Ireland v NZ - Chicago Showdown & Dublin Duel
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I'm with you ACT-C, stoked to see Moala get a run. I wonder how a Moala at 12 and Anton L-B at 13 midfield would go :thinking: .
I quite like Moala at 2nd five but agree that his passing game is still developing. Crotty hasn't put a foot wrong and just keeps improving. A lot of options for our midfield, but I imagine they'd want to start developing a couple of combos looking ahead to the lions in 2017.
@Paekakboyz I think they see Moala as a 13/wing that could cover 12 if required. If Crotty were to go down with injury in this one it's more likely they'd use Fekitoa at 12 and keep Moala at 13 given Fekitoa has started at 12 for the ABs.
But when you think about the four midfielders in the squad, they are all versatile. Then there's Ioane who is more a winger that could develop into a centre.
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very interesting line-up.
Obviously the biggest 'issue' is at lock, but Tuipulotu is a very good player, we know Kaino can play a bit, so disruption will be minimal, it will likely be us disrupting their lineout ball that will suffer the most.
That is a strong running backline, is this the first time Savea & Naholo have played together?
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very interesting line-up.
Obviously the biggest 'issue' is at lock, but Tuipulotu is a very good player, we know Kaino can play a bit, so disruption will be minimal, it will likely be us disrupting their lineout ball that will suffer the most.
That is a strong running backline, is this the first time Savea & Naholo have played together?
@taniwharugby said in Ireland v NZ - Chicago Showdown:
very interesting line-up.
Obviously the biggest 'issue' is at lock, but Tuipulotu is a very good player, we know Kaino can play a bit, so disruption will be minimal, it will likely be us disrupting their lineout ball that will suffer the most.
That is a strong running backline, is this the first time Savea & Naholo have played together?
This will be their third test start together I think. There was a RWC pool game and they got a start vs Wales earlier this year.
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very interesting line-up.
Obviously the biggest 'issue' is at lock, but Tuipulotu is a very good player, we know Kaino can play a bit, so disruption will be minimal, it will likely be us disrupting their lineout ball that will suffer the most.
That is a strong running backline, is this the first time Savea & Naholo have played together?
@taniwharugby said in Ireland v NZ - Chicago Showdown:
very interesting line-up.
Obviously the biggest 'issue' is at lock, but Tuipulotu is a very good player, we know Kaino can play a bit, so disruption will be minimal, it will likely be us disrupting their lineout ball that will suffer the most.
That is a strong running backline, is this the first time Savea & Naholo have played together?
At the risk of getting all @Canes4life on us......should we be worried that Ireland have a guy who is about 20 feet tall in their lineup ? our locks look pretty sawn off in comparison.
Gonna be a tough day for the Irish outside backs with Moala, Savea and Naholo running hard and straight.
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@taniwharugby said in Ireland v NZ - Chicago Showdown:
very interesting line-up.
Obviously the biggest 'issue' is at lock, but Tuipulotu is a very good player, we know Kaino can play a bit, so disruption will be minimal, it will likely be us disrupting their lineout ball that will suffer the most.
That is a strong running backline, is this the first time Savea & Naholo have played together?
This will be their third test start together I think. There was a RWC pool game and they got a start vs Wales earlier this year.
@ACT-Crusader I thought they probably had done in the RWC but couldn't recall any others.
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All Blacks team to play Ireland in Chicago on Sunday morning (test caps in brackets):
- Joe Moody (20)
- Dane Coles (46)
- Owen Franks (87)
- Patrick Tuipulotu (10)
- Jerome Kaino (75)
- Liam Squire (6)
- Sam Cane (37)
- Kieran Read (c) (94)
- Aaron Smith (54)
- Beauden Barrett (46)
- Julian Savea (49)
- Ryan Crotty (24)
- George Moala (3)
- Waisake Naholo (8)
- Ben Smith (58)
Reserves:
16. Codie Taylor (11)
17. Ofa Tu'ungafasi (2)
18. Charlie Faumuina (42)
19. Scott Barrett (0)
20. Ardie Savea (9)
21. TJ Perenara (26)
22. Aaron Cruden (43)
23. Malakai Fekitoa (20)@Daffy-Jaffy That's an interesting selection. Isn't Soldier Field narrow compared to normal rugby pitches? So the coaches would expect a more direct game - there's a lot of very physical individuals in that lineup.
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Look I realise as usual the chances of the Irish having a full 80 against us is medium - but they showed in 2013 that that has improved.
Just think we have had the high of taking the record had a few injuries (best locking pair in the world out) a centre pairing that are solid but not creative...
I think the bench will have to save us from a tough time.@kidcalder said in Ireland v NZ - Chicago Showdown:
Look I realise as usual the chances of the Irish having a full 80 against us is medium - but they showed in 2013 that that has improved.
Just think we have had the high of taking the record had a few injuries (best locking pair in the world out) a centre pairing that are solid but not creative...
I think the bench will have to save us from a tough time.looking at their lineup and the players that could have played if Schmidt wanted to, you'd think they are more targeting Dublin.
This is a feeler game, see how they go, hopefully keep it close to give belief for the Dublin test...however if its a blowout....
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@kidcalder said in Ireland v NZ - Chicago Showdown:
Look I realise as usual the chances of the Irish having a full 80 against us is medium - but they showed in 2013 that that has improved.
Just think we have had the high of taking the record had a few injuries (best locking pair in the world out) a centre pairing that are solid but not creative...
I think the bench will have to save us from a tough time.looking at their lineup and the players that could have played if Schmidt wanted to, you'd think they are more targeting Dublin.
This is a feeler game, see how they go, hopefully keep it close to give belief for the Dublin test...however if its a blowout....
@taniwharugby said in Ireland v NZ - Chicago Showdown:
@kidcalder said in Ireland v NZ - Chicago Showdown:
Look I realise as usual the chances of the Irish having a full 80 against us is medium - but they showed in 2013 that that has improved.
Just think we have had the high of taking the record had a few injuries (best locking pair in the world out) a centre pairing that are solid but not creative...
I think the bench will have to save us from a tough time.looking at their lineup and the players that could have played if Schmidt wanted to, you'd think they are more targeting Dublin.
This is a feeler game, see how they go, hopefully keep it close to give belief for the Dublin test...however if its a blowout....
I'd agree with that. It has a 'feeler' look about it. And I think New Zealand lineup has a touch of the same. Neither coach fully showing their hand or putting it on the table in the first up.
The team hasn't played any test rugby since June, and they've had about 5-6 days to prepare so rustiness is a big factor, particularly when compared to the match-hardened experience that NZ have.
Will Schmidt seek to keep it tight and careful, long balls into touch/crowd rather than Garryowens, test the NZ lineout, and keep the scoreline as tight as possible in the first half. Was also wondering if Schmidt is going to delay replacements by a few minutes extra than normal - maybe closer to the 55-60 minute mark - and then unleash the bench during the expected NZ try flood that normally occurs.
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At first I thought Ofa T covering loosehead was a strange selection - but it makes sense - if they genuinely see Ofa T as having ability to cover loosehead, this is probably the easiest game on tour to try that out - probably easier than Italy's scrummaging ability, Ireland in Ireland and France.
Moala has barely played in months but i'm guessing he must be going ok at training if he is given the start.
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Only real surprise is Moala, and IMO a pleasing one. I like his game either at centre or wing. He has some areas to develop when it comes to passing but I like his footwork and he has excellent reactions.
A very good 23. It will be interesting to see how they use the bench.
@ACT-Crusader said in Ireland v NZ - Chicago Showdown:
Only real surprise is Moala, and IMO a pleasing one. I like his game either at centre or wing. He has some areas to develop when it comes to passing but I like his footwork and he has excellent reactions.
A very good 23. It will be interesting to see how they use the bench.
I think Kaino is a real shock at lock, one that I didn't even notice the first time I read the team list - I just saw Kaino and assumed it was as 6. Interesting to see how he goes as a starter as opposed to a late in the match swap.
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2 wingers who are unco under the high ball, a relatively midget lineout v a team with a giraffe in the lineout and accurate kicking halves.
Hmmmm, it's almost like Hansen is asking them to kick it?
It's a TRAP!
@Rapido said in Ireland v NZ - Chicago Showdown:
2 wingers who are unco under the high ball, a relatively midget lineout v a team with a giraffe in the lineout and accurate kicking halves.
Hmmmm, it's almost like Hansen is asking them to kick it?
It's a TRAP!
Agreed. Grubbers all day required.
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@taniwharugby said in Ireland v NZ - Chicago Showdown:
@kidcalder said in Ireland v NZ - Chicago Showdown:
Look I realise as usual the chances of the Irish having a full 80 against us is medium - but they showed in 2013 that that has improved.
Just think we have had the high of taking the record had a few injuries (best locking pair in the world out) a centre pairing that are solid but not creative...
I think the bench will have to save us from a tough time.looking at their lineup and the players that could have played if Schmidt wanted to, you'd think they are more targeting Dublin.
This is a feeler game, see how they go, hopefully keep it close to give belief for the Dublin test...however if its a blowout....
I'd agree with that. It has a 'feeler' look about it. And I think New Zealand lineup has a touch of the same. Neither coach fully showing their hand or putting it on the table in the first up.
The team hasn't played any test rugby since June, and they've had about 5-6 days to prepare so rustiness is a big factor, particularly when compared to the match-hardened experience that NZ have.
Will Schmidt seek to keep it tight and careful, long balls into touch/crowd rather than Garryowens, test the NZ lineout, and keep the scoreline as tight as possible in the first half. Was also wondering if Schmidt is going to delay replacements by a few minutes extra than normal - maybe closer to the 55-60 minute mark - and then unleash the bench during the expected NZ try flood that normally occurs.
@Pot-Hale said in Ireland v NZ - Chicago Showdown:
@taniwharugby said in Ireland v NZ - Chicago Showdown:
@kidcalder said in Ireland v NZ - Chicago Showdown:
Look I realise as usual the chances of the Irish having a full 80 against us is medium - but they showed in 2013 that that has improved.
Just think we have had the high of taking the record had a few injuries (best locking pair in the world out) a centre pairing that are solid but not creative...
I think the bench will have to save us from a tough time.looking at their lineup and the players that could have played if Schmidt wanted to, you'd think they are more targeting Dublin.
This is a feeler game, see how they go, hopefully keep it close to give belief for the Dublin test...however if its a blowout....
I'd agree with that. It has a 'feeler' look about it. And I think New Zealand lineup has a touch of the same. Neither coach fully showing their hand or putting it on the table in the first up.
The team hasn't played any test rugby since June, and they've had about 5-6 days to prepare so rustiness is a big factor, particularly when compared to the match-hardened experience that NZ have.
Will Schmidt seek to keep it tight and careful, long balls into touch/crowd rather than Garryowens, test the NZ lineout, and keep the scoreline as tight as possible in the first half. Was also wondering if Schmidt is going to delay replacements by a few minutes extra than normal - maybe closer to the 55-60 minute mark - and then unleash the bench during the expected NZ try flood that normally occurs.
All good questions and a reason why I've really enjoyed the 3-match tours we've had recently in NZ. Makes the tactical battle far more interesting when it's more than a one-off test. How cool would it be to have a 3 match tour of Ireland? Won't happen but I'm sure the Irish would love 3 cracks in a row against the ABs at home.
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@Pot-Hale said in Ireland v NZ - Chicago Showdown:
@taniwharugby said in Ireland v NZ - Chicago Showdown:
@kidcalder said in Ireland v NZ - Chicago Showdown:
Look I realise as usual the chances of the Irish having a full 80 against us is medium - but they showed in 2013 that that has improved.
Just think we have had the high of taking the record had a few injuries (best locking pair in the world out) a centre pairing that are solid but not creative...
I think the bench will have to save us from a tough time.looking at their lineup and the players that could have played if Schmidt wanted to, you'd think they are more targeting Dublin.
This is a feeler game, see how they go, hopefully keep it close to give belief for the Dublin test...however if its a blowout....
I'd agree with that. It has a 'feeler' look about it. And I think New Zealand lineup has a touch of the same. Neither coach fully showing their hand or putting it on the table in the first up.
The team hasn't played any test rugby since June, and they've had about 5-6 days to prepare so rustiness is a big factor, particularly when compared to the match-hardened experience that NZ have.
Will Schmidt seek to keep it tight and careful, long balls into touch/crowd rather than Garryowens, test the NZ lineout, and keep the scoreline as tight as possible in the first half. Was also wondering if Schmidt is going to delay replacements by a few minutes extra than normal - maybe closer to the 55-60 minute mark - and then unleash the bench during the expected NZ try flood that normally occurs.
All good questions and a reason why I've really enjoyed the 3-match tours we've had recently in NZ. Makes the tactical battle far more interesting when it's more than a one-off test. How cool would it be to have a 3 match tour of Ireland? Won't happen but I'm sure the Irish would love 3 cracks in a row against the ABs at home.
@No-Quarter said in Ireland v NZ - Chicago Showdown:
@Pot-Hale said in Ireland v NZ - Chicago Showdown:
@taniwharugby said in Ireland v NZ - Chicago Showdown:
@kidcalder said in Ireland v NZ - Chicago Showdown:
Look I realise as usual the chances of the Irish having a full 80 against us is medium - but they showed in 2013 that that has improved.
Just think we have had the high of taking the record had a few injuries (best locking pair in the world out) a centre pairing that are solid but not creative...
I think the bench will have to save us from a tough time.looking at their lineup and the players that could have played if Schmidt wanted to, you'd think they are more targeting Dublin.
This is a feeler game, see how they go, hopefully keep it close to give belief for the Dublin test...however if its a blowout....
I'd agree with that. It has a 'feeler' look about it. And I think New Zealand lineup has a touch of the same. Neither coach fully showing their hand or putting it on the table in the first up.
The team hasn't played any test rugby since June, and they've had about 5-6 days to prepare so rustiness is a big factor, particularly when compared to the match-hardened experience that NZ have.
Will Schmidt seek to keep it tight and careful, long balls into touch/crowd rather than Garryowens, test the NZ lineout, and keep the scoreline as tight as possible in the first half. Was also wondering if Schmidt is going to delay replacements by a few minutes extra than normal - maybe closer to the 55-60 minute mark - and then unleash the bench during the expected NZ try flood that normally occurs.
All good questions and a reason why I've really enjoyed the 3-match tours we've had recently in NZ. Makes the tactical battle far more interesting when it's more than a one-off test. How cool would it be to have a 3 match tour of Ireland? Won't happen but I'm sure the Irish would love 3 cracks in a row against the ABs at home.
It doesn't work so well with Ireland only playing international at one stadium. Playing 3 times in a row at the Aviva would be a bit dull.
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@No-Quarter said in Ireland v NZ - Chicago Showdown:
@Pot-Hale said in Ireland v NZ - Chicago Showdown:
@taniwharugby said in Ireland v NZ - Chicago Showdown:
@kidcalder said in Ireland v NZ - Chicago Showdown:
Look I realise as usual the chances of the Irish having a full 80 against us is medium - but they showed in 2013 that that has improved.
Just think we have had the high of taking the record had a few injuries (best locking pair in the world out) a centre pairing that are solid but not creative...
I think the bench will have to save us from a tough time.looking at their lineup and the players that could have played if Schmidt wanted to, you'd think they are more targeting Dublin.
This is a feeler game, see how they go, hopefully keep it close to give belief for the Dublin test...however if its a blowout....
I'd agree with that. It has a 'feeler' look about it. And I think New Zealand lineup has a touch of the same. Neither coach fully showing their hand or putting it on the table in the first up.
The team hasn't played any test rugby since June, and they've had about 5-6 days to prepare so rustiness is a big factor, particularly when compared to the match-hardened experience that NZ have.
Will Schmidt seek to keep it tight and careful, long balls into touch/crowd rather than Garryowens, test the NZ lineout, and keep the scoreline as tight as possible in the first half. Was also wondering if Schmidt is going to delay replacements by a few minutes extra than normal - maybe closer to the 55-60 minute mark - and then unleash the bench during the expected NZ try flood that normally occurs.
All good questions and a reason why I've really enjoyed the 3-match tours we've had recently in NZ. Makes the tactical battle far more interesting when it's more than a one-off test. How cool would it be to have a 3 match tour of Ireland? Won't happen but I'm sure the Irish would love 3 cracks in a row against the ABs at home.
It doesn't work so well with Ireland only playing international at one stadium. Playing 3 times in a row at the Aviva would be a bit dull.
@hydro11 said in Ireland v NZ - Chicago Showdown:
@No-Quarter said in Ireland v NZ - Chicago Showdown:
@Pot-Hale said in Ireland v NZ - Chicago Showdown:
@taniwharugby said in Ireland v NZ - Chicago Showdown:
@kidcalder said in Ireland v NZ - Chicago Showdown:
Look I realise as usual the chances of the Irish having a full 80 against us is medium - but they showed in 2013 that that has improved.
Just think we have had the high of taking the record had a few injuries (best locking pair in the world out) a centre pairing that are solid but not creative...
I think the bench will have to save us from a tough time.looking at their lineup and the players that could have played if Schmidt wanted to, you'd think they are more targeting Dublin.
This is a feeler game, see how they go, hopefully keep it close to give belief for the Dublin test...however if its a blowout....
I'd agree with that. It has a 'feeler' look about it. And I think New Zealand lineup has a touch of the same. Neither coach fully showing their hand or putting it on the table in the first up.
The team hasn't played any test rugby since June, and they've had about 5-6 days to prepare so rustiness is a big factor, particularly when compared to the match-hardened experience that NZ have.
Will Schmidt seek to keep it tight and careful, long balls into touch/crowd rather than Garryowens, test the NZ lineout, and keep the scoreline as tight as possible in the first half. Was also wondering if Schmidt is going to delay replacements by a few minutes extra than normal - maybe closer to the 55-60 minute mark - and then unleash the bench during the expected NZ try flood that normally occurs.
All good questions and a reason why I've really enjoyed the 3-match tours we've had recently in NZ. Makes the tactical battle far more interesting when it's more than a one-off test. How cool would it be to have a 3 match tour of Ireland? Won't happen but I'm sure the Irish would love 3 cracks in a row against the ABs at home.
It doesn't work so well with Ireland only playing international at one stadium. Playing 3 times in a row at the Aviva would be a bit dull.
Geographically it might be dull, but all 3 matches would be crackers and would give Ireland a chance to take learnings and adjust their tactics across the 3 games, instead of thinking "well 3 years ago we nearly beat them, what will we do differnently this time? Well the AB team and game plan is different to what it was 3 years ago, so probably can't take much out of it...".
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On the team - very exciting selections in the backline. Looking for big games from both J Savea and Naholo - if they are both given freedom to come off their wings looking for work they will be a real handful.
Very happy with Moala, ALB has more then taken his chances and a rest will do the young man some good to reflect on what he's achieved. Crotty-Moala has a good feel to it. Can't understand the calls for Crotty to be replaced long term, if he keeps playing like he has this year I don't want him replaced until either his form dips or someone else's form demands it. He's a high quality player at test level, and is in the form of his life, he's not a stopgap player at all.
