Is Cruden playing himself out of the All Blacks?

[Jack Reacher]

Starting to worry about NZ's first fives. If Cruden is the favourite he's certainly not cementing it. Barrett is playing well but like Cruden goal kicking is a problem. I love DC but I can't see him being fit or playing with confidence.
What should the selectors do before the WC? I have a soft spot for Marty Banks (being a Tasman supporter) but he needs to be regularly starting, he certainly isn't at the playmaking levels of the others but his kicking is great.
Colin Slade will always be Mr dependable but does make unforced errors regularly. Big problem I think.

 

[nickdnz]

Meh, I think his kicking will be fine come the Rugby World Cup. His general play hasn't been bad. Worst comes to worst there is always the option of Barrett at fullback to kick goals (which is still preferable to Dagg), but I think Cruden will be fine.

 

[Shaggy]

Starting to worry about NZ's first fives. If Cruden is the favourite he's certainly not cementing it. Barrett is playing well but like Cruden goal kicking is a problem. I love DC but I can't see him being fit or playing with confidence.
What should the selectors do before the WC? I have a soft spot for Marty Banks (being a Tasman supporter) but he needs to be regularly starting, he certainly isn't at the playmaking levels of the others but his kicking is great.
Colin Slade will always be Mr dependable but does make unforced errors regularly. Big problem I think.

I didn't realise you were a fellow Tasman supporter ... yes, it's hard to not like the Marty Banks story thus far ... perhaps he can go even further in his rugby career post RWC, as he has utility back potential, and kicks goals.

I put the Cruden situation, in the same basket as the "DC's past it/drop him" situation, and that is, it's way too early to tell who will make it to RWC as our 10's. Let the players have the benefit of the full Super season and tests, and select them on merit. Pick the best on form and fitness (not on reputation) ... maybe taking four players who can play 10 might be the way to go, if they are all playing well, but some aren't as reliable as we would like them to be, goal kicking wise.

 

[smartcooky]

No.

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

He's had one bad game?

 

[Jack Reacher]

He's had one bad game?

This wasn't a knee jerk reaction comment, his kicking was awful on the end of year tour, as was Barretts. I guess its accentuated as when he misses its usually pretty bad!

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I didn't realise you were a fellow Tasman supporter ... yes, it's hard to not like the Marty Banks story thus far ... perhaps he can go even further in his rugby career post RWC, as he has utility back potential, and kicks goals.

I'm a bit of a turn coat Tasman supporter! From Nelson originally but always supported Canterbury as my Dad did, but now I wear my makos shirt with pride.

 

[TRF_stormer2010]

I wouldn't worry overly much at this stage if I were a NZ supporter. You have a host of solid options and some super options and I'd be surprised if one of them weren't in good nick and form come the RWC.

On the goal kicking specifially it was a Pollard weakness in the RC and EoyT 2014 and in his last three games the boy has missed 1 shot at goal I believe so if anything it could be seen as a good thing if there is a percieved weakness in any 10's game at this stage as they will probably work at it to get it right- they are paid to do so. Just checked. Pollard in 2015 is 4/7 vs Stormers, 3/4 vs Hurricanes, 9/9 vs the Sharks and 4/4 vs the Cheetahs. So, yeah it can change in any direction in the space of a week- I know this is just 1 area and 1 player though but still.

 

[Mikel92]

Not Cruden's biggest fan going, but to be fair he had probably his best game so far against the Stormers. He stood up when the pressure was on and they were the visiting team. Excellent kicking that resembled what he was doing a few years ago. His cross field kick was well thought out and executed. His general awareness and running game was great against a very good side. I don't mind him playing for the All Blacks if he plays like that.

As much as I love Barrett, think he is better utilized off the bench at an international level. Especially when the chips are down, say, around the 60th minute mark. Think Hansen and co will stick with Cruden or even Slade to be the starter. Unless Carter stays fit and gathers form, which he showed glimpses of.

 

[Icemn]

still early days guys... give cruden a break! the guy doesnt have testicles, but showed real balls at All Blacks home stadium, Newlands