Favourite AB tests
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Good topic, but let’s keep it going in a seperate thread.
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@MajorRage said in RWC: England v New Zealand (SF1):
I remember Jones first press conference as England boss, and it was about THIS game. It was about the All Blacks in the world cup. His words were all about ensuring don't get sucked into the AB game, play the England game and that is what gives the best opportunity.
The thing is, which AB side do you prepare for? They feel like shapeshifters at the moment, Ireland were chasing ghosts out there, but it wasn't slapdash, it was weirdly structured unstructured play. That Ireland game is going into the AB legendary games
@nzzp said in RWC: England v New Zealand (SF1):
@MajorRage said in RWC: England v New Zealand (SF1):
I remember Jones first press conference as England boss, and it was about THIS game. It was about the All Blacks in the world cup. His words were all about ensuring don't get sucked into the AB game, play the England game and that is what gives the best opportunity.
The thing is, which AB side do you prepare for? They feel like shapeshifters at the moment, Ireland were chasing ghosts out there, but it wasn't slapdash, it was weirdly structured unstructured play. That Ireland game is going into the AB legendary games
Agreed. Legendary AB games of recent memory:
EOYT France 2004 with Carter at 10 - the start of the current golden era.
RWC semi Australia 2011
RWC final Australia 2015
Lions #1 2017
RWC QF Ireland 2019 -
@nzzp said in RWC: England v New Zealand (SF1):
@MajorRage said in RWC: England v New Zealand (SF1):
I remember Jones first press conference as England boss, and it was about THIS game. It was about the All Blacks in the world cup. His words were all about ensuring don't get sucked into the AB game, play the England game and that is what gives the best opportunity.
The thing is, which AB side do you prepare for? They feel like shapeshifters at the moment, Ireland were chasing ghosts out there, but it wasn't slapdash, it was weirdly structured unstructured play. That Ireland game is going into the AB legendary games
Agreed. Legendary AB games of recent memory:
EOYT France 2004 with Carter at 10 - the start of the current golden era.
RWC semi Australia 2011
RWC final Australia 2015
Lions #1 2017
RWC QF Ireland 2019 -
@nzzp said in RWC: England v New Zealand (SF1):
@MajorRage said in RWC: England v New Zealand (SF1):
I remember Jones first press conference as England boss, and it was about THIS game. It was about the All Blacks in the world cup. His words were all about ensuring don't get sucked into the AB game, play the England game and that is what gives the best opportunity.
The thing is, which AB side do you prepare for? They feel like shapeshifters at the moment, Ireland were chasing ghosts out there, but it wasn't slapdash, it was weirdly structured unstructured play. That Ireland game is going into the AB legendary games
Agreed. Legendary AB games of recent memory:
EOYT France 2004 with Carter at 10 - the start of the current golden era.
RWC semi Australia 2011
RWC final Australia 2015
Lions #1 2017
RWC QF Ireland 2019 -
My 20 favourite All Blacks tests that I've seen. All really special performances or matches:
1987 Vs Wales, RWC Semi Ballymore, 49-6
1993 Vs The Lions, 3td Test Eden Park, 30-13
1994 Vs Australia, Sydney 16-20. Lost but what a game!
1995 Vs England, RWC Semi Newlands, 45-29
1996 Vs Australia, Athletic Park, 43-6
1996 Vs South Africa 2nd Test, Loftus Versfeld, 33-26
2000 Vs Australia, Stadium Australia, Sydney, 39-35
2003 Vs South Africa, Loftus Versfeld, 52-16
2004 Vs France, Paris, 45-6
2005 Vs Lions 2nd Test, Cake Tin, 48-18
2005 Vs Wales, Cardiff, 41-3
2010 Vs South Africa, Soccer City, Soweto, 29-22
2011 Vs Australia, RWC Semi, Eden Park, 20-6
2013 Vs Ireland, Dublin (What a comeback)
2015 Vs France, RWC Quarter Final Cardiff, 62-13
2015 Vs Australia, RWC Final Twickenham, 34-17
2016 Vs Australia, Sydney, 42-8
2017 Vs Lions 1st Test, Auckland, 30-15
2017 Vs South Africa, Albany, 57-0
2019 Vs Ireland RWC Quarter Final, Chofu, 46-14
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In terms of best game up there the 2000 Springboks vs ABs and 2013 TRC decider.
2003 Bledisloe is up there in terms of AB performances.
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@rotated bloomin good game that one.
Forgot how good Umaga and Cullen were.
@Billy-Webb said in Favourite AB tests:
@rotated bloomin good game that one.
Forgot how good Umaga and Cullen were.
See your doctor
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@Billy-Webb said in Favourite AB tests:
@rotated bloomin good game that one.
Forgot how good Umaga and Cullen were.
See your doctor
@MiketheSnow said in Favourite AB tests:
@Billy-Webb said in Favourite AB tests:
@rotated bloomin good game that one.
Forgot how good Umaga and Cullen were.
See your doctor
For the dementia or has my eyesight failed me and I identified the wrong players?
(Note: probably worth seeing my doctor on both accounts anyway
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For me, in no particular order:
3rd Test against the 1977 Lions. NZ 19-7. Classic case of out-thinking rather than out-muscling the opposition. Set the stage for a step change in NZ style of play.
2nd Test 2005 Lions. 48-18. Almost the perfect game by the Men in Black. Carter was pretty good too....
RC Ellis Park 2013. 38-27. Probably the best game of the modern era. Had it all. No quarter given or taken, scintillating tries by Habana & BB, perfect refereeing by Owens. And the two teams and managers mingling about like old mates wondering who knows the best place to get a beer.
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1995 RWC Semi Final remains my favourite All Blacks test. It was a turning point in the sport's history. England had a great team that year, but the All Blacks destroyed them. Story goes that Rupert Murdoch was watching and game persuaded him to invest in Rugby Union as a professional sport.
So many other great stories from that game.
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1981 Third Test.
Can't find a full highlights package.
Videos posted by Saffas seem to stop at Ray Mordt's third try
Amazing game, surreal atmosphere, awesome ending, great result.
Greatest test match ever.
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My father went. I had a ticket but he wouldn't take me as he knew there would be trouble and I was too young (or probably would have started it). He said it was all a bit surreal.
I have subsequently flown that Cessna 172, felt kinda weird when you know what happened.
Was an amazing test both on and off the field.
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All Blacks v Lions at Athletic Park in 1983, the Trapper Test. Nine nil ahead with the 25 point wind behind us at half time but Trapper was sublime in the second half to get us home with no change to the score.
Still looking for highlight online......................... -
a personal favorite of mine ,
Nigel Owens later described it as the greatest game he has ever reffed@kiwiinmelb I was lucky enough to be at that game, I have to give it to our South African friends, they can really do a great rugby atmosphere. Incredible game to watch
Fly overs at Ellis park should not happen again though ha ha
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Surprised nobody has mentioned the 1996 Athletic Park test v Australia in the rain. So good.
