Crusaders v Blues a.k.a. NZ's festum odii

[Dan54]

Not until 27/08/2026. He's not going to turn down a wallabies jersey in the interim to make that happen, at least not one against the Lions.

And in all seriousness, there is no way even if he was eligible, I doubt he would go close to ABs anyway.
I would be surprised if Wallabies looked at him, he basically plays 10-15 minutes, and when he has started has looked average.

 

[Wilson]

And in all seriousness, there is no way even if he was eligible, I doubt he would go close to ABs anyway.
I would be surprised if Wallabies looked at him, he basically plays 10-15 minutes, and when he has started has looked average.

How he looks when he starts doesn't really matter, the role they'd want O'Connor in is the one he's excelling in for the Crusaders - a super reliable bench finisher (playing 20-30 minutes, he hasn't played less than 20 this season) who offers really good coverage across the backline. Beyond that he's an excellent guy to have around a young squad.

But whether or not you agree with all that you're going to have to be surprised - by all accounts the conversations are happening and they're already looking at him.

 

[Dan54]

How he looks when he starts doesn't really matter, the role they'd want O'Connor in is the one he's excelling in for the Crusaders - a super reliable bench finisher (playing 20-30 minutes, he hasn't played less than 20 this season) who offers really good coverage across the backline. Beyond that he's an excellent guy to have around a young squad.

But whether or not you agree with all that you're going to have to be surprised - by all accounts the conversations are happening and they're already looking at him.

Yep, fair enough , perhaps they may look at him for Wallabies, just it would surprise me if they picked him. I probably shouldn't of listened to JOC (James O'Connor) when he said he only plays 5-10 minutes, I knew he played a lot more than that. But regardless I would be surprised that someone who can't really claim a starting place in Super would be considered for a test match. For all best intentions, if they thought he was a better 10 than Kemara , he would be starting I think.

 

[KiwiM]

Havili certainly shows the difference between a 2nd 5/8 and inside centre type player like Lam, who still looks what he is a winger at 12.

There are different ways to skin a cat i.e. different ways to play 12. Havili's style works at Super level but has never translated to test level as he's not given the time and space against top teams and he doesn't have the physicality to punch at that top level.

Lam's ability to cause turnovers with his strength last night was noteworthy

 

[Dan54]

There are different ways to skin a cat i.e. different ways to play 12. Havili's style works at Super level but has never translated to test level as he's not given the time and space against top teams and he doesn't have the physicality to punch at that top level.

Lam's ability to cause turnovers with his strength last night was noteworthy

Yep mate, I not saying either type is best at test level, just noticing the difference. If they want a 12 of the style that punches forward and gets turnovers TT from Highlanders is a class above Lam at this level anyway. And personally would be very surprised if either of them take Jordie Barrett's place anyway. In saying that I have admitted, I never got on the Lam wagon myself, don't dislike his play, but haven't seen a lot that places him aheah of the other 12s playing.

 

[Dctarget]

He’s clearly the best flyhalf in NZ atm

 

[Derpus]

Its notable that NZ don't seem to have any truly excellent flyhalves at the moment. Usually have at least 2-3.

 

[Dan54]

He’s clearly the best flyhalf in NZ atm

I think you looking with gold coloured galsses really. He not even starting for Crusaders. But I guess we all see something different in what we want in a 10.