Aoteroa Rugby Pod: Who would line-up for the All Blacks in a hybrid Kangaroos clash?
The prospect of a hybrid union-league clash between the All Blacks and Kangaroos have dominated headlines over the past week as reports indicate the possibility of the match coming to fruition by the end of the year.
How such a fixture would be ruled, or whether the event would go ahead at all, remains to be seen, but that hasn’t stopped Super Rugby Aotearoa stars Bryn Hall and James Parsons from dreaming up a star-studded All Blacks side to take on the NRL’s best.
Speaking to Ross Karl on the debut episode of RugbyPass’ Aotearoa Rugby Pod, Blues hooker Parsons said the cross-code encounter would hold plenty of intrigue, especially if lineouts and scrums were part of the hybrid rules.
“I just think, if leaguies had to do scrums and lineouts, it would just be tough work,” the two-test All Blacks rake said.
“We spend a lot of time on those various aspects or set pieces of the game, and then to just pull up and try and do it, even if they had a month’s preparation, it would be a bit of a challenge and probably a little bit unfair.
“But then you’ve got to look on the other side in terms of the athletes leaguies have.
“Props and tight five members having to back up 10 [metres] all the time, for that league aspect, would be a challenge as well in terms of the fitness and that ability.
“You’ve already seen the adjustments in the league rules in the fatigue that’s happening in those big boys through the middle, so it could be fair.”
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Crusaders halfback Hall, who said he dabbled in league as a youngster, doubled down on Parsons’ sentiments before revealing he had discussed a possible 13-man All Blacks starting line-up with his flatmate and franchise teammate Will Jordan.
“We had Beaudy Barrett and Richie [Mo’unga] in the halves and we had TJ [Perenara] at No. 9 [a hooker in rugby league],” he said.
“We had Rieko [Ioane] in the centre, [as well as Ngani] Laumape, and then on the wings, we couldn’t really decide if we wanted a big ball carrier, like a Ken Maumalo or a [David] Fusitu’a kind of set-up.”
Parsons was adamant at least one physically dominant wing would be required in a rugby league starting line-up, pointing to his teammate and breakout Blues star Caleb Clarke as a good option to fill that role.
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However, the 33-year-old was unsure who in New Zealand rugby would be suitable to fill the fullback position to counter reigning Dally M Medallist and Sydney Roosters star James Tedesco.
“Teddy Tedesco is pretty special, it’s [fullback] quite a key position. Maybe we just steal [Warriors captain] Roger [Tuivasa-Sheck] and say, ‘Roger, jump in for the rugby side’,” Parsons laughed.
Both Karl and Hall offered alternatives of their own, with the former proposing that Hurricanes utility back Jordie Barrett slot into the No. 1 jersey, while the latter thought Chiefs playmaker Damian McKenzie’s attacking attributes couldn’t be overlooked.
“Damian would be awesome. I think that’s who we named, his electricity, his distribution skills and his slipperiness. It’d be a good team,” Hall said.
Karl and Parsons both agreed that Blues flyer and one-test Kiwis wing Matt Duffie could be a reliable option given his experience in the NRL with the Melbourne Storm.
Up front, Parsons believed veteran Hurricanes hooker Dane Coles may be well-suited to the hooker role in rugby league, although Hall said he could play a similar role former Cronulla Sharks captain Paul Gallen in the No. 13 jersey.
The duo came to a consensus that Blues skipper Patrick Tuipulotu, who is enjoying career-best form this season, would be a powerhouse in the forward pack.
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Karl, meanwhile, stated that young Crusaders wing Leicester Fainga’anuku could pack a punch at No. 13.
“Leicester Fainga’anuku, I reckon you could maybe fit in at lock. A big dude like that could be really interesting through the middle of the field,” he said.
There’s no doubting the All Blacks could field a competitive team in the highly-discussed clash, but Parsons was philosophical about whether the event would go ahead at all.
“I think there’s a lot of water to go under the bridge. There’s a lot to work out and, I suppose, it’ll come down to the commercial dollar and whether it’s worth doing,” he said.
“If everyone’s keen to buy in fully and commit to the product, then I think there’s room for it, especially after the end of this year, anything’s possible.”
Comments on RugbyPass
Quite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to commentsI think Finau to start Blackadder to come on. Poss Prokter instead of Ioane, haven't seen much from Reiko so far this year.
10 Go to commentsJoe will have had a good chat with Dave Rennie, a smart move to begin with while it’s doubtful Fast Eddie will be consulted? Plenty of Aus players hitting top form so they should go OK.
3 Go to commentsMmm. Not sure I like this article or see it as necessary.
1 Go to commentsBlackadder but no Finau! 😀 It’s Razor so you are probably right, plus Taylor at 2…
10 Go to commentsThe strongest possible AB side would actually include Aaron Smith, Bodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Shannon Frizzel.. don’t get me started on the rest of the injury hit brigade that got flung on the heap so left. Many a whole not getting filled as of yet.
10 Go to commentsI don’t think anyone knows what Schmidt will do, one thing is certain it ain’t gonna be all the picks we on the keyboard will think. My impression of him is that he will be looking at who can step up and what is the best combination. He will ignore individuals as he looks for guys who can build a powerful team and not just guys who can make a flashy run or ignore the winger as they want to score themselves.
3 Go to commentsSome dumb selections there. Not Porecki Not Donaldson Not Gordon Not Lonegran - both Not Nic White - Fines instead Not Liam Wright Not Paisami Definitely not Vunivalu Other than that not bad.
3 Go to commentsI've never been convinced that Patty T is a test match all black. Otherwise I probably agree it's the best side available to beat the poms. Caveat that Codie Taylor is yet to be seen and could very likely warrant selection by June. I hope that Razor brings the young loosies, half backs and locks into the training squad and develops/ selects the best
10 Go to commentsYou doing the same thing I disliked about the example of Samisoni Taukei'aho, Nick. He’s great the way he is, you’re trying to do what modern-day coaches frustrate me doing, turning everyone into the perfect athlete. Next thing you’ll be telling me you’ll bench him until he’s hit that arbitrary marker, and can’t overtake the current guy who’s doing all his workons. He’s a young Kieran Read, through and through, plays wide and has threat, mainly (and evident in your clips) through his two hand carry and speed. Just let him work on that, or whatever he wants, and determine his own future. Play God and you risk the players going sideways, like Read did, instead of being a Toutai Kefu. I mean I was in the same camp for a while, wanting our tight five to have the size, and carry ability, as the teams they were getting beat by. Now I’m starting to believe those teams just have better skilled and practiced individuals, bigger by upwards of 5kg sometimes, sure, but more influentially they have those intrinsic skills of trust and awareness. Basically our guys just didn’t know wtf they were doing. Don’t think I’m trying to prove a point here but hasn’t Caleb Clarke been in much better form this year, or does he just ‘look’ better now that he’s not always trying to use his size?
44 Go to commentsThe pack lacks a little in height for the line out and I wouldn’t be completely convinced by some of the combinations till we see it in action.
10 Go to commentsThe side is good but lacks experience. International playing bona fides udually trumps super rugby form for good reason. And incumbents are usually stuck with. Codie Taylor should start or come off the bench. B Barrett will start at fullback. Blackadder has not earned the position, Finau has. TJs experience and competitiveness earns him a starting role, Christie or Ratima off the bench
10 Go to commentsPretty good side. Scott Barrett should be the captain. Ethan Blackadder a great choice at blindside. He is going to go from strength to strength having made a couple of starts for the Crusaders. Scott Robertson rates him highly. Perenara could start a no 9.
10 Go to commentsI question and with respect. Was enough done over the last few years to bring through new blood knowing the Whitelocks and co couldn’t last forever. There should have been more done to future proof the team. New squad new coach, he and they weren’t set up well. IMO
6 Go to commentsJacobsen will definitely be in the 23
10 Go to commentsLots of discussion points, Ben, but two glaring follies IMO: 1. Blackadder at 6. Has done nothing so far this season to justify his selection. Did you see him going backwards in contact at the weekend? Simply has not got the physical presence at 6: we need a Scott Barrett or a Finau (or wildcard Ah Kuoi), beasts who are big enough to play lock, like Frizzell. If Barret played at 6, Paddy could be joined at lock by Vai’i or one of the young giants we need to promote, like Darry or Lord (if he ever gets on the field). Blackadder best left to join the queue for 7. 2. Not even a mention for Christie? Ratima gets caught at crucial times at the back of the ruck when he hesitates on the pass. The only way he starts would be if Christie and TJ are injured.
10 Go to commentsWhat a dagg in more ways than one
6 Go to commentsRegroup come back next year but sack some of the coaching team and don't be like the ABs last minute sacking. If Crusaders don't do well ABs don't do well.
5 Go to commentsProctor Definitely inform again this year had a hell of a season last year and this year is looking even better. Still mixed feelings about Ioane tho.
4 Go to commentsDagg is still trying to get enough headlines to make himself relevant enough to get a job. The Crusaders went back to square one at all levels. Shelve this season and nail the next one.
6 Go to comments