Viking
Mark Ella (57)
Of course. No-one is saying he is a certainty to be MoTM against the All Blacks. Just that he is the best 8 we have at the moment, regardless of opposition.
And it's not like he's played dozens of games against the ABs and Boks and constantly disappointed. He would have only started in a couple (one of which he WAS good in), and come off the bench in a few more (again showing decent form).
By some of that logic we shouldn't pick a guy like Henry Speight either, because he's never played the ABs and Boks and we don't know that he will perform.
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I don't know if he is the best number 8. Palu is ending the season strong and Higgers had a good season too - and he has a greater skillset.
And in my opinion none of our options are proven Test players - so in reality the number 8 is going to be picked on potential. (the potential to perform against the AB's or Boks)
Maybe McCalman is the most likely player to fullfil that potential - the EOYT certainly backs this claim, but I don't think he is the clear cut favourite as many posters have put it, given that is is only based on potential.
So I guess the connection with Speight is the same, in that both players are picked on potential not past performances.