Johnson or Marshall??

[franklin2323]

Simple who is better Shaun Johnson or Marshall?? I say Johnson. He has the tricks of Benji but a far better kicking game. Can Marshall bomb?? I have seen Johnson put some real high one's up and land pretty much where he aimed.

Benji's lucky he is captain or he would be in trouble for his spot in the NZ team.

 

[Parra Pride]

If you ask me, it shoukd be Foran or Marshall, considering they are both 5/8.

 

[Fast Eddie]

No brainer at this stage, Benji. Johnson needs a full off season and a good year to back it up next season.

 

[franklin2323]

If you ask me, it shoukd be Foran or Marshall, considering they are both 5/8.

I was going to but he's the calming player. More often then not he will play with an attacking player outside him. But I will add him

 

[franklin2323]

No brainer at this stage, Benji. Johnson needs a full off season and a good year to back it up next season.

As an Aussie it doesn't bother me. However coming out of trouble Johnson will kick for the corners Benji will go the trick play and against Australia or England that could be suicide and could lose a test match

 

[Noa]

Marshall for now but he still hasnt fixed his kicking game and ordinary options he takes at times. Johnson will pass him in 2 years.

 

[Once Dead]

Marshall lucky to be captain or else his spot in the team would be in doubt? Serious? Really?

This is the same logic that called for Mateo to be the NSW 5/8th. Sure Johnson looks good but what major stage has he ever played on? Rookie years are always good, let's have him back it up with a year or two of unbelievable performances before you start thinking about removing Marshall who has been there, done that and helped NZ to several big wins.

 

[PaddyBoy]

Marshall lucky to be captain or else his spot in the team would be in doubt? Serious? Really?

This is the same logic that called for Mateo to be the NSW 5/8th. Sure Johnson looks good but what major stage has he ever played on? Rookie years are always good, let's have him back it up with a year or two of unbelievable performances before you start thinking about removing Marshall who has been there, done that and helped NZ to several big wins.

This. GF winner, WC and 4N winner (with NZ). Might have weaknesses, but as we all saw on the weekend, Johnson was invisible for the first half. He might get better, but he isn't at this stage.

2nd year syndrome could kick in hard.

 

[the rebel]

Definitely Marshall at this stage. I was at a party last year when the Kiwis played Australia in the Tri Nations final and being drunk at the time I told my mates (in jest) Johnson would end up being better than Marshall. After that game I copped a lot of stick from my mates for the last six months. To be honest, I can't believe how well Shaun Johnson has played this year, he seems like he has a good head on his shoulders and can handle the big stage well. I think in time he has the talent and temperament to surpass Benji.

 

[franklin2323]

Marshall lucky to be captain or else his spot in the team would be in doubt? Serious? Really?

Well Foran is that calming influence won't do anything special but won't make mistakes.

Can Marshall tackle no. Can Johnson no So defence is equal.
Can Marshall come up with the trick play yes. Can Johnson Yes. Again both equal
Can Marshall kick no. Can Johnson Yes. kicking is the difference and in big games it could be the difference.

Both can go missing at times as well.

Although I think Johnson will come off the bench as an hooker except for the Wales game.

 

[PaddyBoy]

Well Foran is that calming influence won't do anything special but won't make mistakes.

Can Marshall tackle no. Can Johnson no So defence is equal.
Can Marshall come up with the trick play yes. Can Johnson Yes. Again both equal
Can Marshall kick no. Can Johnson Yes. kicking is the difference and in big games it could be the difference.

Both can go missing at times as well.

Although I think Johnson will come off the bench as an hooker except for the Wales game.

Foran does do special stuff to be fair, just not as often. kicks in play on the first etc might not light the world on fire but they're important decisions which he gets right. Not trying to be an overly picky merkin but he does have some classy touches.

Other bit, Marshall goes missing much less than Johnson does. Marshall goes missing here and there in the occasional game, Johnson can go missing for entire halves.

 

[PacificCoastRL]

Another year or two as an understudy to Benji will do Johnson a world of good. Then, if he continues to get better, watch out.

 

[Bluebags1908]

Simple who is better Shaun Johnson or Marshall?? I say Johnson. He has the tricks of Benji but a far better kicking game. Can Marshall bomb?? I have seen Johnson put some real high one's up and land pretty much where he aimed.

Benji's lucky he is captain or he would be in trouble for his spot in the NZ team.

I can't believe you are even asking this question - Benji by so far it's just not funny.

 

[hutch]

Johnson has a massive future, but shouldn't even be talked about in the same sentence as Marshall. It's almost like comparing Mortimer to Lockyer in 09! Way too early!

 

[franklin2323]

Foran does do special stuff to be fair, just not as often. kicks in play on the first etc might not light the world on fire but they're important decisions which he gets right. Not trying to be an overly picky merkin but he does have some classy touches.

Other bit, Marshall goes missing much less than Johnson does. Marshall goes missing here and there in the occasional game, Johnson can go missing for entire halves.

Foran does for sure A few great passes etc but his main strength is the great chase on kicks.

I thought Johnson was quiet in the 1st 1/2 of the GF and then I watched the replay. He did a few booming bombs and kicks to the corners etc. It's a great problem to have over coming years.

 

[Izz]

The kid's played 15 FG games. Give him another two seasons to stake his claim, so he can help us retain the world cup.

 

[bazza]

The issue for NZ at the moment is how these two would go as half + 5/8 in the same team given that they have very similar styles

 

[Bobby DIGital]

It's gonna be the triangle of terror when Foran moves to lock in the future...

 

[adamkungl]

It's gonna be the triangle of terror when Foran moves to lock in the future...

This is the right thinking...forget about centre where they're apparently considering playing him.

As for Johnson v Benji, talk about blowing your load early. Very talented kid but that's it at this stage - same with DCE. Wait til they've got a few seasons under their belt with oppositions studying their every move.
Personally i find it astounding that DCE is in the Aus squad.

Look at Pearce for example - massive wraps on him in 08 at just 19, outstanding season. Again in 2010, second half of the season he was by far the dominant half in the comp. 09 and 11 far quieter years, partially due to the performance of the team around him but also inexperience due to youth. And due to this, media and fans who built him up can't wait to bag the bloke. Wait til DCE Or Johnson has a quiet half a season and the myth calls come flying. Imagine if Mortimer was chucked in the Aus side after 09 :lol:

 

[Noa]

The issue for NZ at the moment is how these two would go as half + 5/8 in the same team given that they have very similar styles

They could co-exist for now with Benji being the main man and Johnson doing the majority of the kicking.

I think OP' question is valid because as mega-talented as Benji is he has 2 massive holes in his game for a dominate half. To me magic is showing signs of becoming the player Benji shouldve but in all reality never will.