sukkadoits says...

Bateman is a smart operator, a very good player. For mine he does lack direct penetration, a trait NZers have come to expect from an AB 12. For this reason i agree with tweedledee49's selections for the Championship. Also C.Smith is out for much of the Championship so Bateman's chances are lessened for combination purposes.

It is interesting that the player he displaced from the Hurricanes starting squad, Charlie Ngatai, has signed for the Chiefs. Before his horrific leg break it was looking like Ngatai could be our next blockbusting 12. Bateman is cool and safe, but i would prefer a player that can question defences as well as defend in the tight channels. If Ngatai can continue what was a promising development at the Chiefs, he will be knocking on the door nest season.

Posted 23:17 24th July 2012

markpat says...

Sometimes you ahve to consider the partnerships as well as the players though. You may find that Bateman / Smith is a more important combination than Carter / Crotty.

I think, if Nonu were not playing for some reason, Carter would probably play 12, although, personally, I'm not convinced that is better than starting either Crotty or Bateman. I prefer to see centres playing in the centre, rather than a 2nd fly half.

Carter at #12 for the Crusaders this year was fairly anonymous, compared to when he plays #10.

Posted 09:03 24th July 2012

tweedledee49 says...

Wish Bateman the best, he has shown good form this year for the Hurricanes and I do hope he makes it, but I think Nonu will be the specialist while Ellison is back up to him...and then there is Carter who has Cruden breathing down his neck which could see him shift to 12 at times...but like I said, I hope he makes it

Posted 03:52 24th July 2012

FTM89 says...

He really did impressed me this year...

Posted 21:12 23rd July 2012