westwinds31 wrote: ↑Sat Jul 18, 2020 5:51 pm
Purely going on Mr Bull’s list, Kelly appears to be the centre in the development squad. I can’t comment on him or whether he could feature in the first team. I suspect not yet. 12 is such a difficult position to fill. Daryl Gibson was a rock, defensively superb and a great communicator. Anthony Allen less so but still very good. They don’t come along to often. Scott and Taute are obviously good players but it would be worth waiting to get someone long term who won’t be away...and the right player. Although it’s great to have a bunch of interchangeable players, I’d prefer a 12 who plays 12 and nothing else. Laumape, Goodhue....probably not available along with other decent Kiwis. Tricky.
Goodhue has only moved to 12 this season, to replace Crotty, though he has adapted his game superbly.
Laumape, I can never understand why he hasn’t got more All Black caps. Just watching now his performance against The Blues, all power and pace brilliant performance, one of the few centres in world rugby that could match the power of that bloke that used to play for Tigers.
If New Zealand don’t pick him, there will be plenty of big yen/euro offers for him
I do think Laumape could be an ideal Manu replacement in terms of the physicality he brings to midfield. He definitely appears to be a falling out of the AB picture a bit, with Lienert-Brown and Goodhue looking the favoured pairing, and the likes of Ennor and Ioane going well at 13. Plus if you still have to try and fit in both Barrett’s, McKenzie and Mo’unga.
frenchtiger123 wrote: ↑Sat Jul 18, 2020 12:25 pm
Not sure if I've missed anything here, but I haven't seen Lavanini on any of the Social Media channels since the contract issues started?
He’s been on Instagram regularly, usually with pictures of large steaks that he is about to bbq.
From recent photos he is currently taking a short break with his family in Dorset
frenchtiger123 wrote: ↑Sat Jul 18, 2020 12:25 pm
Not sure if I've missed anything here, but I haven't seen Lavanini on any of the Social Media channels since the contract issues started?
He’s been on Instagram regularly, usually with pictures of large steaks that he is about to bbq.
From recent photos he is currently taking a short break with his family in Dorset
In Dorset????
Lulworth Cove is the latest pic. Which is in Dorset
RagingBull wrote: ↑Sat Jul 18, 2020 3:24 pm
Tenuous rumour but saw a South African rugby fan say that Hurricanes wing Kobus Van Wyk has signed for us?
So out of the blue it might actually have something too it.
Would be please, not the biggest or fastest wing but decent mix of the 2, like Thompstone 4/5 years ago.
Van Wyk has been pretty decent for the Hurricanes in 2020.
Three tries puts him ahead of the likes of Sevu Reece & Reiko Ioane, although he gifted the Crusaders the win last month trying to keep the ball alive instead of clearing it 5m out from his own try line
Yes how O’Gara esq. We’ve all been there at least once (in that we have all done something silly that cost the game etc).
Formerly of Burbaaage (not Inkleh), now up north at uni
frenchtiger123 wrote: ↑Sat Jul 18, 2020 12:25 pm
Not sure if I've missed anything here, but I haven't seen Lavanini on any of the Social Media channels since the contract issues started?
He’s been on Instagram regularly, usually with pictures of large steaks that he is about to bbq.
From recent photos he is currently taking a short break with his family in Dorset
In Dorset????
Yes, I can thoroughly recommend it.....I’ll get me coat....
Van Wyk has been pretty decent for the Hurricanes in 2020.
Three tries puts him ahead of the likes of Sevu Reece & Reiko Ioane, although he gifted the Crusaders the win last month trying to keep the ball alive instead of clearing it 5m out from his own try line
Yes how O’Gara esq. We’ve all been there at least once (in that we have all done something silly that cost the game etc).
Given I think a wing replacement would have been on the shopping list of the club before we had the 5 not sign up to the new contracts, could definitely see a winger coming in before replacements for Manu et al
Used to run around with an 11, 14 or 15 on my back.
frenchtiger123 wrote: ↑Sat Jul 18, 2020 12:25 pm
Not sure if I've missed anything here, but I haven't seen Lavanini on any of the Social Media channels since the contract issues started?
He’s been on Instagram regularly, usually with pictures of large steaks that he is about to bbq.
From recent photos he is currently taking a short break with his family in Dorset
In Dorset????
Roads are awful but some very nice coastline. Lyme Regis is a lovely place to visit if you want a holiday on the south coast.
BigDan50 wrote: ↑Sat Jul 18, 2020 11:18 pm
Tiger Boy, would be nice if true but what is the source of statement, can’t find anything about it on any news or social media.
FrontRowUnionMember wrote: ↑Sat Jul 18, 2020 8:21 pm
I do think Laumape could be an ideal Manu replacement in terms of the physicality he brings to midfield. He definitely appears to be a falling out of the AB picture a bit, with Lienert-Brown and Goodhue looking the favoured pairing, and the likes of Ennor and Ioane going well at 13. Plus if you still have to try and fit in both Barrett’s, McKenzie and Mo’unga.
New Zealand’s decision to drop him for the World Cup was utterly stupid, okay he wouldn’t have saved their skins in the semifinal but it’s ridiculous that he isn’t favoured more by the All Blacks. Oh well they’re loss if he moves abroad!
Formerly of Burbaaage (not Inkleh), now up north at uni
Not sure where to put this so my apologies, but number 2 son has told me that Sam Harrison, turned out for an Aussie A league side recently. Can’t see it mentioned anywhere, but good to see he hasn’t thrown his boots away completely
RagingBull wrote: ↑Sat Jul 18, 2020 3:24 pm
Tenuous rumour but saw a South African rugby fan say that Hurricanes wing Kobus Van Wyk has signed for us?
So out of the blue it might actually have something too it.
Would be please, not the biggest or fastest wing but decent mix of the 2, like Thompstone 4/5 years ago.
Short film about him made by SKY on YouTube, played for Sharks and Stormers before going to Wellington, would certainly be a step up on any current squad wingers except Nadolo