What role is Sione Lauaki likely to play for the AB's at the World Cup?

Question

Given Lauaki's obvious physical attributes I wonder if the Ab's coaches are going to utilise him as an impact player off the bench or as an impact player from the start. When fully fit and with a bit of game time I don't think there is a more devastating player in world rugby, there definately isn't one in NZ. It seems a waste to me if the only game time Lauaki gets is at the back end of games as I believe with his influence the AB's can win games early. I say start with Lauaki and Jerry and destroy the opposition early then bring on Rodney to finish things off. Couldn't be easier, could it?

Answer 1

A  winning role, wether , off the bench or starting ,It doesn`t matter with him, he`ll make an impact, regardless,I agree with your assessment of the guy,he`s awesome, don`t underestimate Rodney  though .When there is talent to burn like this team has got , selections are always going to be debated.

PS....if you want to see more Lauaki impact...just watch the impact his brother makes off the bench for the Warriors tonight.... I wonder how proud their parents must feel ..of those two boys. Both playing in big matches,on either side of the world on the same weekend...

Answer 2

I think the AB's coaching staff with their loose forward selection is on the money.  I don't think Lauaki's work rate ( or his fitness ) is as high as Jerry's or Rodney's.  JC is a bloody good no. 6 and Rodney is the best 8 in in the game IMO.  I say leave Lauaki as an impact player on the bench for the time being in the big matches and reassess after he has had some serious game time.

Answer 3

Yeah. . . he's massive, eh? Handy man to have picking and going up the middle. But I don't think it will be as easy as search and destroy! In my mind the loose trio will have to be doing a ship load of work on D. If we lack possession  it doesn't matter how big Sione or Jerry are. What will matter will be Ritchie and his loose men achieving turn overs, winning scrum feeds, or 3 point plays for DC.  

Especially with our line-out the way it is. The amount of times the AB's didn't even contest at line out time in the tri-nations speaks volumes - instead the  loose men were getting to the first tackle and trying to hold the ball up and prevent the other side driving forward or a ruck forming- winning the feed to the scrum.This tactic will be crucial  to removing the threat the opposition dominating their (and our) line-out ball.  Ritchie and Rodney, Masoe and the invisable Mr Thorne do this well.  JC and Flavell don't seem to be as quick off the mark. Sione has really come a long way and put the hard yards in on D with the Juniors but I still think he has a way to go to be as quick as Rodney or as invisable as Thorne ( high work rate). I actually think if Thorne gets back to the way he was playing in last year he will see more big test game time than JC - simply for playing mad D. All the locks are actually  on the money too. We are bigger smarter and quicker than any other loose trio - and with DC's boot, why not?

I say start with Sione and JC every other pool match, and use as impact players once the incumbents have turned enough ball over to fuel the backs and build a lead.

You're right mate, their family must be fully stoked.

Answer 4

the all blacks have so much strength in that position that in all honesty he'll be lucky to make the bench for the big matches..

He is a fantastic player but Henry will stick to what he trusts more and that will be the obvious choices.

Answer 5

G'day Doughy,

Thank you for your question.

I think that you might be right. As an Australian, I hope that the All Black selectors don't adopt this way of thinking. Lauaki is certainly an impact player. He is listed as one of the reserves for tomorrow against Italy so perhaps the selectors haven't cottoned on. Alternatively, they may be keeping that option for later in the tournament.

Needless to say, the All Blacks look awesome but I still have my hopes with the Wallabies.

Regards