NPR

Auckman wrote: ↑Sun Sep 06, 2020 4:36 am Well I for one welcome Akira Ioane into the AB squad. It's a good environment for him to iron out the rough edges.

Very happy to see Hoskins Sotutu in the team. He needs one test and then NZ has him for good.

The Blues now have the Rolls Royce pack of the NZ franchises. There are no fewer than 7 Blues forwards in this squad. No more excuses to be heard from Blues fans, you have the best pack in NZ rugby and matches are won and lost up front.

Assuming we go to Aus for a test, given the quarantine if BB or Mo go down in one of the tests or during the week that means we have no specialist first 5 cover.

Mind you when was the last time a 10 went down during the week AND then the starting 10 fell over?

Is it whitebait season?

Steve wrote: ↑Sun Sep 06, 2020 12:17 am Shit or get off the pot time for Akira Ioane.

You'd like to see some progress in terms of attitude but he simply refuses. I heard/read and interview at the start of the season and he is still a surly bitch.

A bleached flat-top in a trial match is evidence of someone whose mind is not where it should be, particularly when he's supposed to be impressing with attitudinal change.

Muttonbird wrote: ↑Sun Sep 06, 2020 7:07 am

Steve wrote: ↑Sun Sep 06, 2020 12:17 am Shit or get off the pot time for Akira Ioane.

You'd like to see some progress in terms of attitude but he simply refuses. I heard/read and interview at the start of the season and he is still a surly bitch.

A bleached flat-top in a trial match is evidence of someone whose mind is not where it should be, particularly when he's supposed to be impressing with attitudinal change.

His problem is he's never grown up. He's a 25 year old, entitled man-child who still lives at home. His mum still cooks for him and does his laundry and he still posts pics of himself get drunk on social media. He's the only player I can think of whose body shape has regressed since he became a professional. That suggests a serious lack of hard work and commitment.

stemoc wrote: ↑Sat Sep 05, 2020 11:10 pm shocked Hodgman made it, he didn't even play

Weak.

Monkey Magic wrote: ↑Sun Sep 06, 2020 2:56 am

FujiKiwi wrote: ↑Sun Sep 06, 2020 2:51 am

Kiwias wrote: ↑Sun Sep 06, 2020 2:49 am Just watching it again and one thing I noticed was that when Reiko Ioane scored his try, JB made contact as he grounded the ball, the sort of stuff we see all the time. What concerned me was that Ioane looked as if he wanted to have a go at JB and one of his team mates grabbing him and pulling him away.

Has Reiko caught the Akira bug of constantly trying to start some bolshery?

It's a family trait. Rieko has always been a dickhead, only relatively less so than his brother.

I noticed that moment too. What a goon.

Good to see some form from him though. He works harder at his key roles than Akira.

Those two seem to have issues, think they have had similar incidents in blues vs hurricanes games

Guys, guys, checkpoint. It's a checkpoint.

The reality is they are both bellends, but they are our bellends.

Dan54 wrote: ↑Sun Sep 06, 2020 3:26 am

Wild Beef wrote: ↑Sun Sep 06, 2020 2:41 am I have no issue with BB being a ten. Far less happy with DMac.

We don't need more than 2 10s, both BB and RM are class players, DMac I doubt will even be on bench, start either BB or RM, Jordie has to be 15, plays the second playmaker well . Josh Ioane bloody unlucky, but I do agree he better to keep playing than just hold tackle bags. pretty happy about Vai'i really like the look of the kid, a good 3 years away from being a top lock but will be good ditto with Grace. Bloody good squad, although I yet to be convinced about Akira, I can live with the fact they see him going in right direction.

This is a typically wishy-washy post where you straddle both sides of the fence and don't actually say anything, for fear of offending your masters at NZR.

Dan54 is right. We have two world class 10s in the squad with three more players who can all cover 10 at that level at a pinch.

Akira has got to be a jobs for the boys selection which is fitting from a jobs for the boys coach.

Jordie is the new Beaudy on the bench which allows for a six forward bench in certain games however I would love to see him play a season in the 12 jumper as I think that would be his best position if given a decent shot at it.

Slarty FizzyO wrote: ↑Sun Sep 06, 2020 9:28 am Dan54 is right. We have two world class 10s in the squad with three more players who can all cover 10 at that level at a pinch.

DMac I'll give you although I don't think it's his best position. Jordie isn't a 10 but could probably get away with 20 minutes there in an injury crisis. Who's the third? Surely you're not seriously suggesting TJP could play 10 at international level.

hope Mac recovers is old form. hate seeing a young fella cut down in his prime. hate seeing the knee strapped up as placebo as it might be.

mrbrownstone wrote: ↑Sun Sep 06, 2020 12:53 pm

Slarty FizzyO wrote: ↑Sun Sep 06, 2020 9:28 am Dan54 is right. We have two world class 10s in the squad with three more players who can all cover 10 at that level at a pinch.

DMac I'll give you although I don't think it's his best position. Jordie isn't a 10 but could probably get away with 20 minutes there in an injury crisis. Who's the third? Surely you're not seriously suggesting TJP could play 10 at international level.

Given quarantine it would mean say BB gets injured pre the first test, we go into both test with Mo as the only specialist 10 in the squad which I think is a risk not worth it given we seem to have extra outside backs for... reasons

So we've got a team yet no games

JPNZ wrote: ↑Sun Sep 06, 2020 8:03 pm So we've got a team yet no games

He could potentially finish the year with a perfect 0 from 0.

In other news Cullen Grace has just signed on till 2023 with NZR and the Crusaders

JPNZ wrote: ↑Sun Sep 06, 2020 10:39 pm In other news Cullen Grace has just signed on till 2023 with NZR and the Crusaders

Fantastic He really came from nowhere this year, hoping he can go from strength to strength.

mrbrownstone wrote: ↑Sun Sep 06, 2020 11:01 pm

JPNZ wrote: ↑Sun Sep 06, 2020 10:39 pm In other news Cullen Grace has just signed on till 2023 with NZR and the Crusaders

Fantastic He really came from nowhere this year, hoping he can go from strength to strength.

He's very promising. He's a very different 6 to someone like Akira Ioane. Grace plays very tight, excels in defense and at the clean out and is probably the best young lineout target in NZ.

Carter's Choice wrote: ↑Sat Sep 05, 2020 11:45 pm Unlucky

Joshua Ioane: I'm much more comfortable when we have three specialist 10's in our squad. We have 1.5 first-fives, and presumably McKenzie is the back-up if Mo'unga or BB get injured. The selection mistakes of the last RWC cycle are being repeated.
Peter Umaga-Jensen: I know it's competitive for midfield/outside back positions but PUJ finished Super Rugby Aotearoa very strong and looks custom built for test match Rugby. The Hurricanes had a very dangerous backline but only two of their backs made the squad. The Chiefs couldn't score any points and they have three backs (Weber, ALB and DMac).
Scott Scrafton: Does anyone actually think that Vaa'i and Strange played better during Super Rugby Aotearoa?
Marino Mika-ele-Tu'u: Was the best ball running loose forward in Super Rugby Aotearoa and should be in the squad over Lazy McFatso (Akira Ioane)
Tom Sanders: I'm not saying he should be an All Black, but he had a domestic season and can play 6 or 8.
Mitch Dunshea: Started most Crusaders matches this season, but is probably a little small for test Rugby. He's the same size as Vaa'i though.



Lucky
Tupou Vaa'i: Does anyone else get the impression that the Foster era is going to be defined by undeserved Chiefs players being gifted test caps? This kid could be great, but he isn't an All Black lock's ring-piece right now.He needs to stop his moronic clapping when his team gets a penalty, he isn't playing 1st XV anymore.
Quentin Strange: A talented youngster but only played a couple of SRA games due to injury. His Crusaders teammate Mitch Dunshea outshone him this season.
Cullen Grace: Had a great Super Rugby tournament but post-covid was barely sighted due to injury. He does look promising though.
Brad Weber: Had an average SRA season and wouldn't be near this squad if he wasn't a Chiefs player. Was outplayed by Christie, Hall, Drummond and Booth during the domestic season.
Alex Hodgman: Not the worst selection, but I thought Ayden Johnstone was arguably the form LH in NZ this season and deserved a spot as the 3rd ranked LH.

Agree with a bit of it, but am reasonably happy knowing Josh ioane is continuing to get minutes under belt at 19, we got 2 of the best 10s in the world in squad regardless of posters like you saying mounga is only .5 of a ten.
I would think Scrafton would be a little unlucky, I don't mind Strange being there, and even Vai'i , as you say he same weight as Dunshee, but at 20 will be able to be built up ok, and think he a worthwhile project, even if did get forced into playing a test will only be against Wallabies and doubt whether they will expose a young fella to much.
Weber I can take or leave , but being outplayed now and then behind that Chief's pack would be expected.

Dan54 wrote: ↑Sun Sep 06, 2020 11:49 pm

Carter's Choice wrote: ↑Sat Sep 05, 2020 11:45 pm Unlucky

Joshua Ioane: I'm much more comfortable when we have three specialist 10's in our squad. We have 1.5 first-fives, and presumably McKenzie is the back-up if Mo'unga or BB get injured. The selection mistakes of the last RWC cycle are being repeated.
Peter Umaga-Jensen: I know it's competitive for midfield/outside back positions but PUJ finished Super Rugby Aotearoa very strong and looks custom built for test match Rugby. The Hurricanes had a very dangerous backline but only two of their backs made the squad. The Chiefs couldn't score any points and they have three backs (Weber, ALB and DMac).
Scott Scrafton: Does anyone actually think that Vaa'i and Strange played better during Super Rugby Aotearoa?
Marino Mika-ele-Tu'u: Was the best ball running loose forward in Super Rugby Aotearoa and should be in the squad over Lazy McFatso (Akira Ioane)
Tom Sanders: I'm not saying he should be an All Black, but he had a domestic season and can play 6 or 8.
Mitch Dunshea: Started most Crusaders matches this season, but is probably a little small for test Rugby. He's the same size as Vaa'i though.



Lucky
Tupou Vaa'i: Does anyone else get the impression that the Foster era is going to be defined by undeserved Chiefs players being gifted test caps? This kid could be great, but he isn't an All Black lock's ring-piece right now.He needs to stop his moronic clapping when his team gets a penalty, he isn't playing 1st XV anymore.
Quentin Strange: A talented youngster but only played a couple of SRA games due to injury. His Crusaders teammate Mitch Dunshea outshone him this season.
Cullen Grace: Had a great Super Rugby tournament but post-covid was barely sighted due to injury. He does look promising though.
Brad Weber: Had an average SRA season and wouldn't be near this squad if he wasn't a Chiefs player. Was outplayed by Christie, Hall, Drummond and Booth during the domestic season.
Alex Hodgman: Not the worst selection, but I thought Ayden Johnstone was arguably the form LH in NZ this season and deserved a spot as the 3rd ranked LH.

Agree with a bit of it, but am reasonably happy knowing Josh ioane is continuing to get minutes under belt at 19, we got 2 of the best 10s in the world in squad regardless of posters like you saying mounga is only .5 of a ten.

Not sure that was quite the implication.

Agree with a bit of it, but am reasonably happy knowing Josh ioane is continuing to get minutes under belt at 19, we got 2 of the best 10s in the world in squad regardless of posters like you saying mounga is only .5 of a ten.
[/quote]



Not sure that was quite the implication.
[/quote]


Well surely he wasn't suggesting they both .75 players?

I had no idea Cullen Grace had represented South Canterbury. Unfortunately I've lost a bit of respect for him now.

In all seriousness, I was pleased to see John Plumtree refer to the need to have some big bodies in the pack. Lord knows we have been slow learners in appreciating that you cannot get away with continuous razzle dazzle play from anywhere in the field at test level. Certainly against tier 1 sides in tight comps like the Rugby World Cup.

A light pack and small backline simply will not cut it against the likes of South Africa and England. Your lightening backs can't score tries if the forward back is being brutalised and can't win any pill.

Jimmy Smallsteps wrote: ↑Mon Sep 07, 2020 1:12 am I had no idea Cullen Grace had represented South Canterbury. Unfortunately I've lost a bit of respect for him now.

In all seriousness, I was pleased to see John Plumtree refer to the need to have some big bodies in the pack. Lord knows we have been slow learners in appreciating that you cannot get away with continuous razzle dazzle play from anywhere in the field at test level. Certainly against tier 1 sides in tight comps like the Rugby World Cup.

A light pack and small backline simply will not cut it against the likes of South Africa and England. Your lightening backs can't score tries if the forward back is being brutalised and can't win any pill.

Totally agree. Hopefully that means that the Ardie Savea at 8 experiment is over. If he's the best openside flanker in NZ then he should start wearing the no.7 jersey. And hopefuly we won't have a repeat of the last RWC cycle where Steve Hansen was actually making our tight forwards lose weight so they could be more mobile.

Carter's Choice wrote: ↑Sun Sep 06, 2020 9:21 am

Dan54 wrote: ↑Sun Sep 06, 2020 3:26 am

Wild Beef wrote: ↑Sun Sep 06, 2020 2:41 am I have no issue with BB being a ten. Far less happy with DMac.

We don't need more than 2 10s, both BB and RM are class players, DMac I doubt will even be on bench, start either BB or RM, Jordie has to be 15, plays the second playmaker well . Josh Ioane bloody unlucky, but I do agree he better to keep playing than just hold tackle bags. pretty happy about Vai'i really like the look of the kid, a good 3 years away from being a top lock but will be good ditto with Grace. Bloody good squad, although I yet to be convinced about Akira, I can live with the fact they see him going in right direction.

This is a typically wishy-washy post where you straddle both sides of the fence and don't actually say anything, for fear of offending your masters at NZR.

Why what's your problem? You really remain a first class dick whatever your latest log in name is don't you?I stand by what I say, and because I don't think it impresses a few online posters by being negative about everything it may upset you but tough. I actually believe you go to bed at night and tug yourself over how controversial you imagine you are. The easiest thing in the world to make up for all shortcomings you obviously got is to pretend you know more than everyone else. I still recall you boasting in pub how you thought it was funny to troll everyone on the bored and you did it because you has been banned for lesser evils!
Sorry mate you are irrelevant!

How the hell can this topic get personal? A fair bit of 'grow-up' is required I feel.

Anyway - great to see picks of the Skype call from Vaa'i to his family back in Tonga. So many screams and tears of delight.

Carter's Choice wrote: ↑Mon Sep 07, 2020 1:55 am

Jimmy Smallsteps wrote: ↑Mon Sep 07, 2020 1:12 am I had no idea Cullen Grace had represented South Canterbury. Unfortunately I've lost a bit of respect for him now.

In all seriousness, I was pleased to see John Plumtree refer to the need to have some big bodies in the pack. Lord knows we have been slow learners in appreciating that you cannot get away with continuous razzle dazzle play from anywhere in the field at test level. Certainly against tier 1 sides in tight comps like the Rugby World Cup.

A light pack and small backline simply will not cut it against the likes of South Africa and England. Your lightening backs can't score tries if the forward back is being brutalised and can't win any pill.

Totally agree. Hopefully that means that the Ardie Savea at 8 experiment is over. If he's the best openside flanker in NZ then he should start wearing the no.7 jersey. And hopefuly we won't have a repeat of the last RWC cycle where Steve Hansen was actually making our tight forwards lose weight so they could be more mobile.

Impossible to do when the current 7 is also All Black captain. Ian Foster screwed us

Ardie will be first choice 8, Cane has the 7 jersey, this also means new Ab, Sotutu will barely get game time cut we knew that he was onlu picked t o prevent fiji or even England from snapping him .. best 6,7,8 on form surely us frizell, savea and sotutu but that won't be happening anytime soon..Cane at 6 was a farce, he is useless there..either he starts at 7 or doesn't play but that wont happen if he is captain.

Enzedder wrote: ↑Mon Sep 07, 2020 6:48 am How the hell can this topic get personal? A fair bit of 'grow-up' is required I feel.

Anyway - great to see picks of the Skype call from Vaa'i to his family back in Tonga. So many screams and tears of delight.

Yeah that was so much fun!

Dan54 wrote: ↑Mon Sep 07, 2020 5:59 am Why what's your problem? You really remain a first class dick whatever your latest log in name is don't you?I stand by what I say, and because I don't think it impresses a few online posters by being negative about everything it may upset you but tough. I actually believe you go to bed at night and tug yourself over how controversial you imagine you are. The easiest thing in the world to make up for all shortcomings you obviously got is to pretend you know more than everyone else. I still recall you boasting in pub how you thought it was funny to troll everyone on the bored and you did it because you has been banned for lesser evils!
Sorry mate you are irrelevant!

"Boasting in pub"? Now you're just making up stories to troll me 14 years after we met briefly. Why would you do that? I don't have a problem with you Dan, I just thought your comment was wishy washy. And for posting that you've called me a "first class dick". You come across as being an angry man when someone disagrees with you.

mrbrownstone wrote: ↑Sun Sep 06, 2020 12:53 pm

Slarty FizzyO wrote: ↑Sun Sep 06, 2020 9:28 am Dan54 is right. We have two world class 10s in the squad with three more players who can all cover 10 at that level at a pinch.

DMac I'll give you although I don't think it's his best position. Jordie isn't a 10 but could probably get away with 20 minutes there in an injury crisis. Who's the third? Surely you're not seriously suggesting TJP could play 10 at international level.

Yep, there's only 2 international standards 10s in the squad at best, the rest have rarely touched the position. This idea Jordie is a 10 when he may have all of 20 mins at professional level is laughable. TJ probably has the right skill set.

Enzedder wrote: ↑Mon Sep 07, 2020 6:48 am How the hell can this topic get personal? A fair bit of 'grow-up' is required I feel.

Anyway - great to see picks of the Skype call from Vaa'i to his family back in Tonga. So many screams and tears of delight.

Yep true, I should know by now that AC will make everything a personal insult and I should not respond, and to sink to same level, I apologise to everyone wholeheartedly.

Carter's Choice wrote: ↑Mon Sep 07, 2020 8:27 am

Dan54 wrote: ↑Mon Sep 07, 2020 5:59 am Why what's your problem? You really remain a first class dick whatever your latest log in name is don't you?I stand by what I say, and because I don't think it impresses a few online posters by being negative about everything it may upset you but tough. I actually believe you go to bed at night and tug yourself over how controversial you imagine you are. The easiest thing in the world to make up for all shortcomings you obviously got is to pretend you know more than everyone else. I still recall you boasting in pub how you thought it was funny to troll everyone on the bored and you did it because you has been banned for lesser evils!
Sorry mate you are irrelevant!

"Boasting in pub"? Now you're just making up stories to troll me 14 years after we met briefly. Why would you do that? I don't have a problem with you Dan, I just thought your comment was wishy washy. And for posting that you've called me a "first class dick". You come across as being an angry man when someone disagrees with you.

Yep I should know by now to just ignore your continual reference to me having masters at NZR. I need to just ignore and realise that is your response to anyone who doesn't agree with you. Actually don't mind being called wishy washy, I have no problem with you disagreeing with post. Just the other point that you have seemed to of forgotten that you put in the post.
Stand by exactly what I said about at pub, but fair enough , you had had a beer or 2 and shouldn't of repeated it.

Slarty FizzyO wrote: ↑Sun Sep 06, 2020 9:28 am Dan54 is right. We have two world class 10s in the squad with three more players who can all cover 10 at that level at a pinch.

Akira has got to be a jobs for the boys selection which is fitting from a jobs for the boys coach.

Jordie is the new Beaudy on the bench which allows for a six forward bench in certain games however I would love to see him play a season in the 12 jumper as I think that would be his best position if given a decent shot at it.

Agree with that, but have a feeling because he going so well at 15, and we have so many good midfielders, he will never really get groomed there?

Dan54 wrote: ↑Mon Sep 07, 2020 8:36 am

Enzedder wrote: ↑Mon Sep 07, 2020 6:48 am How the hell can this topic get personal? A fair bit of 'grow-up' is required I feel.

Anyway - great to see picks of the Skype call from Vaa'i to his family back in Tonga. So many screams and tears of delight.

Yep true, I should know by now that AC will make everything a personal insult and I should not respond, and to sink to same level, I apologise to everyone wholeheartedly.

Same level? I called your post "wishy washy" and you've started attacking me personally and inventing stories from when we met a decade and a half ago. You're psychotic and completely unhinged.

Dan54 wrote: ↑Mon Sep 07, 2020 8:36 am

Enzedder wrote: ↑Mon Sep 07, 2020 6:48 am How the hell can this topic get personal? A fair bit of 'grow-up' is required I feel.

Anyway - great to see picks of the Skype call from Vaa'i to his family back in Tonga. So many screams and tears of delight.

Yep true, I should know by now that AC will make everything a personal insult and I should not respond, and to sink to same level, I apologise to everyone wholeheartedly.

Dan

From one wishy washy brother to another I think you should keep doing what you're good at - talking rugby.

Carter's Choice wrote: ↑Mon Sep 07, 2020 8:51 am

Dan54 wrote: ↑Mon Sep 07, 2020 8:36 am

Enzedder wrote: ↑Mon Sep 07, 2020 6:48 am How the hell can this topic get personal? A fair bit of 'grow-up' is required I feel.

Anyway - great to see picks of the Skype call from Vaa'i to his family back in Tonga. So many screams and tears of delight.

Yep true, I should know by now that AC will make everything a personal insult and I should not respond, and to sink to same level, I apologise to everyone wholeheartedly.

Same level? I called your post "wishy washy" and you've started attacking me personally and inventing stories from when we met a decade and a half ago. You're psychotic and completely unhinged.

'This is a typically wishy-washy post where you straddle both sides of the fence and don't actually say anything, for fear of offending your masters at NZR.'

No worries you seem to of only remembered part of your post to. But don't worry all is good, as I said my bad, I should know better.

Gumboot wrote: ↑Mon Sep 07, 2020 8:53 am

Dan54 wrote: ↑Mon Sep 07, 2020 8:36 am

Enzedder wrote: ↑Mon Sep 07, 2020 6:48 am How the hell can this topic get personal? A fair bit of 'grow-up' is required I feel.

Anyway - great to see picks of the Skype call from Vaa'i to his family back in Tonga. So many screams and tears of delight.

Yep true, I should know by now that AC will make everything a personal insult and I should not respond, and to sink to same level, I apologise to everyone wholeheartedly.

Dan

From one wishy washy brother to another I think you should keep doing what you're good at - talking rugby.

ta mate, yep I still like coming in and talking, I love everyones opinions in here, good to see what we all think about the best game in the world!

Dan54 wrote: ↑Mon Sep 07, 2020 9:00 am No worries you seem to of only remembered part of your post to. But don't worry all is good, as I said my bad, I should know better.

So the part of my post that sent you over the edge wasn't when I called you wishy washy but when I said that New Zealand Rugby were your masters? That's what caused you to start attacking me personally and trolling my offline character? Are you feeling okay this evening? You realise that attacking people personally online is the very definition of trolling?

Carter's Choice wrote: ↑Mon Sep 07, 2020 9:03 am

Dan54 wrote: ↑Mon Sep 07, 2020 9:00 am No worries you seem to of only remembered part of your post to. But don't worry all is good, as I said my bad, I should know better.

So the part of my post that sent you over the edge wasn't when I called you wishy washy but when I said that New Zealand Rugby were your masters? That's what caused you to start attacking me personally and trolling my offline character? Are you feeling okay this evening? You realise that attacking people personally online is the very definition of trolling?

Probably, same as calling them names I suppose. Anyway, probably should stop being so sensitive and do admit to stressing a bit at moment , but still no excuse.

Dan54 wrote: ↑Mon Sep 07, 2020 9:13 am

Carter's Choice wrote: ↑Mon Sep 07, 2020 9:03 am

Dan54 wrote: ↑Mon Sep 07, 2020 9:00 am No worries you seem to of only remembered part of your post to. But don't worry all is good, as I said my bad, I should know better.

So the part of my post that sent you over the edge wasn't when I called you wishy washy but when I said that New Zealand Rugby were your masters? That's what caused you to start attacking me personally and trolling my offline character? Are you feeling okay this evening? You realise that attacking people personally online is the very definition of trolling?

Probably, same as calling them names I suppose. Anyway, probably should stop being so sensitive and do admit to stressing a bit at moment , but still no excuse.

Okay, sorry to hear that you're stressed at the moment. These are unprecedented times right across the planet, and here in Australia is no different. I hope everything works out well for you offline, in the real world

Long-time PR lurker and Blues fan since the 80s. Joining as it appears (so far) somewhat less toxic than PC, especially in the last few years.
I go back a few years, like I remember laughing uncontrollably as the Fliddy thread for example - Chins I think?

I hope Foster is serious about rebuilding a seriously physical pack and looking for more specialization. Hansen (post-2015) seemed to progressively fall into the Australian trap that amazing "Skillz" can overcome everything and to try and cram that all into the starting XV somehow rather than admitting some players are actually often better off the bench in terms of impact and team balance.

Skills can't overcome everything - see the losses to Ireland, the WC semi-final exit, and how fast the Boks have closed or overtaken the ABs.

Having watched most of SR Aotearoa ...
- A young physical guy like Sotutu or Mickele Tu'u at 8
- Whoever it is, play the best 7 at seven whether it's Cane or ASavea or whoever (I think he's painted himself into a corner appointing Cane as captain too early)
- Think of Kaino, Jerry Collins and for god's sake play a physical beast like Frizzel at six ... don't get tempted to cram Cane in there
- Decide who is the best 10 for the overall team, the other comes off the bench (if that's Beauden ... tough)
- Goodhue and Lienert-Brown are excellent rugby players but imo too similar at 12/13 ... take a look at combinations with one of those plus one of RIoane or Laumape or Umaga-Jensen
- Play the best fullback at 15 - and I'm pretty sure right now that's Jordie or Will Jordan. If Beauden is not 10 he's on the bench covering 10/15.
- Wings are NEVER the big selection issue. NZ is always crawling with great new wingers like Caleb Clarke

It's the year after a World Cup. Loosen the aura and be prepared to LOSE a few games while experimenting. It's okay, the world won't end especially if you tell your NZR bosses what you are doing.

If the best starting XV means Beauden Barret and Ardie Savea are on the bench so be it. Paying them too much?? Tough sh*t, blame Hansen for not getting the basics sorted in 2018-19.

How am I doing???