Force v Blues

[African Monkey]

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Dice" data-cid="581150" data-time="1463781657">
<div>
<p>I don't think the changes for the Crusaders game were that big a deal in the end. Most of the changes came in the backs and we lost that game in the forwards. Our pack was mostly the same as the previous week against the Highlanders.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>People complained mostly about Hall and West being switched out, but I have no doubt that if those two started, they would've just come out of that game with their confidence shattered.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>No back line-up we could muster up would be able to come out of that game shining, because we got humped badly up front.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p>Yeah I remember at the time saying that it didn't matter what side we put out, we weren't going to win and never win in Chch. Umaga was trying to build depth early on in the season and I thought that the game against the Crusaders was the perfect game to try new combinations.</p>

[taniwharugby]

<p>apparently Prattley rolled his ankle in training yesterday and Waa has been flown over as a precaution.</p>

[African Monkey]

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="taniwharugby" data-cid="581208" data-time="1463806748">
<div>
<p>apparently Prattley rolled his ankle in training yesterday and Waa has been flown over as a precaution.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p>Would like to see more of him so hope he gets a run.</p>

[Crucial]

Anyone see JK n The Breakdown the other night? Was pretty honest about his failings and one that he mentioned was that he had been out of the loop too long in NZ and missed the boat somewhat selection wise. Didn't mention names but I guess if he knew more about Fekitoa he may not have been so quick to let him go and worked with him to improve his attitude like JJ did.

[SammyC]

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Dice" data-cid="581150" data-time="1463781657"><p>
I don't think the changes for the Crusaders game were that big a deal in the end. Most of the changes came in the backs and we lost that game in the forwards. Our pack was mostly the same as the previous week against the Highlanders.<br><br>
People complained mostly about Hall and West being switched out, but I have no doubt that if those two started, they would've just come out of that game with their confidence shattered.<br><br>
.</p></blockquote>
<br>
I think your starting front row included quentin MacDonald and Mafileo, with Parsons and Faumauina on the bench. That proved to be a bad call at the very least.

[taniwharugby]

<p>I thnk it wasnt an ideal call at that stage in the seaosn after a win you are trying to establish combinations and gain confidence in a young team lacking in a great deal of confidence...but seeing those changes and the ones the following few weeks I thought it became clear Tana wasnt fussed about the results...</p>

[nzzp]

<p>About to kick off.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I'll given them about 20 minutes live.  Better bloody see some commitment and intensity or fark watching the replay tomorrow.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Weather conditions horrific.</p>

[Crucial]

This game, Sevens, the boxing and the final of Banshee all vying for attention.

[gt12]

Updates please

[nzzp]

<p>1.53 in and I've seen better rugby from teh Blues than last week.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Didn't take much.</p>

[nzzp]

<p>3 kicks from Guyton in behind the line.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>How do you spell 'tactic'?</p>

[Stockcar86]

<p>That can't be West playing at 10 - his socks are pulled up</p>

[nzzp]

<p>about to be 3-0 to the Force after a few minutes of pressure in the 22.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Blues forwards have 48kg on the Force.  Should be telling as the game progresses.</p>

[nzzp]

<p>Blues seem to be playing into a strongish wind in the first half.</p>
<p>
Conditions don't seem too bad - despite the comms at the start of the match.  Wettish ground, but no rain visible.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>West kicks one over, 3-3.</p>

[nzzp]

<p>Blues D holding up well.  ood line speed, taking away space and time and putting in some good physical hits.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Still 3 all after 18</p>

[nzzp]

<p>Billy Guyton (magnificent beard) snipes well, and then throws a no-look pass behind that is interecepted.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Hmmm.</p>

[Tordah]

<p>Blues getting out kicked every which way, dire game to watch so far</p>

[nzzp]

<p>Blues score!  Jerome with 5 soon to be 7.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Good team buildup, sustained pressure.  Guyton showed some toe in the open ifeld... looked good</p>

[Tordah]

<p>finally a good passage of play from the Blues (Luatua and Faumuina offloading and combining on the touchline) and then a few phases and Kaino in from in close</p>

[nzzp]

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Tordah" data-cid="581375" data-time="1463825398">
<div>
<p>Blues getting out kicked every which way, dire game to watch so far</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>Comms said strong left to right breeze... makes kickers look excellent for 40 minutes.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Who knows though</p>