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All Blacks 2023

Scheduled Pinned Locked Moved Sports Talk
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  • KirwanK Kirwan

    @mariner4life said in All Blacks 2023:

    @Tim said in All Blacks 2023:

    @mariner4life Stick DMac in the Blues team. Would be very happy with that.

    How many ABs do you need to beat the most retched, soulless franchise in super rugby history?

    Should we also bring back Carlos?

    Canes aren’t that bad.

    mariner4lifeM Online
    mariner4lifeM Online
    mariner4life
    wrote on last edited by
    #713

    @Kirwan said in All Blacks 2023:

    @mariner4life said in All Blacks 2023:

    @Tim said in All Blacks 2023:

    @mariner4life Stick DMac in the Blues team. Would be very happy with that.

    How many ABs do you need to beat the most retched, soulless franchise in super rugby history?

    Should we also bring back Carlos?

    Canes aren’t that bad.

    That's a solid burn

    1 Reply Last reply
    0
    • mariner4lifeM Online
      mariner4lifeM Online
      mariner4life
      wrote on last edited by
      #714

      The best tight 5 has been the Highlanders
      They'll get 1 AB

      The best loose trio has been the Chiefs
      They'll get one AB

      The best inside backs have been the Chiefs, They'll be off the bench

      The best midfield has been the Blues, one will be in the ABs

      The best outside backs have been the Chiefs
      They'll probably get no players selected

      Of the ABs were a rep side talkback radio would go fucking off.

      TimT 1 Reply Last reply
      5
      • Canes4lifeC Online
        Canes4lifeC Online
        Canes4life
        wrote on last edited by
        #715

        Let's just select this backline because we all know how playing players out of position works so wonderfully well at a WC.
        9. Smith
        10. DMac - a fullback playing 10
        11. SStevenson - a fullback playing wing
        12. JBarrett - a fullback playing 12
        13. RIoane - a wing playing centre
        14. WJordan - a fullback playing wing
        15. BBarrett - a first five playing fullback

        KiwiMurphK nostrildamusN Victor MeldrewV 3 Replies Last reply
        3
        • Canes4lifeC Canes4life

          Let's just select this backline because we all know how playing players out of position works so wonderfully well at a WC.
          9. Smith
          10. DMac - a fullback playing 10
          11. SStevenson - a fullback playing wing
          12. JBarrett - a fullback playing 12
          13. RIoane - a wing playing centre
          14. WJordan - a fullback playing wing
          15. BBarrett - a first five playing fullback

          KiwiMurphK Offline
          KiwiMurphK Offline
          KiwiMurph
          wrote on last edited by
          #716

          @Canes4life said in All Blacks 2023:

          1. BBarrett - a first five playing fullback

          Pfftt.... Beauden isn't a first five.....

          1 Reply Last reply
          7
          • mariner4lifeM mariner4life

            The best tight 5 has been the Highlanders
            They'll get 1 AB

            The best loose trio has been the Chiefs
            They'll get one AB

            The best inside backs have been the Chiefs, They'll be off the bench

            The best midfield has been the Blues, one will be in the ABs

            The best outside backs have been the Chiefs
            They'll probably get no players selected

            Of the ABs were a rep side talkback radio would go fucking off.

            TimT Away
            TimT Away
            Tim
            wrote on last edited by
            #717

            @mariner4life Don't forget that, at that this time last year, the Blues were unbeatable, but didn't go on to dominate the ABs either.

            A 1 Reply Last reply
            1
            • S Steve

              @nostrildamus

              It has to be something like that or we are fucking toast.

              He has to roll the dice.

              BerniesCornerB Offline
              BerniesCornerB Offline
              BerniesCorner
              wrote on last edited by
              #718

              @Steve Im picking the current AB coaching setup will pick the senior incumbents. They need to pick on form.

              1 Reply Last reply
              1
              • TimT Tim

                @mariner4life Don't forget that, at that this time last year, the Blues were unbeatable, but didn't go on to dominate the ABs either.

                A Online
                A Online
                ARHS
                wrote on last edited by
                #719

                @Tim yeah you only got 14 in AB's squad. Harsh.

                1 Reply Last reply
                2
                • Canes4lifeC Canes4life

                  Let's just select this backline because we all know how playing players out of position works so wonderfully well at a WC.
                  9. Smith
                  10. DMac - a fullback playing 10
                  11. SStevenson - a fullback playing wing
                  12. JBarrett - a fullback playing 12
                  13. RIoane - a wing playing centre
                  14. WJordan - a fullback playing wing
                  15. BBarrett - a first five playing fullback

                  nostrildamusN Online
                  nostrildamusN Online
                  nostrildamus
                  wrote on last edited by
                  #720

                  @Canes4life said in All Blacks 2023:

                  Let's just select this backline because we all know how playing players out of position works so wonderfully well at a WC.
                  9. Smith
                  10. DMac - a fullback playing 10
                  11. SStevenson - a fullback playing wing
                  12. JBarrett - a fullback playing 12
                  13. RIoane - a wing playing centre
                  14. WJordan - a fullback playing wing
                  15. BBarrett - a first five playing fullback

                  and we could top that by making all the loose forwards fill in at lock.
                  Works so well for the Canes!

                  1 Reply Last reply
                  0
                  • KiwiwombleK Kiwiwomble

                    @Kirwan said in All Blacks 2023:

                    And before the Cantab mafia come for me (cough, cough Stargazer), I'm leaning towards DMac, not BB.

                    He also makes mistakes, but is a better tackler, has a longer kicking game and runs straight which is even more important at the higher level. RM's main attacking strategy of running sideways (or even backwards) until he finds a mismatch is completely useless when there isn't a mismatch.

                    I like the idea of disrupting all the opposition plans on how to isolate RM by selecting DMac and either Sullivan or Stevenson at fullback. Be bold and go win the thing.

                    ive come around to DMac as he seems to be running hot on form at the moment....but, has his game changed or something, i remember him being a huge proponent of the run across field and shovel a pass when he couldn't find a gap

                    Victor MeldrewV Offline
                    Victor MeldrewV Offline
                    Victor Meldrew
                    wrote on last edited by Victor Meldrew
                    #721

                    @Kiwiwomble said in All Blacks 2023:

                    @Kirwan said in All Blacks 2023:

                    And before the Cantab mafia come for me (cough, cough Stargazer), I'm leaning towards DMac, not BB.

                    He also makes mistakes, but is a better tackler, has a longer kicking game and runs straight which is even more important at the higher level. RM's main attacking strategy of running sideways (or even backwards) until he finds a mismatch is completely useless when there isn't a mismatch.

                    I like the idea of disrupting all the opposition plans on how to isolate RM by selecting DMac and either Sullivan or Stevenson at fullback. Be bold and go win the thing.

                    ive come around to DMac as he seems to be running hot on form at the moment....but, has his game changed or something, i remember him being a huge proponent of the run across field and shovel a pass when he couldn't find a gap

                    He's never been a greedy player or a glory-hunter and always as brave as fuck, but I've noticed he now often goes for the safer option rather than try to take on the world. Still happy to rip another side to shreds but way more mature in his decision-making. Hopefully will transfer to Test level.

                    M 1 Reply Last reply
                    1
                    • Victor MeldrewV Victor Meldrew

                      @Kiwiwomble said in All Blacks 2023:

                      @Kirwan said in All Blacks 2023:

                      And before the Cantab mafia come for me (cough, cough Stargazer), I'm leaning towards DMac, not BB.

                      He also makes mistakes, but is a better tackler, has a longer kicking game and runs straight which is even more important at the higher level. RM's main attacking strategy of running sideways (or even backwards) until he finds a mismatch is completely useless when there isn't a mismatch.

                      I like the idea of disrupting all the opposition plans on how to isolate RM by selecting DMac and either Sullivan or Stevenson at fullback. Be bold and go win the thing.

                      ive come around to DMac as he seems to be running hot on form at the moment....but, has his game changed or something, i remember him being a huge proponent of the run across field and shovel a pass when he couldn't find a gap

                      He's never been a greedy player or a glory-hunter and always as brave as fuck, but I've noticed he now often goes for the safer option rather than try to take on the world. Still happy to rip another side to shreds but way more mature in his decision-making. Hopefully will transfer to Test level.

                      M Offline
                      M Offline
                      Machpants
                      wrote on last edited by
                      #722

                      @Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2023:

                      @Kiwiwomble said in All Blacks 2023:

                      @Kirwan said in All Blacks 2023:

                      And before the Cantab mafia come for me (cough, cough Stargazer), I'm leaning towards DMac, not BB.

                      He also makes mistakes, but is a better tackler, has a longer kicking game and runs straight which is even more important at the higher level. RM's main attacking strategy of running sideways (or even backwards) until he finds a mismatch is completely useless when there isn't a mismatch.

                      I like the idea of disrupting all the opposition plans on how to isolate RM by selecting DMac and either Sullivan or Stevenson at fullback. Be bold and go win the thing.

                      ive come around to DMac as he seems to be running hot on form at the moment....but, has his game changed or something, i remember him being a huge proponent of the run across field and shovel a pass when he couldn't find a gap

                      He's never been a greedy player or a glory-hunter and always as brave as fuck, but I've noticed he now often goes for the safer option rather than try to take on the world. Still happy to rip another side to shreds but way more mature in his decision-making. Hopefully will transfer to Test level.

                      I still reckon he's an excellent fullback. The dual playmaker idea worked with him and beaudy, but when he's was injured they tried it with mo'unga and Barrett, which didn't. Interesting article by nick bishop on rugby pass ages with me. Chiefs versus saders were most successful when DMac switched to the back

                      Victor MeldrewV 1 Reply Last reply
                      0
                      • A ARHS

                        @Nepia He has always been strong in getting over the ball and cover defends effectively a long way across field. Best in NZ maybe at that. Always thought those were standouts that offset front on defensive weakness.

                        NepiaN Offline
                        NepiaN Offline
                        Nepia
                        wrote on last edited by
                        #723

                        @ARHS said in All Blacks 2023:

                        @Nepia He has always been strong in getting over the ball and cover defends effectively a long way across field. Best in NZ maybe at that. Always thought those were standouts that offset front on defensive weakness.

                        Pulling off the odd cover tackle doesn't invalidate the fact he had poor defence when first selected for the ABs.

                        I don't know why you guys are going to the mattresses over that statement, you could just point out he worked on it and improved that area if you're that keen on fluffing him.

                        1 Reply Last reply
                        0
                        • M Machpants

                          @Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2023:

                          @Kiwiwomble said in All Blacks 2023:

                          @Kirwan said in All Blacks 2023:

                          And before the Cantab mafia come for me (cough, cough Stargazer), I'm leaning towards DMac, not BB.

                          He also makes mistakes, but is a better tackler, has a longer kicking game and runs straight which is even more important at the higher level. RM's main attacking strategy of running sideways (or even backwards) until he finds a mismatch is completely useless when there isn't a mismatch.

                          I like the idea of disrupting all the opposition plans on how to isolate RM by selecting DMac and either Sullivan or Stevenson at fullback. Be bold and go win the thing.

                          ive come around to DMac as he seems to be running hot on form at the moment....but, has his game changed or something, i remember him being a huge proponent of the run across field and shovel a pass when he couldn't find a gap

                          He's never been a greedy player or a glory-hunter and always as brave as fuck, but I've noticed he now often goes for the safer option rather than try to take on the world. Still happy to rip another side to shreds but way more mature in his decision-making. Hopefully will transfer to Test level.

                          I still reckon he's an excellent fullback. The dual playmaker idea worked with him and beaudy, but when he's was injured they tried it with mo'unga and Barrett, which didn't. Interesting article by nick bishop on rugby pass ages with me. Chiefs versus saders were most successful when DMac switched to the back

                          Victor MeldrewV Offline
                          Victor MeldrewV Offline
                          Victor Meldrew
                          wrote on last edited by
                          #724

                          @Machpants said in All Blacks 2023:

                          @Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2023:

                          @Kiwiwomble said in All Blacks 2023:

                          @Kirwan said in All Blacks 2023:

                          And before the Cantab mafia come for me (cough, cough Stargazer), I'm leaning towards DMac, not BB.

                          He also makes mistakes, but is a better tackler, has a longer kicking game and runs straight which is even more important at the higher level. RM's main attacking strategy of running sideways (or even backwards) until he finds a mismatch is completely useless when there isn't a mismatch.

                          I like the idea of disrupting all the opposition plans on how to isolate RM by selecting DMac and either Sullivan or Stevenson at fullback. Be bold and go win the thing.

                          ive come around to DMac as he seems to be running hot on form at the moment....but, has his game changed or something, i remember him being a huge proponent of the run across field and shovel a pass when he couldn't find a gap

                          He's never been a greedy player or a glory-hunter and always as brave as fuck, but I've noticed he now often goes for the safer option rather than try to take on the world. Still happy to rip another side to shreds but way more mature in his decision-making. Hopefully will transfer to Test level.

                          I still reckon he's an excellent fullback. The dual playmaker idea worked with him and beaudy, but when he's was injured they tried it with mo'unga and Barrett, which didn't. Interesting article by nick bishop on rugby pass ages with me. Chiefs versus saders were most successful when DMac switched to the back

                          He was really good at 15 on the EOYT - easily his best period in the Black jersey. You do wonder if being so versatile hasn't helped him settle into his best position.

                          Maybe I'm a bit stuck in my ways, but I'm not convinced constantly buggering about with players positions, which seem to have become de rigeur since about 2016, really helps much.

                          S 1 Reply Last reply
                          0
                          • S Offline
                            S Offline
                            SBW1
                            wrote on last edited by
                            #725

                            https://www.msn.com/en-au/sport/other/only-one-of-stevenson-or-narawa-has-a-shot-as-a-world-cup-bolter/ar-AA1aQBVn?ocid=hpmsn&pc=ACTE&cvid=e654ef1abc964b448b6477ed90c2a899&ei=26

                            1 Reply Last reply
                            0
                            • Canes4lifeC Canes4life

                              Let's just select this backline because we all know how playing players out of position works so wonderfully well at a WC.
                              9. Smith
                              10. DMac - a fullback playing 10
                              11. SStevenson - a fullback playing wing
                              12. JBarrett - a fullback playing 12
                              13. RIoane - a wing playing centre
                              14. WJordan - a fullback playing wing
                              15. BBarrett - a first five playing fullback

                              Victor MeldrewV Offline
                              Victor MeldrewV Offline
                              Victor Meldrew
                              wrote on last edited by Victor Meldrew
                              #726

                              @Canes4life said in All Blacks 2023:

                              Let's just select this backline because we all know how playing players out of position works so wonderfully well at a WC.
                              9. Smith
                              10. DMac - a fullback playing 10
                              11. SStevenson - a fullback playing wing
                              12. JBarrett - a fullback playing 12
                              13. RIoane - a wing playing centre
                              14. WJordan - a fullback playing wing
                              15. BBarrett - a first five playing fullback

                              But isn't that called "being bold" and "rolling the dice" ?

                              Players like Will Jordan are just so good they can excel in different positions, but you have to question player development plans across the SR franchises and the ABs

                              nostrildamusN 1 Reply Last reply
                              0
                              • Victor MeldrewV Victor Meldrew

                                @Canes4life said in All Blacks 2023:

                                Let's just select this backline because we all know how playing players out of position works so wonderfully well at a WC.
                                9. Smith
                                10. DMac - a fullback playing 10
                                11. SStevenson - a fullback playing wing
                                12. JBarrett - a fullback playing 12
                                13. RIoane - a wing playing centre
                                14. WJordan - a fullback playing wing
                                15. BBarrett - a first five playing fullback

                                But isn't that called "being bold" and "rolling the dice" ?

                                Players like Will Jordan are just so good they can excel in different positions, but you have to question player development plans across the SR franchises and the ABs

                                nostrildamusN Online
                                nostrildamusN Online
                                nostrildamus
                                wrote on last edited by nostrildamus
                                #727

                                @Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2023:

                                @Canes4life said in All Blacks 2023:

                                Let's just select this backline because we all know how playing players out of position works so wonderfully well at a WC.

                                @Canes4life, arguable!

                                1. Smith
                                2. DMac - a fullback playing 10
                                3. SStevenson - a fullback playing wing
                                4. JBarrett - a fullback playing 12
                                5. RIoane - a wing playing centre
                                6. WJordan - a fullback playing wing
                                7. BBarrett - a first five playing fullback

                                But isn't that called "being bold" and "rolling the dice" ?

                                Players like Will Jordan are just so good they can excel in different positions, but you have to question player development plans across the SR franchises and the ABs

                                Yes I think this swapping around has been problematic esp in the midfield. And the loosies don't often seem balanced.

                                Below to @Canes4life

                                1. DMac - a fullback playing 10

                                played twice for ABs as 10, wants to play there, played well there for NZ XV.

                                1. SStevenson - a fullback playing wing

                                The tried and tested grounding in process for ABs, Jordan, Ben Smith, and Cory Jane...I think Dagg started at 15 for ABs but was a good right wing there....FBs can make good wings!

                                1. JBarrett - a fullback playing 12

                                Prefers 12, played 12 previously

                                1. RIoane - a wing playing centre

                                Has played a lot at centre for ABs and Blues now..possibly most experienced current AB 13? (Possibly ALB or Goodhue are close).

                                1. WJordan - a fullback playing wing

                                see #11

                                1. BBarrett - a first five playing fullback

                                There is an argument he is a 15 trying to play 10...

                                1 Reply Last reply
                                0
                                • Victor MeldrewV Victor Meldrew

                                  @Machpants said in All Blacks 2023:

                                  @Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2023:

                                  @Kiwiwomble said in All Blacks 2023:

                                  @Kirwan said in All Blacks 2023:

                                  And before the Cantab mafia come for me (cough, cough Stargazer), I'm leaning towards DMac, not BB.

                                  He also makes mistakes, but is a better tackler, has a longer kicking game and runs straight which is even more important at the higher level. RM's main attacking strategy of running sideways (or even backwards) until he finds a mismatch is completely useless when there isn't a mismatch.

                                  I like the idea of disrupting all the opposition plans on how to isolate RM by selecting DMac and either Sullivan or Stevenson at fullback. Be bold and go win the thing.

                                  ive come around to DMac as he seems to be running hot on form at the moment....but, has his game changed or something, i remember him being a huge proponent of the run across field and shovel a pass when he couldn't find a gap

                                  He's never been a greedy player or a glory-hunter and always as brave as fuck, but I've noticed he now often goes for the safer option rather than try to take on the world. Still happy to rip another side to shreds but way more mature in his decision-making. Hopefully will transfer to Test level.

                                  I still reckon he's an excellent fullback. The dual playmaker idea worked with him and beaudy, but when he's was injured they tried it with mo'unga and Barrett, which didn't. Interesting article by nick bishop on rugby pass ages with me. Chiefs versus saders were most successful when DMac switched to the back

                                  He was really good at 15 on the EOYT - easily his best period in the Black jersey. You do wonder if being so versatile hasn't helped him settle into his best position.

                                  Maybe I'm a bit stuck in my ways, but I'm not convinced constantly buggering about with players positions, which seem to have become de rigeur since about 2016, really helps much.

                                  S Offline
                                  S Offline
                                  Steve
                                  wrote on last edited by
                                  #728

                                  @Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2023:

                                  @Machpants said in All Blacks 2023:

                                  @Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2023:

                                  @Kiwiwomble said in All Blacks 2023:

                                  @Kirwan said in All Blacks 2023:

                                  And before the Cantab mafia come for me (cough, cough Stargazer), I'm leaning towards DMac, not BB.

                                  He also makes mistakes, but is a better tackler, has a longer kicking game and runs straight which is even more important at the higher level. RM's main attacking strategy of running sideways (or even backwards) until he finds a mismatch is completely useless when there isn't a mismatch.

                                  I like the idea of disrupting all the opposition plans on how to isolate RM by selecting DMac and either Sullivan or Stevenson at fullback. Be bold and go win the thing.

                                  ive come around to DMac as he seems to be running hot on form at the moment....but, has his game changed or something, i remember him being a huge proponent of the run across field and shovel a pass when he couldn't find a gap

                                  He's never been a greedy player or a glory-hunter and always as brave as fuck, but I've noticed he now often goes for the safer option rather than try to take on the world. Still happy to rip another side to shreds but way more mature in his decision-making. Hopefully will transfer to Test level.

                                  I still reckon he's an excellent fullback. The dual playmaker idea worked with him and beaudy, but when he's was injured they tried it with mo'unga and Barrett, which didn't. Interesting article by nick bishop on rugby pass ages with me. Chiefs versus saders were most successful when DMac switched to the back

                                  He was really good at 15 on the EOYT - easily his best period in the Black jersey. You do wonder if being so versatile hasn't helped him settle into his best position.

                                  Maybe I'm a bit stuck in my ways, but I'm not convinced constantly buggering about with players positions, which seem to have become de rigeur since about 2016, really helps much.

                                  the "Adam Ashley Cooperification" of a backline.

                                  Australia was a hot mess for much of the 2010's with Kurtly Beale, Ashley Cooper, O Connor and friends having a game of Hokey Cokey with their postions.

                                  It done them all a disservice

                                  Victor MeldrewV 1 Reply Last reply
                                  1
                                  • S Steve

                                    @Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2023:

                                    @Machpants said in All Blacks 2023:

                                    @Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2023:

                                    @Kiwiwomble said in All Blacks 2023:

                                    @Kirwan said in All Blacks 2023:

                                    And before the Cantab mafia come for me (cough, cough Stargazer), I'm leaning towards DMac, not BB.

                                    He also makes mistakes, but is a better tackler, has a longer kicking game and runs straight which is even more important at the higher level. RM's main attacking strategy of running sideways (or even backwards) until he finds a mismatch is completely useless when there isn't a mismatch.

                                    I like the idea of disrupting all the opposition plans on how to isolate RM by selecting DMac and either Sullivan or Stevenson at fullback. Be bold and go win the thing.

                                    ive come around to DMac as he seems to be running hot on form at the moment....but, has his game changed or something, i remember him being a huge proponent of the run across field and shovel a pass when he couldn't find a gap

                                    He's never been a greedy player or a glory-hunter and always as brave as fuck, but I've noticed he now often goes for the safer option rather than try to take on the world. Still happy to rip another side to shreds but way more mature in his decision-making. Hopefully will transfer to Test level.

                                    I still reckon he's an excellent fullback. The dual playmaker idea worked with him and beaudy, but when he's was injured they tried it with mo'unga and Barrett, which didn't. Interesting article by nick bishop on rugby pass ages with me. Chiefs versus saders were most successful when DMac switched to the back

                                    He was really good at 15 on the EOYT - easily his best period in the Black jersey. You do wonder if being so versatile hasn't helped him settle into his best position.

                                    Maybe I'm a bit stuck in my ways, but I'm not convinced constantly buggering about with players positions, which seem to have become de rigeur since about 2016, really helps much.

                                    the "Adam Ashley Cooperification" of a backline.

                                    Australia was a hot mess for much of the 2010's with Kurtly Beale, Ashley Cooper, O Connor and friends having a game of Hokey Cokey with their postions.

                                    It done them all a disservice

                                    Victor MeldrewV Offline
                                    Victor MeldrewV Offline
                                    Victor Meldrew
                                    wrote on last edited by Victor Meldrew
                                    #729

                                    @Steve said in All Blacks 2023:

                                    @Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2023:

                                    @Machpants said in All Blacks 2023:

                                    @Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2023:

                                    @Kiwiwomble said in All Blacks 2023:

                                    @Kirwan said in All Blacks 2023:

                                    And before the Cantab mafia come for me (cough, cough Stargazer), I'm leaning towards DMac, not BB.

                                    He also makes mistakes, but is a better tackler, has a longer kicking game and runs straight which is even more important at the higher level. RM's main attacking strategy of running sideways (or even backwards) until he finds a mismatch is completely useless when there isn't a mismatch.

                                    I like the idea of disrupting all the opposition plans on how to isolate RM by selecting DMac and either Sullivan or Stevenson at fullback. Be bold and go win the thing.

                                    ive come around to DMac as he seems to be running hot on form at the moment....but, has his game changed or something, i remember him being a huge proponent of the run across field and shovel a pass when he couldn't find a gap

                                    He's never been a greedy player or a glory-hunter and always as brave as fuck, but I've noticed he now often goes for the safer option rather than try to take on the world. Still happy to rip another side to shreds but way more mature in his decision-making. Hopefully will transfer to Test level.

                                    I still reckon he's an excellent fullback. The dual playmaker idea worked with him and beaudy, but when he's was injured they tried it with mo'unga and Barrett, which didn't. Interesting article by nick bishop on rugby pass ages with me. Chiefs versus saders were most successful when DMac switched to the back

                                    He was really good at 15 on the EOYT - easily his best period in the Black jersey. You do wonder if being so versatile hasn't helped him settle into his best position.

                                    Maybe I'm a bit stuck in my ways, but I'm not convinced constantly buggering about with players positions, which seem to have become de rigeur since about 2016, really helps much.

                                    the "Adam Ashley Cooperification" of a backline.

                                    Australia was a hot mess for much of the 2010's with Kurtly Beale, Ashley Cooper, O Connor and friends having a game of Hokey Cokey with their postions.

                                    It done them all a disservice

                                    Just don't get me started on how ALB has been buggered about position-wise.

                                    At least JB & DMac are starting their SR games in their likely AB positions.

                                    1 Reply Last reply
                                    1
                                    • S Offline
                                      S Offline
                                      Steve
                                      wrote on last edited by Steve
                                      #730

                                      I rewatched the 3 test series with Ireland and actually feel a wee bit more upbeat about NZ's prospects at the RWC.

                                      We walloped them in the first game.

                                      The second game was Ta'avao-gate and Aki-gate.

                                      The third game was Porter-gate.

                                      That's a 2/3 red card swing that on another day leads to a 2-1 or 3-0 series win.

                                      Samisoni and Jordan were dicked around by Foster and underused in the series.

                                      As it stands they are 2 of our most important players. Definite game breakers and points of difference.
                                      We have a big lump in Jordie at 12 now too.

                                      I think Ireland showed their hand, and we haven't fully shown ours.

                                      I don't rate Foster, and Ireland definitely have our number of late, but the pressure is all on them this time.

                                      They will go into the World Cup as favourites.

                                      Next time without a bent ref, NZ by 25+.

                                      Sell the family silver and keep on fakkin punting.

                                      MajorPomM Victor MeldrewV BovidaeB 3 Replies Last reply
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                                      • S Steve

                                        I rewatched the 3 test series with Ireland and actually feel a wee bit more upbeat about NZ's prospects at the RWC.

                                        We walloped them in the first game.

                                        The second game was Ta'avao-gate and Aki-gate.

                                        The third game was Porter-gate.

                                        That's a 2/3 red card swing that on another day leads to a 2-1 or 3-0 series win.

                                        Samisoni and Jordan were dicked around by Foster and underused in the series.

                                        As it stands they are 2 of our most important players. Definite game breakers and points of difference.
                                        We have a big lump in Jordie at 12 now too.

                                        I think Ireland showed their hand, and we haven't fully shown ours.

                                        I don't rate Foster, and Ireland definitely have our number of late, but the pressure is all on them this time.

                                        They will go into the World Cup as favourites.

                                        Next time without a bent ref, NZ by 25+.

                                        Sell the family silver and keep on fakkin punting.

                                        MajorPomM Offline
                                        MajorPomM Offline
                                        MajorPom
                                        wrote on last edited by
                                        #731

                                        @Steve said in All Blacks 2023:

                                        I rewatched the 3 test series with Ireland and actually feel a wee bit more upbeat about NZ's prospects at the RWC.

                                        We walloped them in the first game.

                                        The second game was Ta'avao-gate and Aki-gate.

                                        The third game was Porter-gate.

                                        That's a 2/3 red card swing that on another day leads to a 2-1 or 3-0 series win.

                                        Samisoni and Jordan were dicked around by Foster and underused in the series.

                                        As it stands they are 2 of our most important players. Definite game breakers and points of difference.
                                        We have a big lump in Jordie at 12 now too.

                                        I think Ireland showed their hand, and we haven't fully shown ours.

                                        I don't rate Foster, and Ireland definitely have our number of late, but the pressure is all on them this time.

                                        They will go into the World Cup as favourites.

                                        Next time without a bent ref, NZ by 25+.

                                        Sell the family silver and keep on fakkin punting.

                                        Wow, you are a sucker for punishment ... No way I could watch that again.

                                        Enjoying your optimism though.

                                        At the end of the day, we may not even face Ireland but I do agree, that it's all about what happens on the day. If we can harness the motivation from the ladies, then anything really is possible.

                                        S 1 Reply Last reply
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                                        • S Steve

                                          I rewatched the 3 test series with Ireland and actually feel a wee bit more upbeat about NZ's prospects at the RWC.

                                          We walloped them in the first game.

                                          The second game was Ta'avao-gate and Aki-gate.

                                          The third game was Porter-gate.

                                          That's a 2/3 red card swing that on another day leads to a 2-1 or 3-0 series win.

                                          Samisoni and Jordan were dicked around by Foster and underused in the series.

                                          As it stands they are 2 of our most important players. Definite game breakers and points of difference.
                                          We have a big lump in Jordie at 12 now too.

                                          I think Ireland showed their hand, and we haven't fully shown ours.

                                          I don't rate Foster, and Ireland definitely have our number of late, but the pressure is all on them this time.

                                          They will go into the World Cup as favourites.

                                          Next time without a bent ref, NZ by 25+.

                                          Sell the family silver and keep on fakkin punting.

                                          Victor MeldrewV Offline
                                          Victor MeldrewV Offline
                                          Victor Meldrew
                                          wrote on last edited by
                                          #732

                                          @Steve said in All Blacks 2023:

                                          I rewatched the 3 test series with Ireland and actually feel a wee bit more upbeat about NZ's prospects at the RWC.

                                          It's the top 5% which has gone missing way too often as it has since about 2017/18 and that translates into flakiness. One match they are brilliant, the next they are shite. Good, disciplined teams with clear heads would have handled Ta'avao-gate and Aki-gate way better

                                          I think Ireland showed their hand, and we haven't fully shown ours.
                                          I don't rate Foster, and Ireland definitely have our number of late, but the pressure is all on them this time.

                                          There's momentum, I think, and am a lot more optimistic than middle of last year, but then you get a forwards performance like the 2nd half against England and you just have to wonder if it's misplaced.

                                          Making the semi's would be an OK result, making the Finals would be icing on teh cake.

                                          S 1 Reply Last reply
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