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The All Blacks no.12 jersey?

Posted: Mon Feb 24, 2020 1:16 am
by Ali's Choice
5 weeks into Super Rugby and the battle for the All Blacks no.12 jersey is red hot right now.

Anton Lienart-Brown is playing well for the Chiefs, and is arguably the closest thing we have to an incumbent, although Steve Hansen's obsession with rotation means that he doesn't really feel like our incumbent 12. He is very skilful, balanced player who has played very well at international level for the AB's.

Ngani Laumape was arguably the form 12 in last year's Super Rugby comp, and will be very keen to stake his claim for the All Black second five-eighth position. He brings a power game to the jersey that none of the other candidates can match.

IMO the form no.12 in the NZ conference is actually Jack Goodhue. He has been an absolute standout over the past three rounds of Super Rugby, in both attack and defense. However, he is the incumbent All Black centre and that's where Ian Foster may still prefer to utilise him.

Re: The All Blacks no.12 jersey?

Posted: Mon Feb 24, 2020 1:17 am
by Kiwias
As long as we are not having this discussion in 2023.

Re: The All Blacks no.12 jersey?

Posted: Mon Feb 24, 2020 1:22 am
by CrazyIslander
Laumape at 12. ALB and Goodhue shootout for 13.

You need that hard carrier on the inside because top teams will make their tackles. Once you cover ALB/Goodhue defensively, the backline doesnt offer much else. With Laumape you have the option of a battering ram.

Re: The All Blacks no.12 jersey?

Posted: Mon Feb 24, 2020 1:33 am
by Kahu
Goodhue/Ennor has to be the combo for the next 4 years. Sorry Lumpy. ALB has had his time, thanks mate wish you all the best up North.

Re: The All Blacks no.12 jersey?

Posted: Mon Feb 24, 2020 1:41 am
by UncleFB
Kahu wrote:Goodhue/Ennor has to be the combo for the next 4 years. Sorry Lumpy. ALB has had his time, thanks mate wish you all the best up North.
Are you day drunk?

Re: The All Blacks no.12 jersey?

Posted: Mon Feb 24, 2020 1:54 am
by Kahu
Uhhhh, what else is a man under a bridge in Wolloomooloo to do?

Re: The All Blacks no.12 jersey?

Posted: Mon Feb 24, 2020 2:24 am
by booji boy
Harry Plummer must be in the mix following his brilliant display at the weekend. 8)

Re: The All Blacks no.12 jersey?

Posted: Mon Feb 24, 2020 2:26 am
by Zakar
Nankivell please.

Re: The All Blacks no.12 jersey?

Posted: Mon Feb 24, 2020 2:49 am
by naki
UncleFB wrote:
Kahu wrote:Goodhue/Ennor has to be the combo for the next 4 years. Sorry Lumpy. ALB has had his time, thanks mate wish you all the best up North.
Are you day drunk?
This way lies madness.

ALB has been by far our most consistent centre since the Nonu/Smith duo fleeweed and will be one of Foster’s first picks short of some bolter really making an undeniable case this season.

However he is probably better suited to 13, as he doesn’t really offer either the second five/second player maker option OR the line-bending bosh merchant inside centre option that the ABs are going to need. What he does have is an ever growing defensive organisational ability, an excellent passing game, and great footwork - the kind of skill set you want from an outside centre.

Where that leaves Goodhue is interesting. As AC said, he’s taken to the 12 spot like he was born to play there. And anyone thinking that the centre combo, the same one that dominated the Boks and Irish at the WC, were the reason for our WC failure need to take a closer look at the lower numbers. Centre combos need real time together to really start firing, ALB and Goodhue haven’t had that

I’d be happy for Foster to continue with Goodhue and ALB in the mix, giving chances to Laumape and Ennor throughout the year. He won’t be worried about the centre stocks, it’s developing a brutal tight five that still has the requisite mobility that he should be concerned with

Re: The All Blacks no.12 jersey?

Posted: Mon Feb 24, 2020 2:52 am
by UncleFB
Kahu wrote:Uhhhh, what else is a man under a bridge in Wolloomooloo to do?
:lol:

Re: The All Blacks no.12 jersey?

Posted: Mon Feb 24, 2020 3:02 am
by Ali's Choice
naki wrote:
UncleFB wrote:
Kahu wrote:Goodhue/Ennor has to be the combo for the next 4 years. Sorry Lumpy. ALB has had his time, thanks mate wish you all the best up North.
Are you day drunk?
This way lies madness.

ALB has been by far our most consistent centre since the Nonu/Smith duo fleeweed and will be one of Foster’s first picks short of some bolter really making an undeniable case this season.

However he is probably better suited to 13, as he doesn’t really offer either the second five/second player maker option OR the line-bending bosh merchant inside centre option that the ABs are going to need. What he does have is an ever growing defensive organisational ability, an excellent passing game, and great footwork - the kind of skill set you want from an outside centre.

Where that leaves Goodhue is interesting. As AC said, he’s taken to the 12 spot like he was born to play there. And anyone thinking that the centre combo, the same one that dominated the Boks and Irish at the WC, were the reason for our WC failure need to take a closer look at the lower numbers. Centre combos need real time together to really start firing, ALB and Goodhue haven’t had that

I’d be happy for Foster to continue with Goodhue and ALB in the mix, giving chances to Laumape and Ennor throughout the year. He won’t be worried about the centre stocks, it’s developing a brutal tight five that still has the requisite mobility that he should be concerned with
I want Foster to decide on his longterm midfield and pick them for every test for the next four years (barring injuries). The lessons of the last RWC cycle must be learnt, no more chopping and changing. No more rotation for rotation's sake. Sure, it might mean that one or two of the unlucky candidates leaves NZ to play easy rugby, but that's a price I am willing to pay to develop a settled midfield.

Re: The All Blacks no.12 jersey?

Posted: Mon Feb 24, 2020 3:02 am
by Ted.
UncleFB wrote:
Kahu wrote:Uhhhh, what else is a man under a bridge in Wolloomooloo to do?
:lol:
A wee gem. :lol:

Re: The All Blacks no.12 jersey?

Posted: Mon Feb 24, 2020 3:17 am
by mrbrownstone
It has to be ALB/Goodhue with Laumape and Ennor rotating for the bench spot.

Goodhue was our best back in that semi-final & ALB was probably our best back throughout the tournament.

Just not sure who should wear what jersey. 12. Goodhue 13. ALB follows the Nonu/Smith route of a bigger body in the 12 jersey, and Goodhue has taken to 12 like a natural.

Re: The All Blacks no.12 jersey?

Posted: Mon Feb 24, 2020 3:30 am
by Sonny Blount
It's a pretty easy question.

12. ALB
13. Goodhue

daylight between that and the alternative options

Re: The All Blacks no.12 jersey?

Posted: Mon Feb 24, 2020 3:32 am
by Kiwias
mrbrownstone wrote:It has to be ALB/Goodhue with Laumape and Ennor rotating for the bench spot.

Goodhue was our best back in that semi-final & ALB was probably our best back throughout the tournament.

Just not sure who should wear what jersey. 12. Goodhue 13. ALB follows the Nonu/Smith route of a bigger body in the 12 jersey, and Goodhue has taken to 12 like a natural.
This is how I see it.

Re: The All Blacks no.12 jersey?

Posted: Mon Feb 24, 2020 3:40 am
by Bayern
Hansen and his sidekick (now head honcho) never did replace Carter/Nonu/Smith like for like post '015. Instead, they thrust upon us pale imitations and chancers (any combo you care to choose).
So this November it makes perfect sense to do the same again, let's offer up those England tight fivers and backrowers (now bigger, stronger, faster and more aggressive) a midfield they can rag-doll (again).
Goodhue's ya man so he is and oh, let's offer them as an aperitif Mo'unga at 10.
Hilarious...

Re: The All Blacks no.12 jersey?

Posted: Mon Feb 24, 2020 3:43 am
by Kiwias
Bayern wrote:Hansen and his sidekick (now head honcho) never did replace Carter/Nonu/Smith like for like post '015. Instead, they thrust upon us pale imitations and chancers (any combo you care to choose).
So this November it makes perfect sense to do the same again, let's offer up those England tight fivers and backrowers (now bigger, stronger, faster and more aggressive) a midfield they can rag-doll (again).
Goodhue's ya man so he is and oh, let's offer them as an aperitif Mo'unga at 10.
Hilarious...
Oh dear me. Another berk who really does not understand why England beat the ABs in Japan.

Re: The All Blacks no.12 jersey?

Posted: Mon Feb 24, 2020 3:46 am
by Bayern
Kiwias wrote:
Bayern wrote:Hansen and his sidekick (now head honcho) never did replace Carter/Nonu/Smith like for like post '015. Instead, they thrust upon us pale imitations and chancers (any combo you care to choose).
So this November it makes perfect sense to do the same again, let's offer up those England tight fivers and backrowers (now bigger, stronger, faster and more aggressive) a midfield they can rag-doll (again).
Goodhue's ya man so he is and oh, let's offer them as an aperitif Mo'unga at 10.
Hilarious...
Oh dear me. Another berk who really does not understand why England beat the ABs in Japan.

Whatever makes you feel better kiddo, I'm good with that...

Re: The All Blacks no.12 jersey?

Posted: Mon Feb 24, 2020 3:51 am
by Kiwias
Bayern wrote:
Kiwias wrote:
Bayern wrote:Hansen and his sidekick (now head honcho) never did replace Carter/Nonu/Smith like for like post '015. Instead, they thrust upon us pale imitations and chancers (any combo you care to choose).
So this November it makes perfect sense to do the same again, let's offer up those England tight fivers and backrowers (now bigger, stronger, faster and more aggressive) a midfield they can rag-doll (again).
Goodhue's ya man so he is and oh, let's offer them as an aperitif Mo'unga at 10.
Hilarious...
Oh dear me. Another berk who really does not understand why England beat the ABs in Japan.

Whatever makes you feel better kiddo, I'm good with that...
Yep, it definitely was not because our forwards were beasted at the tackle and ruck and that the backs got very little good clean ball on the front foot. It was all because 10, 12, and 13 were ragdolled. Glad you clarified that.

Re: The All Blacks no.12 jersey?

Posted: Mon Feb 24, 2020 3:54 am
by jdogscoop
Time for ol' Bayern to put down the crack pipe and clean up his act.

Re: The All Blacks no.12 jersey?

Posted: Mon Feb 24, 2020 3:55 am
by Ali's Choice
Sonny Blount wrote:It's a pretty easy question.

12. ALB
13. Goodhue

daylight between that and the alternative options
I wonder whether swapping their numbers around makes them an even better combination?

Re: The All Blacks no.12 jersey?

Posted: Mon Feb 24, 2020 3:56 am
by Bayern
Kiwias wrote:
Bayern wrote:
Kiwias wrote:
Bayern wrote:Hansen and his sidekick (now head honcho) never did replace Carter/Nonu/Smith like for like post '015. Instead, they thrust upon us pale imitations and chancers (any combo you care to choose).
So this November it makes perfect sense to do the same again, let's offer up those England tight fivers and backrowers (now bigger, stronger, faster and more aggressive) a midfield they can rag-doll (again).
Goodhue's ya man so he is and oh, let's offer them as an aperitif Mo'unga at 10.
Hilarious...
Oh dear me. Another berk who really does not understand why England beat the ABs in Japan.

Whatever makes you feel better kiddo, I'm good with that...
Yep, it definitely was not because our forwards were beasted at the tackle and ruck and that the backs got very little good clean ball on the front foot. It was all because 10, 12, and 13 were ragdolled. Glad you clarified that.
Really? Well thanks for that info, I had no idea of that. Trust a PR rugby aficionado to put me square.
Well nice chatting to you, must dash... (oh my aching sides)...

Re: The All Blacks no.12 jersey?

Posted: Mon Feb 24, 2020 3:58 am
by naki
Bayern wrote:
Kiwias wrote:
Bayern wrote:Hansen and his sidekick (now head honcho) never did replace Carter/Nonu/Smith like for like post '015. Instead, they thrust upon us pale imitations and chancers (any combo you care to choose).
So this November it makes perfect sense to do the same again, let's offer up those England tight fivers and backrowers (now bigger, stronger, faster and more aggressive) a midfield they can rag-doll (again).
Goodhue's ya man so he is and oh, let's offer them as an aperitif Mo'unga at 10.
Hilarious...
Oh dear me. Another berk who really does not understand why England beat the ABs in Japan.

Whatever makes you feel better kiddo, I'm good with that...
While the Mo/ALB/Goodhue trio wasn’t a patch on DC/Nonu/Smith it’s an unfair comparison as that’s the best combo to ever play the game. But even they would have struggled behind a forward pack getting so comprehensively outplayed

Time in the saddle will be the most important component as that combo (and any combo Foster chooses) quite simply lacks consistent international experience. They certainly have the talent to take on anyone, and it’s not like there is anyone else in the country with the physical presence to outwrestle a Tuilagi anyway - the best we have is shortarse Ngani

Re: The All Blacks no.12 jersey?

Posted: Mon Feb 24, 2020 4:16 am
by naki
Bayern wrote:
Kiwias wrote:
Bayern wrote:
Kiwias wrote:
Bayern wrote:Hansen and his sidekick (now head honcho) never did replace Carter/Nonu/Smith like for like post '015. Instead, they thrust upon us pale imitations and chancers (any combo you care to choose).
So this November it makes perfect sense to do the same again, let's offer up those England tight fivers and backrowers (now bigger, stronger, faster and more aggressive) a midfield they can rag-doll (again).
Goodhue's ya man so he is and oh, let's offer them as an aperitif Mo'unga at 10.
Hilarious...
Oh dear me. Another berk who really does not understand why England beat the ABs in Japan.

Whatever makes you feel better kiddo, I'm good with that...
Yep, it definitely was not because our forwards were beasted at the tackle and ruck and that the backs got very little good clean ball on the front foot. It was all because 10, 12, and 13 were ragdolled. Glad you clarified that.
Really? Well thanks for that info, I had no idea of that. Trust a PR rugby aficionado to put me square.
Well nice chatting to you, must dash... (oh my aching sides)...
A ragdolling in the centres wouldn’t really describe that game either. While like their forwards they were largely outplayed, they certainly didn’t take any backward steps. Goodhue made far more metres per carry than his opposite, broke more tackles, and made more linebreaks. He also had better tackling stats (though I’d be willing to guess Tuilagi’s hits had more impact).

It’s the same for ALB (though to be fair Farrell was playing a different role). More metres with ball in hand, and more defenders beaten than anyone else on the field. Far better tackling stats as well of course, though Farrell is more about shooting up and shutting down options than actually completing the tackle.

A bit of support inside them night have made all this matter

Re: The All Blacks no.12 jersey?

Posted: Mon Feb 24, 2020 4:46 am
by eugenius
Kiwias wrote:
Bayern wrote:
Kiwias wrote:
Bayern wrote:Hansen and his sidekick (now head honcho) never did replace Carter/Nonu/Smith like for like post '015. Instead, they thrust upon us pale imitations and chancers (any combo you care to choose).
So this November it makes perfect sense to do the same again, let's offer up those England tight fivers and backrowers (now bigger, stronger, faster and more aggressive) a midfield they can rag-doll (again).
Goodhue's ya man so he is and oh, let's offer them as an aperitif Mo'unga at 10.
Hilarious...
Oh dear me. Another berk who really does not understand why England beat the ABs in Japan.

Whatever makes you feel better kiddo, I'm good with that...
Yep, it definitely was not because our forwards were beasted at the tackle and ruck and that the backs got very little good clean ball on the front foot. It was all because 10, 12, and 13 were ragdolled. Glad you clarified that.

That and the advantage taken of Fozzie’s little attacking gambit .

Hey it worked against Ireland , who would think of adapting eh ?

Re: The All Blacks no.12 jersey?

Posted: Mon Feb 24, 2020 5:01 am
by Sonny Blount
naki wrote:
Bayern wrote:
Kiwias wrote:
Yep, it definitely was not because our forwards were beasted at the tackle and ruck and that the backs got very little good clean ball on the front foot. It was all because 10, 12, and 13 were ragdolled. Glad you clarified that.
Really? Well thanks for that info, I had no idea of that. Trust a PR rugby aficionado to put me square.
Well nice chatting to you, must dash... (oh my aching sides)...
A ragdolling in the centres wouldn’t really describe that game either. While like their forwards they were largely outplayed, they certainly didn’t take any backward steps. Goodhue made far more metres per carry than his opposite, broke more tackles, and made more linebreaks. He also had better tackling stats (though I’d be willing to guess Tuilagi’s hits had more impact).

It’s the same for ALB (though to be fair Farrell was playing a different role). More metres with ball in hand, and more defenders beaten than anyone else on the field. Far better tackling stats as well of course, though Farrell is more about shooting up and shutting down options than actually completing the tackle.

A bit of support inside them night have made all this matter

That was the problem with our attack pattern. We went too quickly away from our loosies and got bad ball.

Re: The All Blacks no.12 jersey?

Posted: Mon Feb 24, 2020 5:03 am
by naki
Sonny Blount wrote:
naki wrote:
Bayern wrote:
Kiwias wrote:
Yep, it definitely was not because our forwards were beasted at the tackle and ruck and that the backs got very little good clean ball on the front foot. It was all because 10, 12, and 13 were ragdolled. Glad you clarified that.
Really? Well thanks for that info, I had no idea of that. Trust a PR rugby aficionado to put me square.
Well nice chatting to you, must dash... (oh my aching sides)...
A ragdolling in the centres wouldn’t really describe that game either. While like their forwards they were largely outplayed, they certainly didn’t take any backward steps. Goodhue made far more metres per carry than his opposite, broke more tackles, and made more linebreaks. He also had better tackling stats (though I’d be willing to guess Tuilagi’s hits had more impact).

It’s the same for ALB (though to be fair Farrell was playing a different role). More metres with ball in hand, and more defenders beaten than anyone else on the field. Far better tackling stats as well of course, though Farrell is more about shooting up and shutting down options than actually completing the tackle.

A bit of support inside them night have made all this matter

That was the problem with our attack pattern. We went too quickly away from our loosies and got bad ball.
They should have stopped breaking tackles, I guess. Maybe just walked

Re: The All Blacks no.12 jersey?

Posted: Mon Feb 24, 2020 5:09 am
by Sonny Blount
Ali's Choice wrote:
Sonny Blount wrote:It's a pretty easy question.

12. ALB
13. Goodhue

daylight between that and the alternative options
I wonder whether swapping their numbers around makes them an even better combination?

I haven't watched Goodhue at 12 yet this season but I suspect it would work.

Re: The All Blacks no.12 jersey?

Posted: Mon Feb 24, 2020 5:10 am
by kiwigreg369
With my optimistic hat the good news is that this question exists for almost all positions - who are our locks, our back row, our midfield, our back three etc. a lot of questions to be answered.

I think the answer to 12 must include 13 - what is the best combo.

Re: The All Blacks no.12 jersey?

Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2020 7:21 am
by mrbrownstone
Aaron Mauger seems to think Ioane is a shot at the All Black 12 jersey, judging by his comments this week. I don't see it personally, but I guess he'd know a bit about ball playing 12s.

Which does bring up the interesting point of triple-playmakers. The Highlanders are currently running with Hunt & Ioane at 10 and 12 with Josh McKay, who played all of his schoolboy rugby at 10, shifting between wing and fullback. The Blues are doing the same with Black, Plummer, and Perofeta at 10, 12, and 15.

The Crusaders, Chiefs, and Hurricanes are all running with more 'traditional' dual-playmaker setups, in Mo'unga/Havili, Cruden/DMac, and Smith/Barrett - all fullbacks who have spent time at 10.

Is there anything to the triple playmaker setup? Or just the Blues and Clan making the most of their available resources?

Re: The All Blacks no.12 jersey?

Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2020 7:34 am
by comets
Ennor is a bench player, nothing more, 12 right now is laumape with goodhue at 13.. why are we even discussing this? their backup is ALB, ennor on bench if only 2 are available in the 23.. ennor has been poor for the saders as a centre, he covers well as a winger but shit as a distributor at centre..

Re: The All Blacks no.12 jersey?

Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2020 7:46 am
by Dan54.
Ali's Choice wrote:
Sonny Blount wrote:It's a pretty easy question.

12. ALB
13. Goodhue

daylight between that and the alternative options
I wonder whether swapping their numbers around makes them an even better combination?
Yep well I agree with that now, I used to think ALB at 12, but as you had mentioned Goodhue has been the standout 12 in super rugby so at this early stage of the season.

Still I don't really go with playing the same combo every test, I want a bit of cover as we will need depth.

Re: The All Blacks no.12 jersey?

Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2020 7:52 am
by Ali's Choice
mrbrownstone wrote:Aaron Mauger seems to think Ioane is a shot at the All Black 12 jersey, judging by his comments this week. I don't see it personally, but I guess he'd know a bit about ball playing 12s.

Which does bring up the interesting point of triple-playmakers. The Highlanders are currently running with Hunt & Ioane at 10 and 12 with Josh McKay, who played all of his schoolboy rugby at 10, shifting between wing and fullback. The Blues are doing the same with Black, Plummer, and Perofeta at 10, 12, and 15.

The Crusaders, Chiefs, and Hurricanes are all running with more 'traditional' dual-playmaker setups, in Mo'unga/Havili, Cruden/DMac, and Smith/Barrett - all fullbacks who have spent time at 10.

Is there anything to the triple playmaker setup? Or just the Blues and Clan making the most of their available resources?
Yeah I read Aaron Mauger's comments about Josh Ioane being a future All Black no.12 and frankly I was surprised. Don't get me wrong, it's possible. But Josh Ioane is yet to play one decent game at 12 at Super Rugby level, let alone enough games that he would force his way into contention for the AB no.12 jersey. Right now he's got Ngani Laumape, Anton Lienart-Brown and Jack Goodhue all ahead of him at 12 and I'd argue someone like Jordie Barrett would also probably be ahead of him in the AB pecking order. Heck, I'd have Rob Thompson ahead of him for the Highlanders.

Re: The All Blacks no.12 jersey?

Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2020 8:47 am
by comets
defensively crap at 10 or 12, no running game, i'm shocked that he was even on the AB's radar last year

Re: The All Blacks no.12 jersey?

Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2020 8:17 pm
by booji boy
Ali's Choice wrote:
mrbrownstone wrote:Aaron Mauger seems to think Ioane is a shot at the All Black 12 jersey, judging by his comments this week. I don't see it personally, but I guess he'd know a bit about ball playing 12s.

Which does bring up the interesting point of triple-playmakers. The Highlanders are currently running with Hunt & Ioane at 10 and 12 with Josh McKay, who played all of his schoolboy rugby at 10, shifting between wing and fullback. The Blues are doing the same with Black, Plummer, and Perofeta at 10, 12, and 15.

The Crusaders, Chiefs, and Hurricanes are all running with more 'traditional' dual-playmaker setups, in Mo'unga/Havili, Cruden/DMac, and Smith/Barrett - all fullbacks who have spent time at 10.

Is there anything to the triple playmaker setup? Or just the Blues and Clan making the most of their available resources?
Yeah I read Aaron Mauger's comments about Josh Ioane being a future All Black no.12 and frankly I was surprised. Don't get me wrong, it's possible. But Josh Ioane is yet to play one decent game at 12 at Super Rugby level, let alone enough games that he would force his way into contention for the AB no.12 jersey. Right now he's got Ngani Laumape, Anton Lienart-Brown and Jack Goodhue all ahead of him at 12 and I'd argue someone like Jordie Barrett would also probably be ahead of him in the AB pecking order. Heck, I'd have Rob Thompson ahead of him for the Highlanders.

I'd prefer to see him keep developing as our 3rd choice 10.

Re: The All Blacks no.12 jersey?

Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2020 9:44 pm
by Masterji
Both Goodhue and ALB are excellent players but together they are too similar and don't challenge the defence like a contrasting pair such as Nonu and Smith.

Re: The All Blacks no.12 jersey?

Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2020 9:53 pm
by Sonny Blount
Masterji wrote:Both Goodhue and ALB are excellent players but together they are too similar and don't challenge the defence like a contrasting pair such as Nonu and Smith.

They are very different. ALB is a stepper and Goodhue is a draw and pass exponent.

Re: The All Blacks no.12 jersey?

Posted: Fri Feb 28, 2020 12:14 am
by Kahu
One thing I enjoyed about Ioane against the Crusaders was his bullet skip passes to his wing. It's been awhile since I can recall any NZ team, ABs included, playing with such speed and width.

Re: The All Blacks no.12 jersey?

Posted: Fri Feb 28, 2020 4:22 am
by booji boy
Kahu wrote:One thing I enjoyed about Ioane against the Crusaders was his bullet skip passes to his wing. It's been awhile since I can recall any NZ team, ABs included, playing with such speed and width.
The Tony Brown influence?

Re: The All Blacks no.12 jersey?

Posted: Fri Feb 28, 2020 5:00 am
by Ali's Choice
Kahu wrote:One thing I enjoyed about Ioane against the Crusaders was his bullet skip passes to his wing. It's been awhile since I can recall any NZ team, ABs included, playing with such speed and width.
Whilst I am not a fan of Ioane at 12, he does bring something different to the position that no other established NZ 12's bring. He's a genuine playmaker with excellent kicking and passing skills. He just needs to show that he can perform consistently in the 12 jersey week in, week out over a period of time. I think he was higher on the NZ pecking order as a 10 (as shown by his test cap last year) than a 12.

Professionally, he will benefit from being able to play a number of positions. If he has versatility and utility value, and is a genuine option at 10, 12 and 15 that will only help his case for inclusion for the AB's. He could be the player that Jordie Barrett wanted to be, but never possessed the required skillset for.