Bledisloe #2
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@Bovidae said in Bledisloe #2:
@mariner4life said in Bledisloe #2:
didn't Ofa play tighthead through the entire Northern tour last year, and handle it more than adequately?
Ofa actually replaced Big Karl at LH in both the Irish and English tests, and started at LH vs Italy. My point is that although Ofa has mainly played TH prop previously he has also been used at LH by both the Blues and ABs, including both tests he has played this year.
The first time I remember Moli at LH was his AB debut off the bench on the 2017 EOYT vs the French XV, when Hansen mentioned they wanted to convert him into a LH prop. Last year he had a serious leg injury and never played. This year Moli had a late start to the SR season, and then was the regular starting LH prop for the Chiefs. He's still learning his trade at LH.
The AB selectors are still trying to finalise their 5 props with 2 spots to find after Moody, Franks and Tu'ungafasi. Laulala gets his opportunity at Eden Park.
You are quite right. Ofa has plyed there quite a lot and went well on last autumn tour, against fairly average replacement props. That said, he has had some very bad games there -- I seem to recall Blues being mullered by Waratahs with Ofa at LH and Angus at TH. I think his height is a problem when he comes up against shorter THs such as Nyakane. Tupou will be a good hard test.
Moli has seemed alright at LH for Chiefs, certainly much better than Angus at LH. But perhaps too early to judge.
I'm more worried about LH than TH. If Franks were injured Nepo and Ofa in that order can cover. If Moody out then Karl T is out only true starting option against proper scrums.
Looking to RWC for me Moody and Ofa, and probably Angus, are nailed. Then at least one of Franks/Nepo (at least in theory). If after Saturday doubts remain about Ofa at LH then in comes Karl. If Ofa handles Tupou and Nepo performs then Nepo and Owen both travel. I don't see Moli making it.
A. Moody/Karl/Owen/Ofa/Angus
B. Moody/Karl/Nepo/Ofa/Angus
c. Moody/Ofa/Owen/Angus/Nepo
@pakman said in Bledisloe #2:
Looking to RWC for me Moody and Ofa, and probably Angus, are nailed.
Agreed.
Then at least one of Franks/Nepo (at least in theory). If after Saturday doubts remain about Ofa at LH then in comes Karl. If Ofa handles Tupou and Nepo performs then Nepo and Owen both travel. I don't see Moli making it.
Ideally you would want 2 x LH (Moody, ???), 2 x TH (two of Franks, Ta'avao and Laulala) and one who could play both (Tu'ungafasi). Hansen said Moli is rated ahead of Tu'inukuafe so you would have to say the other LH spot is his to lose.
As Ta'avao offers more mobility off the bench, which is what they are wanting for impact, he would be the ideal second TH. Then Franks and Laulala are fighting for one position.
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@pakman said in Bledisloe #2:
Looking to RWC for me Moody and Ofa, and probably Angus, are nailed.
Agreed.
Then at least one of Franks/Nepo (at least in theory). If after Saturday doubts remain about Ofa at LH then in comes Karl. If Ofa handles Tupou and Nepo performs then Nepo and Owen both travel. I don't see Moli making it.
Ideally you would want 2 x LH (Moody, ???), 2 x TH (two of Franks, Ta'avao and Laulala) and one who could play both (Tu'ungafasi). Hansen said Moli is rated ahead of Tu'inukuafe so you would have to say the other LH spot is his to lose.
As Ta'avao offers more mobility off the bench, which is what they are wanting for impact, he would be the ideal second TH. Then Franks and Laulala are fighting for one position.
@Bovidae I think we're at one other than back up LH.
Agreed that when Karl was let go it was Moli's to lose. But from what I saw on Saturday, not only in scrums, but also in work around field, it's too early for him.
Which means Ofa is a chance, but if not if it were me I'd take Karl, although if it came to that I have a hunch TWM would send for Perry, and that I'd be dead against.
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@ACT-Crusader said in Bledisloe #2:
In all seriousness I feel better about this side than last weeks.
Really? I’d like to hear the reasoning behind this? I mean two of your precious Crusaders forwards have been replaced by Nancy boy North Islanders.
@Nepia said in Bledisloe #2:
@ACT-Crusader said in Bledisloe #2:
In all seriousness I feel better about this side than last weeks.
Really? I’d like to hear the reasoning behind this? I mean two of your precious Crusaders forwards have been replaced by Nancy boy North Islanders.
I don’t mind another prop getting a shot and Patty T needs a start to see if he has what it takes to be a starter should he be called on in a big game. He hasn’t had many opportunities to do so.
I think the wingers are an improvement and I’m glad Laumape is not starting.
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Would be terrible if Hanson ends such an illustrious career by losing both the Bledisloe and the World Cup.
@Rancid-Schnitzel said in Bledisloe #2:
Would be terrible if Hanson ends such an illustrious career by losing both the Bledisloe and the World Cup.
I get that losing the Bledisloe would be a travesty. Given the year on year success. Fans would call for immediate sacking
But WC’s aren’t really lost in a conventional sense. Each WC is it’s own event and given the format I think there’s a winner and a loser of the final and then everyone else.
Similar to the Blackcaps and the CWC, if the ABs get to the final I think that’s an achievement in and of itself given form over recent times.
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@Rancid-Schnitzel said in Bledisloe #2:
Would be terrible if Hanson ends such an illustrious career by losing both the Bledisloe and the World Cup.
Or worse and lose Aura
@Victor-Meldrew said in Bledisloe #2:
@Rancid-Schnitzel said in Bledisloe #2:
Would be terrible if Hanson ends such an illustrious career by losing both the Bledisloe and the World Cup.
Or worse and lose Aura
We're always losing Aura
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@Victor-Meldrew said in Bledisloe #2:
@Rancid-Schnitzel said in Bledisloe #2:
Would be terrible if Hanson ends such an illustrious career by losing both the Bledisloe and the World Cup.
Or worse and lose Aura
We're always losing Aura
@booboo said in Bledisloe #2:
@Victor-Meldrew said in Bledisloe #2:
@Rancid-Schnitzel said in Bledisloe #2:
Would be terrible if Hanson ends such an illustrious career by losing both the Bledisloe and the World Cup.
Or worse and lose Aura
We're always losing Aura
Seen yesterday in Zurich...
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@Victor-Meldrew said in Bledisloe #2:
@Rancid-Schnitzel said in Bledisloe #2:
Would be terrible if Hanson ends such an illustrious career by losing both the Bledisloe and the World Cup.
Or worse and lose Aura
We're always losing Aura
@booboo said in Bledisloe #2:
@Victor-Meldrew said in Bledisloe #2:
@Rancid-Schnitzel said in Bledisloe #2:
Would be terrible if Hanson ends such an illustrious career by losing both the Bledisloe and the World Cup.
Or worse and lose Aura
We're always losing Aura
She always comes back
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@Nepia said in Bledisloe #2:
@ACT-Crusader said in Bledisloe #2:
In all seriousness I feel better about this side than last weeks.
Really? I’d like to hear the reasoning behind this? I mean two of your precious Crusaders forwards have been replaced by Nancy boy North Islanders.
I don’t mind another prop getting a shot and Patty T needs a start to see if he has what it takes to be a starter should he be called on in a big game. He hasn’t had many opportunities to do so.
I think the wingers are an improvement and I’m glad Laumape is not starting.
@ACT-Crusader said in Bledisloe #2:
@Nepia said in Bledisloe #2:
@ACT-Crusader said in Bledisloe #2:
In all seriousness I feel better about this side than last weeks.
Really? I’d like to hear the reasoning behind this? I mean two of your precious Crusaders forwards have been replaced by Nancy boy North Islanders.
I don’t mind another prop getting a shot and Patty T needs a start to see if he has what it takes to be a starter should he be called on in a big game. He hasn’t had many opportunities to do so.
I think the wingers are an improvement and I’m glad Laumape is not starting.
I think the wingers have a massive opportunity here to grab the bull by the horns and play themselves into the WC side, particularly with the incumbents not really setting the world on fire,
Remember what happened at the last WC, when form wingers Nehe and Naholo were selected over stalwarts like Dagg, and Nehe became a regular starter.
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Man, I am frothing. Never keen on an AB loss but it adds spice like nothing else. Mash that up alongside RWC year, Hansen's final stint in charge, and some selection challenges and yeaaaaah boi!! Plus there is also some upside in Australia looking far more like a top tier team than they have for ages.
Man for man I reckon we have more to play for in terms of redemption for last week and new guys vying for spots. Our new wingers will be under no illusions about how well they have to play to make the dropping of BFA and Reiko a genuine consideration over a temporary gee up.
Caveat - above excitement and positivity is only maintained if we have 15 on the field. Looking at you and your shoulders SBW!!
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Man, I am frothing. Never keen on an AB loss but it adds spice like nothing else. Mash that up alongside RWC year, Hansen's final stint in charge, and some selection challenges and yeaaaaah boi!! Plus there is also some upside in Australia looking far more like a top tier team than they have for ages.
Man for man I reckon we have more to play for in terms of redemption for last week and new guys vying for spots. Our new wingers will be under no illusions about how well they have to play to make the dropping of BFA and Reiko a genuine consideration over a temporary gee up.
Caveat - above excitement and positivity is only maintained if we have 15 on the field. Looking at you and your shoulders SBW!!
@Paekakboyz said in Bledisloe #2:
Man, I am frothing. Never keen on an AB loss but it adds spice like nothing else. Mash that up alongside RWC year, Hansen's final stint in charge, and some selection challenges and yeaaaaah boi!! Plus there is also some upside in Australia looking far more like a top tier team than they have for ages.
Man for man I reckon we have more to play for in terms of redemption for last week and new guys vying for spots. Our new wingers will be under no illusions about how well they have to play to make the dropping of BFA and Reiko a genuine consideration over a temporary gee up.
Caveat - above excitement and positivity is only maintained if we have 15 on the field. Looking at you and your shoulders SBW!!
Same here! I am absolutely pumped for this test! Already have day planned out.
Train horses in morning
Feed up farm
Go to races "to watch Polly win"
Stop at Cambridge Smoke house and over-order too much takeaway (It really is amazing)
Feed up farm
Watch end of what ever NPC game is onStrap myself in for the BIG GAME!!
I think my day is full enough to not be 'waiting for the game' all day
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@ACT-Crusader said in Bledisloe #2:
@Nepia said in Bledisloe #2:
@ACT-Crusader said in Bledisloe #2:
In all seriousness I feel better about this side than last weeks.
Really? I’d like to hear the reasoning behind this? I mean two of your precious Crusaders forwards have been replaced by Nancy boy North Islanders.
I don’t mind another prop getting a shot and Patty T needs a start to see if he has what it takes to be a starter should he be called on in a big game. He hasn’t had many opportunities to do so.
I think the wingers are an improvement and I’m glad Laumape is not starting.
I think the wingers have a massive opportunity here to grab the bull by the horns and play themselves into the WC side, particularly with the incumbents not really setting the world on fire,
Remember what happened at the last WC, when form wingers Nehe and Naholo were selected over stalwarts like Dagg, and Nehe became a regular starter.
@kiwiinmelb said in Bledisloe #2:
@ACT-Crusader said in Bledisloe #2:
@Nepia said in Bledisloe #2:
@ACT-Crusader said in Bledisloe #2:
In all seriousness I feel better about this side than last weeks.
Really? I’d like to hear the reasoning behind this? I mean two of your precious Crusaders forwards have been replaced by Nancy boy North Islanders.
I don’t mind another prop getting a shot and Patty T needs a start to see if he has what it takes to be a starter should he be called on in a big game. He hasn’t had many opportunities to do so.
I think the wingers are an improvement and I’m glad Laumape is not starting.
I think the wingers have a massive opportunity here to grab the bull by the horns and play themselves into the WC side, particularly with the incumbents not really setting the world on fire,
Remember what happened at the last WC, when form wingers Nehe and Naholo were selected over stalwarts like Dagg, and Nehe became a regular starter.
The Bledisloe squad has six in 'back three'. Precedent would suggest five will travel to RWC, so really a case of who doesn't make the cut.
Looks to me as though Ennor will be the unlucky one.
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@kiwiinmelb said in Bledisloe #2:
@ACT-Crusader said in Bledisloe #2:
@Nepia said in Bledisloe #2:
@ACT-Crusader said in Bledisloe #2:
In all seriousness I feel better about this side than last weeks.
Really? I’d like to hear the reasoning behind this? I mean two of your precious Crusaders forwards have been replaced by Nancy boy North Islanders.
I don’t mind another prop getting a shot and Patty T needs a start to see if he has what it takes to be a starter should he be called on in a big game. He hasn’t had many opportunities to do so.
I think the wingers are an improvement and I’m glad Laumape is not starting.
I think the wingers have a massive opportunity here to grab the bull by the horns and play themselves into the WC side, particularly with the incumbents not really setting the world on fire,
Remember what happened at the last WC, when form wingers Nehe and Naholo were selected over stalwarts like Dagg, and Nehe became a regular starter.
The Bledisloe squad has six in 'back three'. Precedent would suggest five will travel to RWC, so really a case of who doesn't make the cut.
Looks to me as though Ennor will be the unlucky one.
@pakman said in Bledisloe #2:
Looks to me as though Ennor will be the unlucky one.
Who knows at this point. I could see him going and playing his next test in the semi-final with Shag saying "we need to take a look at him in case we need him for the final".
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@kiwiinmelb said in Bledisloe #2:
@ACT-Crusader said in Bledisloe #2:
@Nepia said in Bledisloe #2:
@ACT-Crusader said in Bledisloe #2:
In all seriousness I feel better about this side than last weeks.
Really? I’d like to hear the reasoning behind this? I mean two of your precious Crusaders forwards have been replaced by Nancy boy North Islanders.
I don’t mind another prop getting a shot and Patty T needs a start to see if he has what it takes to be a starter should he be called on in a big game. He hasn’t had many opportunities to do so.
I think the wingers are an improvement and I’m glad Laumape is not starting.
I think the wingers have a massive opportunity here to grab the bull by the horns and play themselves into the WC side, particularly with the incumbents not really setting the world on fire,
Remember what happened at the last WC, when form wingers Nehe and Naholo were selected over stalwarts like Dagg, and Nehe became a regular starter.
The Bledisloe squad has six in 'back three'. Precedent would suggest five will travel to RWC, so really a case of who doesn't make the cut.
Looks to me as though Ennor will be the unlucky one.
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@pakman I think Reece is the most likely to drop out unless he has a couple of blinders. Ennor has genuine pace and similar to Bridge and BFA can play multiple positions.
@Paekakboyz You'd think that if Ennor was on the inside track he'd be playing in this game. If he gets picked it will be on the back of 12 minutes of test rugby.
I'm not sure what they will do with Josh Ioane - but, if Beauden is the first choice fullback then surely you have to take Ioane to play some time in the minnow games - well, that's what I'd think.
From the way Hansen was talking about what if Ben or Rieko blow hamstrings or tyres, I'd say they're pretty safe - so from the 17 backs in the frame (original 16 picks + Crotty) I'd think three miss out and it will be a midfielder and two outside backs - I reckon Laumape, Ennor and one of Bridge or Reece or just possibly Jordie.
Leaving:
Smith, Perenara, Weber
Mo'unga, J. Ioane
SBW, Crotty, Goodhue, ALB
B. Barrett, R. Ioane, Smith, Bridge*, J. Barrett- or Reece
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@Paekakboyz You'd think that if Ennor was on the inside track he'd be playing in this game. If he gets picked it will be on the back of 12 minutes of test rugby.
I'm not sure what they will do with Josh Ioane - but, if Beauden is the first choice fullback then surely you have to take Ioane to play some time in the minnow games - well, that's what I'd think.
From the way Hansen was talking about what if Ben or Rieko blow hamstrings or tyres, I'd say they're pretty safe - so from the 17 backs in the frame (original 16 picks + Crotty) I'd think three miss out and it will be a midfielder and two outside backs - I reckon Laumape, Ennor and one of Bridge or Reece or just possibly Jordie.
Leaving:
Smith, Perenara, Weber
Mo'unga, J. Ioane
SBW, Crotty, Goodhue, ALB
B. Barrett, R. Ioane, Smith, Bridge*, J. Barrett- or Reece
@Chris-B I don’t think they will take Josh Ioane
On the back of nothing
If they want to see Bridge and Reece in a pressure situation why not Ioane
They throw him into a WC pressure game with no experience at all I don’t think They will be planning to do that if so he should have had game time.
Jordie will go and may cover first five in the lesser pool games -
@Chris-B I don’t think they will take Josh Ioane
On the back of nothing
If they want to see Bridge and Reece in a pressure situation why not Ioane
They throw him into a WC pressure game with no experience at all I don’t think They will be planning to do that if so he should have had game time.
Jordie will go and may cover first five in the lesser pool games@Chris It certainly looks a bit that way, but it's a pretty risky approach - if one of Richie or Beauden gets broken, who sits on the bench to cover first five for the rest of the tournament?
I'd pick Ioane, give him some time in the game vs Tonga and then more time vs Canada and Namibia.
Seems a lot more useful than picking another outside back.
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@Chris It certainly looks a bit that way, but it's a pretty risky approach - if one of Richie or Beauden gets broken, who sits on the bench to cover first five for the rest of the tournament?
I'd pick Ioane, give him some time in the game vs Tonga and then more time vs Canada and Namibia.
Seems a lot more useful than picking another outside back.
@Chris-B said in Bledisloe #2:
@Chris It certainly looks a bit that way, but it's a pretty risky approach - if one of Richie or Beauden gets broken, who sits on the bench to cover first five for the rest of the tournament?
I'd pick Ioane, give him some time in the game vs Tonga and then more time vs Canada and Namibia.
Seems a lot more useful than picking another outside back.
In that scenario they can bring Ioane in - it means whoever he is replacing however is out for the tournament.
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@Chris-B I don’t think they will take Josh Ioane
On the back of nothing
If they want to see Bridge and Reece in a pressure situation why not Ioane
They throw him into a WC pressure game with no experience at all I don’t think They will be planning to do that if so he should have had game time.
Jordie will go and may cover first five in the lesser pool games@Chris said in Bledisloe #2:
If they want to see Bridge and Reece in a pressure situation why not Ioane
Because they want to retain the Bled?
It's unlikely that the wings will have as much influence on the game as the 1st five.I suppose that if we end up down to our third 10 (again) in Japan then he will just have to deal with it. The squad size is just too small for the world cup to take them all (and I think they have left it too late to play some of these guys now that we have had a draw and a loss).
