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Clear winner in fans' choice for the unluckiest All Black squad member

By Josh Raisey
Sonny Bill Williams is replaced by Ryan Crotty during the All Blacks' win over England at Twickenham last November. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)

Based on the team that defeated the Springboks in the opening match of their Rugby World Cup campaign, there are not too many surprises to the All Blacks squad that face Ireland this Saturday in Tokyo in the quarter-final.

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There are some minor tweaks to the starting XV, however, which sees Codie Taylor start and Brodie Retallick play after recovering from his shoulder injury. Another decision by Steve Hansen was to drop Ryan Crotty completely for a midfield reshuffle.

Anton Lienert-Brown, who started at outside centre against the Springboks, moves to 12, while Jack Goodhue moves to 13. Sonny Bill Williams and Jordie Barrett are both on the bench, as no flyhalf is needed with Beauden Barrett and Richie Mo’unga in the squad.

Many fans on Twitter feel that Crotty is very unlucky to miss out on a place in the squad, as even if he were to be dropped from the starting XV, there may have still been a place on the bench for him.

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However, some have also noted that it is an impressive midfield nonetheless, particularly with the inform Lienert-Brown. While it may have been a toss-up between Goodhue and Crotty, Hansen may want to try Lienert-Brown at 12, which probably leaves Goodhue as the better option at 13.

Similarly, Williams perhaps poses more of a threat from the bench over Crotty, so the 45-cap international has just been shaded by his teammates.

This is what has been said:

https://twitter.com/crouchbindset_/status/1184790123625381891?s=20
https://twitter.com/MatthewRiding/status/1184746048994062342?s=20
https://twitter.com/Doc_Torio/status/1184741617447690240?s=20
https://twitter.com/nqobzasheen/status/1184739254796201984?s=20
https://twitter.com/TNJ12/status/1184738193696067584?s=20
https://twitter.com/AgzAggie/status/1184704487639797760?s=20
https://twitter.com/tmoroney4697/status/1184724873941278725?s=20

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This is a good position for Hansen to be in, as all four of his centres are worthy of starting in the biggest matches, and will all be vying for a place should they get through Ireland. Even Williams himself can be deemed unlucky not to start, particularly after his showing against Canada earlier in the tournament.

Having beaten the All Blacks twice in the last three matches that they have played, Hansen is not taking Ireland lightly, and this is starting to look like his first-choice squad.

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Trevor 8 minutes ago
Will forgotten Wallabies fit the Joe Schmidt model?

Thanks Brett.. At last a positive article on the potential of Wallaby candidates, great to read. Schmidt’s record as an international rugby coach speaks for itself, I’m somewhat confident he will turn the Wallaby’s fortunes around …. on the field. It will be up to others to steady the ship off the paddock. But is there a flaw in my optimism? We have known all along that Australia has the players to be very competitive with their international rivals. We know that because everyone keeps telling us. So why the poor results? A question that requires a definitive answer before the turn around can occur. Joe Schmidt signed on for 2 years, time to encompass the Lions tour of 2025. By all accounts he puts family first and that’s fair enough, but I would wager that his 2 year contract will be extended if the next 18 months or so shows the statement “Australia has the players” proves to be correct. The new coach does not have a lot of time to meld together an outfit that will be competitive in the Rugby Championship - it will be interesting to see what happens. It will be interesting to see what happens with Giteau law, the new Wallaby coach has already verbalised that he would to prefer to select from those who play their rugby in Australia. His first test in charge is in July just over 3 months away .. not a long time. I for one wish him well .. heaven knows Australia needs some positive vibes.

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B
Bull Shark 4 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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