Bledisloe 1
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@MN5 said in Bledisloe 1:
mostly intent to be honest, the willingness to cart the ball up relentlessly. Has he made mistakes? Yep. Is he a game-breaker? No. Is he a bad human? Yeah, not ideal.
This made me laugh. Ringing endorsement that.
@Derpus said in Bledisloe 1:
@MN5 said in Bledisloe 1:
mostly intent to be honest, the willingness to cart the ball up relentlessly. Has he made mistakes? Yep. Is he a game-breaker? No. Is he a bad human? Yeah, not ideal.
This made me laugh. Ringing endorsement that.
I'll repeat for effect, yeah, not ideal...

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@TheMojoman said in Bledisloe 1:
@NTA said in Bledisloe 1:
Must say, I'm really enjoying the passion and verve of this thread in terms of Player A vs Player B etc.
It won't make a lick of difference to the result - ABs by 25.
What’s your thoughts Nick on how the Wallaby backline will fare? New halves combo, inexperienced centre combo but with some firepower out wide in Koroibete/Wright/Kellaher.
I think if we get enough front foot ball, we might look a bit respectable. Foley hasn't played in 4 months, but the old bastard should know how to run a backline by now.
Centres are inexperienced, but can run hard and straight. I shall name them Fokekitau.
And yeah there is still some class on the wings, if Diamonds Wright turns up and not Rocks Wright.
But, to quote me "IF we get enough front foot ball"

@NTA said in Bledisloe 1:
@TheMojoman said in Bledisloe 1:
@NTA said in Bledisloe 1:
Must say, I'm really enjoying the passion and verve of this thread in terms of Player A vs Player B etc.
It won't make a lick of difference to the result - ABs by 25.
What’s your thoughts Nick on how the Wallaby backline will fare? New halves combo, inexperienced centre combo but with some firepower out wide in Koroibete/Wright/Kellaher.
I think if we get enough front foot ball, we might look a bit respectable. Foley hasn't played in 4 months, but the old bastard should know how to run a backline by now.
Centres are inexperienced, but can run hard and straight. I shall name them Fokekitau.
And yeah there is still some class on the wings, if Diamonds Wright turns up and not Rocks Wright.
But, to quote me "IF we get enough front foot ball"

Yep if not enough front foot ball then it’ll be hard to put Koroibete in good positions to capitalise. In saying that Koroibete will have a roving commission, he’ll be everywhere as per usual.
I’ve got a lot of time for Wright. If given space and playing 14 he’s creative and can finish.
I think the Wallabies will be looking to disrupt upfront, go hard at the breakdown and defence. Expect Leota and Valentini to fly into tackles and breakdown. Samu is an interesting pick over McReight who is clearly the better 7. A bigger body, good with ball in hand but won’t pilfer like McReight.
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@Tim said in Bledisloe 1:
NZ TAB has the spread at 12.5 points.
Australia's depth is facing an extreme test.
If Foster can't rack up at least 50 here, he should be fired.
@NTA said in Bledisloe 1:
@Tim said in Bledisloe 1:
NZ TAB has the spread at 12.5 points.
Australia's depth is facing an extreme test.
If Foster can't rack up at least 50 here, he should be fired.
If form holds the AB’s will be hideous after a sublime outing versus Argentina…
If that’s the case we’ll be hearing how they’ll take on the lessons and how Foster is excited for the challenge at Eden Park plus how he hopes the NZ rugby will be patient while the AB’s rebuild.
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@No-Quarter said in Bledisloe 1:
@nostrildamus said in Bledisloe 1:
I can't be accused of being a fan of Frizell (or Foster) but I admit when SF came back he played well at 6. But the last games against Australia, Akira terrorized them. I'd be more inclined to play him in the first game, at least.
Frizell isn't actually capable of a performance like that
Being careful to not be seen as Frizzy-lover , cos I'm really not, but that's hardly the point. Kaino wasn't capable of that either, and he went pretty good in the 6 jumper.
@voodoo said in Bledisloe 1:
@No-Quarter said in Bledisloe 1:
@nostrildamus said in Bledisloe 1:
I can't be accused of being a fan of Frizell (or Foster) but I admit when SF came back he played well at 6. But the last games against Australia, Akira terrorized them. I'd be more inclined to play him in the first game, at least.
Frizell isn't actually capable of a performance like that
Being careful to not be seen as Frizzy-lover , cos I'm really not, but that's hardly the point. Kaino wasn't capable of that either, and he went pretty good in the 6 jumper.
I would pick anyone over Frizell. Robinson, Jacobson, Blackadder, hell even PGS at 6.
But I’ll admit in the two wins vs Boks & Argentina Frizell has been solid. Has done all the dirty work, cleans, hard carry’s that you need from a 6 when playing with Ardie. He’s also been a threat in the line outs.
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@NTA said in Bledisloe 1:
@TheMojoman said in Bledisloe 1:
@NTA said in Bledisloe 1:
Must say, I'm really enjoying the passion and verve of this thread in terms of Player A vs Player B etc.
It won't make a lick of difference to the result - ABs by 25.
What’s your thoughts Nick on how the Wallaby backline will fare? New halves combo, inexperienced centre combo but with some firepower out wide in Koroibete/Wright/Kellaher.
I think if we get enough front foot ball, we might look a bit respectable. Foley hasn't played in 4 months, but the old bastard should know how to run a backline by now.
Centres are inexperienced, but can run hard and straight. I shall name them Fokekitau.
And yeah there is still some class on the wings, if Diamonds Wright turns up and not Rocks Wright.
But, to quote me "IF we get enough front foot ball"

Yep if not enough front foot ball then it’ll be hard to put Koroibete in good positions to capitalise. In saying that Koroibete will have a roving commission, he’ll be everywhere as per usual.
I’ve got a lot of time for Wright. If given space and playing 14 he’s creative and can finish.
I think the Wallabies will be looking to disrupt upfront, go hard at the breakdown and defence. Expect Leota and Valentini to fly into tackles and breakdown. Samu is an interesting pick over McReight who is clearly the better 7. A bigger body, good with ball in hand but won’t pilfer like McReight.
@TheMojoman said in Bledisloe 1:
I’ve got a lot of time for Wright. If given space and playing 14 he’s creative and can finish.
Talented? Yes.
Brain the size of a pea? Yes.
Temperament of a teenage bully? Most definitely. -
@TheMojoman said in Bledisloe 1:
I’ve got a lot of time for Wright. If given space and playing 14 he’s creative and can finish.
Talented? Yes.
Brain the size of a pea? Yes.
Temperament of a teenage bully? Most definitely.@NTA said in Bledisloe 1:
@TheMojoman said in Bledisloe 1:
I’ve got a lot of time for Wright. If given space and playing 14 he’s creative and can finish.
Talented? Yes.
Brain the size of a pea? Yes.
Temperament of a teenage bully? Most definitely.He's the Ocker Jack Nowell.
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If NZ lose this then we've entered the Upside Down
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Dry Track footie under the roof.
Backrow has better balance then what we are used to lately, with 4 genuine line out options to utilise.
Christchurch was wetter than Whitney Houston's last spliff.
I expect improvement.
Release the hounds.
Allblacks by 30.
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Will Jordan has a horn on him a cat wouldn't scratch. Fizzing at the slit.
I expect a hat trick from the best sportsman ever to have the name Jordan.
Rip into it son with gay abandon.
Cutting Lines like he is a guest in the Chateaux Marmont.
@Steve said in Bledisloe 1:
Will Jordan has a horn on him a cat wouldn't scratch. Fizzing at the slit.
I expect a hat trick from the best sportsman ever to have the name Jordan.
Rip into it son with gay abandon.
Cutting Lines like he is a guest in the Chateaux Marmont.
I’ll have whatever you’re smoking.
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@KiwiMurph said in Bledisloe 1:
Barrett's mobility should be tested under the roof against that mobile Aussie team named. Will be a good barometer.
The question for Akira this week is when is he introduced? We know Cane typically gets subbed around the 60/65 minute mark for Papali'i but it will be interesting when Akira is brought on (and for who).
Yeah, I have a feeling one of Paps or Akira won't get many minutes at all as they'll be the sub held back in case of injury....
Ok so I understand selecting basically the same team, but fuuuuck meeeee they better fucking win then.
And if they do, I can't see players that haven't been used finally getting their chance at EP.
So...it appears Foster is banking on slotting unproven players in if there are injuries over the next year and having an experienced, settled side around them to help and hope they slot in ok, rather than see now.
@Bones said in Bledisloe 1:
So...it appears Foster is banking on slotting unproven players in if there are injuries over the next year and having an experienced, settled side around them to help and hope they slot in ok, rather than see now.
Think you're right. The problem is he hasn't been able to try newer players as his back is continually up against the wall. He has to win on Thursday to keep Bledisloe and again the following week to keep the Eden Park record.
Wouldn't have minded the recent losses so much if we were blooding newbies - but we weren't and ended up with the worst of both worlds.
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Reasonably happy with the starting XV, pleased to see Sotutu get a start and it will be a good match up against Valetini. hope he takes the opportunity and plays a blinder.
Not sure I agree with SB at 6, not saying he's not good at it, but clearly they want to maintain a tighter 6 style. But we don't learn anything new by doing this...
I would have liked to see AI get a start and Jacobson on the bench to get a run late in the game, Surely AI has got some motivation to have a big game after watching SF smash rucks and do all the tight stuff....that said he's capable of being a big impact late in the game.
Also thought the Ginger could have got a start...but maybe seeing AS starting to run a bit in the last match was enough to keep him starting.
Should be an entertaining game... Aussies will be fizzing, especially if they get in front early...but they have made a lot of changes.. ABs by 12 for me.
@Mattasaurus said in Bledisloe 1:
Surely AI has got some motivation to have a big game after watching SF smash rucks and do all the tight stuff....that said he's capable of being a big impact late in the game.
That's the only way the selection makes sense I guess. Akira is a better open-field player and SB is better in the tight. AI does need some serious game time though.
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@Billy-Tell said in Bledisloe 1:
I’m ok with the team except I would have brought Reece back. Not sure what he did to get dropped tbh other than play pretty well against Ireland.
Sotutu needs to take his opportunity. It’s entirely in his hands.
i know right, i think thats whats gets me, the people that get dropped after playing well and those that keep playing after playing poorly...hence my suspicion fozzie does his selections based on Rugby Challenge 19 player ratings
@Kiwiwomble said in Bledisloe 1:
@Billy-Tell said in Bledisloe 1:
I’m ok with the team except I would have brought Reece back. Not sure what he did to get dropped tbh other than play pretty well against Ireland.
Sotutu needs to take his opportunity. It’s entirely in his hands.
i know right, i think thats whats gets me, the people that get dropped after playing well and those that keep playing after playing poorly...hence my suspicion fozzie does his selections based on Rugby Challenge 19 player ratings
It's possible that Foster & Schmidt are happy with Reece and see him as a safe option and a shoe-in for RWC2023, but are concerned with Will Jordan's form and want to give him as much game-time as possible to come right.
Might disagree, but it makes sense.
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Hmmm. I see the akira is awesome posts again. Bloody well show us please akira with a dominant display off the bench rather than an ok-ish one.
@Billy-Tell said in Bledisloe 1:
Hmmm. I see the akira is awesome posts again. Bloody well show us please akira with a dominant display off the bench rather than an ok-ish one.
Kinda agree. Hugely talented and to Foster's credit, he's done well with Akira compared to Hansen and Akira has responded to that.
Not too sure where he fits into the game-plan, but agree he needs to perform from the bench as we don't have the luxury of giving him a start against lesser teams, sadly.
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@booboo said in Bledisloe 1:
@Kiwiwomble said in Bledisloe 1:
@Billy-Tell said in Bledisloe 1:
I’m ok with the team except I would have brought Reece back. Not sure what he did to get dropped tbh other than play pretty well against Ireland.
Sotutu needs to take his opportunity. It’s entirely in his hands.
i know right, i think thats whats gets me, the people that get dropped after playing well and those that keep playing after playing poorly...hence my suspicion fozzie does his selections based on Rugby Challenge 19 player ratings
Yes and no.
Fan of Reece. But who to leave out? Your choices are JB or CC.
On form, Will Jordan gets a rest.
@Kirwan said in Bledisloe 1:
On form, Will Jordan gets a rest.
Or Schmidt & Foster want to give him one more chance to find form. The bounce of the ball hasn't gone his way recently and perhaps he's a confidence player
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@Kiwiwomble said in Bledisloe 1:
@Bones said in Bledisloe 1:
@Kiwiwomble said in Bledisloe 1:
@Bones i dont actually disagree with anything you're saying...i just dont know why anyone would be SO against just seeing him in what i thought was generally accepted as his best position
Because he's been lackadaisical and uncommitted and that would be exposed brutally at fullback against a side who see this as probably their best chance in 20 years to get a hand on the bledisloe and perhaps even a win at EP.
I don't know why anyone would be SO for taking such a risk.
You can't hide a shit fullback at fullback.
going to have to just leave this one then, i dont think hes a shit fullback so we're starting from very different places
He's pretty good at super rugby.
So is Codie Taylor.
@Bones said in Bledisloe 1:
He's pretty good at super rugby.
So is Codie Taylor.So is Scott Robertson...
(Lights blue touchpaper and retires to safe distance)
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@Kiwiwomble said in Bledisloe 1:
@Nepia im grasping at straws here but i thought he played much better than expected last time he played at 6?....didn;t he?
I actually think his game against England was better than this year, but he's still not a 6.
@Winger said in Bledisloe 1:
@Kiwiwomble said in Bledisloe 1:
@Nepia im grasping at straws here but i thought he played much better than expected last time he played at 6?....didn;t he?
Thats as I remember it. The consensus was he went well
Bro, I posted a few weeks back that I think the Fern has lost the plot with the consensus rating of Scooter this year. As discussed then he seems to look the part more than be the part. But he's had low metres and high missed tackle stats a few times this year while appearing regularly in the MOTM voting.
Anyway, I hope he lives up to the hype and has a good game on Thursday.
@Nepia said in Bledisloe 1:
But he's had low metres and high missed tackle stats a few times this year while appearing regularly in the MOTM voting.
TBF, his work rate has been bloody good though.
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@voodoo said in Bledisloe 1:
@No-Quarter said in Bledisloe 1:
@nostrildamus said in Bledisloe 1:
I can't be accused of being a fan of Frizell (or Foster) but I admit when SF came back he played well at 6. But the last games against Australia, Akira terrorized them. I'd be more inclined to play him in the first game, at least.
Frizell isn't actually capable of a performance like that
Being careful to not be seen as Frizzy-lover , cos I'm really not, but that's hardly the point. Kaino wasn't capable of that either, and he went pretty good in the 6 jumper.
I would pick anyone over Frizell. Robinson, Jacobson, Blackadder, hell even PGS at 6.
But I’ll admit in the two wins vs Boks & Argentina Frizell has been solid. Has done all the dirty work, cleans, hard carry’s that you need from a 6 when playing with Ardie. He’s also been a threat in the line outs.
@TheMojoman said in Bledisloe 1:
@voodoo said in Bledisloe 1:
@No-Quarter said in Bledisloe 1:
@nostrildamus said in Bledisloe 1:
I can't be accused of being a fan of Frizell (or Foster) but I admit when SF came back he played well at 6. But the last games against Australia, Akira terrorized them. I'd be more inclined to play him in the first game, at least.
Frizell isn't actually capable of a performance like that
Being careful to not be seen as Frizzy-lover , cos I'm really not, but that's hardly the point. Kaino wasn't capable of that either, and he went pretty good in the 6 jumper.
I would pick anyone over Frizell. Robinson, Jacobson, Blackadder, hell even PGS at 6.
But I’ll admit in the two wins vs Boks & Argentina Frizell has been solid. Has done all the dirty work, cleans, hard carry’s that you need from a 6 when playing with Ardie. He’s also been a threat in the line outs.
Yep. You had to look hard for SF in Pumas II. He was really getting stuck into the thick of it.
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If NZ lose this then we've entered the Upside Down
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@No-Quarter said in Bledisloe 1:
@nostrildamus said in Bledisloe 1:
I can't be accused of being a fan of Frizell (or Foster) but I admit when SF came back he played well at 6. But the last games against Australia, Akira terrorized them. I'd be more inclined to play him in the first game, at least.
Frizell isn't actually capable of a performance like that
Being careful to not be seen as Frizzy-lover , cos I'm really not, but that's hardly the point. Kaino wasn't capable of that either, and he went pretty good in the 6 jumper.
@voodoo said in Bledisloe 1:
@No-Quarter said in Bledisloe 1:
@nostrildamus said in Bledisloe 1:
I can't be accused of being a fan of Frizell (or Foster) but I admit when SF came back he played well at 6. But the last games against Australia, Akira terrorized them. I'd be more inclined to play him in the first game, at least.
Frizell isn't actually capable of a performance like that
Being careful to not be seen as Frizzy-lover , cos I'm really not, but that's hardly the point. Kaino wasn't capable of that either, and he went pretty good in the 6 jumper.
OK we can let you off with a warning this time, but if you ever mention Kaino's name alongside Frizell's again that's at least a 6 month ban.
