@Bones said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
if there even is one
I think that is it. There isn't a first 15 (or 23) - at this point anyway.
There will be different strategies for different opposition. Some guys will need to play more if they have been injured or out of form, others will need a break. I don't like playing guys out of position but even that might have to happen when you are only allowed a squad of 31 and have a couple of easier games.
Team I'd pick:
Moli, Coltman, Laulala, Whitelock, Tuipulutu, Frizell, Todd, Read (c), Weber, J Barrett, Ioane, SBW, Goodhue, Reece, B.Smith
Bench: Taylor, Ofa T, Ta'avao, S. Barrett, Cane, TJP, Crotty, B.Barrett.
@sparky said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
Team I'd pick:
Moli, Coltman, Laulala, Whitelock, Tuipulutu, Frizell, Todd, Read (c), Weber, J Barrett, Ioane, SBW, Goodhue, Reece, B.Smith
Bench: Taylor, Ofa T, Ta'avao, S. Barrett, Cane, TJP, Crotty, B.Barrett.
I’d start one of B. Barrett or Mo’unga. Jordie can play wing and cover 1st 5.
Can Frizell play no8? If so I’d play him there and give Cane a start in the blindside with Todd at openside. Cane had a short run against the Boks.
@Crucial said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
@rotated said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
Centre combo is the interesting one. They want to give everyone a run, but they've been doing that for four years, its about time the chosen two settled down and developed a combo for at least 2 of the next 3 games.
According to Fozzie that isn't the philosophy anymore. They want an interchangeable pool of centres and see that as a strength.
Ah yes, the Black Caps strategy. We don't want a long term pair of test openers instead an interchangeable pool of 5-10 guys on a conveyor belt is much better.
Agree to disagree , everyone will play in my scenario, with only Moli , Fritzell and Goodhue needing the opportunity to show form and/or fitness to force/remain in top 23. Also can imagine TJ needing to play at 10 against Namibia so you may need Weber on the bench against Canada and starting against Namibia. Let’s see what he actually does.
I'll leave this here ...
@booboo said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
I'll leave this here ...
Likely?
It’s an option for sure but I don’t think it’s likely except for him being in the 23 and may end up there late in the game.
More likely is that Crotty will play 10 at some stage as he is more likely to be in a big game 23 and would be contingency.
Seems a long bow to draw to assume JB plays there against Canada. But obviously he is going to get a run there at some point.
One would assume minimal workload between Canada and Namibia - so whatever formations Napier has seen at training could well be for Namibia.
I would guess full strength for Canada with an early sub for one of Barrett or Mo'unga who then ride the pine against Namibia with Perenara to cover Jordie at 10.
You could play me at five-eighth against Canada. They'll be looking to give everyone a run. Timing wise it makes more sense to have the rest of the squad play this week and back up heavily against Namibia.
From there it's form and fitness for Italy.
I would think that getting everyone a game in the first two is necessary given the 10 day gap. If you make some wait until Namibia they will feel like bag carriers. I thought we learned that lesson at tournaments and tours years ago. It is only a 32 man squad, you need everyone involved.
@DMX said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
Did Hansen say everyone gets a run first two games? If he did apologies I didn’t see that , then I would only say I would do things a little different, make sure everyone gets a run over first 3 games.
I can't actually find anything, but I thought I recall something from maybe post the Tonga game? It's been repeated quite a bit here.
@Stargazer Thank goodness for you. I genuinely wanted to know when it would be named and knew I wouldn't get a straight answer on here! 
