The team has an obvious weakness in the halves, with no first choice stars Shaun Johnson and Kieran Foran, no second choice Thomas Leuluai, and a likely reliance on rookie 21 year olds Kodi Nikorima, and Tuimoala Lolohea.
The team is also missing injured winger Manu Vatuvei. Moreover there are only four specialist props: Adam Blair, Jesse Bromwich, Samuel Moa and Benjamin Matulino. Those four are outstanding, but it raises the question of who will fill in if one of those is injured. Had Sydney Roosters enforcer Jared Waerea-Hargreaves not been injured late in the season, the Kiwi front row would have been unstoppable.
The team will be talented and experienced in every other position except the halves. It is a huge responsibility for the rookie halves, both of whom are actually utility players rather than position specialists, to direct the Kiwi team around the park. Lolohea is in fact a utility player of great talent -- he plays full back, wing, centre, five eighth and scrum half -- but he is more of a running back than a play maker. Nikorima, who plays full back, five eighth and scrum half, as well as hooker, is just out of the under 20s and has little NRL experience.
We have got to this point in part because the nasty New Zealand coach Stephen Kearney is hostile to Benji Marshall.
The team has an obvious weakness in the halves, with no first choice stars Shaun Johnson and Kieran Foran, no second choice Thomas Leuluai, and a likely reliance on rookie 21 year olds Kodi Nikorima, and Tuimoala Lolohea.
The team is also missing injured winger Manu Vatuvei. Moreover there are only four specialist props: Adam Blair, Jesse Bromwich, Samuel Moa and Benjamin Matulino. Those four are outstanding, but it raises the question of who will fill in if one of those is injured. Had Sydney Roosters enforcer Jared Waerea-Hargreaves not been injured late in the season, the Kiwi front row would have been unstoppable.
The team will be talented and experienced in every other position except the halves. It is a huge responsibility for the rookie halves, both of whom are actually utility players rather than position specialists, to direct the Kiwi team around the park. Lolohea is in fact a utility player of great talent -- he plays full back, wing, centre, five eighth and scrum half -- but he is more of a running back than a play maker. Nikorima, who plays full back, five eighth and scrum half, as well as hooker, is just out of the under 20s and has little NRL experience.
We have got to this point in part because the nasty New Zealand coach Stephen Kearney is hostile to Benji Marshall.
Last edited by JEAN CAPDOUZE on Thu Oct 08, 2015 6:34 am, edited 2 times in total.
Looking forward to seeing Taumalolo and Taukeiaho on the pitch at the same time - 2 absolute wrecking balls... Then throw in Tapau and Bromwich - there's some serious beef in that pack....
I know a lot is to do with genetics of the islander kids down there, but we just never seem to develop kids with the size, power and speed that is seen in players like Taukeiaho and Taumalolo. The NRL is awash with kids in their early 20's that would absolutely monster our biggest players in terms of size, power and speed.
For anyone who hasn't seen Taukeiaho play yet, he's a beast - in my view, he could go on to be the best forward in the game, possibly the best ever.... He's massive, he's strong, he's fast, his defence is brutal (all similar to Taumalolo) but he also has the added extra of actually having a good bit of ball playing in him - he'll take the ball to the line at 100 miles and hour and then slip out a pass before collision - can't wait to see him play.
Looking forward to seeing Taumalolo and Taukeiaho on the pitch at the same time - 2 absolute wrecking balls... Then throw in Tapau and Bromwich - there's some serious beef in that pack....
I know a lot is to do with genetics of the islander kids down there, but we just never seem to develop kids with the size, power and speed that is seen in players like Taukeiaho and Taumalolo. The NRL is awash with kids in their early 20's that would absolutely monster our biggest players in terms of size, power and speed.
For anyone who hasn't seen Taukeiaho play yet, he's a beast - in my view, he could go on to be the best forward in the game, possibly the best ever.... He's massive, he's strong, he's fast, his defence is brutal (all similar to Taumalolo) but he also has the added extra of actually having a good bit of ball playing in him - he'll take the ball to the line at 100 miles and hour and then slip out a pass before collision - can't wait to see him play.
I agree. And because of what you say, I cannot see England getting close to the Kiwis.
you're underestimating the imp. of the halfback and 5/8th IMO. NZ won't endear themselves to the referee with the way they'll play. England will get the 50/50 calls, England will unfortunately win this series.
Fullback - R Tuivasa-Sheck Wings - S Kenny-Dowall, J Nightingale Centres - D Whare, P Hiku Five-eighth - T Harris Halfback - T Lolohea Front-rowers - A Blair, J Bromwich No.9 - I luke Back-rowers - A Glenn, J Taumalolo, M Taupau
Marshall hasn't been picked because he's a prima donna as far as Kearney is concerned. That and the fact that despite all the hype he was pretty average for St George this year (as was Widdopp).
Halfbacks aside its still a strong side. Lolohea has huge potential though, and Nikorima is one of those players who can do a lot of damage with his running game, so the most likely issue they'll have is last tackle options and kicking in general.
I've watched Marshall and Widdop a lot this season. They haven't sparked together as well as they should have done, but both of them, and Benji especially, have that touch of class that just shines through.
Its not just England that struggles to produce half backs then. Strong looking squad except for the unknown halfs. Taupau and Taumalolo are the best two forwards on either side IMO.
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