RWC: All Blacks v Ireland (QF2)
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The midfield conversation below is so interesting.
Crotty had been a crystal for 2 seasons and Sonny Bill has at times been truely terrible but a hell of a lot better in very recent times. Neither has played a lot of rugby but both quality players in their own right. However, Goodhue has been the selectors choice for the last 12 months (for good reasons). They worked him back to fitness.
The surprises (good ones) have been replacing the wingers and Franks.
All the selections are form based.
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I'm pretty happy with this team. I would probably have SBW and ALB in the midfield, as I think they are both in good form and offer what it takes to get through that Irish defence, which is arguably best on planet (game vs england this year aside).
I really think Retallick needed the Irish game tho, so I wouldn't say I'm comfortable with that one.
Having said that ... if they Irish beat us, then they deserve it and as in head to head match ups of late, they are the better team. You can't be bitter about being beaten by a better team.
EDIT - Just to add a bit more context. Despite us getting destroyed on the scoreboard vs Aussie this year, I'd still put the Irish victory over us last year as the bigger of the drubbings. We had nothing in that game and they got over our line 3 times.
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I'm pretty happy with this team. I would probably have SBW and ALB in the midfield, as I think they are both in good form and offer what it takes to get through that Irish defence, which is arguably best on planet (game vs england this year aside).
I really think Retallick needed the Irish game tho, so I wouldn't say I'm comfortable with that one.
Having said that ... if they Irish beat us, then they deserve it and as in head to head match ups of late, they are the better team. You can't be bitter about being beaten by a better team.
EDIT - Just to add a bit more context. Despite us getting destroyed on the scoreboard vs Aussie this year, I'd still put the Irish victory over us last year as the bigger of the drubbings. We had nothing in that game and they got over our line 3 times.
@MajorRage said in RWC: All Blacks v Ireland (QF2):
I would probably have SBW and ALB in the midfield, as I think they are both in good form and offer what it takes to get through that Irish defence, which is arguably best on planet (game vs england this year aside).
I'm sure we will finish the game that way barring injury - probably for 30mins or so
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I think the best thing that could happen from our point of view is us put some points on them in quick succession, much like we did to the boks ,
Scoreboard pressure would make them go to a plan b
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Is the popularity of dual openside flankers due to refs allowing a free-for-all at the ruck? So much play on the deck these days, with players frequently coming in from the side or going over the top and to ground. I thought the reffing in the 2nd half of the Scotland/Japan game was really bad for this.
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Interesting they've gone with Kearney over Larmour.
I very much like the look of our bench compared to theirs. Am I allowed to say I wouldn't choose any Irish in a combined bench?
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Happy with it overall but I really would rather Pat T coming off the bench. He's come of age this year and I think we are missing a trick not using him in the final 20.
@No-Quarter said in RWC: All Blacks v Ireland (QF2):
Happy with it overall but I really would rather Pat T coming off the bench. He's come of age this year and I think we are missing a trick not using him in the final 20.
It’s only Ireland...
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Expecting absolutely huge games from Taylor and Goodhue, then Red and Todd when they come on.
I would've gone with SBW & ALB to start with RC off the bench, but can understand throwing ALB at 12.
@Bones said in RWC: All Blacks v Ireland (QF2):
Expecting absolutely huge games from Taylor and Goodhue, then Red and Todd when they come on.
I would've gone with SBW & ALB to start with RC off the bench, but can understand throwing ALB at 12.
I like Taylor starting and then Coles coming off the bench for 30-35 minutes.
I would’ve selected Crotty and ALB with SBW off the bench.
I like the Jordie selection.
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@Bones Carbery > sbw + JB but apart from that.... (but he’s a kiwi anyway)
@Yeahtheboys said in RWC: All Blacks v Ireland (QF2):
@Bones Carbery > sbw + JB but apart from that.... (but he’s a kiwi anyway)
Say what? What is that based on? He hasn't exactly set the world on fire this year.
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@Yeahtheboys said in RWC: All Blacks v Ireland (QF2):
@Bones Carbery > sbw + JB but apart from that.... (but he’s a kiwi anyway)
Say what? What is that based on? He hasn't exactly set the world on fire this year.
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@Bones cuz he’s the fucken man
@Yeahtheboys I’ll hand it to you. That is quality analysis.
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@Bones cuz he’s the fucken man
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Ya know wha lads? I think we're going to beat you fuckers! Especially since some of you called us part of the UK!
Bring it on!!
@The-Irishman said in RWC: All Blacks v Ireland (QF2):
Ya know wha lads? I think we're going to beat you fuckers! Especially since some of you called us part of the UK!
Bring it on!!
Hang on , I thought it was decided Ireland is part of the UK?
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@No-Quarter said in RWC: All Blacks v Ireland (QF2):
Happy with it overall but I really would rather Pat T coming off the bench. He's come of age this year and I think we are missing a trick not using him in the final 20.
It’s only Ireland...
@ACT-Crusader said in RWC: All Blacks v Ireland (QF2):
@No-Quarter said in RWC: All Blacks v Ireland (QF2):
Happy with it overall but I really would rather Pat T coming off the bench. He's come of age this year and I think we are missing a trick not using him in the final 20.
It’s only Ireland...
You're gonna have to ban yourself if we lose.
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@ACT-Crusader said in RWC: All Blacks v Ireland (QF2):
@No-Quarter said in RWC: All Blacks v Ireland (QF2):
Happy with it overall but I really would rather Pat T coming off the bench. He's come of age this year and I think we are missing a trick not using him in the final 20.
It’s only Ireland...
You're gonna have to ban yourself if we lose.
@No-Quarter said in RWC: All Blacks v Ireland (QF2):
@ACT-Crusader said in RWC: All Blacks v Ireland (QF2):
@No-Quarter said in RWC: All Blacks v Ireland (QF2):
Happy with it overall but I really would rather Pat T coming off the bench. He's come of age this year and I think we are missing a trick not using him in the final 20.
It’s only Ireland...
You're gonna have to ban yourself if we lose.
Bring on
the banIreland -
@junior Beauden is not playing out of position. He started at fullback for the ABs, and he's often fallen back there when replaced. Lots of people have maintained for a very long time that it's his best position.
Meanwhile the "inexperienced" midfield has nothing -- nothing -- compared to the first-fives at the last but one world cup. ALB is a veteran compared to Aaron Cruden.
@Chester-Draws said in RWC: All Blacks v Ireland (QF2):
@junior Beauden is not playing out of position. He started at fullback for the ABs, and he's often fallen back there when replaced. Lots of people have maintained for a very long time that it's his best position.
Meanwhile the "inexperienced" midfield has nothing -- nothing -- compared to the first-fives at the last but one world cup. ALB is a veteran compared to Aaron Cruden.
I didn't realise Cruden played in 2007...?
In any event, it's the combination that is relatively untested. McAlister made his AB debut in 2005 and Mils in 2003 - we therefore had "plenty" of experience in our midfield in 2007 by your definition.
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I'm pretty happy with this team. I would probably have SBW and ALB in the midfield, as I think they are both in good form and offer what it takes to get through that Irish defence, which is arguably best on planet (game vs england this year aside).
I really think Retallick needed the Irish game tho, so I wouldn't say I'm comfortable with that one.
Having said that ... if they Irish beat us, then they deserve it and as in head to head match ups of late, they are the better team. You can't be bitter about being beaten by a better team.
EDIT - Just to add a bit more context. Despite us getting destroyed on the scoreboard vs Aussie this year, I'd still put the Irish victory over us last year as the bigger of the drubbings. We had nothing in that game and they got over our line 3 times.
@MajorRage said in RWC: All Blacks v Ireland (QF2):
I'm pretty happy with this team. I would probably have SBW and ALB in the midfield, as I think they are both in good form and offer what it takes to get through that Irish defence, which is arguably best on planet (game vs england this year aside).
I really think Retallick needed the Irish game tho, so I wouldn't say I'm comfortable with that one.
Having said that ... if they Irish beat us, then they deserve it and as in head to head match ups of late, they are the better team. You can't be bitter about being beaten by a better team.
EDIT - Just to add a bit more context. Despite us getting destroyed on the scoreboard vs Aussie this year, I'd still put the Irish victory over us last year as the bigger of the drubbings. We had nothing in that game and they got over our line 3 times.
Agreed with this - despite the eventual scoreline, there were stages in that Aussie match where it looked like we might actually win it (indeed, even after the red, we had a little comeback where it looked like we might be able to pinch it). Also, we played very shit and had one of our players sent off.
Against Ireland last November, we threw absolutely everything at them and that had an answer every time. Also, they made us look Tier 2 at times in the scrum and with their well-worked move for the try. It's honestly the best victory against an AB team since we got beaten by the Boks in 2009, in my view.
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@MajorRage said in RWC: All Blacks v Ireland (QF2):
I'm pretty happy with this team. I would probably have SBW and ALB in the midfield, as I think they are both in good form and offer what it takes to get through that Irish defence, which is arguably best on planet (game vs england this year aside).
I really think Retallick needed the Irish game tho, so I wouldn't say I'm comfortable with that one.
Having said that ... if they Irish beat us, then they deserve it and as in head to head match ups of late, they are the better team. You can't be bitter about being beaten by a better team.
EDIT - Just to add a bit more context. Despite us getting destroyed on the scoreboard vs Aussie this year, I'd still put the Irish victory over us last year as the bigger of the drubbings. We had nothing in that game and they got over our line 3 times.
Agreed with this - despite the eventual scoreline, there were stages in that Aussie match where it looked like we might actually win it (indeed, even after the red, we had a little comeback where it looked like we might be able to pinch it). Also, we played very shit and had one of our players sent off.
Against Ireland last November, we threw absolutely everything at them and that had an answer every time. Also, they made us look Tier 2 at times in the scrum and with their well-worked move for the try. It's honestly the best victory against an AB team since we got beaten by the Boks in 2009, in my view.
@junior said in RWC: All Blacks v Ireland (QF2):
@MajorRage said in RWC: All Blacks v Ireland (QF2):
I'm pretty happy with this team. I would probably have SBW and ALB in the midfield, as I think they are both in good form and offer what it takes to get through that Irish defence, which is arguably best on planet (game vs england this year aside).
I really think Retallick needed the Irish game tho, so I wouldn't say I'm comfortable with that one.
Having said that ... if they Irish beat us, then they deserve it and as in head to head match ups of late, they are the better team. You can't be bitter about being beaten by a better team.
EDIT - Just to add a bit more context. Despite us getting destroyed on the scoreboard vs Aussie this year, I'd still put the Irish victory over us last year as the bigger of the drubbings. We had nothing in that game and they got over our line 3 times.
Agreed with this - despite the eventual scoreline, there were stages in that Aussie match where it looked like we might actually win it (indeed, even after the red, we had a little comeback where it looked like we might be able to pinch it). Also, we played very shit and had one of our players sent off.
Against Ireland last November, we threw absolutely everything at them and that had an answer every time. Also, they made us look Tier 2 at times in the scrum and with their well-worked move for the try. It's honestly the best victory against an AB team since we got beaten by the Boks in 2009, in my view.
I agree. But Read doesn’t knock on and BFA gets there just before O’Mahony and it’s a different game.
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@junior said in RWC: All Blacks v Ireland (QF2):
@MajorRage said in RWC: All Blacks v Ireland (QF2):
I'm pretty happy with this team. I would probably have SBW and ALB in the midfield, as I think they are both in good form and offer what it takes to get through that Irish defence, which is arguably best on planet (game vs england this year aside).
I really think Retallick needed the Irish game tho, so I wouldn't say I'm comfortable with that one.
Having said that ... if they Irish beat us, then they deserve it and as in head to head match ups of late, they are the better team. You can't be bitter about being beaten by a better team.
EDIT - Just to add a bit more context. Despite us getting destroyed on the scoreboard vs Aussie this year, I'd still put the Irish victory over us last year as the bigger of the drubbings. We had nothing in that game and they got over our line 3 times.
Agreed with this - despite the eventual scoreline, there were stages in that Aussie match where it looked like we might actually win it (indeed, even after the red, we had a little comeback where it looked like we might be able to pinch it). Also, we played very shit and had one of our players sent off.
Against Ireland last November, we threw absolutely everything at them and that had an answer every time. Also, they made us look Tier 2 at times in the scrum and with their well-worked move for the try. It's honestly the best victory against an AB team since we got beaten by the Boks in 2009, in my view.
I agree. But Read doesn’t knock on and BFA gets there just before O’Mahony and it’s a different game.
@Billy-Tell said in RWC: All Blacks v Ireland (QF2):
@junior said in RWC: All Blacks v Ireland (QF2):
@MajorRage said in RWC: All Blacks v Ireland (QF2):
I'm pretty happy with this team. I would probably have SBW and ALB in the midfield, as I think they are both in good form and offer what it takes to get through that Irish defence, which is arguably best on planet (game vs england this year aside).
I really think Retallick needed the Irish game tho, so I wouldn't say I'm comfortable with that one.
Having said that ... if they Irish beat us, then they deserve it and as in head to head match ups of late, they are the better team. You can't be bitter about being beaten by a better team.
EDIT - Just to add a bit more context. Despite us getting destroyed on the scoreboard vs Aussie this year, I'd still put the Irish victory over us last year as the bigger of the drubbings. We had nothing in that game and they got over our line 3 times.
Agreed with this - despite the eventual scoreline, there were stages in that Aussie match where it looked like we might actually win it (indeed, even after the red, we had a little comeback where it looked like we might be able to pinch it). Also, we played very shit and had one of our players sent off.
Against Ireland last November, we threw absolutely everything at them and that had an answer every time. Also, they made us look Tier 2 at times in the scrum and with their well-worked move for the try. It's honestly the best victory against an AB team since we got beaten by the Boks in 2009, in my view.
I agree. But Read doesn’t knock on and BFA gets there just before O’Mahony and it’s a different game.
Yep, that's a fair call, but then I'd call that either a very lucky victory / draw or expect that Ireland would have again lifted and put themselves in a position to get some more points.
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I'm pretty happy with this team. I would probably have SBW and ALB in the midfield, as I think they are both in good form and offer what it takes to get through that Irish defence, which is arguably best on planet (game vs england this year aside).
I really think Retallick needed the Irish game tho, so I wouldn't say I'm comfortable with that one.
Having said that ... if they Irish beat us, then they deserve it and as in head to head match ups of late, they are the better team. You can't be bitter about being beaten by a better team.
EDIT - Just to add a bit more context. Despite us getting destroyed on the scoreboard vs Aussie this year, I'd still put the Irish victory over us last year as the bigger of the drubbings. We had nothing in that game and they got over our line 3 times.
@MajorRage said in RWC: All Blacks v Ireland (QF2):
EDIT - Just to add a bit more context. Despite us getting destroyed on the scoreboard vs Aussie this year, I'd still put the Irish victory over us last year as the bigger of the drubbings. We had nothing in that game and they got over our line 3 times.
Disagree - we left lots of points out there.
