Argentina Two: Newcastle, 28 November

sparky

@gt12 said in Argentina Two: Newcastle, 28 November:

Joe Moody (49)

Dane Coles (73)

Nepo Laulala (28)

Scott Barrett (39)

Samuel Whitelock (121)

Akira Ioane (1)

Sam Cane (73) - captain

Ardie Savea (48)

Aaron Smith (96)

Richie Mo'unga (21)

Caleb Clarke (4)

Jack Goodhue (17)

Anton Lienert-Brown (48)

Jordie Barrett (22)

Beauden Barrett (88)

Codie Taylor (56)

Karl Tu'inukuafe (16)

Tyrel Lomax (5)

Patrick Tuipulotu (34)

Hoskins Sotutu (4)

TJ Perenara (68)

Rieko Ioane (33)

Will Jordan (1)

The clown has selected his 12 and his 13 the wrong way around AGAIN.

Machpants

So conflicted. My head Wants a loss to get rid of foster, but that might not even happen with the tunnel vision of NZR. But heart always desires abs win

taniwharugby

@Machpants I dont want a loss as I know that would not see Foster removed.

TBH, even if he has a 1998 season in 2021, he will see out his contract (which is then anyway isnt it? )

mariner4life

what is crystal clear from these 3 weekends is

Ian Foster knows exactly who 21 of his top 23 are, and probably 14 of his starting 15.

what is not clear is:
Has he picked a game plan to suit his chosen players; or
Has he picked players to suit his chosen game plan, or
Has he stumbled on the worst possible combination of picking his favourite players, and handing them a game plan that doesn't suit.

Or are the players just a bit shit.

mariner4life

@Machpants said in Argentina Two: Newcastle, 28 November:

So conflicted. My head Wants a loss to get rid of foster, but that might not even happen with the tunnel vision of NZR. But heart always desires abs win

zero chance he gets the sack no matter what happens this weekend.

There will be zero repercussions for anyone involved, players, coaches, selectors, all will be sweet.

Machpants

Well I'm sorta happy then, cos that means I can support with my head and heart!

Rancid Schnitzel

The only consolation is that Akira has been selected. Unfortunately he'll probably be subbed after 20min when Scott Barrett gets sent off.

Nepia

Jordie!!! FFS the dude is not a wings asshole.

Akira!!! About freaking time.

Siam

The fucken number 8 and the fucken right wing!!🤬

Nepia

@Siam said in Argentina Two: Newcastle, 28 November:

The fucken number 8 and the fucken right wing!!🤬

Yep, Foster and his Canes favouritism!!!

Machpants

There was never any chance at all of both Akira and Sotutu in a must win test, experience trump's all in international rugby. So I'm happy he chose to swap the right one out! Better what we have than frizzell, cane, Sotutu

bayimports

@mariner4life said in Argentina Two: Newcastle, 28 November:

what is crystal clear from these 3 weekends is

Ian Foster knows exactly who 21 of his top 23 are, and probably 14 of his starting 15.

what is not clear is:
Has he picked a game plan to suit his chosen players; or
Has he picked players to suit his chosen game plan, or
Has he stumbled on the worst possible combination of picking his favourite players, and handing them a game plan that doesn't suit.

Or are the players just a bit shit.

Or are the players trusting their own instincts and not following the game plan. (which is a bit of a combo of your above ones) This could also be a lack of trust in game plan or also because when under certain conditions just go "f&k it, lets do wat we know".

Stargazer

I may be the only one, but I find it sensible to start only one of Akira and Sotutu; in a must-win match you don't want to lose too much experience. I also don't think Frizell was playing badly; not great either (like practically the entire squad) - which may have to do with the game plan - but not badly. Having said that, it's good to see Akira to get another opportunity to show that he deserves to be there and can play well when things get tough (that's assuming it will get tough against the Argies).

I don't like the selection of Jordie on the wing and TJP on the bench, but glad Jordan is getting at least a spot on the bench instead of Dmac.

Stargazer

10 changes to the starting team.

Lucas Paulos will make his test debut.

First caps of 2020 for Ezcurra, de la Fuente, Mallía and Moyano as well as replacements Sordoni and Mensa.

Carreras will cover Sánchez.

alt text

ARHS

Maybe the selectors have taken into account the relative energy levels and degree of focus/involvement exhibited by each of the players at the tail end of a tortuous season for all of them. At least I hope so... There are bound to be some feeling the strain more than others, and best that is kept in-house. So, there may be more to selections and tactics than we are aware of, as Cane alluded to. That all said, this team seems more designed to get the win, than to finish 3 tries ahead of Argentina. Fingers crossed their judgement of the personnel is good, and the chosen respond to their opportunity and nail both.

gt12

@mariner4life said in Argentina Two: Newcastle, 28 November:

@gt12 said in Argentina Two: Newcastle, 28 November:

Scott Barrett (39)

fuck off

@gt12 said in Argentina Two: Newcastle, 28 November:

Ardie Savea (48)

fuck off

@gt12 said in Argentina Two: Newcastle, 28 November:

Jordie Barrett (22)

fuck off

@gt12 said in Argentina Two: Newcastle, 28 November:

TJ Perenara (68)

fuck off

I think the last time I got abused in that manner and sort of enjoyed it was here.

Derpus

@Stargazer Isa, Cordero, de la Fuente and Boffelli are improvements on the team from the last two weeks IMO. The rest are likely a step down, particularly at halfback.

ARHS

@Stargazer This is staggering. The backline choice seems risky, with several coming in 'cold'. I can't see the same defensive brick wall from this combo. Hoping the All Blacks target areas away from the Puma loosies this week.

Machpants

@ARHS I think the coaches have realised that their team is knackered, and a fair few niggles. A second win is unlikely against the ABs so they are targetting the next match

Kiwiwomble

Re the loosies, i get the experience argument...i do...but they dont seem to even be aware that Akira and Sotutu have played together all year, there has to be some credit given to experience playing together

The Silver Fern

Argentina Two: Newcastle, 28 November