All Blacks vs Wales
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="mariner4life" data-cid="584193" data-time="1464650486">
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<p>well, this is all very sedate really isn't it? The first AB squad of a new era, a few newbies replacing all-time greats, and the level of discussion barely gets above "meh"</p>
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<p>Are we as AB supporters just more mature now? Have we become so sure of success we don't care who puts on the jersey? Or have the selectors and coaches built up such a level of goodwill we just trust that they are right? Or is it just that the selectors have done such a good job of bringing guys through we know that the first 23 are all proven test performers already?</p>
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<p>There are a couple of selections that in the past would have at least some people blowing up, but even provincial rivalries can't generate any spite. I think Luatua is extremely hard done by,<strong> but then i think Liam Squire could be moulded into a weapon as well</strong>. I think Taminavalu is a bit rubbish, but has Moala really been playing better? Who the fuck is Franklin?</p>
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<p>I think i miss selectorial shitfights. </p>
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<p>What is it that he brings to the table ? I must confess to not watching a single Highlanders game this year.</p> -
<p>Strong, quick, aggressive, and runs good lines. Has many rough edges, but i like him. Was gutted the Chiefs lost him</p>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="mariner4life" data-cid="584195" data-time="1464650749">
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<p>Strong, quick, aggressive, and runs good lines. Has many rough edges, but i like him. Was gutted the Chiefs lost him</p>
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<p>So basically the player that the hype machine would have us believe that Luke Whitelock is ?</p> -
He's a unit, and a tackle breaker who can offload. He's also quite fast. Early in the season he was going crazy, then got injured. Has been good since coming back but perhaps no as dynamic.<br><br>
I'd imagine that they see his size and skills and are wondering if he can bring that at the next level.<br><br>
Edit: snap M4L. -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="mariner4life" data-cid="584193" data-time="1464650486">
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<p>Are we as AB supporters just more mature now? Have we become so sure of success we don't care who puts on the jersey? Or have the selectors and coaches built up such a level of goodwill we just trust that they are right? Or is it just that the selectors have done such a good job of bringing guys through we know that the first 23 are all proven test performers already?</p>
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<p>More than anything the stakes are so low. They are back-to-back World Champions about to play a three test series against a struggling Wales and there are no World Cup implications being 4 years out.</p>
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<p>Lose a game and stare down the barrel of losing the Bledisloe or losing a home series to Wales and we will see how mature we have become.</p> -
<p>There's a perverse side of me that almost wants that to happen, just to kick it all off. </p>
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<p>I very much doubt the players will have any complacency, unlike like the media and some fans!</p>
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<p>What about from the Welsh player's perspective?</p>
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<p>All they need to do is win one game and the whole tour is a success with. (<em>All</em> is a bit disingenuous, but compared to winning the series...)</p>
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<p>If they lose a game, it's really just a case of brush that off look at what to do next game and go for it. Everyone makes all their tackles, the kicker gets the penalties the ref hands out and they could be going home heroes after losing the series 2-1</p>
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<p>This series could be deemed a no win situation fort he ABs unless the team focus on processes and performance. Internal motivation will be key.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="gt12" data-cid="584197" data-time="1464650937">
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<p>He's a unit, and a tackle breaker who can offload. He's also quite fast. Early in the season he was going crazy, then got injured. Has been good since coming back but perhaps no as dynamic.<br><br>
I'd imagine that they see his size and skills and are wondering if he can bring that at the next level.<br><br>
Edit: snap M4L.</p>
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<p>He'd better be careful of the Zinzan Brooke style mullet though. Zinny only thrived in the ABs once he got rid of it and Jason Eatons AB career is a cautionary tale.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="MN5" data-cid="584194" data-time="1464650669"><p>
What is it that he brings to the table ? I must confess to not watching a single Highlanders game this year.</p></blockquote>
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You been too busy watching 1996 S12 on YouTube? -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Immenso Rapido" data-cid="584217" data-time="1464654386">
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<p>You been too busy watching 1996 S12 on YouTube?</p>
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<p>I remember Marty "Chuck" Berry bumping off Goldie Wilson to score for the Canes vs Landers like it was yesterday.....</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Hooroo" data-cid="584221" data-time="1464656233">
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<p>Ngatai out with COncussions symptoms not yet resolved and Moala in</p>
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<p>that is a big concern for his long term wellbeing!</p> -
Not good news about ngatai. Hopefully those issues clear up soon. <br>
I wonder if the real debate will start when the team is named for the first test. I guess it will depend on there being surprises or not. However that selection is looking pretty straightforward now with ngatai out. <br><br>
Overall its a good squad. <br>
Luatua unlucky but squire looks to have a lot of upside.<br>
Romano lucky imo but looks like they have an eye on Barrett which is good. Didn't see the Franklin selection coming.<br><br>
Also didn't see them picking Tamanivalu over Moala. Especially with a bit of a question mark over 14. Guess both get a shot now. -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Hooroo" data-cid="584227" data-time="1464657249">
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<p>Hey TR, is that thing on Facebook true about Mashall commentating his last game?</p>
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<p><img src="http://i.imgur.com/lfL0UvH.gif" alt="lfL0UvH.gif"></p> -
<p>Tough news for Ngatai. The stuff website states he "was released to work through concussion symptoms." Rennie seemed confident last week that he could play this weekend (if there was a game) but these things have a worrying tendency to drag out week after week.</p>
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<p>If they've ruled him out already, he must be clearly some way away from contact and Moala needs the full induction. I'd have thought the ABs are predominantly in the classroom (and the gym) this week rather than on the training paddock, introducing the new vision, mission statement, strategies, tactics, structures, Wales must be respected, etc.</p>
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<p>Especially they need to remind each new player that his ability to bash fanny has just tripled. </p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="mariner4life" data-cid="584229" data-time="1464657467">
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<p><img src="http://i.imgur.com/lfL0UvH.gif" alt="lfL0UvH.gif"></p>
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<p>Haha, fuck Hooroo, it's tougher fooling my sons than the likes of you !!</p>
