Err, unless he can prove that he can specialise that's exactly what he is about to be!
Woodcock chooses to be a Highlander in 2013.
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Yeah no worries
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Geoff Shaw (53)
A prop that can play both sides doesn't have a value in the match day 22 presuming every single prop in your whole squad in uninjured. In reality, a coach would be singing a versatile prop's praises late in the season.
Plus, it's 2012. Surely a prop's ability outside of the scrum has be equally important to his scrummaging (if not more important). Ben is damn solid around the park.
Basically, the myth that a versatile prop isn't any good anymore is bullshit. Think about how handy a good loosey/lock is.
Second Test in a row he's out of the 22 for a Specialist tight head.
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Lol good for you
en_force_er
Geoff Shaw (53)
You're a pretty antagonistic guy, why come on a discussion forum if discussion is beneath you?
I don't understand how one can debate a current All Black is neither a good scrumager or good around the park, whilst simultaneously debating scrums are the only important thing about a test prop.
These opinions might fly with your buds but the reality is smarter rugby brains than you and I back my side of the argument.
Scott Allen
Trevor Allan (34)
And there's where we're getting it wrong in Australia - set piece work is more important than ability around the field. We only have to look at the AB's to learn a lesson.
Of course that's not to say it's the only thing to make a selection on but you have to have a solid set piece platform to build a game plan on.
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I apologies, I assumed you were another suggesting he is useless.. I acknowledge he might not be the best, but I don't agree with remarks he is anywhere near useless.
Thanks for the personality assessment I never asked for. Why reply if you don't like the way I post?
As for simultaneously debating this...
Scrummaging, lifting and tackling are the core duties of a prop in the AB's.
Ability around the park is not as important, because without the former, the latter is of no consequence.
Ben Franks is not as effective as his younger brother at either.
Tony Woodcock scrums well, lifts well, tackles well, and plays well around the park.
Wyatt Crockett isn't a great scrummager, but his height aids his lifting. He is prone to poor tackling. He is good around the park though, but concedes too many penalties.
Ben Franks is midway between Woodcock and Crockett. Which is of no use if you want to dominate scrums, or lineouts, or tackling, or running.
It's a stop gap measure, which is sub par for the All Blacks. That won't go away with the new two-prop-subs rule. But it will subtract the option of accepting a drop in effectiveness for a gain in versatility.
Ben Franks is hoping to specialise as a tighthead at the Highlanders which is why he wont go to the Blues. He's clearly going to focus on scrummaging.
I hope he can prove me wrong, I love it when that happens.
Does that make sense?
(I don't bother writing IMO, because if it wasn't I'd be quoting someone else)
FrankLind
Colin Windon (37)
He must be pretty confident he cam make as the no 2 tighthead in NZ behind his brother.
For tighthead, he has stiff competition from Owen Franks Ben Afeaki, Ben Tamiefuna, Charlie Faumuina and maybe Jeff Toomaga Allen. (all of whom are younger than him and improving)
On the loosehead there is only Wyatt Crockett (with scrum issues) and an aging Woodcock
I'd take the easier route.
For tighthead, he has stiff competition from Owen Franks Ben Afeaki, Ben Tamiefuna, Charlie Faumuina and maybe Jeff Toomaga Allen. (all of whom are younger than him and improving)
On the loosehead there is only Wyatt Crockett (with scrum issues) and an aging Woodcock
I'd take the easier route.
ACR
Desmond Connor (43)
Well I don't care what anyone says. For the Highlanders, Woodcock and Ben Franks would both be HUGE improvements on last years props. Then we'd only need our locks to stop being idiots and we're good for a finals spot, and I do mean idiots, Jared Hoeata spends half the match looking for someone to pillow fight with and Bekhuis tags along. Hoeata could actually be a very good player if he channelled his aggression and played a bit 'smarter' dare I say.
Forcefield
Ken Catchpole (46)
I'd add being a dickhead to those duties. Or maybe it is just a coincidence with Woodcock and Owen Franks.
Wow, you know both of them well enough to make that judgement? Who knew "Forcefield" is actually someone!
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