Geekzone Rugby (Union) Discussion Thread

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Networkn
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#1860171 7-Sep-2017 10:04

Wow, quite the inexperienced team we have announced to play the Argy's. Would be the least caps we have fielded for a long time. I guess it's a calculated risk, even if we lose this, we can beat them with a stronger side at home, that just leaves SA x 2 and whilst they are an improved side, I'd expect to name our strongest team both matches and I'd expect to win both of those, though I'd imagine the home game (in SA) might be more of a challenge.

Surprised to see DM starting, but in Steve I trust.

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#1860245 7-Sep-2017 11:44

networkn:

Wow, quite the inexperienced team we have announced to play the Argy's. Would be the least caps we have fielded for a long time. I guess it's a calculated risk, even if we lose this, we can beat them with a stronger side at home, that just leaves SA x 2 and whilst they are an improved side, I'd expect to name our strongest team both matches and I'd expect to win both of those, though I'd imagine the home game (in SA) might be more of a challenge.

Surprised to see DM starting, but in Steve I trust.

I bet you wouldn't be surprised to see DM starting if DM were a Crusader :)

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#1860249 7-Sep-2017 11:51

Batman:

networkn:

Wow, quite the inexperienced team we have announced to play the Argy's. Would be the least caps we have fielded for a long time. I guess it's a calculated risk, even if we lose this, we can beat them with a stronger side at home, that just leaves SA x 2 and whilst they are an improved side, I'd expect to name our strongest team both matches and I'd expect to win both of those, though I'd imagine the home game (in SA) might be more of a challenge.

Surprised to see DM starting, but in Steve I trust.

I bet you wouldn't be surprised to see DM starting if DM were a Crusader :)

Don't start that nonsense up again. I would feel exactly the same if DM was a Crusader and he had made questionable decisions multiple games in a row. The selectors obviously feel he can improve quickly, and if this is the case then great. But so far it's working out about as I thought it might.

He's a good attacking player, though, like NMS, the opposition will adapt to shut him down.

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#1860253 7-Sep-2017 11:57

networkn:

Batman:

networkn:

Wow, quite the inexperienced team we have announced to play the Argy's. Would be the least caps we have fielded for a long time. I guess it's a calculated risk, even if we lose this, we can beat them with a stronger side at home, that just leaves SA x 2 and whilst they are an improved side, I'd expect to name our strongest team both matches and I'd expect to win both of those, though I'd imagine the home game (in SA) might be more of a challenge.

Surprised to see DM starting, but in Steve I trust.

I bet you wouldn't be surprised to see DM starting if DM were a Crusader :)

Don't start that nonsense up again. I would feel exactly the same if DM was a Crusader and he had made questionable decisions multiple games in a row. The selectors obviously feel he can improve quickly, and if this is the case then great. But so far it's working out about as I thought it might.

He's a good attacking player, though, like NMS, the opposition will adapt to shut him down.

i wonder how many other neutral observers would agree with me :)

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#1860254 7-Sep-2017 12:00

Batman:

i wonder how many other neutral observers would agree with me :)

Whatever helps you sleep at night sport.

I have praised DM plenty this year (for his attack), and my comments reflect all the ones made by the "biased" rugby commentators and others here as well.

wratterus

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#1860269 7-Sep-2017 12:41

I think DMak is a bit of a conundrum at test level. He can be utterly brilliant at times, but at others can make seriously questionable decisions, and there is no denying he doesn't lack courage on defense, but these days you possibly need someone a bit more....'solid' at fullback. Good decision making will come with time though.

I think the AB coaches were always saying they wanted him playing at 10? But for whatever reason, he barely got any time at 10 for the Chiefs. I reckon he is a safer bet at 10, especially at test level, and it gives him more opportunity to attack the line, but with the other talent we have at 10 it's too difficult to put him there...it's got to be a tricky decision for sure.

Tu'ungafasi needs to prove big time that he deserves another selection. Sounds harsh, but I thought he was terrible last game. Our proppage stocks have taken a bit of a hammering recently though, so I guess the selectors have got to give the guys a chance. Laulala I thought had a massive game and glad to see him starting.

SBW - well. I don't mind the guy at all, but he also needs to step up. He can be awesome when he's on form, but the last couple of games he's been anything but.

ALB has been very solid off the bench and has been rewarded with a well deserved start.

Wasn't TKB going overseas? Surprised to see him selected if that is the case.

Just my 2 cents anyway, from another Crusaders supporter.

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#1860283 7-Sep-2017 12:50

wratterus:

I think DMak is a bit of a conundrum at test level. He can be utterly brilliant at times, but at others can make seriously questionable decisions, and there is no denying he doesn't lack courage on defense, but these days you possibly need someone a bit more....'solid' at fullback. Good decision making will come with time though.

I think the AB coaches were always saying they wanted him playing at 10? But for whatever reason, he barely got any time at 10 for the Chiefs. I reckon he is a safer bet at 10, especially at test level, and it gives him more opportunity to attack the line, but with the other talent we have at 10 it's too difficult to put him there...it's got to be a tricky decision for sure.

Tu'ungafasi needs to prove big time that he deserves another selection. Sounds harsh, but I thought he was terrible last game. Our proppage stocks have taken a bit of a hammering recently though, so I guess the selectors have got to give the guys a chance. Laulala I thought had a massive game and glad to see him starting.

SBW - well. I don't mind the guy at all, but he also needs to step up. He can be awesome when he's on form, but the last couple of games he's been anything but.

ALB has been very solid off the bench and has been rewarded with a well deserved start.

Wasn't TKB going overseas? Surprised to see him selected if that is the case.

Just my 2 cents anyway, from another Crusaders supporter.

Agree with all your points. SBW gets such a hard time. I think he is a good player, I think he will come right. Tu'ungafasi agreed had a shocker, but he is very young. I can't see him in another test unless we don't have another option, if he doesn't hit the AB's targets for him.

The AB's have a fantastic management plan for players, they say something like "fella, you've got a lot to learn, here are 2 things we want to see you do this upcoming game", if he does those (even if his complete game isn't there) they will keep developing him with new targets, but if he doesn't hit the targets, then they are generally bumped down the queue with a list of stuff to improve and demonstrate and are looked at again later.

TKB is there because though in my opinion, he isn't a great test AB halfback, he is familiar at that level, and it's not like we have a fantastic stocks of half backs ready for test level either. Pulu maybe?

He won't be seen in any/many more tests for obvious reason and the only reason he is here this time, IMO, is Smith is being rested.

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sonyxperiageek

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#1860613 8-Sep-2017 00:07

I thought Hansen said something about not picking Fekitoa because he wanted to give others who were staying a chance. Why pick Kerr-Barlow then?

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#1860626 8-Sep-2017 05:07

Fekitoa is leaving NZ, and has been a bit out of form the last season or so anyway.

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#1861071 8-Sep-2017 18:51

sonyxperiageek:

I thought Hansen said something about not picking Fekitoa because he wanted to give others who were staying a chance. Why pick Kerr-Barlow then?

Because there's nobody else at halfback.

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#1861076 8-Sep-2017 19:38

tukapa1:

sonyxperiageek:

I thought Hansen said something about not picking Fekitoa because he wanted to give others who were staying a chance. Why pick Kerr-Barlow then?

Because there's nobody else at halfback.

Pretty much.

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#1861077 8-Sep-2017 19:38

Canterbury! 78-20 over Southland. What a beating.

wratterus

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#1861080 8-Sep-2017 20:14

What a second half. I swear Tim Bateman gets younger every year.

sonyxperiageek

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#1861346 9-Sep-2017 15:51

networkn:

tukapa1:

sonyxperiageek:

I thought Hansen said something about not picking Fekitoa because he wanted to give others who were staying a chance. Why pick Kerr-Barlow then?

Because there's nobody else at halfback.

Pretty much.

There's Augustine Pulu, Brad Weber, Findlay Christie etc.

Even if both Aaron Smith and TJ Perenara happened to both be injured, Hansen could bring in Pulu as injury cover?

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#1861400 9-Sep-2017 17:47

sonyxperiageek:

There's Augustine Pulu, Brad Weber, Findlay Christie etc.

Even if both Aaron Smith and TJ Perenara happened to both be injured, Hansen could bring in Pulu as injury cover?

Not saying there are NO half-backs but none tested at test level the way TKB is. Expect to see some new faces in this area in the coming 6 months in the AB's camp.

I am not certain but I am pretty sure I saw commentary from SH and co that indicated Brad Weber had been sent away to "work on his game" and I don't think he has been as good since he was injured.

Mitchell Drummond also not as quick or accurate since he broke his (I want to say) leg?

Bryn Halls delivery has got a LOT faster which has been good. I had my reservations with his signing for the Crusaders, but how many players have the Blues let go to find them flourishing elsewhere? BH falls in that category for me.

TJP is probably the best defensive HB in Super Rugby right now for my money, and he has scored plenty for the Hurricanes, but he doesn't impress me nearly as much at test level.

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