Post-RWC All Blacks Team?

[TRF Mr Fish]

I just don't think he's been used there much, but realistically we have some of the best lineout options in the world currently in the All Blacks, I wouldn't be worried about him not being used there a great deal. Messam has hardly been a star lineout option over the last few seasons there.

Worth noting that Messam was used as a key lineout option by the Chiefs but very rarely employed in that role for the All Blacks.

 

[Larksea]

Worth noting that Messam was used as a key lineout option by the Chiefs but very rarely employed in that role for the All Blacks.

yip, messam never got a high volume of lineout takes for the chiefs but the ones he usually gets are "must win" line outs like defensive line outs on the 5m line and he generally nails them. Hes a bloody good line out forward. But when you throw ball to guys like messam you take them out of the play immediately following the line out. You want Messam cleaning out the next ruck or ready for a pick & go not stuck in the middle of the lineout. Players like Messam need to be free to make sure the following phases go well and maintain possession.

 

[Bada-Bing!]

http://i.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/al...s-Aaron-Cruden-to-fill-Dan-Carters-test-boots

Mertens tips Cruden to replace Carter at 10 and the Fox panel tip Crotty, rather than Ngatai.