All Blacks squad for Lions I

[Mellsblue]

Ben Kay's side got lost by an average of 23 points a game over the 3 tests. I think he is having difficulty distinguishing "arrogance" from "realism".

Orienteering was never his forte.

[Len]

Whats with the ex players putting the boot in? Healey, Kay. Have any of ours had a dig at them yet?

[Eugene Wrayburn]

Whats with the ex players putting the boot in? Healey, Kay. Have any of ours had a dig at them yet?

Ian Jones stirred the pot a little.

[morepork]

When in doubt, wail on the Haka.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/ar ... d=11872087


"Nobody wants it to turn into an international incident, but surely someone in the Blues set-up should have spotted the tasteless juxtaposition," Corrigan told his readers.

[Spy]

He's probably got a point in this case.

[morepork]

Sticky.

[jared_7]

He's probably got a point in this case.

No he doesn't. I've probably been more critical of the haka, and its commercialism, than anyone.

But its a part of Maori tradition and needs to be viewed and understood through a Maori cultural lens. Trying to apply a western lens to actions in a Maori war dance, and then drawing western conclusions as to what you think they mean, is pointless. In their culture its a challenge and a sign of respect, it probably didn't even cross their mind that people would relate what they were doing to what happened in London, and nor should it.

All I see is an English bloke trying to tell another culture what aspects of theirs offends him.

[Spy]

Mmm. We had just had a minutes silence at the ground to commemorate the victims of the London attacks, literally immediately before the haka. Said victims, of course, having been attacked with knives, and I believe, having had their throats cut. I don't think it's a case of applying a Western lens to an indigenous culture. It's just a bit of common bloody sense, IMO.

[jared_7]

I'm obviously not an expert on Maori culture, but I've been to a number of funerals where they perform hakas with similar gestures. Like I said, I'm not sure they consider these gestures to be something that is literally translated, in fact quite the opposite.

[Eugene Wrayburn]

I'm a London man. I can't speak for all but I didn't even think for a moment of the terrorist attack when I saw the haka. That's even with noting the "throat slitting".

[Spy]

I don't think it's really that big of a deal. I do think if some one at Blues management had considered the following points:

• We're going to do a haka immediately following a minutes silence for victims of a knife vs throat terrorist attack
  We are hosting a team from the affected nation
  Our haka is brand-new, with no historical significance for the team
  It includes a throat-slitting gesture, which has previously been controversial

I would hope they would think "You know, maybe we should amend or leave out the throat slit". It's not that big a deal, and I don't think it's so egregious that it justifies it's own newspaper article. But I do think it was a less-than-ideal piece of planning by the Blues.

[Lizard]

Is it too early for this?

The starting tight 5 pick themselves, I think. In the reserves, back-up hooker is a bit of a lottery. I prefer Taylor purely on experience which will be crucial against a Lions team I expect to be pretty niggly. (Coles will need to be on his best behaviour). I reckon Shag will go with Wyatt “Penalty-machine” Crockett on the bench but I don’t think he’s going to get any better. I would prefer the versatile Tu’ungafasi to cover loosehead. There’s little question that Faumuina should back up on the other side. In the second row, Luke Romano has been going through the motions for a while. I liked the look of Scott Barrett and would give him a crack off the pine, but would be happy with Tuipulotu who I think will be the selectors’ preference.

There’s an embarrassment of talent in the loose forwards. Read, as captain, is the only nailed on starter. You need at least one horrible, hard bastard against the Lions (who will be similarly blessed in this area) so Kaino has to wear 6. Open side is a race between the incumbent Cane and up-and-coming talent Ardie Savea. I think Ardie is the future and deserves a go (but won’t get it). The Lions will find it harder to prepare for him, too. It’s hard luck in my XV for Cane (who Shag will pick) and Todd given the need for versatility in the subs, where I would go for Squire. Luatua would be an option if combined lock/loose cover was wanted but I think we need plenty of fresh legs up front. Dixon could be next cab off the rank.

Halfback is a straight shoot-out between Smith and Perenara. TKB is off the boil a little, I’m biased against players who’ve already given notice, and we need real speed of pass off the floor. TJ outplayed Aaron head-to-head so he gets the nod.

World’s best player Beauden Barrett gets the 10 jumper, but by crikey he needs to be practising his goalkicking. I think McKenzie is the long term replacement but we need more experience in such a crucial position against the Lions. Wiley old Aaron Cruden therefore edges out Sopoaga as a replacement at least until the series is safe. McKenzie would provide a little more versatility, but I think that is covered by the mid-field and outside back selections.

2nd 5/8 and Centre are still the biggest question. Crotty has exceeded the journeyman expectations placed on him, but Lienert-Brown also surprised. Fekitoa can be frustratingly inaccurate and seems to lose confidence in a Black jersey. Reiko Ioane is the hype and I think his future is at 13. Moala and Tamanivalu are perhaps a wash but there’s always room for a bolter given the uncertainly so look out for Ngani Laumape. I think that Shag will stick with Crotty’s relative experience (still only 11 caps) but maybe go for more of a bruiser at 13 in Fekitoa. I really want to see Ioane have a crack outside ALB but the sensible option I reckon is to put him on the bench as an impact player covering wing as well and go with ALB as the incumbent at 13.

In the back three, you have to pick Julian “45 tries in 52 tests” Savea. Bender hasn’t been in superlative form but he’s been in a struggling team so far in Super Rugby and his class is permanent. I’m not sure if Milner-Skudder will be fit in time, but if not Dagg will do. This leaves Naholo out in the cold unfortunately, but I don’t think that will actually happen.

So this is my preferred XXIII, with predicted different actual selections in brackets:

1. Moody
2. Coles
3. Franks
4. Retallick
5. Whitelock
6. Kaino
7. A. Savea (Cane)
8. Read
9. Perenara
10. Barret
11. J. Savea
12. Crotty
13. Lienert-Brown (Fekitoa)
14. NMS if fit and had some game time, if not then Dagg (possibly swapped with B Smith)
15. B. Smith

16. Taylor
17. Tu’ungafasi (Crockett)
18. Faumuina
19. S. Barrett (Tuipulotu)
20. Squire (A. Savea)
21. A Smith
22. Cruden
23. R. Ioane (Naholo)

I’m sure I’ve overlooked some injuries or retirements though…

I'm looking too bad, so far. I thought Tuipulotou would be picked but he's out of the squad, with my preference S. Barrett in. Other than that, pretty much on he money in the forwards. I was right about Sopoaga edging out McKenzie as a back-up 10. In the mid-field, I was right that Moala and Tamanivalu are not wanted and Laumape is indeed the bolter as predicted. R. Ioane has been named as a wing which seems to validate my wing/centre conver theory. As with the locks, the selectors have gone for my preference rather than my predicted pick of ALB rather than Fekitoa. I didn't mention SBW as his return was still uncertain at the time. I'm now pretty sure he will feature in the 1st test. In the back three, I'm claiming a clean slate as NMS has not had much game time.

We will see how this looks when the first match squad is named.

[zer0]

The Crusaders forwards were decent. Thankfully we'll not have to rely on many of their backs.

[Lizard]

Is it too early for this?

The starting tight 5 pick themselves, I think. In the reserves, back-up hooker is a bit of a lottery. I prefer Taylor purely on experience which will be crucial against a Lions team I expect to be pretty niggly. (Coles will need to be on his best behaviour). I reckon Shag will go with Wyatt “Penalty-machine” Crockett on the bench but I don’t think he’s going to get any better. I would prefer the versatile Tu’ungafasi to cover loosehead. There’s little question that Faumuina should back up on the other side. In the second row, Luke Romano has been going through the motions for a while. I liked the look of Scott Barrett and would give him a crack off the pine, but would be happy with Tuipulotu who I think will be the selectors’ preference.

There’s an embarrassment of talent in the loose forwards. Read, as captain, is the only nailed on starter. You need at least one horrible, hard bastard against the Lions (who will be similarly blessed in this area) so Kaino has to wear 6. Open side is a race between the incumbent Cane and up-and-coming talent Ardie Savea. I think Ardie is the future and deserves a go (but won’t get it). The Lions will find it harder to prepare for him, too. It’s hard luck in my XV for Cane (who Shag will pick) and Todd given the need for versatility in the subs, where I would go for Squire. Luatua would be an option if combined lock/loose cover was wanted but I think we need plenty of fresh legs up front. Dixon could be next cab off the rank.

Halfback is a straight shoot-out between Smith and Perenara. TKB is off the boil a little, I’m biased against players who’ve already given notice, and we need real speed of pass off the floor. TJ outplayed Aaron head-to-head so he gets the nod.

World’s best player Beauden Barrett gets the 10 jumper, but by crikey he needs to be practising his goalkicking. I think McKenzie is the long term replacement but we need more experience in such a crucial position against the Lions. Wiley old Aaron Cruden therefore edges out Sopoaga as a replacement at least until the series is safe. McKenzie would provide a little more versatility, but I think that is covered by the mid-field and outside back selections.

2nd 5/8 and Centre are still the biggest question. Crotty has exceeded the journeyman expectations placed on him, but Lienert-Brown also surprised. Fekitoa can be frustratingly inaccurate and seems to lose confidence in a Black jersey. Reiko Ioane is the hype and I think his future is at 13. Moala and Tamanivalu are perhaps a wash but there’s always room for a bolter given the uncertainly so look out for Ngani Laumape. I think that Shag will stick with Crotty’s relative experience (still only 11 caps) but maybe go for more of a bruiser at 13 in Fekitoa. I really want to see Ioane have a crack outside ALB but the sensible option I reckon is to put him on the bench as an impact player covering wing as well and go with ALB as the incumbent at 13.

In the back three, you have to pick Julian “45 tries in 52 tests” Savea. Bender hasn’t been in superlative form but he’s been in a struggling team so far in Super Rugby and his class is permanent. I’m not sure if Milner-Skudder will be fit in time, but if not Dagg will do. This leaves Naholo out in the cold unfortunately, but I don’t think that will actually happen.

So this is my preferred XXIII, with predicted different actual selections in brackets:

1. Moody
2. Coles
3. Franks
4. Retallick
5. Whitelock
6. Kaino
7. A. Savea (Cane)
8. Read
9. Perenara
10. Barret
11. J. Savea
12. Crotty
13. Lienert-Brown (Fekitoa)
14. NMS if fit and had some game time, if not then Dagg (possibly swapped with B Smith)
15. B. Smith

16. Taylor
17. Tu’ungafasi (Crockett)
18. Faumuina
19. S. Barrett (Tuipulotu)
20. Squire (A. Savea)
21. A Smith
22. Cruden
23. R. Ioane (Naholo)

I’m sure I’ve overlooked some injuries or retirements though…

I'm looking too bad, so far. I thought Tuipulotou would be picked but he's out of the squad, with my preference S. Barrett in. Other than that, pretty much on he money in the forwards. I was right about Sopoaga edging out McKenzie as a back-up 10. In the mid-field, I was right that Moala and Tamanivalu are not wanted and Laumape is indeed the bolter as predicted. R. Ioane has been named as a wing which seems to validate my wing/centre conver theory. As with the locks, the selectors have gone for my preference rather than my predicted pick of ALB rather than Fekitoa. I didn't mention SBW as his return was still uncertain at the time. I'm now pretty sure he will feature in the 1st test. In the back three, I'm claiming a clean slate as NMS has not had much game time.

We will see how this looks when the first match squad is named.

Assuming that the team for Samoa is a tip towrds the team for the Lions, how am I going?

Coles, Read, Crotty and Cruden are out for injuries and NMS is with the Maori to prove his fitness. So my tight 5 is about right, with Taylor being next off the rank at hooker. I'm not far off with the loosies, although it will be interesting to see whether Cane is retained at 7 when (presumably) Read slots in at 8 or if Savea will be given a proper shot. Smith for Perenara was always close but Shag is either going for experience or is giving Smith a chance to find form having missed the Highlanders game. SBW in for Crotty is kind of no-brainer seeing as Crotty is out and SBW is now fit. I called Dagg for NMS but would not rule Nehe out for the 2nd or 3rd tests if Dagg goes down (he seemed off pace at times for the Cru). On the bench, with Taylor's selection in the absence of Coles, Harris is kind of a no-brainer. I called the props and S. Barrett. Vaea Fifita was never on my rader so my bad there. Sopoaga is a bit lucky that Cruden has a bung knee as he didn't look all that for the Highlanders. I am a bit surprised by J. Barrett's inclusion so soon after joining the squad. I've seen R. Ioane in some, but not all, Maori squad lists so I'm not sure what's going on there. Naholo is bloody unluckly after giving the Lions real trouble on Tuesday. I guess it's a good chance to see what level Jordie is at before the Big Show, rather than risk him untested in the harder matches to come.

[cashead]

The only real concern I have with Milner-Skudder is how injury-prone he is, which is a real worry for someone as young as him. I honestly wouldn't be surprised if he ends up spending a few years in Japan, earning silly amounts of money like Kahui did.

[Lizard]

So I didn't do too badly.

In the front row, Coles' head ruled him out so my sub pick, Taylor, steps up. Harris is obviously next cab off the rank. I was bang on with the props both starting and on the bench. In the locks, Shag clearly read my original post and has taken my pick over my prediction for him. My loosies prediction was perfect.

I had Smith and Perenara the other way round, ditto SBW/ALB/Crotty. We will have to see if I am right about Cruden over Sopoaga on the bench. Back three - I did suggest Ioane but only on the bench.

Not bad.

[morepork]

So I didn't do too badly.

In the front row, Coles' head ruled him out so my sub pick, Taylor, steps up. Harris is obviously next cab off the rank. I was bang on with the props both starting and on the bench. In the locks, Shag clearly read my original post and has taken my pick over my prediction for him. My loosies prediction was perfect.

I had Smith and Perenara the other way round, ditto SBW/ALB/Crotty. We will have to see if I am right about Cruden over Sopoaga on the bench. Back three - I did suggest Ioane but only on the bench.

Not bad.

Screen shot 2017-06-22 at 8.47.47 AM.png

[J Dory]

I bought a bunch of the miniature chocolate fish when I was NZ to take to work and share with colleagues. I didn't remember them being quite so chemically tasting. The miniature peanut slabs were far more popular.

[Doorzetbornandbred]

I bought a bunch of the miniature chocolate fish when I was NZ to take to work and share with colleagues. I didn't remember them being quite so chemically tasting. The miniature peanut slabs were far more popular.

Dairy shed washout tainting the rivers in NZ.

[zer0]

Big old Nosferatu Retallick was on a mission tonight to put the kibosh on any talk of him not being the premier lock in world rugby. Think it's safe to say he succeeded.