Ok, i've been one of Takas biggest critics . He's a lazy, ill disciplined footballer. BUT in recent weeks he's done a solid job as a back up winger and cut some of the shit out of his game without being perfect. He's done a job. Regardless of how things go tonight, playing him off the bech is a poor decision.
Now Fergo is back he is not needed in the 17. We need more help in the middle and /or a back up 9. I could be wrong and we lose an outside back early (touch wood) and we'd be lucky he was on the bench, but thats not the thought you have going into games.
BA plays Lane and Manu 80 a week. So he's not needed as an edge backrower (thank god). Theres even less chance he could play as a modern 13. He doesn't have the work ethic. Terepo/Gower/ and Alvaro will probably split time with the props and Marata. So where does it leave Takas? BA has to stop playing favourites with guys like Takas, who quite frankly have been the poster faces of our inconsistency under BA, and do whats best for the balance of the team.
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He will come in handy when BA moves Gutho into the dummy half role, Taka can come on and play wing or centre and either Fergo or Blake can go back to fullback which is a lot better than playing without a fullback in attack like we have been since BA has been replacing Mahoney with Gutho. I am not a fan of this tactic by the way but moving someone else to fullback and replacing them with Taka is a better way to do it.
There's a chance thats what he does, but we weaken 3 positions on the field to spell Reed then. It's stupid.
He might not rate Salmon or Stone as better footballers, but both are better for the balance of the side.
As i said, i don't like what BA is doing with replacing Mahoney with Gutho but what i said above is a far better way to do it. Taka has been playing centre and wing all season so i don't see how it weakens those positions and using either Fergo or Blake at fullback is stronger than not having a fullback.
Takas is a much weaker winger than Fergo.
Fergo isn't a fullback.
Gutho isn't a hooker.
Hence we weaken 3 positions. I get you though, I know you don't think it's ideal and neither do I. I don't think he'll do that anyway.
Absolutely wasted spot on the bench imo
“Regardless how he goes tonight...” really. Plays well and it’s a bad decision to play him. WTF
Taka has been one of our really good contributors over the past 2 months. Some of you guys just won’t let go of preconceived opinions even when the facts fly in the face of these prejudices.
Yes John. If it works tonight he'll do it again, and eventually it will cost you. BA has shown he will repeat things if they work/ he gets away with it. He'll change it when the shit hits the fan.
I agree 100%
Unless there is an injury I don't think Taka even comes on. I think the selection reeks of favouritism.
I note HKF's comment though and this definitely makes sense but like he also noted he, like all of us, isn't a fan of Gutherson moving to hooker mid game as it is.
Nothing against Taka he just doesn't fit our backline.
I think salmon has showed some class and think he should be given the bench spot. The problem with him is he looks like an old school lock(we are coveredy with Nathan brown when not suspended) that does a bit of ball playing or a five eight(covered with Dylan brown) So to bring him in to the game I reckon you could give Mahoney a break , guth goes to hooker , salmon comes on to fullback in attack and switches in defence to defend in the middle, fullbacks and five rights get the ball in similar positions on the field in attack so would be more natural for him.. This does weaken 2 positions sill but would rather give a kid with a lot of upside a go then taka at this stage of his career personally
Retire Gower. Terepo stay on the sun.
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