My Round 1 Team List vs. Coach Websters likely picks.

[Thatwasnthighref]

Is winger really much different than Fullback in the modern game? They get a similar amount of hit ups and need to be good under the high ball at both ends of the field.
Montoya was too inconsistent in that regard. Having RTS there as well as CNK can only be a good thing. And what are your alternatives? Theres no Rook pounding down the door to play.

Massive difference in communication IMO, especially in terms of organising the team on defence. Counting numbers either side of the ruck, moving people around etc.

On attack, fullback often plays a second or third receiver role, so there's an element of decision making, rather than just being on the end of the line.

I think both RTS and CNK are equally adept at the organisational stuff, both have played plenty of games at the back. But CNK probably a nose ahead on the playmaking aspect.

 

[Rich102]

My first criticism is about lack of real speed. My second is about lack of speed. And has anyone told DWZ to stay on his wing in defence? He comes in way too far.

 

[Meth]

Is winger really much different than Fullback in the modern game? They get a similar amount of hit ups and need to be good under the high ball at both ends of the field.
Montoya was too inconsistent in that regard. Having RTS there as well as CNK can only be a good thing. And what are your alternatives? Theres no Rook pounding down the door to play.

good question

definitely a difference in defence

 

[Meth]

Massive difference in communication IMO, especially in terms of organising the team on defence. Counting numbers either side of the ruck, moving people around etc.

On attack, fullback often plays a second or third receiver role, so there's an element of decision making, rather than just being on the end of the line.

I think both RTS and CNK are equally adept at the organisational stuff, both have played plenty of games at the back. But CNK probably a nose ahead on the playmaking aspect.

good comment

I’d suspect most fullbacks could play winger, perhaps with some defensive challenges, but wingers couldn’t necessarily play fullback

 

[Meth]

My first criticism is about lack of real speed. My second is about lack of speed.

yes, a plague of an issue

 

[Thatwasnthighref]

My first criticism is about lack of real speed. My second is about lack of speed.

I know genuine pace is great and you’d rather have it than not, but is it something we need to actively recruit for? I mean Penrith have obviously done pretty well with 5 consec GFs but I don’t think (?) they’ve ever had an outright speedster during that time.

The outside backs for their GF teams were various combinations of:

Edwards (5), To’o (5), Crichton (4), Tago (3), Turuva (2), Mansour (1), May (1), Burton (1), Momarovski (1), Staines (1), and Alamoti (1).

None of those guys are plodders (except maybe Momarovski) but I don’t think any are/were proper speedsters either.

 

[SpaceMonkey]

I know it is unlikely to happen but.... I would like to see Tauipiki given a run in the halves. seems just what we need. Light the fuse and let him go. He sets up players outside him. Is a terrier on defence, shows speed. Adds a bit of spice to a vanilla backline.

Only one pre-season game is not enough in my opinion. Might suit the coaching staff but not the 15,000 selectors in the stands.

Vegas is going to be interesting.

I don’t mind that idea at all. His only defensive issue is a lack of size which puts him at a disadvantage in some FB specific situations (1 on 1 try savers and contests for high ball) and that would be negated in the halves.

 

[JJ]

I know genuine pace is great and you’d rather have it than not, but is it something we need to actively recruit for? I mean Penrith have obviously done pretty well with 5 consec GFs but I don’t think (?) they’ve ever had an outright speedster during that time.

The outside backs for their GF teams were various combinations of:

Edwards (5), To’o (5), Crichton (4), Tago (3), Turuva (2), Mansour (1), May (1), Burton (1), Momarovski (1), Staines (1), and Alamoti (1).

None of those guys are plodders (except maybe Momarovski) but I don’t think any are/were proper speedsters either.

Most are quick, quicker and/or more skilled than what we have

 

[hitro]

I know it is unlikely to happen but.... I would like to see Tauipiki given a run in the halves. seems just what we need. Light the fuse and let him go. He sets up players outside him. Is a terrier on defence, shows speed. Adds a bit of spice to a vanilla backline.

Only one pre-season game is not enough in my opinion. Might suit the coaching staff but not the 15,000 selectors in the stands.

Vegas is going to be interesting.

yes I would like to see this too. Pompey is in the team as goal kicker but take him off at some point of the trial after he has taken a shot or two at a field goal and run Tuaupiki in the halves, taking place kicks and kick some field goals irrespective of the score. NZW have lost so many close games in recent seasons by not having a good field goal drill. Please can they try one with Capewell too