@No-Quarter said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

I like the BB - DMac 10/15 combo, it has had success in the past, and it's worked much better than the Mo'unga - BB combo. Having a genuine playmaker at the back can take some heat off BB trying to create everything as well.

It was one of the interesting things about that failed '2 playmaker' time for me: DM + either was okay, BB + Mo'unga was godawful.
Not advocating for it, because as I'm sure most are aware by now I think BB should just get the arse, but it was interesting how one guy could make it work whoever he was paired with, and the other two couldn't manage it together.

@george33 said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

Reiko on bench and Carter , Jordan wings
McKenzie 15 and apparently Christie is benched

Who covers 12?

@Frank If bench Christie, Tupaea, Rieko?

I know Rieko has been away this week due to the death of his grandmother.

Carter on bench would be a reasonable swap for Rieko. Love at Caketin also would appeal to some, naming no names.

Is Jacobson a roughy for a bench spot? Has he actually made it on to field for ABs so far this year?

@pakman said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

@KiwiMurph His team: 15. Damian McKenzie, 14. Will Jordan, 13. Billy Proctor, 12. Jordie Barrett, 11. Leroy Carter/Caleb Clarke, 10. Beauden Barrett, 9. Noah Hotham, 8. Wallace Sititi, 7 .Ardie Savea, 6. Simon Parker, 5. Tupou Vaa’i, 4. Scott Barrett (c), 3. Tyrel Lomax, 2. Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1. Ethan de Groot. Replacements: 16. Brodie McAlister, 17. Tamaiti Williams, 18. Fletcher Newell, 19. Fabian Holland, 20. Du’Plessis Kirifi, 21. Finlay Christie, 22. Ruben Love, 23. Quinn Tupaea.

Same backline I was told and yes was told Ruben Love will get his spot off the bench at home in Wellington. Left wing and halfback was undecided when I had the word given to me but still haven’t had that confirmation hence why I haven’t posted.

@pakman said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

Is Jacobson a roughy for a bench spot? Has he actually made it on to field for ABs so far this year?

He hasn't.

I don't think he actually adds a lot from the bench. If he's in the 23, I'd rather he was starting.

In saying that, I think he's a better bench option than Kirifi. Would prefer a Lakai or even a Finau over both of them, probably.

@Landers92 the Myth of Dmac social media page posted a similar side

Maybe a discussion for another thread but I just don’t think Jacobson is ever going to crack being a regular starter test level. I know he’s had his injury challenges but I feel like the time had passed him by.

@zedsdeadbaby said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

Maybe a discussion for another thread but I just don’t think Jacobson is ever going to crack being a regular starter test level. I know he’s had his injury challenges but I feel like the time had passed him by.

He's too jack-of-all-trades.

But maybe if he has another full season at 7 alongside Parker and Sititi then the combo would be worth preserving with, but there are some good loosies coming through so maybe not.

@zedsdeadbaby said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

Maybe a discussion for another thread but I just don’t think Jacobson is ever going to crack being a regular starter test level. I know he’s had his injury challenges but I feel like the time had passed him by.

He and Dalton feel like they are in the same boat. Their window is closing. Fast.

@canefan said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

@zedsdeadbaby said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

Maybe a discussion for another thread but I just don’t think Jacobson is ever going to crack being a regular starter test level. I know he’s had his injury challenges but I feel like the time had passed him by.

He and Dalton feel like they are in the same boat. Their window is closing. Fast.

I think Dalton would do pretty well between Sititi and Parker.

@Landers92 said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

@pakman said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

@KiwiMurph His team: 15. Damian McKenzie, 14. Will Jordan, 13. Billy Proctor, 12. Jordie Barrett, 11. Leroy Carter/Caleb Clarke, 10. Beauden Barrett, 9. Noah Hotham, 8. Wallace Sititi, 7 .Ardie Savea, 6. Simon Parker, 5. Tupou Vaa’i, 4. Scott Barrett (c), 3. Tyrel Lomax, 2. Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1. Ethan de Groot. Replacements: 16. Brodie McAlister, 17. Tamaiti Williams, 18. Fletcher Newell, 19. Fabian Holland, 20. Du’Plessis Kirifi, 21. Finlay Christie, 22. Ruben Love, 23. Quinn Tupaea.

Same backline I was told and yes was told Ruben Love will get his spot off the bench at home in Wellington. Left wing and halfback was undecided when I had the word given to me but still haven’t had that confirmation hence why I haven’t posted.

Word is that Hotham has looked pretty sharp so far, but some more work outs tomorrow.

@Mr-Fish said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

@canefan said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

@zedsdeadbaby said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

Maybe a discussion for another thread but I just don’t think Jacobson is ever going to crack being a regular starter test level. I know he’s had his injury challenges but I feel like the time had passed him by.

He and Dalton feel like they are in the same boat. Their window is closing. Fast.

I think Dalton would do pretty well between Sititi and Parker.

Razor doesn't seem to agree

Kirifi must really be impressing in training and on post game analysis.
I was sure he would be one of the first dropped once more players came back.

@canefan said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

@Mr-Fish said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

@canefan said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

@zedsdeadbaby said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

Maybe a discussion for another thread but I just don’t think Jacobson is ever going to crack being a regular starter test level. I know he’s had his injury challenges but I feel like the time had passed him by.

He and Dalton feel like they are in the same boat. Their window is closing. Fast.

I think Dalton would do pretty well between Sititi and Parker.

Razor doesn't seem to agree

And thank goodness for that.

@canefan if only Dalton, Luke and Hoskins moved to Wales a couple of years ago.

When do so many want to put our best fullback on the wing, makes no sense to me‍️

@Stag Yeah, I agree. DMac should have always stayed at 15

Carter and Clarke on the wings.
Cant wait to see Carter get a run.

@Stag said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

When do so many want to put our best fullback on the wing, makes no sense to me‍️

Many don’t believe he loses his effectiveness when playing there and on occasions such as this one with narawa unavailable, the back 3 as a collective can be stronger

@chchfanatic said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

Carter and Clarke on the wings.
Cant wait to see Carter get a run.

Carter will need to be better under the high ball than he showed for the Chiefs at times. But at least we've got some speed and x-factor on the wings.

@kiwiinmelb don't no did hear Reiko may have pulled out sighting personal reasons

@Stag said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

When do so many want to put our best fullback on the wing, makes no sense to me‍️

Who would be your wings for Saturday?

@Bovidae given our current woes under the high ball, he will fit in...

If Love is on the bench would be quite surprised if Clarke is not in 11, as think if Carter had the nod, they would want specialist wing cover on the bench.

Richie; 'I tried to be consistent throughout my career. Your goal is to be consistent for 2 weeks'.

If Love and Carter are involved I think Razor may have turned a corner.
Let go of the fear of losing.

@Bovidae said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

@chchfanatic said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

Carter and Clarke on the wings.
Cant wait to see Carter get a run.

Carter will need to be better under the high ball than he showed for the Chiefs at times. But at least we've got some speed and x-factor on the wings.

What is this thing called x-factor? It’s so elusive that it’s meaning has evaded me….

Kirifi will be interesting one. Has clearly been the favoured bench option, but has not yet provided anything special.

Feels like to me if he is on the bench again, it might be last chance saloon. Can see them giving Lakai a crack v Australia if he flatters.

@Mr-Fish said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

@canefan said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

@zedsdeadbaby said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

Maybe a discussion for another thread but I just don’t think Jacobson is ever going to crack being a regular starter test level. I know he’s had his injury challenges but I feel like the time had passed him by.

He and Dalton feel like they are in the same boat. Their window is closing. Fast.

I think Dalton would do pretty well between Sititi and Parker.

Papalii skillet isn’t what they want out of a 7. They’ve clearly pivoted. I don’t think it is entirely coincidental to see Dalton playing 6 for Counties.

Am quite surprised they have opted for Carter, but keen to see how he gets on

All Blacks team to play South Africa in Wellington on Saturday: Damian McKenzie, Will Jordan, Billy Proctor, Jordie Barrett, Leroy Carter, Beauden Barrett, Noah Hotham, Wallace Sititi, Ardie Savea, Simon Parker, Tupou Vaa'i, Scott Barrett, Tyrel Lomax, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Ethan de Groot.
Reserves: Brodie McAlister, Tamaiti Williams, Fletcher Newell, Fabian Holland, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Finlay Christie, Quinn Tupaea, Ruben Love.

Would have preferred Clarke but will be interesting to see how Carter performs. If he has a good outing it increases our options and depth in that position.

Reiko has a bereavement in the family.
My source let me down with Clarke. Unless he got a niggle yesterday.

Carter is good on the kick chase so that is a plus with him on the LW.

I don’t mind the Hotham - Barrett combo because Hotham looks to take on the line and if he gets opportunity to do so, I think it will improve Beaudie running more.

No power wing? Assuming I have the metric conversions right, Carter is 5’9”” and McKenzie is 5’8”. Jordan is much taller (about 6’0”), but are they too little collectively for the inevitable blitzkreig of high balls?

PS: Carter is a giant compared with Grant Batty - who was 5’5”. The story was the groundsmen at Athletic Park wouldn’t mow the turf so Batty could run undetected down the touch line.

@ACT-Crusader said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

Carter is good on the kick chase so that is a plus with him on the LW.

I don’t mind the Hotham - Barrett combo because Hotham looks to take on the line and if he gets opportunity to do so, I think it will improve Beaudie running more.

and if the defence knows hotham has a running game then it might make then hold a set and give BB an extra second