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The Rugby Championship 2023
All Blacks squad named
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<blockquote data-quote="Larksea" data-source="post: 870647" data-attributes="member: 43875"><p>I agree, IMO fekitoa started out with raw physical tackle busting power but he lacked vision and decision making skills. Initially you would back a young player to pick those up over time. But he seemed to lose a lot of that raw tackle breaking ability, he did become an excellent defender, world class even... But his decision making skills never really improved. At times it even seemed like if there was a wrong option he would take it and that is why ALB had such a dramatic effect when he came in as what was a surprise injury replacement at the time. All of a sudden the AB's backline started scoring a ton of trys and it was simply because ALB made good decisions. That night and day change was really the end for Fekitoa, the selectors saw exactly what they had been missing.</p><p></p><p>I also agree about Moala, the guy has what is needed he just hasn't got a proper chance to show that at test level, mostly because of bad timing with injuries. What was great about nonu was that although he was big physically and seen as a power back. Most of the good things he did on attack were through footwork and speed. I see that in Moala, the guy is a giant easily stronger than Nonu. But when he is at his best its his footwork that makes him so dangerous. This year hasn't been great for Moala, his form is down a bit. I know I keep saying it but it doesn't help that he is at the blues and the rest of the guys are in functioning high performing backlines. SBW was a mixed bag this year in super rugby, 10 was a revolving door at the blues and Pulu is more of an individual 9 than a playmaking 9 not a great canvas for Moala to shine.</p><p></p><p>Buckman is excellent and I think for that midfield role of decision maker and elite defender he is 2nd only to Crotty in the NZ game, and arguably better in some respects. he is constantly the player that is unexpectedly good. For a smaller guy he doesn't just make tackles he makes strong tackles that hault momentum and win turnovers.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Larksea, post: 870647, member: 43875"] I agree, IMO fekitoa started out with raw physical tackle busting power but he lacked vision and decision making skills. Initially you would back a young player to pick those up over time. But he seemed to lose a lot of that raw tackle breaking ability, he did become an excellent defender, world class even... But his decision making skills never really improved. At times it even seemed like if there was a wrong option he would take it and that is why ALB had such a dramatic effect when he came in as what was a surprise injury replacement at the time. All of a sudden the AB's backline started scoring a ton of trys and it was simply because ALB made good decisions. That night and day change was really the end for Fekitoa, the selectors saw exactly what they had been missing. I also agree about Moala, the guy has what is needed he just hasn't got a proper chance to show that at test level, mostly because of bad timing with injuries. What was great about nonu was that although he was big physically and seen as a power back. Most of the good things he did on attack were through footwork and speed. I see that in Moala, the guy is a giant easily stronger than Nonu. But when he is at his best its his footwork that makes him so dangerous. This year hasn't been great for Moala, his form is down a bit. I know I keep saying it but it doesn't help that he is at the blues and the rest of the guys are in functioning high performing backlines. SBW was a mixed bag this year in super rugby, 10 was a revolving door at the blues and Pulu is more of an individual 9 than a playmaking 9 not a great canvas for Moala to shine. Buckman is excellent and I think for that midfield role of decision maker and elite defender he is 2nd only to Crotty in the NZ game, and arguably better in some respects. he is constantly the player that is unexpectedly good. For a smaller guy he doesn't just make tackles he makes strong tackles that hault momentum and win turnovers. [/QUOTE]
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