All Black Watch

[No4918]

The discussion over Wallby positions is being done to death, time to turn to the AB's.

Lot's of competition for spots but unlike the Aus conference, it seems to be because the usual suspects are not playing well, good sign for us. Our forwards should really be able to match up and the only clear advantage in the backs in favour of the darkness is in the centres. Definitely more optimistic about our chances this year than the last few.

1. B Franks
2. H Elliot - usuals out of form
3. O Franks
4. S Whitelock
5. C Clarke
6. L Messam
7. S Cane
8. K Read
9. P Weepu - one of the few ABs playing well
10. A Cruden - not had the impact of last year but ahead of Carter due to lack of play
11. J Savea - needs to be more consistent
12. R Kahui - class
13. C Smith - even classier
14. H Gear
15. B Smith

 

[Hugh Jarse]

No4918, we already have a thread for this purpose here: http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/community/threads/new-zealand-rugby-team-watch.12581/

 

[No4918]

How did i miss that

 

[RoffsChoice]

1. B. Franks - Easily the best LHP in NZ right now
2. H Elliot (Outdone by Parsons)J. Parsons - Form NZ Hooker, throws very well
3. O. Franks - Been the best THP for four year now
4. S Whitelock (Doesn't play LHL) B. Thorn - Form LHL, strong around the park
5. C Clarke (Strong player, outshone by others though) S. Whitelock - Form THL
6. L Messam (Pretty sub-par as of late) S. Luatua - All-around strong man, first genuine 6 in NZ since Kaino
7. S. Cane - McCaw's successor, going to be there for a while
8. K. Read - The best player in the world
9. P. Weepu - Nobody to really challenge him right now
10. A. Cruden - Carter's successor, needs to sort out his goal kicking though
11. J. Savea - Going to be there for a while if he finds consistency
12. R. Kahui - REALLY strong 12, Nonu out of form
13. C. Smith - Great vice captain, runs a good backline, one of the best in the world
14. H. Gear - Strong winger in both attack and defense
15. B. Smith - Form NZ Fullback, does everything you want from a fullback (seen in Gnostic's article here.)

And a bench


16. H. Elliot - Good around the field and a decent thrower
17. T. Woodcock - Coming back into form, strong scrummager
18. B. May - Rotating at the Hurricanes, but strong THP
19. C. Clarke - Good strong player, high workrate
20. B. Shields - One of the form backrowers in NZ
21. A. Ellis - Doing pretty well at the Crusaders, seems to be better off the bench
22. G. Anscombe - Second only to Conrad as the best back in NZ, could come on for Cruden, Savea, Kahui, Gear or Smith and the backline could move around to make it work. An excellent playmaker
23. R. Fruean - One of the form centres in NZ, only edged out by Conrad

 

[Bullrush]

I'd take Rene Ranger over Fruean.

Yes, I'm a Blues fan and therefore somewhat biased but what does Fruean do that Ranger doesn't and alternatively, what does Ranger do that Fruean doesn't?

 

[TOCC]

I'd definitely take Ranger over Fruen