he's also consistently Top 10 for total runs and kick return metres.

Not sure without the kicking game he's suited to fullback, but would love to see him on the right wing instead of Jordie.

[Enzedder]

Barrett saying that he’s “aspiring” to play “a little more” at 10 for the All Blacks hardly sounds like sinister coercion.

Ali and Dog like to go all Karenish with non-Canterbury coaches and players.

He was asked questions at a press conference FFS. Being the polite guy he is, especially in a new situation, he answered.

Bloody Nancies.

[Ted.]

Barrett saying that he’s “aspiring” to play “a little more” at 10 for the All Blacks hardly sounds like sinister coercion.

He's got form for having a thinly veiled whinge about not getting to play 10 for the ABs.

Then he gets a start this year and plays like absolute shit.

He should be happy to start anywhere given his recent form.

He has! I'd love to dissect these mealy mouth utterances, are there any links you might have?

[Trapper]

Beaudy is a great backup for Richie at 10. We are lucky to have them both. In saying that is BB available this year for the ABs or are we going to see DMac as backup? I don’t see anyone else to fill the position but I do think O’Black could make a go of it if given the opportunity.

[Jimmy Smallsteps]

Barrett saying that he’s “aspiring” to play “a little more” at 10 for the All Blacks hardly sounds like sinister coercion.

He's got form for having a thinly veiled whinge about not getting to play 10 for the ABs.

Then he gets a start this year and plays like absolute shit.

He should be happy to start anywhere given his recent form.

He has! I'd love to dissect these mealy mouth utterances, are there any links you might have?

Have you been living under a rock, Ted? The Blues coaches have noted he's been vocal about wanting to play 10 rather than 15, while he's been directly quoted wanting to play 10 rather than 15 for the All Blacks.

I think he should show some self-awareness and breathe a sigh of relief that he's still getting a start.

[Jimmy Smallsteps]

Beaudy is a great backup for Richie at 10. We are lucky to have them both. In saying that is BB available this year for the ABs or are we going to see DMac as backup? I don’t see anyone else to fill the position but I do think O’Black could make a go of it if given the opportunity.

I'd much prefer to see Josh Ioane handed the 22 jersey.

[Jimmy Smallsteps]

Barrett saying that he’s “aspiring” to play “a little more” at 10 for the All Blacks hardly sounds like sinister coercion.

Ali and Dog like to go all Karenish with non-Canterbury coaches and players.

He was asked questions at a press conference FFS. Being the polite guy he is, especially in a new situation, he answered.

Bloody Nancies.

That doesn't make much sense given I am a Highlanders supporter, Enz.

[mrbrownstone]

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck switch confirmed. Sounds like the Blues are strong favourites for his signature.

“This will be my last year with the club and I will be moving to NZ rugby next year,” Tuivasa-Sheck said. “The club has been supportive of me. I’m really grateful for that.

“It’s [rugby] always been there, it’s no secret. Rugby has been the game I’ve grown up playing; it’s always been there in the background.”

https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/warrio ... 56y1i.html

Certainly going to be interesting. He's an exceptional talent so hope he makes a good fist of it and it turns out more SBW than Benji. Imagine that Blues backline:

9. Christie
10. BB
11. Clarke
12. Faiane
13. Ioane
14. Telea
15. RTS



Will be interesting to see where he ends up if he can crack the ABs. As I said above, doubt he has the kicking or distribution game to be an international fullback. I reckon right wing or super sub would be ideal.

[FujiKiwi]

Haven’t watched league in years. Is this Tuivasa-Sheck kid that good? How transferable is his skill set?

EDIT: Sorry, hadn’t read mrbrownstone’s post above carefully enough regarding RTS’s kicking and distribution. Answers some of my questions.

[Monkey Magic]

Rts is a fantastic athlete and think will be hell of a lot better than Benji, if he came over a couple seasons ago think he could have had a fantastic international career. As it is I can see him as an 11 or a non kicking 15...

The guy can make things happen and seems to have great head on his shoulders to bring people with him.

Not sure if has been mentioned, but the poor man's Derren witcombe, James parsons retired as well this week bc of concussion

[Trapper]

Beaudy is a great backup for Richie at 10. We are lucky to have them both. In saying that is BB available this year for the ABs or are we going to see DMac as backup? I don’t see anyone else to fill the position but I do think O’Black could make a go of it if given the opportunity.

I'd much prefer to see Josh Ioane handed the 22 jersey.

I like him but he looked anything but AB material last season imo. In fact I reckon Mitch Hunt played better at 10 than he did.

[Jimmy Smallsteps]

RTS strikes me as a Richard Kahui-style right winger.

A tall and powerful three-quarter.

[Gumboot]

Beaudy is a great backup for Richie at 10. We are lucky to have them both. In saying that is BB available this year for the ABs or are we going to see DMac as backup? I don’t see anyone else to fill the position but I do think O’Black could make a go of it if given the opportunity.

I'd much prefer to see Josh Ioane handed the 22 jersey.

I like him but he looked anything but AB material last season imo. In fact I reckon Mitch Hunt played better at 10 than he did.

Ioane had a poor 2020. He's back at square one imho.

[Jimmy Smallsteps]

I'd much prefer to see Josh Ioane handed the 22 jersey.

I like him but he looked anything but AB material last season imo. In fact I reckon Mitch Hunt played better at 10 than he did.

Ioane had a poor 2020. He's back at square one imho.

No way, class form etc. A decent campaign with the Landers and he's good to go.

[Gumboot]

I like him but he looked anything but AB material last season imo. In fact I reckon Mitch Hunt played better at 10 than he did.

Ioane had a poor 2020. He's back at square one imho.

No way, class form etc. A decent campaign with the Landers and he's good to go.

Class of 2019? He's done nothing since.

[FujiKiwi]

I like Josh Ioane and I’m sure eventually he’ll come right. In the meantime, maybe Otere Black should be given a spot in the team and some game time.

[Jimmy Smallsteps]

I like Josh Ioane and I’m sure eventually he’ll come right. In the meantime, maybe Otere Black should be given a spot in the team and some game time.

I think we should see how they both go in Super Rugby first.

[FujiKiwi]

I like Josh Ioane and I’m sure eventually he’ll come right. In the meantime, maybe Otere Black should be given a spot in the team and some game time.

I think we should see how they both go in Super Rugby first.

I've seen how they've both gone in Super Rugby.

[Jimmy Smallsteps]

I like Josh Ioane and I’m sure eventually he’ll come right. In the meantime, maybe Otere Black should be given a spot in the team and some game time.

I think we should see how they both go in Super Rugby first.

I've seen how they've both gone in Super Rugby.

How odd. Josh Ioane has made the All Blacks squad but Otere Black hasn't.

That said, onwards and upwards. I'm really looking forward to the 2021 Super Rugby season.

[FujiKiwi]

I think we should see how they both go in Super Rugby first.

I've seen how they've both gone in Super Rugby.

How odd. Josh Ioane has made the All Blacks squad but Otere Black hasn't.

That said, onwards and upwards. I'm really looking forward to the 2021 Super Rugby season.

Yeah. We've had some strong disagreements but this isn't one. Who knows how 2021 will play out, as you suggest. Hopefully they both go well, with Otere Black leading the Blues to a historic Super Rugby championship win. .

[Flockwitt]

I'm not holding my breath, though Black can do the job. I think we'll need to watch how the next generation are coming through, let's see how Trask does for example.

[Dan54]

I like Josh Ioane and I’m sure eventually he’ll come right. In the meantime, maybe Otere Black should be given a spot in the team and some game time.

I think we should see how they both go in Super Rugby first.

I've seen how they've both gone in Super Rugby.

Yep me too, and don't really want to rely on either until they learn a bloody sight more than they have up to now. Both look to me as very competent 10s at Super level, but stepping up from that looks a stretch at this stage.

[Trapper]

I think we should see how they both go in Super Rugby first.

I've seen how they've both gone in Super Rugby.

Yep me too, and don't really want to rely on either until they learn a bloody sight more than they have up to now. Both look to me as very competent 10s at Super level, but stepping up from that looks a stretch at this stage.

Tom Taylor and Colin Slade looked nothing more than tradesman at Soup level but did alright when given an opportunity. But we’ll never know if they aren’t given a shot.
I like O’Blacks calm demeanour on the field and for me looks like he could handle Test rugby, he is solid and just does the basics so well and backlines seem to operate pretty well outside of him. He’s worth a shot I reckon.

[wet-socks]

I agree, Kaleb Trask looks to be the best pick of the lot. He has the most potential based on what I've seen so far. The others just aren't consistent enough performance-wise year upon year & are already well into their mid 20's by now..