Im not convinced Anscombe wont come right for them at 10. He had a bit of a shocker at times tonight but this was a different kettle of fish to the usual games. The Saders are playing proper Crusaders rugby again (although still some weird errors going on) so this was always going to be alot of pressure for him.
It's not really a matter of him coming right. He has
never looked good at 10, even at ITM Cup level. His style of play just doesn't suit the 10 jersey. He struggles when he has to make decisions under pressure (and because of that stands far too deep on attack), never seems to be able to find space when he is kicking (instead kicking straight down the oppositions throats), and struggles with the physicality required on defense in the 10 jersey. While he may eventually become a good 10 (he still is very young), but I don't think it is as easy as just spending time in the position.
Slade is just capable of a far more mature looking game than pretty much any other flyhalf in the comp atm imo. People have got to remember he was second/third choice at the last WC. He's been unlucky with injuries and Crudens continued rise..... Although I honestly believe both DC and Cruden have actually played their best rugby for the AB's. DC's was circa 2005 and Crudens was post 11' WC.
He tackles well on the 10 channel which other than DC none of our other 10's are outstanding at which like Kerr Barlow is why I would select him above others that might be slightly better in other areas. When we are playing finals in next WC in England we will need solid D players imo.
If we are in a tight match and can bring Slade and TKB on that would stiffen our defence up no end.
Slade has played well these last couple of matches, but there is still a massive gap between our top 3 10's (Carter, Barrett, and Cruden), and the next couple (Slade & Taylor). I don't think Slade's game is any more 'mature' than any of our top 10's - I've been very impressed with the Barrett's decision making this season. Slade was the 2nd choice at the last RWC but that was basically by default. It certainly wasn't based on form - he has been injured most of the previous seasons - it was simply that the other options were either rubbish (Donald), not yet ready (Cruden), or had spat the dummy and left (McAlister). Our options at 10 are far better at the moment - we basically have 3 world options to choose from (when they are all fit). Obviously with Carter (and possibly Cruden) out for the June tests they may need to consider Slade (or Taylor) - if Slade keeps playing the way he is he may get a recall.
You make a good point about Slade's defense - he seldom misses a tackle, and is very committed on the cover defense. However I don't think his line speed on defense is overly impressive - the opposition won't break the line, but they will probably get to the advantage line most times with him there. One of the biggest issues with Slade is his tactical kicking. He doesn't get great distance on his kicks, and he has a habit o kicking left footed, even when it is not required (which gives him even less distance). Like Anscombe he tends to kick the ball straight down the throat of opposition players - if the Crusaders need to clear the ball Dagg is a far better option. Some of Slade's best skills are actually his 'fullback skills' - his ability under the high-ball and counterattacking from the back. Unfortunately the way the Crusaders and All Blacks use Read at the moment he doesn't really get to use these skills at all.
What really impressed me last night was Slade's goal-kicking. It wasn't just the fact he got 6/8 (with the 2 misses hitting the upright), it was the way he was striking the ball. Previously he used to just chip at the ball - it was no surprise that he kicked less than 70% with this style. Last night he was striking beautifully through the ball - with that sort of style there is no reason why he couldn't develop into an excellent goal-kicker (which he will need to if he is to be considered for the AB's).
Anyways, a couple more thoughts on the game:
- Barring the yellow card I thought Bird had a fantastic game. He is a very physical player with a big work-rate (ala Retallick), and (given his size) is pretty useful in the lineout too. The 3rd AB's lock position is still pretty open in my opinion - Romano has never convinced me (and is injured), Thrush is solid (but unspectacular), and while Tuipolotu shows promise he is still very raw. If Bird continues his form he could well be in the AB's squad in June.
- Taufua made a good fist of his first start at 6. I actually thought Luke Whitelock did well when he came on too (though they missed Read).
- Nadolo looked dangerous on the wing - he is one of the only Crusaders backs who looks like he can break a tackle. He does make a few tackles, but he misses a lot too - that may end up being an issue when your fullback isn't able to cover for your mistakes....
- Retallick is a beast. You could really appreciate how much work he does when he got his shirt ripped off (hence he stood out from the rest of the players) - he must have run the ball 3 times and hit 6 breakdowns (at full speed!) in a 1 minute period.
- Tom Marshall was the pick of the Chiefs backs. He broke tackles whenever he touched the ball. I bet the Crusaders wish they still had him on their roster!
