RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B)
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It suggests Moli won’t play against Namibia but be on the bench for Italy.
Edit: just saw the postgame media conference. Moli did well to get through the 80.
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@Stargazer said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
Brodie back for Namibia then? That is good news.
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@junior said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
@canefan said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
@junior said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
@Chris said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
@MajorRage said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
@Chris said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
Has anyone forced their way into the top 23 if SA Selection for game one is the top 23 ?
Weber perhaps?
Game changed when he came on great pass and runs great support lines would not have thought that was a chance to take TJs spot before the WC but Webber was very good.
I agree. I can't see how anyone thought he was anything other than excellent when he came on (at least compared to TJP). He kept it simple, did his job, got the ball out quickly, backed-up well and, importantly, didn't try to do too much himself. Based on that performance, I'd feel much more confident having him to come on and guide us home in the last 10 mins of a RWC knockout match.
Really?!?! You would have Webber supplant TJP, who at times has challenged A Smith hard for the starting job this year, based on 35 minutes against Canada? You set your bar much lower than me
I actually set it quite high for halfbacks, but my metrics might be different to others. TJP is a great rugby player with a good "rugby brain", hence why he scores so many tries by running really good support lines. My problem is that's not what he should be doing - he's a halfback not an openside flanker. His pass is shit, his kicking is shit, he's selfish and greedy, his option-taking is often poor, he plays for himself more than the team and - crucially - he's not calm or smart enough to be entrusted with such a key role (at which he's not particularly proficient technically), particularly in such a crucial match. I'd much rather have Weber there in such moments, because at least you know he'll pass fast and accurately to the guys who should be taking control (e.g. Mo'unga and Barrett) rather than trying to be a hero and do it all himself.
i actually have a bit of sympathy with this point of view. TJP is all of those things. His pass is ropey as fuck (he threw some shockers last night), his kicking is ordinary, and he has cost us games by being a bit shit. He's got Kelleher in 2003 written all over him (but with a worse pass).
It's just that Weber isn't great either, and they aren't making that change now.
@mariner4life said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
@junior said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
@canefan said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
@junior said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
@Chris said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
@MajorRage said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
@Chris said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
Has anyone forced their way into the top 23 if SA Selection for game one is the top 23 ?
Weber perhaps?
Game changed when he came on great pass and runs great support lines would not have thought that was a chance to take TJs spot before the WC but Webber was very good.
I agree. I can't see how anyone thought he was anything other than excellent when he came on (at least compared to TJP). He kept it simple, did his job, got the ball out quickly, backed-up well and, importantly, didn't try to do too much himself. Based on that performance, I'd feel much more confident having him to come on and guide us home in the last 10 mins of a RWC knockout match.
Really?!?! You would have Webber supplant TJP, who at times has challenged A Smith hard for the starting job this year, based on 35 minutes against Canada? You set your bar much lower than me
I actually set it quite high for halfbacks, but my metrics might be different to others. TJP is a great rugby player with a good "rugby brain", hence why he scores so many tries by running really good support lines. My problem is that's not what he should be doing - he's a halfback not an openside flanker. His pass is shit, his kicking is shit, he's selfish and greedy, his option-taking is often poor, he plays for himself more than the team and - crucially - he's not calm or smart enough to be entrusted with such a key role (at which he's not particularly proficient technically), particularly in such a crucial match. I'd much rather have Weber there in such moments, because at least you know he'll pass fast and accurately to the guys who should be taking control (e.g. Mo'unga and Barrett) rather than trying to be a hero and do it all himself.
i actually have a bit of sympathy with this point of view. TJP is all of those things. His pass is ropey as fuck (he threw some shockers last night), his kicking is ordinary, and he has cost us games by being a bit shit. He's got Kelleher in 2003 written all over him (but with a worse pass).
It's just that Weber isn't great either, and they aren't making that change now.
Weber's passing has been bloody awful in the past as well. I distinctly recall him completely shitting the bed against the Canes in a knockout match. There's no way in hell I'd be trusting him in a RWC knock-out match.
I also call bullocks on TJP never playing well for the ABs. He has been outstanding on a regular basis; him trying a bunch of flashy shit against a Canada team lacking even professional rugby players is no indication of how he plays in the big tests. He's a beast on defense and is a real threat with ball in hand around the ruck. Different attributes to A Smith which is what makes them an awesome 1-2 punch combo.
There is a fuckload of daylight between A Smith/TJP and our third best halfback. Weber kind of got in by default. Looking good against Canada doesn't mean a thing.
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jesus, the Hurricanes white cavalry are late to the party today.
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jesus, the Hurricanes white cavalry are late to the party today.
@mariner4life said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
jesus, the Hurricanes white cavalry are late to the party today.
Some of us have jobs
Also Jordie was absolutely awesome and deserves a spot in the 23 based on this performance
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@mariner4life said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
jesus, the Hurricanes white cavalry are late to the party today.
Some of us have jobs
Also Jordie was absolutely awesome and deserves a spot in the 23 based on this performance
@No-Quarter said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
Some of us have jobs
whoa check out captain overachiever over here!
and yes, Jordie was really good last night.
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@No-Quarter said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
Some of us have jobs
whoa check out captain overachiever over here!
and yes, Jordie was really good last night.
@mariner4life said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
@No-Quarter said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
Some of us have jobs
whoa check out captain overachiever over here!
and yes, Jordie was really good last night.
Low bar for JB, 50% missed tackles ...
He was good in attack.
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Weber is so good that it took him four years to get his second cap. And he only got his first because we ran out a distinctly B side in the islands.
I think it is fair to say that the TWM don't rate him very highly.
If nothing else, he often gets smashed by big fellas in the tackle. Hardly his fault, and it's nice to see a little man playing at the top level, but it is what it is.
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@mariner4life said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
@junior said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
@canefan said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
@junior said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
@Chris said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
@MajorRage said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
@Chris said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
Has anyone forced their way into the top 23 if SA Selection for game one is the top 23 ?
Weber perhaps?
Game changed when he came on great pass and runs great support lines would not have thought that was a chance to take TJs spot before the WC but Webber was very good.
I agree. I can't see how anyone thought he was anything other than excellent when he came on (at least compared to TJP). He kept it simple, did his job, got the ball out quickly, backed-up well and, importantly, didn't try to do too much himself. Based on that performance, I'd feel much more confident having him to come on and guide us home in the last 10 mins of a RWC knockout match.
Really?!?! You would have Webber supplant TJP, who at times has challenged A Smith hard for the starting job this year, based on 35 minutes against Canada? You set your bar much lower than me
I actually set it quite high for halfbacks, but my metrics might be different to others. TJP is a great rugby player with a good "rugby brain", hence why he scores so many tries by running really good support lines. My problem is that's not what he should be doing - he's a halfback not an openside flanker. His pass is shit, his kicking is shit, he's selfish and greedy, his option-taking is often poor, he plays for himself more than the team and - crucially - he's not calm or smart enough to be entrusted with such a key role (at which he's not particularly proficient technically), particularly in such a crucial match. I'd much rather have Weber there in such moments, because at least you know he'll pass fast and accurately to the guys who should be taking control (e.g. Mo'unga and Barrett) rather than trying to be a hero and do it all himself.
i actually have a bit of sympathy with this point of view. TJP is all of those things. His pass is ropey as fuck (he threw some shockers last night), his kicking is ordinary, and he has cost us games by being a bit shit. He's got Kelleher in 2003 written all over him (but with a worse pass).
It's just that Weber isn't great either, and they aren't making that change now.
Weber's passing has been bloody awful in the past as well. I distinctly recall him completely shitting the bed against the Canes in a knockout match. There's no way in hell I'd be trusting him in a RWC knock-out match.
I also call bullocks on TJP never playing well for the ABs. He has been outstanding on a regular basis; him trying a bunch of flashy shit against a Canada team lacking even professional rugby players is no indication of how he plays in the big tests. He's a beast on defense and is a real threat with ball in hand around the ruck. Different attributes to A Smith which is what makes them an awesome 1-2 punch combo.
There is a fuckload of daylight between A Smith/TJP and our third best halfback. Weber kind of got in by default. Looking good against Canada doesn't mean a thing.
@No-Quarter yeah, pretty laughable post trying to shit on Perenara and talk up Weber... And going on about AB performance (Perenara has been very good this year) and passing (Weber had some absolute shockers for the Chiefs).
How much defending did Weber have to do? How much scrapping for the ball and organising the breakdown?
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TJP's and Weber's passing problems are the exact opposite. TJP has a bad habit of chucking out passes that bounce or are low, while Weber tends to pass too high. It makes you appreciate Smith even more.
@Bovidae said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
TJP's and Weber's passing problems are the exact opposite. TJP has a bad habit of chucking out passes that bounce or are low, while Weber tends to pass too high. It makes you appreciate Smith even more.
Simple, we pair TJ with Mo' and Weber with JB if god forbid we ever play him at 10.
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@mariner4life said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
jesus, the Hurricanes white cavalry are late to the party today.
Some of us have jobs
Also Jordie was absolutely awesome and deserves a spot in the 23 based on this performance
@No-Quarter said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
@mariner4life said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
jesus, the Hurricanes white cavalry are late to the party today.
Some of us have jobs
Also Jordie was absolutely awesome and deserves a spot in the 23 based on this performance
Are you a Wellingtonian on six figures?
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@junior said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
@canefan said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
@junior said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
@Chris said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
@MajorRage said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
@Chris said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
Has anyone forced their way into the top 23 if SA Selection for game one is the top 23 ?
Weber perhaps?
Game changed when he came on great pass and runs great support lines would not have thought that was a chance to take TJs spot before the WC but Webber was very good.
I agree. I can't see how anyone thought he was anything other than excellent when he came on (at least compared to TJP). He kept it simple, did his job, got the ball out quickly, backed-up well and, importantly, didn't try to do too much himself. Based on that performance, I'd feel much more confident having him to come on and guide us home in the last 10 mins of a RWC knockout match.
Really?!?! You would have Webber supplant TJP, who at times has challenged A Smith hard for the starting job this year, based on 35 minutes against Canada? You set your bar much lower than me
I actually set it quite high for halfbacks, but my metrics might be different to others. TJP is a great rugby player with a good "rugby brain", hence why he scores so many tries by running really good support lines. My problem is that's not what he should be doing - he's a halfback not an openside flanker. His pass is shit, his kicking is shit, he's selfish and greedy, his option-taking is often poor, he plays for himself more than the team and - crucially - he's not calm or smart enough to be entrusted with such a key role (at which he's not particularly proficient technically), particularly in such a crucial match. I'd much rather have Weber there in such moments, because at least you know he'll pass fast and accurately to the guys who should be taking control (e.g. Mo'unga and Barrett) rather than trying to be a hero and do it all himself.
i actually have a bit of sympathy with this point of view. TJP is all of those things. His pass is ropey as fuck (he threw some shockers last night), his kicking is ordinary, and he has cost us games by being a bit shit. He's got Kelleher in 2003 written all over him (but with a worse pass).
It's just that Weber isn't great either, and they aren't making that change now.
@mariner4life said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
@junior said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
@canefan said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
@junior said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
@Chris said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
@MajorRage said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
@Chris said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
Has anyone forced their way into the top 23 if SA Selection for game one is the top 23 ?
Weber perhaps?
Game changed when he came on great pass and runs great support lines would not have thought that was a chance to take TJs spot before the WC but Webber was very good.
I agree. I can't see how anyone thought he was anything other than excellent when he came on (at least compared to TJP). He kept it simple, did his job, got the ball out quickly, backed-up well and, importantly, didn't try to do too much himself. Based on that performance, I'd feel much more confident having him to come on and guide us home in the last 10 mins of a RWC knockout match.
Really?!?! You would have Webber supplant TJP, who at times has challenged A Smith hard for the starting job this year, based on 35 minutes against Canada? You set your bar much lower than me
I actually set it quite high for halfbacks, but my metrics might be different to others. TJP is a great rugby player with a good "rugby brain", hence why he scores so many tries by running really good support lines. My problem is that's not what he should be doing - he's a halfback not an openside flanker. His pass is shit, his kicking is shit, he's selfish and greedy, his option-taking is often poor, he plays for himself more than the team and - crucially - he's not calm or smart enough to be entrusted with such a key role (at which he's not particularly proficient technically), particularly in such a crucial match. I'd much rather have Weber there in such moments, because at least you know he'll pass fast and accurately to the guys who should be taking control (e.g. Mo'unga and Barrett) rather than trying to be a hero and do it all himself.
i actually have a bit of sympathy with this point of view. TJP is all of those things. His pass is ropey as fuck (he threw some shockers last night), his kicking is ordinary, and he has cost us games by being a bit shit. He's got Kelleher in 2003 written all over him (but with a worse pass).
It's just that Weber isn't great either, and they aren't making that change now.
Yeah, I recognise that Weber overtaking TJP is very unlikely. However, it would make me more comfortable if he did, for all the reasons I have already stated.
I'm not saying that Weber is the second coming of Graeme Bachop. But, in my view, he could be trusted more than TJP to do a very simple job in a high-pressure situation (I appreciate that's not a high standard to meet).
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TJP's and Weber's passing problems are the exact opposite. TJP has a bad habit of chucking out passes that bounce or are low, while Weber tends to pass too high. It makes you appreciate Smith even more.
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@mariner4life said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
@junior said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
@canefan said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
@junior said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
@Chris said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
@MajorRage said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
@Chris said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
Has anyone forced their way into the top 23 if SA Selection for game one is the top 23 ?
Weber perhaps?
Game changed when he came on great pass and runs great support lines would not have thought that was a chance to take TJs spot before the WC but Webber was very good.
I agree. I can't see how anyone thought he was anything other than excellent when he came on (at least compared to TJP). He kept it simple, did his job, got the ball out quickly, backed-up well and, importantly, didn't try to do too much himself. Based on that performance, I'd feel much more confident having him to come on and guide us home in the last 10 mins of a RWC knockout match.
Really?!?! You would have Webber supplant TJP, who at times has challenged A Smith hard for the starting job this year, based on 35 minutes against Canada? You set your bar much lower than me
I actually set it quite high for halfbacks, but my metrics might be different to others. TJP is a great rugby player with a good "rugby brain", hence why he scores so many tries by running really good support lines. My problem is that's not what he should be doing - he's a halfback not an openside flanker. His pass is shit, his kicking is shit, he's selfish and greedy, his option-taking is often poor, he plays for himself more than the team and - crucially - he's not calm or smart enough to be entrusted with such a key role (at which he's not particularly proficient technically), particularly in such a crucial match. I'd much rather have Weber there in such moments, because at least you know he'll pass fast and accurately to the guys who should be taking control (e.g. Mo'unga and Barrett) rather than trying to be a hero and do it all himself.
i actually have a bit of sympathy with this point of view. TJP is all of those things. His pass is ropey as fuck (he threw some shockers last night), his kicking is ordinary, and he has cost us games by being a bit shit. He's got Kelleher in 2003 written all over him (but with a worse pass).
It's just that Weber isn't great either, and they aren't making that change now.
Weber's passing has been bloody awful in the past as well. I distinctly recall him completely shitting the bed against the Canes in a knockout match. There's no way in hell I'd be trusting him in a RWC knock-out match.
I also call bullocks on TJP never playing well for the ABs. He has been outstanding on a regular basis; him trying a bunch of flashy shit against a Canada team lacking even professional rugby players is no indication of how he plays in the big tests. He's a beast on defense and is a real threat with ball in hand around the ruck. Different attributes to A Smith which is what makes them an awesome 1-2 punch combo.
There is a fuckload of daylight between A Smith/TJP and our third best halfback. Weber kind of got in by default. Looking good against Canada doesn't mean a thing.
@No-Quarter said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
@mariner4life said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
@junior said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
@canefan said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
@junior said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
@Chris said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
@MajorRage said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
@Chris said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
Has anyone forced their way into the top 23 if SA Selection for game one is the top 23 ?
Weber perhaps?
Game changed when he came on great pass and runs great support lines would not have thought that was a chance to take TJs spot before the WC but Webber was very good.
I agree. I can't see how anyone thought he was anything other than excellent when he came on (at least compared to TJP). He kept it simple, did his job, got the ball out quickly, backed-up well and, importantly, didn't try to do too much himself. Based on that performance, I'd feel much more confident having him to come on and guide us home in the last 10 mins of a RWC knockout match.
Really?!?! You would have Webber supplant TJP, who at times has challenged A Smith hard for the starting job this year, based on 35 minutes against Canada? You set your bar much lower than me
I actually set it quite high for halfbacks, but my metrics might be different to others. TJP is a great rugby player with a good "rugby brain", hence why he scores so many tries by running really good support lines. My problem is that's not what he should be doing - he's a halfback not an openside flanker. His pass is shit, his kicking is shit, he's selfish and greedy, his option-taking is often poor, he plays for himself more than the team and - crucially - he's not calm or smart enough to be entrusted with such a key role (at which he's not particularly proficient technically), particularly in such a crucial match. I'd much rather have Weber there in such moments, because at least you know he'll pass fast and accurately to the guys who should be taking control (e.g. Mo'unga and Barrett) rather than trying to be a hero and do it all himself.
i actually have a bit of sympathy with this point of view. TJP is all of those things. His pass is ropey as fuck (he threw some shockers last night), his kicking is ordinary, and he has cost us games by being a bit shit. He's got Kelleher in 2003 written all over him (but with a worse pass).
It's just that Weber isn't great either, and they aren't making that change now.
Weber's passing has been bloody awful in the past as well. I distinctly recall him completely shitting the bed against the Canes in a knockout match. There's no way in hell I'd be trusting him in a RWC knock-out match.
I also call bullocks on TJP never playing well for the ABs. He has been outstanding on a regular basis; him trying a bunch of flashy shit against a Canada team lacking even professional rugby players is no indication of how he plays in the big tests. He's a beast on defense and is a real threat with ball in hand around the ruck. Different attributes to A Smith which is what makes them an awesome 1-2 punch combo.
There is a fuckload of daylight between A Smith/TJP and our third best halfback. Weber kind of got in by default. Looking good against Canada doesn't mean a thing.
No one said he's never played well for the ABs - look at my previous post where I said he was great against England at Twickers in the rain. I'll also concede that he's looked great several times against the Argies and on occasion against the Boks and Wobblies, when we've smoked them.
What I have said, though, is that he's been patently shit in high-pressure situations in big test matches. Lions 1, 2 and 3 and Boks 1 in 2018 stand out as exemplars of his shitness in high stakes matches.
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@voodoo said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
@Kirwan said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
@Tim said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
Brother Akira and fellow All Blacks Jordie Barrett and Ardie Savea are just some of the names that often make up Ioane's star-studded gaming squad.
What possible conclusion could you draw from that? Professional athletes play video games - big whoop.
How could you possibly claim to know that it affects his performance? You absolutely cannot.
Lomu used to play heaps of video games too, he notably sucked for the All Blacks...
I never really got into video games, wonder if that's why I never made it?
If that's what it took, I would be an AB Great.
@Kirwan said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
@voodoo said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
@Kirwan said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
@Tim said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
Brother Akira and fellow All Blacks Jordie Barrett and Ardie Savea are just some of the names that often make up Ioane's star-studded gaming squad.
What possible conclusion could you draw from that? Professional athletes play video games - big whoop.
How could you possibly claim to know that it affects his performance? You absolutely cannot.
Lomu used to play heaps of video games too, he notably sucked for the All Blacks...
I never really got into video games, wonder if that's why I never made it?
If that's what it took, I would be an AB Great.
I thought you were an AB great ... shit blues coach tho.
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@MajorRage said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
Ok all jokes aside about Rieko, there is no doubt that on current form he's not in the big match day 23.
However, I think Rieko's ceiling is much higher than that of either Bridge or Reece, and therefore he should be given much opportunity to regain confidence & form. I would do that via 60 minutes (at least) in both of the remaining pool matches, as Bridge & Reece should both get time as well.
I'm still a bit lost on Ben Smith. Arguably my biggest man crush of the last few years, but he just doesn't look as dynamic as either of the two (current) incumbents ... and its clear the Mo'ounga / Barrett combo is not going to change.
Decisions, decisions.
Hard to say, because he's played much more test rugby. They're also very different players with different skill sets. Reece may be a bit more limited, but I think Bridge has the potential to become a star like Rieko.
@Stargazer said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
I think Bridge has the potential to become a star like Rieko.
Looks a more complete, rounded player than Reece to me.
Thought Reiko showed some good touches tonight. He def. needs more game time.
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I'd like to take credit for starting the Perenara / Weber shit fight.
REality is that if you are choosing the big match day 23 after taking note of yesterdays match, you should be considering Weber in for Perenara. As yesterday, Perenara was pretty average, Weber looked great when he came on.
But of course, there are many more factors to it, and without a shadow of a doubt, it will be TJP in there.
Having said the above, what do you do if Aaron goes down? For me ... it's Weber to start and TJP on after 50 mins. I simply cannot think of an AB level match where TJP has been brilliant when he's started. He's had some fantastic effort when coming on, but I just don't think he's a starter.
If you can't shine when starting against Canada ... when can you?
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@mariner4life said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
@junior said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
@canefan said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
@junior said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
@Chris said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
@MajorRage said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
@Chris said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
Has anyone forced their way into the top 23 if SA Selection for game one is the top 23 ?
Weber perhaps?
Game changed when he came on great pass and runs great support lines would not have thought that was a chance to take TJs spot before the WC but Webber was very good.
I agree. I can't see how anyone thought he was anything other than excellent when he came on (at least compared to TJP). He kept it simple, did his job, got the ball out quickly, backed-up well and, importantly, didn't try to do too much himself. Based on that performance, I'd feel much more confident having him to come on and guide us home in the last 10 mins of a RWC knockout match.
Really?!?! You would have Webber supplant TJP, who at times has challenged A Smith hard for the starting job this year, based on 35 minutes against Canada? You set your bar much lower than me
I actually set it quite high for halfbacks, but my metrics might be different to others. TJP is a great rugby player with a good "rugby brain", hence why he scores so many tries by running really good support lines. My problem is that's not what he should be doing - he's a halfback not an openside flanker. His pass is shit, his kicking is shit, he's selfish and greedy, his option-taking is often poor, he plays for himself more than the team and - crucially - he's not calm or smart enough to be entrusted with such a key role (at which he's not particularly proficient technically), particularly in such a crucial match. I'd much rather have Weber there in such moments, because at least you know he'll pass fast and accurately to the guys who should be taking control (e.g. Mo'unga and Barrett) rather than trying to be a hero and do it all himself.
i actually have a bit of sympathy with this point of view. TJP is all of those things. His pass is ropey as fuck (he threw some shockers last night), his kicking is ordinary, and he has cost us games by being a bit shit. He's got Kelleher in 2003 written all over him (but with a worse pass).
It's just that Weber isn't great either, and they aren't making that change now.
Weber's passing has been bloody awful in the past as well. I distinctly recall him completely shitting the bed against the Canes in a knockout match. There's no way in hell I'd be trusting him in a RWC knock-out match.
I also call bullocks on TJP never playing well for the ABs. He has been outstanding on a regular basis; him trying a bunch of flashy shit against a Canada team lacking even professional rugby players is no indication of how he plays in the big tests. He's a beast on defense and is a real threat with ball in hand around the ruck. Different attributes to A Smith which is what makes them an awesome 1-2 punch combo.
There is a fuckload of daylight between A Smith/TJP and our third best halfback. Weber kind of got in by default. Looking good against Canada doesn't mean a thing.
@No-Quarter said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):
There is a fuckload of daylight between A Smith/TJP and our third best halfback
This.
