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2014 Super Rugby: Chiefs v Highlanders (Round 3)
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<blockquote data-quote="Darwin" data-source="post: 627354" data-attributes="member: 24910"><p>Yep he ran around Tom Donnelly. A 32 year old lock who played like a 92 year old for Otago last season....</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>I agree it is fair to say Buckman has done well so far for the Highlanders. He's had two solid games. I think Baker would have done at least as well. As you point out Baker hasn't made a huge impact on Super Rugby yet - the problem is he hasn't been given a chance! He has been very good at ITM Cup level, <em>and played well in the few chances he has had for the Highlanders</em> - indeed I would say he was at least as effective when playing for he Highlanders as Buckman has been. It is probably far too early to accurately compare the two players Super Rugby records, but I think the following stats (courtesy of the <a href="http://www.nzherald.co.nz/rugby/statscentre.cfm" target="_blank">nzherald stats centre</a>) make interesting reading:</p><p></p><p>Kurt Baker: 5 matches, 212 minutes, 2 tries, 1 try assist, 10 runs, 63 metres, 1 clean break, 3 defenders beaten, 1 offload, 14 passes, 6 kicks, 7/8 tackles (88%), 0 turnovers conceded.</p><p>Richard Buckman: 5 matches, 231 minutes, 0 tries, 0 assits, 18 runs, 93 metres, 1 clean break, 4 defenders beaten, 1 offload, 10 passes, 2 kicks, 16/21 tackles (76%), 5 turnovers conceded.</p><p></p><p>I don't think you should read too much into those stats, but I think it illustrates that Baker has been very effective in the limited Super Rugby action he has seen thus far (though obviously didn't see much ball at the end of the Highlanders backline!).</p><p></p><p>I agree with you point regarding the advantage of a high-work rate wing to support Smith, but would argue that Baker is far more suited to that role than Buckman. Baker is by all regards incredibly fit (he was the fittest in the 7's squad at one stage), has a massive work-rate, is a reliable defender, and - importantly - is a specialist outside back. He has played all his rugby at fullback or wing so I'm sure is far more familiar with the positional aspects required than Buckman (who has played quite a bit in the outside backs, but has more experience in the midfield). In the two games thus far I haven't seen Buckman drop back once when Ben Smith is up in the line - instead this responsibility has been left largely to Sopoaga. I think this is a smart move too, as Buckman is far more valuable defending in the line with his physical defense than he is covering at the back (where his lack of pace becomes an issue).</p><p></p><p>Obviously it is hard to compare the two players until they get a few games each this season. Buckman has done a solid job thus far and I hope he continues to do this every time he runs out in the Highlanders jersey. I just hope Kurt Baker gets a chance this season to show what he has to offer, as I believe he could be a very good wing at this level...</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Darwin, post: 627354, member: 24910"] Yep he ran around Tom Donnelly. A 32 year old lock who played like a 92 year old for Otago last season.... I agree it is fair to say Buckman has done well so far for the Highlanders. He's had two solid games. I think Baker would have done at least as well. As you point out Baker hasn't made a huge impact on Super Rugby yet - the problem is he hasn't been given a chance! He has been very good at ITM Cup level, [I]and played well in the few chances he has had for the Highlanders[/I] - indeed I would say he was at least as effective when playing for he Highlanders as Buckman has been. It is probably far too early to accurately compare the two players Super Rugby records, but I think the following stats (courtesy of the [URL="http://www.nzherald.co.nz/rugby/statscentre.cfm"]nzherald stats centre[/URL]) make interesting reading: Kurt Baker: 5 matches, 212 minutes, 2 tries, 1 try assist, 10 runs, 63 metres, 1 clean break, 3 defenders beaten, 1 offload, 14 passes, 6 kicks, 7/8 tackles (88%), 0 turnovers conceded. Richard Buckman: 5 matches, 231 minutes, 0 tries, 0 assits, 18 runs, 93 metres, 1 clean break, 4 defenders beaten, 1 offload, 10 passes, 2 kicks, 16/21 tackles (76%), 5 turnovers conceded. I don't think you should read too much into those stats, but I think it illustrates that Baker has been very effective in the limited Super Rugby action he has seen thus far (though obviously didn't see much ball at the end of the Highlanders backline!). I agree with you point regarding the advantage of a high-work rate wing to support Smith, but would argue that Baker is far more suited to that role than Buckman. Baker is by all regards incredibly fit (he was the fittest in the 7's squad at one stage), has a massive work-rate, is a reliable defender, and - importantly - is a specialist outside back. He has played all his rugby at fullback or wing so I'm sure is far more familiar with the positional aspects required than Buckman (who has played quite a bit in the outside backs, but has more experience in the midfield). In the two games thus far I haven't seen Buckman drop back once when Ben Smith is up in the line - instead this responsibility has been left largely to Sopoaga. I think this is a smart move too, as Buckman is far more valuable defending in the line with his physical defense than he is covering at the back (where his lack of pace becomes an issue). Obviously it is hard to compare the two players until they get a few games each this season. Buckman has done a solid job thus far and I hope he continues to do this every time he runs out in the Highlanders jersey. I just hope Kurt Baker gets a chance this season to show what he has to offer, as I believe he could be a very good wing at this level... [/QUOTE]
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