All Blacks v Argentina II
-
With certain players being “available for selection” for test 1, but in all reality were never going to be selected because of when they arrived in Argentina, this weekend presents a real opportunity to make a few necessary changes.
Parker - Razor, if my emails and texts haven’t been clear, it’s the perfect time to play this kid. Select him on the bench and let him at it.
Sititi - now that he is fully fit he needs game time. I’d imagine he is itching to get out there and build on his test form of last year even after a mixed super season. Plus we can move Ardie back to 7.
TNT - ALB is officially cooked and this young fella is what we need to provide a little more punch in that midfield.
Overall the only baffling selection in my eyes is Beaudie. He did a couple of nice touches and he defended for the most part well. But his kicking execution - option taking and lack of depth is putting huge pressure on us. Again I’m not against kicking and many of his options are decent (but no depth), but it’s the glaringly obvious poor ones that turn out attack immediate into us defending again and in bad territorial positions.
-
Tuipulotu is apparently in doubt, which might mean Vaa'i is covering lock again and two loose forwards on the bench - it's either that or Lord - so even more of an opportunity to have Parker there. Both he and Sititi could start from the bench if they're worried about their fitness or Sititi could start with Savea shifting back to openside and either Kirifi or Lakai on the bench with Parker. The latter option seems like too many changes for Robertson though.
-
@ShaquilleOatmeal said in All Blacks v Argentina II:
Tuipulotu is apparently in doubt, which might mean Vaa'i is covering lock again and two loose forwards on the bench - it's either that or Lord - so even more of an opportunity to have Parker there. Both he and Sititi could start from the bench if they're worried about their fitness or Sititi could start with Savea shifting back to openside and either Kirifi or Lakai on the bench. The latter option seems like too many changes for Robertson though.
IMO only one of Savea, Lakai and Kirifi should be on the field at any point.
-
@antipodean I don't disagree but I can't see Savea being subbed off or starting on the bench any time soon.
-
@ShaquilleOatmeal said in All Blacks v Argentina II:
@antipodean I don't disagree but I can't see Savea being subbed off or starting on the bench any time soon.
Unfortunately neither can I, and the All Blacks are the worse for it.
-
I’m hearing that ALB is going to be unavailable for this test due to a delayed concussion.
-
Other changes to the side I'd like to see.
McKenzie starting with Love replacing him, given more and more game time throughout the tournament but they're just going to stick with Barrett.
Preston as reserve halfback. If he's good enough to be in the squad, he can be in the 23. Christie isn't up to it - these coaches worked that out last year but obviously needed a reminder.
Narawa (or anyone else) instead of Reece. Reece isn't going to be good enough at the 2027 World Cup. Give those minutes to someone else.
Tavatavanawai or Tupaea in for Lienert-Brown for the same reason as swapping Reece.
-
@ACT-Crusader said in All Blacks v Argentina II:
With certain players being “available for selection” for test 1, but in all reality were never going to be selected because of when they arrived in Argentina, this weekend presents a real opportunity to make a few necessary changes.
Parker - Razor, if my emails and texts haven’t been clear, it’s the perfect time to play this kid. Select him on the bench and let him at it.
Sititi - now that he is fully fit he needs game time. I’d imagine he is itching to get out there and build on his test form of last year even after a mixed super season. Plus we can move Ardie back to 7.
TNT - ALB is officially cooked and this young fella is what we need to provide a little more punch in that midfield.
Overall the only baffling selection in my eyes is Beaudie. He did a couple of nice touches and he defended for the most part well. But his kicking execution - option taking and lack of depth is putting huge pressure on us. Again I’m not against kicking and many of his options are decent (but no depth), but it’s the glaringly obvious poor ones that turn out attack immediate into us defending again and in bad territorial positions.
Yeah agree with all of that I would add Tamiti Williams back in to that 23 with Lomax (when Fit)and Williams added to the 23 and Tosi,Norris sitting behind them Bower who is still up to performing well at test Level we have awesome Propping depth.
-
@antipodean said in All Blacks v Argentina II:
@ShaquilleOatmeal said in All Blacks v Argentina II:
Tuipulotu is apparently in doubt, which might mean Vaa'i is covering lock again and two loose forwards on the bench - it's either that or Lord - so even more of an opportunity to have Parker there. Both he and Sititi could start from the bench if they're worried about their fitness or Sititi could start with Savea shifting back to openside and either Kirifi or Lakai on the bench. The latter option seems like too many changes for Robertson though.
IMO only one of Savea, Lakai and Kirifi should be on the field at any point.
I find myself agreeing with you,I do not like having 2 small Lfs on the field let alone 3.
If Lakai is on the bench he has to replace Savea at 7 which you can do if Vaai is covering lock Parker could then also be on the bench. -
@Landers92 said in All Blacks v Argentina II:
I’m hearing that ALB is going to be unavailable for this test due to a delayed concussion.
Someone smacked him after that performance????
-
Believe it was the yellow card incident
-
@Landers92 said in All Blacks v Argentina II:
I’m hearing that ALB is going to be unavailable for this test due to a delayed concussion.
Makes sense then him being concussed during that performance.
-
@Landers92 said in All Blacks v Argentina II:
I’m hearing that ALB is going to be unavailable for this test due to a delayed concussion.
The injury God continues to smile on Razor in helping him select better players. (my sample size being one - Sititi)
-
-
Assuming Patrick T is injured, I'd pick something like:
- De Groot
- Taylor
- Newell
- F. Holland
- S. Barrett
- T. Vaii
- A. Savea
- W. Sititi
- C.Ratima
- DMac
- L. Carter
- J. Barrett
- B. Proctor
- S. Reece
- W. Jordan
- Sami T
- T. Williams
- P.Tosi
- S. Parker
- P.Lakai
- K.Preston
- R. Love
- R. Ioane
-
.
