bobbilycious
Academy Player
- Joined
- Nov 30, 2006
- Messages
- 168
I think Barrett will be the best option in the long term. He seems to have real class. From what I've seen of him (admittedly, not a huge amount) he seems to make good decisions and doesn't get too flustered under pressure. He doesn't have an outrageous step or the flair of Quade Cooper but he has good pace, good hands, reads the game well and a good boot. I just hope he gets an opportunity to shine behind the Hurricanes' pack.
Gareth Anscombe has been hyped up since his 2010 ITM Cup season. He had one particularly brilliant performance where he scored a few tries (preceded by decent running - he appears to have a decent step even if we don't get to see it often) and kicked all (most?) his goals. Since then he hasn't really shown us a huge amount apart from some good goal kicking (at least for the U20s, can't remember how his kicking was for Auckland). He is rather small (smaller than Cruden, apparently) and a liability on defense at this stage.
Tyler Bleyendaal looked great at U20 level but it is probably too early to know whether he will be good or a complete flop. He has a great boot on him (there was a youtube video of him kicking a 56m (or around 56) penalty awhile back). He isn't going to be carving up defenses on his own but he runs the backline well and he is a great link player on attack.
Nobody has mentioned Lima Sopoaga which suprises me a little. I think if he had been coming through the ranks 4 years ago everyone would have been convinced he was the next Dan. I guess it shows how much talent we have coming through. What I've seen of him has been largely disappointing. His goal kicking has been poor and he makes a lot of errors (passing and kicking for touch). He could be very, very good if he gains some confidence, though. If he fixes up these areas and has the confidence to attack a bit more he could be challenging for an AB spot for 2015 RWC.
I've probably seen less from Tom Taylor than any of the other players, but I get the impression he is more of a 12. He is a very talented player and I'm sure he can play 10 well but I don't think he'll ever be our best option there. He reminds he of a Luke McAlister/Michael Hobbs-type player. Decent enough at 10 and a good attacking threat but not really able to get the best out of the backline. I think he could be world class at 12, if given the time and opportunities. I hope to see him challenge Crotty for the 12 position.
Gareth Anscombe has been hyped up since his 2010 ITM Cup season. He had one particularly brilliant performance where he scored a few tries (preceded by decent running - he appears to have a decent step even if we don't get to see it often) and kicked all (most?) his goals. Since then he hasn't really shown us a huge amount apart from some good goal kicking (at least for the U20s, can't remember how his kicking was for Auckland). He is rather small (smaller than Cruden, apparently) and a liability on defense at this stage.
Tyler Bleyendaal looked great at U20 level but it is probably too early to know whether he will be good or a complete flop. He has a great boot on him (there was a youtube video of him kicking a 56m (or around 56) penalty awhile back). He isn't going to be carving up defenses on his own but he runs the backline well and he is a great link player on attack.
Nobody has mentioned Lima Sopoaga which suprises me a little. I think if he had been coming through the ranks 4 years ago everyone would have been convinced he was the next Dan. I guess it shows how much talent we have coming through. What I've seen of him has been largely disappointing. His goal kicking has been poor and he makes a lot of errors (passing and kicking for touch). He could be very, very good if he gains some confidence, though. If he fixes up these areas and has the confidence to attack a bit more he could be challenging for an AB spot for 2015 RWC.
I've probably seen less from Tom Taylor than any of the other players, but I get the impression he is more of a 12. He is a very talented player and I'm sure he can play 10 well but I don't think he'll ever be our best option there. He reminds he of a Luke McAlister/Michael Hobbs-type player. Decent enough at 10 and a good attacking threat but not really able to get the best out of the backline. I think he could be world class at 12, if given the time and opportunities. I hope to see him challenge Crotty for the 12 position.
