New Zealand vs France

[FrankLind]

For the final test, I am hoping to see Luatua or Vito get the start at 6, Ben Smith at 13 (to develop depth), which would mean Rene Ranger to 14 with Savea on the other.

 

[RoffsChoice]

Let Ben Smith play at 15! Playing him at 13 makes as much sense as playing Roff at 13.

 

[FrankLind]

Let Ben Smith play at 15! Playing him at 13 makes as much sense as playing Roff at 13.

Hansen and co have already indicated they want to see him at 13. You could be right, but I was just going with they have suggested. We have no good 13 after Conrad Smith. Rene Ranger is off to France, Kahui is crocked, Ellison is off to Japan.

 

[ACR]

Hansen and co have already indicated they want to see him at 13. You could be right, but I was just going with they have suggested. We have no good 13 after Conrad Smith. Rene Ranger is off to France, Kahui is crocked, Ellison is off to Japan.

Such a shame, losing some first rate international players there (the last two at least). Kahui in particular. As long as Ben Smith is in the side and Ranger gets a good run I'll be happy. Form should be rewarded and they were the standouts in S15. Might be time for 1 or 2 debuts off the bench as well.

 

[RoffsChoice]

I didn't know Ellison was off. That is awful for New Zealand.

Ranger was trying to get out of his contract in France last I heard, any news on that?

 

[Bairdy]

I didn't know Ellison was off. That is awful for New Zealand.

Ranger was trying to get out of his contract in France last I heard, any news on that?

He had to pay out like half a mil if he wanted to go back on the deal.

 

[hawktrain]

Personally if I was Hansen, I'd have TKB at 9, BB at 10, Ranger at 13, Ben Smith at 15 and then bring Carter back on the bench, but he might look for a bit more stability than that.

I reckon B. Smith would still kill it at 13, he'd probably get players player votes playing prop with the form he's in this year. He did well at 13 vs Scotland on the spring tour last year so he could definitely do the job there.

 

[Dan54]

Well now team been named we can stop guessing huh?
Dagg,B,Smith, C Smith,Nonu, RANGER, CARTER,WEEPU, Read, VITO, Cane, Whitelock, Romano,O Franks, Hore, Crockett
New boys in reserves PIATAU, Kerr Barlow, Barrett, LUATUA,Mealamu, TODD,Woodcock and B Franks.
Nothing surprising, unfortunate for Savea and Cruden, but have probably proved points that needed to be made, quite pleased to see that looks like Todd may get a bit of game time.

 

[USARugger]

Glad to see BB getting some time. I've been a big fan of his for the past 2-3 years, electric player and always fun to watch. Did think he was a little hard done last year always playing 3rd fiddle to Cruden.

 

[No.8]

Are Savea and Cruden under injury clouds/needing rest or have they simply been dropped?


15 Israel Dagg
14 Ben Smith
13 Conrad Smith
12 Ma'a Nonu
11 Rene Ranger
10 Dan Carter
9 Piri Weepu
8 Kieran Read (c)
7 Sam Cane
6 Victor Vito
5 Luke Romano
4 Sam Whitelock
3 Owen Franks
2 Andrew Hore
1 Wyatt Crockett

Reserves: 16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Tony Woodcock, 18 Ben Franks, 19 Matt Todd, 20 Steven Luatua, 21 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 22 Beauden Barrett, 23 Charles Piutau

 

[FrankLind]

The only injury is Dane Coles with a pulled hamstring.

 

[Dam0]

Are Savea and Cruden under injury clouds/needing rest or have they simply been dropped?

I reckon they have been told to sit this one out so the selectors can see how Ranger and Barrett (on the bench again) go. I don't think it is a reflection on their form at all, and I haven't heard about any injury concerns.

 

[Dan54]

Think it also could be workload, Cruden has started evry S15 game, so a break will do him no harm. Personally wouldn't of bothered with Ranger, as he has confirmed he off to France, but c'est la vie!!!

 

[hawktrain]

Todd getting a spot is awesome for him, well deserved with the work he's clearly put into his game. Hope he gets 20 minutes off the bench and kills it.

 

[Bullrush]

Geez.....with Ranger and Ellison (I'm not sold on Ellison yet - he's hardly done anything really) gone that leaves only B Smith as a back-up 13.....Fruean to the Blues next year!!

 

[No.8]

Has Ranger 100% confirmed that France move yet - I know it was still up in the air...

 

[No.8]

Geez...with Ranger and Ellison (I'm not sold on Ellison yet - he's hardly done anything really) gone that leaves only B Smith as a back-up 13...Fruean to the Blues next year!!

Fruean is moving to the Blues next year?

 

[Dan54]

Has Ranger 100% confirmed that France move yet - I know it was still up in the air.

Yep No 8 he confirmed it yesterday.

Also wonder if anyone decides to try Piatau at 13.

 

[Bullrush]

Fruean is moving to the Blues next year?

Nah....I'm just saying...

The thing I love about Ranger isn't just his explosive running but his defence - both in big tackles and pilfers/turn overs forced - is unmatched by any other back and I think it will be hard to replace that mix.....

 

[Bullrush]

Todd getting a spot is awesome for him, well deserved with the work he's clearly put into his game. Hope he gets 20 minutes off the bench and kills it.

I agree but I think Luke Braid could end up over-taking both Todd and Cane at 7 in the next year or two. The amount of work he gets thru every game is pretty impressive.....