Cruden out for six weeks

[nickdnz]

To be fair I think Anscombe has more potential at 1st 5/8th than any other position and I rate him. Taylor I don't really rate - so it ****** me off his game for the All Blacks was very hard to fault at all. I'm almost certain Cruden will play for the All Blacks in the June series, if he is at all fit to play which he should be. If there were to be someone else come into the squad which I think is almost certain it will be Taylor (although I'd be happy if another young 5/8th was given a shot to be in the environment).

 

[dasNdanger]

International coaches often take chances with usual starters fresh from injury (so long as they are fully fit), and the All Blacks selectors are known for putting a lot of faith in their players. I wouldn't rule him out.

But if Cruden's out, they'll probably have Barrett starting with Taylor on the bench and Slade as back up. Anscombe has been good to the Chiefs as a fullback, but he didn't quite convince me as the Blues' and Auckland's first-five. If he had stayed injury-free and had some game-time at 10 he might have improved, but as it is, I will be very, very surprised if he gets called up. The Chiefs will be feeling the loss of Cruden.

But if Barrett's kicking is currently at 76% and Cruden at 74%, wouldn't it be wise to go with the more accurate boot? Of course, that could change over the next couple months, but at this point I think starting Barrett might be the better way to go, regardless of Cruden's fitness.

Or...maybe not. How do the two compare regards the rest of their play? Who, would you say, is the more consistent ball handler, etc.


das