I can see why Razor would look at picking Sotiti over Sotutu. Personally I wouldn't have picked Sotiti, but I always think that AB coaches need players to invest in long term. If he thinks he can make Sotiti a long term pick then that's fair enough. Sometimes these picks don't pay off I.E. Toeava but we have had some legendary bolters like Richie picked early.
Wow where do you get these stats from? I've been searching for a stats resource for super rugby for ages. Anyway, very nice and thoughtful analysis. I think a lot of people have been looking at these stats in quite an isolated fashion but you've done a much better job of contextualizing them here so well done. Another stat that you didn't cover was the offloads where Sotutu is second in the comp. This is probably why his try assist stat is so much higher than the others. When you consider that in line with your stats on how much more inclined he is to pass, I think it shows he's a clearly a different kind of 8 who is instead looking to create space and put his teammates into it rather than just bash it up. Generally teams are looking for that precious gain line from their 8s at the top level (would be interesting to see the stats on that) so maybe that counts against him although it didn't seem to be a problem for the blues who prized that above all else this year. With all that said though, it was his work on the other side of the ball that was called out, not his work with ball in hand. I think your stats show his tackling is clearly below average compared to the others although it could be argued not criminally so.. The stat highlighting his higher rate of getting turnovers could be relevant as it could be like you say, he is looking to jackal rather than getting involved in the tackle, but that also doesn't covered for the missed tackles. Still, it's work on the other side of the ball, and he's good at at least that aspect of it. Overall it looks like Sotutu could just be a bit of a square peg for a round hole. It's a tough way to be in a game that generally want it's pieces to fit together like a well oiled machine.
Lot of big names missing. But France have been taking B teams to the southern hemisphere for too long. Every southern hemisphere team should put out B teams against France as a protest
Man what does Seb Cancillerie have to do to get selected. Always such a great player and so consistently good. Do you know if he is being rested? But good to see Santiago Cordero back in the mix. Still remember he was electric in the 2015 WC.
I personally really liked the attachment looting to fully kit out your guns rather than just building a loadout pregame and rushing to get it which just feels cheesy to me, but the TTK/sweatiness of Blackout definitely made it difficult to play lol 😚🍒
As an Irish resident I've followed him closely and he brought us forward with a very direct approach but having a solid set piece, brutal at the breakdown and impeccable discipline. Be interesting to see how takes Australia forward and with what philosophy.
YES!!! that's exactly her name (Mrs Elizabeth Regina Nelsen) so many people have recommended highly about her and I'm just starting with her from Brisbane Australia🇦🇺
Wow. I'm a bit perplexed seeing Elizabeth Regina Nelsen been mentioned here also Didn't know she has been good to so many people too this is wonderful, I'm in my fifth trade with her and it has been super
Hoskin knows what the plan is and so do I.... He's in the team...just needs a little more time to develop...I have a gutt feeling Patrick Tuipolotu is holding a knee injury... Luke Jacobson deserves his spot even though his stats are the lowest of the 4 locks (Sititi, Jacobson and Tuipolotu)...I believe Jacobson is more ready for Test Rugby... thanks for reading my analysis.God bless the All Blacks.
I must commend you on pronouncing all those South African names so well. It takes hard work. Wildcard had me in stitches trying to say Phepsi Buthelezi, Buthelezi being a very famous Zulu name and full name being Phendulani Sikhizane Hendrick "Phepsi" Buthelezi and not after the cool drink. Let alone that one is looking for Kwagga who is Albertus Stephanus 'Kwagga' Smith.
Hope we don't lose Hoskins to overseas teams. If he's truly dedicated to winning a black jersey then he will persist and he and our country will be better for it. Keep on keeping on Hoskins.
Sotutu not making it in to the ABs is now old news! What I want to know is how the hell did Ethan Blackadder make the team!!?? What has he done all season to get picked?? Oh thats right hes from the crusaders just like razor 😴😴💤
When you consider thos ireland team Vs that #1 team they'll be without jgp, sexton, Hansen, Keenan, Conan. Ringrose, JOB and Ryan all just back from long term injuries. I'm expecting a 2-0 loss but hope we can scalp 1 win. Ireland's depth is overstated. We've solid players but no one of sexton, Hansen, Keenan, JGP ilk at second choice. We just cant match other nations where the game is bigger or more popualr like that.
Good video, as always Mark. Trust me: Rassie and Co are absolutely bent on thrashing the Irish, hence the older stalwarts will be deployed for the next two tests. But as from the Portugal test and on to the Rugby Championship, Rassie and Co will deploy more of the youngsters as they start building for RWC 2027. Rassie has said on a few occasions now that they really want two teams with all players being interchangeable, which will greatly assist with player management and the management of injuries. Cheers from Safferland chaps! 🇿🇦
What about discipline? Penalties conceded would be easy enough to find. Beyond that AB teams have started to concede a lot of cards Vs NH teams. Is there anything about these players' tackle technique that might be worrying selectors?
Adding Backadder & Bell just sink full stop. I'm no Jacobsen fan either. I would have gone Sotutu, Lakai & Lose. Move Ardie to No.6. Shocking first call Raor.....
The lions tour hasn't had the buzz that it's had in previous build ups. I'm really hoping Australia can string together some performances to show us a team on the rise and generate some uncertainty. All these new caps suggests 2025 might be too soon but I wouldn't be surprised to see some strong outings building up to 2027.
Schmidt didn't leave Ireland on exactly great terms. Initially he was the Missiah of Irish rugby but things did go South. Not sure what he brought to Irish rugby will work down under? We had the skill set but Schmidt brought the finesse and the finish.
Watching Rassie's press conference today regarding the squad for Ireland, you understand more why certain players we as fans would want to see and think deserve a shot...#TrustInRassie
Quite a lot of newbies in that team! Joe might not get the results immediately, but there is talent in that team. Interesting that Tim Ryan didn't make it, as he's been a try-scoring machine!
He didn’t got picked now, but who knows, this is a long 4-year RWC campaign, he certainly can get picked later. I wouldn’t make a big deal out of this. Also, lets see how Sotutu takes this, he lowers his performance or steps it up.
alot of these players will not make it to the next world cup......hope Rassie doesnt fall into that trap about tried and tested with the old guard.....need to get as many young guns up to speed ASAP
@@TwoCentsRugby he was full of praise for Billy on his work rate, defense, attack and ended of by saying there is a real opportunity for Billy. You can listen to him on the Aeterora Rugby Pod, great interview. But I cant find stats, but curious to see how they compare. I like the idea of Proctor starting with Jordie, be interesting to see if the stats back that up.