Planet Rugby Forum

After 5 rounds based on reputation and current & historical form;

15. Jordie Barrett
14. Will Jordan
13. Jack Goodue
12. Anton Lineart-Brown
11. Rieko Ioane
10. Richie Mo'unga
9. Aaron Smith

8. Ardie Saavea
7. Sam Cane (c)
6. Ethan Blackadder
5. Sam Whitelock
4. Scott Barrett
3. Nepo Laulala
2. Codie Taylor
1. Joe Moody

16. Dane Coles
17. Karl Tu'inukuafe
18. Ofa Tu'ungfasi
19. Patrick Tuipulotu
20. Akira Ioane
21. Folau Fakatava
22. Damien McKenzie
23. Ngani Laumape

Depends who NZ are playing. If a World Cup semi-final in the rain I would have Jordie Barrett on the bench to kick an 80th minute penalty from his own half... else lets run everyone into the ground...

15. Will Jordan
14. Rieko Ioane
13. Anton Lienert Brown
12. David Havilli
11. Caleb Clarke
10. Richie Mo'unga
9. Aaron Smith

8. Hoskins Sotutu
7. Ardie Savea
6. Akira Ioane
5. Sam Whitelock
4. Scott Barrett
3. Nepo Laulala
2. Codie Taylor
1. Joe Moody

16. Dane Coles
17. Karl Tu'inukuafe
18. Ofa Tu'ungfasi
19. Patrick Tuipulotu
20. Luke Jacobson
21. Folau Fakatava
22. Damien McKenzie
23. Ngani Laumape

Coach: Razor Robertson

When was Caleb Clarke's last stand out game?

Fainganuku seems to offer about the same level of danger while having the better start to the season - would be good to see the blues wingers outside a centre who passes

Monkey Magic wrote: ↑Sun Mar 28, 2021 7:02 pm When was Caleb Clarke's last stand out game?

Fainganuku seems to offer about the same level of danger while having the better start to the season - would be good to see the blues wingers outside a centre who passes

It was a toss up... but as you say, Clarke outside decent inside centres should flourish.

Grandpa wrote: ↑Sun Mar 28, 2021 7:09 pm

Monkey Magic wrote: ↑Sun Mar 28, 2021 7:02 pm When was Caleb Clarke's last stand out game?

Fainganuku seems to offer about the same level of danger while having the better start to the season - would be good to see the blues wingers outside a centre who passes

It was a toss up... but as you say, Clarke outside decent inside centres should flourish.

I'm hoping that Clarke can adapt his game. He certainly has plenty of pressure from the likes of Rayasi and Fainganuku to do so.

If I was to pick a bolter for the wider squad it would be Quinn Tupaea. Going forward he looks very good.

puku wrote: ↑Sun Mar 28, 2021 7:43 pm

Grandpa wrote: ↑Sun Mar 28, 2021 7:09 pm

Monkey Magic wrote: ↑Sun Mar 28, 2021 7:02 pm When was Caleb Clarke's last stand out game?

Fainganuku seems to offer about the same level of danger while having the better start to the season - would be good to see the blues wingers outside a centre who passes

It was a toss up... but as you say, Clarke outside decent inside centres should flourish.

I'm hoping that Clarke can adapt his game. He certainly has plenty of pressure from the likes of Rayasi and Fainganuku to do so.

If I was to pick a bolter for the wider squad it would be Quinn Tupaea. Going forward he looks very good.

He is definitely looking the most promising of the up and coming 12s

As AC says it on form and reputation etc, and I assuming it only for players currently in country, as no Retallic or BB and on reputation and form I guessing most sensible people would have them somewhere, at least on bench.
But ! would go along with AC's team pretty well with perhap Frizell at either 6 or on bench as much as I like Blackadder one real good game doesn't make an AB. I agree with Jordie at 15, Jordan needs to be in there if possible so 14 as I prefer my 15s to be a bit better tackler than Jordan. He not bad ,but can't remember him making to many bg ones.

15. Jordan
14. Reece
13. Goodhue
12. ALB
11. Ioane
10. Mo'unga
9. Smith

8. Savea
7. Cane (c)
6. Grace
5. Whitelock
4. Barrett
3. Laulala
2. Taylor
1. Moody

16. Coles
17. Hodgman
18. Tu'ungafaasi
19. Tuipolotu
20. Sotutu
21. Fakatava
22. Havili
23. Laumape

The tight five, midfield, and 9/10 pick themselves IMO, so the contested areas are the back three, bench, and who partners Savea and Cane.

I think Jordan is a special talent and should be our long-term fullback, so he starts there (would push back to the right wing when BB returns). Reece is the form right-wing in the competition, and Ioane probably should never have been dropped from the wing, and has shown he is still a potent attacking threat but not a test-level defensive centre. Bridge I still think is in the frame to earn his spot back if he can return well from injury.

I think Cullen Grace has all the right physical attributes to complement Cane & Savea, particularly his lineout work. I would be happy with any of Frizell, Blackadder, or Ioane too tbh, I think the crucial thing is to pick and stick for a while so whoever it is can grow into the role.

On the bench I think Hodgman is a better scrummager than Tuinukuafe, Fakatava picks himself and TJP may struggle to get his spot back if he gets to show what he can do, and I believe Havili offers everything that Jordie does in terms of versatility and a long boot, but better.

Ali's Choice wrote: ↑Sun Mar 28, 2021 12:36 pm Based on reputation and current & historical form;

15. Jordie Barrett
14. Will Jordan
13. Jack Goodue
12. Anton Lineart-Brown
11. Rieko Ioane
10. Richie Mo'unga
9. Aaron Smith

8. Akira Ioane
7. Sam Cane (c)
6. Ethan Blackadder
5. Sam Whitelock
4. Scott Barrett
3. Nepo Laulala
2. Codie Taylor
1. Joe Moody

16. Dane Coles
17. Karl Tu'inukuafe
18. Ofa Tu'ungfasi
19. Patrick Tuipulotu
20. Tom Robinson
21. Folau Fakatava
22. Damien McKenzie
23. Ngani Laumape

Fixed. far better balance in the back-row having 113 kg Akira Ioane at 8 (or even Luke Jacobson) than lightweight Ardie Savea.

15. Damien McKenzie
14. Will Jordan
13. Jack Goodhue
12. Anton Lienert Brown
11. Salesi Rayasi
10. Richie Mounga
9. Aaron Smith

8. Ardie Savea
7. Sam Cane
6. Luke Jacobson
5. Sam Whitelock
4. Tupou Vai'i
3. Nepo Laulala
2. Codie Taylor
1. Joe Moody

16. Asafo Aumua
17. Karl Tu'inukuafe
18. Ofa Tu'ungafasi
19. Scot Barrett
20. Hoskins Sotutu
21. Folau Fakatava
22. Rieko Ioane
23. Jordie Barrett

Positions up for grabs in the XV in my opinion are left wing, blindside flanker and the locking spot next to SW. I would use those to bleed new talent in the build up to WC2023. Jacobson looks good so far this season but whether he can compensate for Ardie being a relatively undersized 8 will have to see. Rayasi has had a more impactful season than Caleb Clarke and in fewer matches too.

I would keep Jordie on the bench as he is prone to some halfwittery which he hasn't scrubbed from his game. As much as I like Coles I'm not sure he'll be around for 2023 - he'll be 37 (Mealamu was 36 when he played in 2015 and wasn't as injury ravaged as Coles).

Mitch Hunt is making a good push as the second choice first-five. I don't think that leaves room for him in the 23 but it should see him included in the squad

Tbh what is pleasing is that none of these hypothetical XV's look bad. I think they look pretty good and will give all teams a very tough contest.

deverix wrote: ↑Mon Mar 29, 2021 1:04 am

Ali's Choice wrote: ↑Sun Mar 28, 2021 12:36 pm Based on reputation and current & historical form;

15. Jordie Barrett
14. Will Jordan
13. Jack Goodue
12. Anton Lineart-Brown
11. Rieko Ioane
10. Richie Mo'unga
9. Aaron Smith

8. Akira Ioane
7. Sam Cane (c)
6. Ethan Blackadder
5. Sam Whitelock
4. Scott Barrett
3. Nepo Laulala
2. Codie Taylor
1. Joe Moody

16. Dane Coles
17. Karl Tu'inukuafe
18. Ofa Tu'ungfasi
19. Patrick Tuipulotu
20. Tom Robinson
21. Folau Fakatava
22. Damien McKenzie
23. Ngani Laumape

Fixed. far better balance in the back-row having 113 kg Akira Ioane at 8 (or even Luke Jacobson) than lightweight Ardie Savea.

Having the big ginga there is a bonus for our diversity and he covers wing as well.

I want to see Robinson play like a test match 6 before we start sizing him up for an All Black jersey.

Ali's Choice wrote: ↑Sun Mar 28, 2021 12:36 pm Based on reputation and current & historical form;

15. Jordie Barrett
14. Will Jordan
13. Jack Goodue
12. Anton Lineart-Brown
11. Rieko Ioane
10. Richie Mo'unga
9. Aaron Smith

8. Ardie Saavea
7. Sam Cane (c)
6. Ethan Blackadder
5. Sam Whitelock
4. Scott Barrett
3. Nepo Laulala
2. Codie Taylor
1. Joe Moody

16. Dane Coles
17. Karl Tu'inukuafe
18. Ofa Tu'ungfasi
19. Patrick Tuipulotu
20. Akira Ioane
21. Folau Fakatava
22. Damien McKenzie
23. Ngani Laumape

Looks weak.

I’m intrigued to see if Foster pushes a different style of play - which might give insights to players (eg Jordan vs Jordie, ScoBa at six etc).

In terms of some of the teams above I think the 3rd line out jumper is critical.

As a Smith doesn’t snipe a lot from half I’d like the reserve half back to be a player that snipes a lot to keep high game pace (again - if that’s the style foster pushes).

kiwigreg369 wrote: ↑Mon Mar 29, 2021 4:10 am I’m intrigued to see if Foster pushes a different style of play - which might give insights to players (eg Jordan vs Jordie, ScoBa at six etc).

In terms of some of the teams above I think the 3rd line out jumper is critical.

As a Smith doesn’t snipe a lot from half I’d like the reserve half back to be a player that snipes a lot to keep high game pace (again - if that’s the style foster pushes).

I just want to see a gameplan that actually plays to Mo'unga's strengths, rather than hamstringing him. Let him get lots of touches and dominate playmaking like he does for the Crusaders.

deverix wrote: ↑Mon Mar 29, 2021 1:04 am

Ali's Choice wrote: ↑Sun Mar 28, 2021 12:36 pm Based on reputation and current & historical form;

15. Jordie Barrett
14. Will Jordan
13. Jack Goodue
12. Anton Lineart-Brown
11. Rieko Ioane
10. Richie Mo'unga
9. Aaron Smith

8. Akira Ioane
7. Sam Cane (c)
6. Ethan Blackadder
5. Sam Whitelock
4. Scott Barrett
3. Nepo Laulala
2. Codie Taylor
1. Joe Moody

16. Dane Coles
17. Karl Tu'inukuafe
18. Ofa Tu'ungfasi
19. Patrick Tuipulotu
20. Tom Robinson
21. Folau Fakatava
22. Damien McKenzie
23. Ngani Laumape

Fixed. far better balance in the back-row having 113 kg Akira Ioane at 8 (or even Luke Jacobson) than lightweight Ardie Savea.

Yep but we meant to be picking team on first 5 games, so perhap Jacobson? I personally thing Grace is close too.

AC’s backline.
Grandpa’s forward pack

Reserves

Coles
Karl
Ofa
PT
Papalii
Fakatava
DMac
Havili

mrbrownstone wrote: ↑Mon Mar 29, 2021 4:58 am

kiwigreg369 wrote: ↑Mon Mar 29, 2021 4:10 am I’m intrigued to see if Foster pushes a different style of play - which might give insights to players (eg Jordan vs Jordie, ScoBa at six etc).

In terms of some of the teams above I think the 3rd line out jumper is critical.

As a Smith doesn’t snipe a lot from half I’d like the reserve half back to be a player that snipes a lot to keep high game pace (again - if that’s the style foster pushes).

I just want to see a gameplan that actually plays to Mo'unga's strengths, rather than hamstringing him. Let him get lots of touches and dominate playmaking like he does for the Crusaders.

I assume BBs absence helps here- before he was second fiddle - now he’s the daddy.

Dan54. wrote: ↑Mon Mar 29, 2021 5:20 am

deverix wrote: ↑Mon Mar 29, 2021 1:04 am

Ali's Choice wrote: ↑Sun Mar 28, 2021 12:36 pm Based on reputation and current & historical form;

15. Jordie Barrett
14. Will Jordan
13. Jack Goodue
12. Anton Lineart-Brown
11. Rieko Ioane
10. Richie Mo'unga
9. Aaron Smith

8. Akira Ioane
7. Sam Cane (c)
6. Ethan Blackadder
5. Sam Whitelock
4. Scott Barrett
3. Nepo Laulala
2. Codie Taylor
1. Joe Moody

16. Dane Coles
17. Karl Tu'inukuafe
18. Ofa Tu'ungfasi
19. Patrick Tuipulotu
20. Tom Robinson
21. Folau Fakatava
22. Damien McKenzie
23. Ngani Laumape

Fixed. far better balance in the back-row having 113 kg Akira Ioane at 8 (or even Luke Jacobson) than lightweight Ardie Savea.

Yep but we meant to be picking team on first 5 games, so perhap Jacobson? I personally thing Grace is close too.

The Blues only play Ioane at 6 because Sotutu only plays 8.

Akira is basically what the AB's have to replace Read - over 110kg - big ball running in the wider channels - number 8.

deverix wrote: ↑Mon Mar 29, 2021 6:40 am

Dan54. wrote: ↑Mon Mar 29, 2021 5:20 am

deverix wrote: ↑Mon Mar 29, 2021 1:04 am

Ali's Choice wrote: ↑Sun Mar 28, 2021 12:36 pm Based on reputation and current & historical form;

15. Jordie Barrett
14. Will Jordan
13. Jack Goodue
12. Anton Lineart-Brown
11. Rieko Ioane
10. Richie Mo'unga
9. Aaron Smith

8. Akira Ioane
7. Sam Cane (c)
6. Ethan Blackadder
5. Sam Whitelock
4. Scott Barrett
3. Nepo Laulala
2. Codie Taylor
1. Joe Moody

16. Dane Coles
17. Karl Tu'inukuafe
18. Ofa Tu'ungfasi
19. Patrick Tuipulotu
20. Tom Robinson
21. Folau Fakatava
22. Damien McKenzie
23. Ngani Laumape

Fixed. far better balance in the back-row having 113 kg Akira Ioane at 8 (or even Luke Jacobson) than lightweight Ardie Savea.

Yep but we meant to be picking team on first 5 games, so perhap Jacobson? I personally thing Grace is close too.

The Blues only play Ioane at 6 because Sotutu only plays 8.

Akira is basically what the AB's have to replace Read - over 110kg - big ball running in the wider channels - number 8.

Key difference is he isn't much of a lineout target.

While I think Blackadder has been good in more than just one game, how do saders rate him in the lineout?

Monkey Magic wrote: ↑Mon Mar 29, 2021 6:46 am While I think Blackadder has been good in more than just one game, how do saders rate him in the lineout?

He's a decent target. At 1.90cm he'd be a handy 3rd option at test level. He's not as good as Cullen Grace as a target, but he'd be decent. He's also a good lifter.

Ali's Choice wrote: ↑Mon Mar 29, 2021 6:53 am

Monkey Magic wrote: ↑Mon Mar 29, 2021 6:46 am While I think Blackadder has been good in more than just one game, how do saders rate him in the lineout?

He's a decent target. At 1.90cm he'd be a handy 3rd option at test level. He's not as good as Cullen Grace as a target, but he'd be decent. He's also a good lifter.

Form wise he has to be in the conversation, how many loosies they bring in will be interesting as well. Think Papalii could be the unluckiest of the lot, he's pulling up trees st the moment but with both cane and ardie not sure he will even get in the squad

Surprised that there is no love for Angus Ta'avao. I think he is back to his 2019 form and definitely worth a shot.

Not sure there would be room for JBarrett, Will Jordan and DMac - MacKenzie misses out on my team.

Also Savea is my secret weapon on the bench - but what do do with Robinson? He is in my squad, but maybe not the 22 yet

Enzedder wrote: ↑Mon Mar 29, 2021 7:29 am Surprised that there is no love for Angus Ta'avao. I think he is back to his 2019 form and definitely worth a shot.

Not sure there would be room for JBarrett, Will Jordan and DMac - MacKenzie misses out on my team.

Also Savea is my secret weapon on the bench - but what do do with Robinson? He is in my squad, but maybe not the 22 yet

Agree on JB and Jordan. DMac has had his 15 minutes of fame.

Monkey Magic wrote: ↑Mon Mar 29, 2021 6:46 am

deverix wrote: ↑Mon Mar 29, 2021 6:40 am

Dan54. wrote: ↑Mon Mar 29, 2021 5:20 am

deverix wrote: ↑Mon Mar 29, 2021 1:04 am

Ali's Choice wrote: ↑Sun Mar 28, 2021 12:36 pm Based on reputation and current & historical form;

15. Jordie Barrett
14. Will Jordan
13. Jack Goodue
12. Anton Lineart-Brown
11. Rieko Ioane
10. Richie Mo'unga
9. Aaron Smith

8. Akira Ioane
7. Sam Cane (c)
6. Ethan Blackadder
5. Sam Whitelock
4. Scott Barrett
3. Nepo Laulala
2. Codie Taylor
1. Joe Moody

16. Dane Coles
17. Karl Tu'inukuafe
18. Ofa Tu'ungfasi
19. Patrick Tuipulotu
20. Tom Robinson
21. Folau Fakatava
22. Damien McKenzie
23. Ngani Laumape

Fixed. far better balance in the back-row having 113 kg Akira Ioane at 8 (or even Luke Jacobson) than lightweight Ardie Savea.

Yep but we meant to be picking team on first 5 games, so perhap Jacobson? I personally thing Grace is close too.

The Blues only play Ioane at 6 because Sotutu only plays 8.

Akira is basically what the AB's have to replace Read - over 110kg - big ball running in the wider channels - number 8.

Key difference is he isn't much of a lineout target.

I would rather have a long list of players at 8 than selecting 97 kg lightweight Savea out of position..

Do you guys want a repeat of the Argentina man-handling our loose forward trio were subject to last year?

Ardie is good on attack & making carries, but he's just not a big enough frame to offer the imposing physical presence & collision dominating missile required for a world-class 6/8 like Kaino or Read.

The difference is those guys had 11-13kg on Ardie.

Dan54. wrote: ↑Sun Mar 28, 2021 8:30 pm As AC says it on form and reputation etc, and I assuming it only for players currently in country, as no Retallic or BB and on reputation and form I guessing most sensible people would have them somewhere, at least on bench.
But ! would go along with AC's team pretty well with perhap Frizell at either 6 or on bench as much as I like Blackadder one real good game doesn't make an AB. I agree with Jordie at 15, Jordan needs to be in there if possible so 14 as I prefer my 15s to be a bit better tackler than Jordan. He not bad ,but can't remember him making to many bg ones.

Now is the time to try other No.6's such as Blackadder, Robinson etc. Frizzel et al have been given a go and found inconsistent. Lets see who else might be able to fill Kaino's boots.

mrbrownstone wrote: ↑Mon Mar 29, 2021 4:58 am

kiwigreg369 wrote: ↑Mon Mar 29, 2021 4:10 am I’m intrigued to see if Foster pushes a different style of play - which might give insights to players (eg Jordan vs Jordie, ScoBa at six etc).

In terms of some of the teams above I think the 3rd line out jumper is critical.

As a Smith doesn’t snipe a lot from half I’d like the reserve half back to be a player that snipes a lot to keep high game pace (again - if that’s the style foster pushes).

I just want to see a gameplan that actually plays to Mo'unga's strengths, rather than hamstringing him. Let him get lots of touches and dominate playmaking like he does for the Crusaders.

I want to see a game plan that plays to all players strengths, but particularly we play with speed and use our speedsters such as Jordan etc. Players that drift in and out of games need not apply. They need to be up for every game.

deverix wrote: ↑Mon Mar 29, 2021 6:40 am

Dan54. wrote: ↑Mon Mar 29, 2021 5:20 am

deverix wrote: ↑Mon Mar 29, 2021 1:04 am

Ali's Choice wrote: ↑Sun Mar 28, 2021 12:36 pm Based on reputation and current & historical form;

15. Jordie Barrett
14. Will Jordan
13. Jack Goodue
12. Anton Lineart-Brown
11. Rieko Ioane
10. Richie Mo'unga
9. Aaron Smith

8. Akira Ioane
7. Sam Cane (c)
6. Ethan Blackadder
5. Sam Whitelock
4. Scott Barrett
3. Nepo Laulala
2. Codie Taylor
1. Joe Moody

16. Dane Coles
17. Karl Tu'inukuafe
18. Ofa Tu'ungfasi
19. Patrick Tuipulotu
20. Tom Robinson
21. Folau Fakatava
22. Damien McKenzie
23. Ngani Laumape

Fixed. far better balance in the back-row having 113 kg Akira Ioane at 8 (or even Luke Jacobson) than lightweight Ardie Savea.

Yep but we meant to be picking team on first 5 games, so perhap Jacobson? I personally thing Grace is close too.

The Blues only play Ioane at 6 because Sotutu only plays 8.

Akira is basically what the AB's have to replace Read - over 110kg - big ball running in the wider channels - number 8.

Akira is crap, when the goiung gets tough he goers missing...

mrbrownstone wrote: ↑Mon Mar 29, 2021 4:58 am

kiwigreg369 wrote: ↑Mon Mar 29, 2021 4:10 am I’m intrigued to see if Foster pushes a different style of play - which might give insights to players (eg Jordan vs Jordie, ScoBa at six etc).

In terms of some of the teams above I think the 3rd line out jumper is critical.

As a Smith doesn’t snipe a lot from half I’d like the reserve half back to be a player that snipes a lot to keep high game pace (again - if that’s the style foster pushes).

I just want to see a gameplan that actually plays to Mo'unga's strengths, rather than hamstringing him. Let him get lots of touches and dominate playmaking like he does for the Crusaders.

F*** that, the last thing I want is a game plan based around Mounga or anyone, it takes an injury during game to stuff up plan! Any coach should have a game plan that hopefullu is going to suit the general strengths of team, and then pick individuals to suit that. I never got the idea any AB coach had a plan to suit Dan Carter or anyone, they to easy to shut down. If you want Mounga to be able to get lots of touches etc, like he does for Crusaders you need a pack that is going to dominate in Test rugby as much as Crusader's pack does in Super, and dn't think we got the players to do it.

les@mooloolaba wrote: ↑Mon Mar 29, 2021 10:08 am

mrbrownstone wrote: ↑Mon Mar 29, 2021 4:58 am

kiwigreg369 wrote: ↑Mon Mar 29, 2021 4:10 am I’m intrigued to see if Foster pushes a different style of play - which might give insights to players (eg Jordan vs Jordie, ScoBa at six etc).

In terms of some of the teams above I think the 3rd line out jumper is critical.

As a Smith doesn’t snipe a lot from half I’d like the reserve half back to be a player that snipes a lot to keep high game pace (again - if that’s the style foster pushes).

I just want to see a gameplan that actually plays to Mo'unga's strengths, rather than hamstringing him. Let him get lots of touches and dominate playmaking like he does for the Crusaders.

I want to see a game plan that plays to all players strengths, but particularly we play with speed and use our speedsters such as Jordan etc. Players that drift in and out of games need not apply. They need to be up for every game.

Sorry mate didn't see this before my last post, but basically this is it.

Watched a few games and Clarke really hasn't bowled me over.

I'll be happy with a game plan that doesn't involve Beauden Barrett clogging up the first receiver channel whenever he feels like it, robbing his outside backs of time and space and creating absolutely nothing. Foster's dual-playmaker game plan, which was obviously just an attempt to appease Barrett, has been an epic failure. Ben Smith created more opportunities for his teammates playing as a normal fullback, and he didn't need to satisfy his ego by going into first receiver every other breakdown to do so. We've historically played with playmakers scattered throughout our backline, there was no need to turn this on its head to keep Beauden Barrett happy.

guy smiley wrote: ↑Mon Mar 29, 2021 4:12 am

UncleFB wrote: ↑Mon Mar 29, 2021 3:17 am
Having the big ginga there is a bonus for our diversity and he covers wing as well.

When was the last Ginga...Paul Tito? He ticked a couple of different diversity boxes.

I honestly thought he was a Croat/Serbian.

Floppykid wrote: ↑Mon Mar 29, 2021 8:51 pm Watched a few games and Clarke really hasn't bowled me over.

He has gone off the boil that's for sure.

Ali's Choice wrote: ↑Mon Mar 29, 2021 8:59 pm I'll be happy with a game plan that doesn't involve Beauden Barrett clogging up the first receiver channel whenever he feels like it, robbing his outside backs of time and space and creating absolutely nothing. Foster's dual-playmaker game plan, which was obviously just an attempt to appease Barrett, has been an epic failure. Ben Smith created more opportunities for his teammates playing as a normal fullback, and he didn't need to satisfy his ego by going into first receiver ever other breakdown to do so. We've historically played with playmakers scattered throughout our backline, there was no need to turn this on its head to keep Beauden Barrett happy.

Totally this. Get back to one first five (Mo'unga) directing play and dustributing to his backline. The dual playmaker has limited his creativity and gamesmanship in the AB set-up.

Yeah, the ginge looks very good, proper hard carrier.

Dont see George Bridge there in any of those selections?

Is he injured?

Ali's Choice wrote: ↑Mon Mar 29, 2021 8:59 pm I'll be happy with a game plan that doesn't involve Beauden Barrett clogging up the first receiver channel whenever he feels like it, robbing his outside backs of time and space and creating absolutely nothing. Foster's dual-playmaker game plan, which was obviously just an attempt to appease Barrett, has been an epic failure. Ben Smith created more opportunities for his teammates playing as a normal fullback, and he didn't need to satisfy his ego by going into first receiver every other breakdown to do so. We've historically played with playmakers scattered throughout our backline, there was no need to turn this on its head to keep Beauden Barrett happy.

Only trouble with your comments on dual playmaker isthat Richie Mounga reckons it only way to go, and says every team uses it, just basically hinted that many were not able to see it because they didn't have someone talking about it? You know if tv commentators don't say Jordie Barrett is a dual playmaker in Canes, well you don't discuss it, or DMac for Chiefs , Havili etc at Crusaders. Mind you that only Mounga saying that and I sure AC knows a lot more than him.

Wasn't that dual playmaker started by Hansen in the world cup?

I remember Mo'unga playing 10 one side, then when the recycle happened other side Barrett from full back stepped in.