It is great to see so many players coming back to NZ rugby - it certainly adds to NZ's depth. Gear would certainly be a AB's contender - personally I think he would struggle he may struggle to make the AB's squad if Savea, Piutau, Jane, Smith, and Dagg are all fit, but he would clearly be the next best outside back option in my opinion (so would only be an injury away from inclusion). I can't see Cowan getting anywhere near the AB's squad though. Indeed if he is anywhere near the same player he was when he left he would be lucky to make a Super Rugby side!
Cowan was always a 'stop gap player'. He was never the first name on a team sheet just the best we had for a few years. The only returning player of interest is Sonny BW, unfortunately he might me returning to a depleted Chiefs so can he prove himself in 14 games?
Catch the England XV vs Barbarian's match? Hosea Gear was pretty damn tasty. In fact he tore England up all game. That said, I guess my support is somewhat unsurprising to you . I agree that I can't see many players getting dropped as I think Hansen loves everyone in his back three. I'd take him over Jane on form though...Cowan near the All Blacks would be sacrilege now.
Yeah I saw that match. Gear looked great with ball in hand - as good as ever - but his defense left a lot to be desired. I do think his defense has improved a lot over the last few seasons, but he missed a lot of tackles this match. Jane hasn't been in great form (he's been solid, but unspectacular), but he is the sort of wing the AB's selectors love. Hopefully Gear comes back to the Highlanders next year (there is no room for him at the Canes ), as we could do with an actual wing in our squad!
Pfft, 14 games?! With the treatment SBW tends to get, I'd be surprised if he had to play a single club rugby game before they gave Crotty his marching orders.
Pfft, 14 games?! With the treatment SBW tends to get, I'd be surprised if he had to play a single club rugby game before they gave Crotty his marching orders.
http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,3551_9334881,00.html
As well as Todd being called up to cover Sam Cane, Joe Moody has also been called up. He hasn't played in Super Rugby for the Crusaders this season has he? Is he even fully recovered from his broken leg, he broke last October?
just ready Savea, cane and reid are all out......who gets the 11 jersey now?
Likely team probably:
Woodcock, Coles, Franks, Retallick, Whitelock, Messam, McCaw, Kaino, Smith, Barrett, Smith, Nonu, Smith, Jane, Dagg.
Mealamu, Crockett, Faumuina, Tuipulotu, Vito, Kerr-Barlow, Cruden, Fekitoa.
Barring mid week injury Cruden will start surely.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11266745
Read out with more concussion symptoms - at what point do we really start to worry about this, or has that time come and gone? There are some folks who just take a bad head knock and never make it back to full fitness, or who are really prone to them. Really hope Read doesn't fall into that category!!
Luatua called up and Todd stays as cover for Cane. Luatua needs to make the most of any chances he gets ...
mccaw went through something similar a while back didn't he, on and off with concussions?
I'm no doctor, but I am worried now. I hope for his sake he comes right but it is concerning that it is on-going.