All Blacks v Australia - Bledisloe II

[voodoo]

@mariner4life said in All Blacks v Australia - Bledisloe II:

i know there is supposed to be no sentimentality in elite sport, but

If Smith doesn't play his last ever test in NZ that also happens to be at his home ground, then the ABs have no soul

you big softie, who knew

[taniwharugby]

@voodoo although would he want that, kinda taking attention form the team? Plus, he'd get one when he came on.

He'll get an ovation no matter what...I think giving Cam a start is in best interests of ABS, and him finishing the game at his 'spiritual home' is better...

[Windows97]

@voodoo said in All Blacks v Australia - Bledisloe II:

@taniwharugby said in All Blacks v Australia - Bledisloe II:

@Jailbreak7 I actually think it is better if they start Roigard and then Aaron comes off the bench to finish the game, reckon that is better than him sitting on the bench for the final however many minutes of his swansong in Dunedin!

The counter is that if he starts, he gets to exit the field after 60mins to a standing ovation all to himself

Historically that's what they've done and few would deserve it more.

[voodoo]

@taniwharugby said in All Blacks v Australia - Bledisloe II:

@voodoo although would he want that, kinda taking attention form the team? Plus, he'd get one when he came on.

He'll get an ovation no matter what...I think giving Cam a start is in best interests of ABS, and him finishing the game at his 'spiritual home' is better...

as long as he doesn't take a conversion, I'll be happy with whatever

[Machpants]

Meh, team first. Winning RWC will be sign off he deserves

[KiwiMurph]

There's no real need to play Christie in the game. Play Smith & Roigard again.

[Kiwiwomble]

@KiwiMurph 100%...getting a rock solid combo with those two starting/finishing games is what we want...christie is just the "cover"

[frugby]

I'm tipping A Smith to start and be captain. Give Cane the time he needs, no point rushing the neck. I'd go for Finau, Papalii and Jacobson.

[Bones]

@pakman said in All Blacks v Australia - Bledisloe II:

Stevenson

Am I missing something again? I've seen a couple of people suggest Stevenson. I thought he was long gone?

[KiwiMurph]

@Bones said in All Blacks v Australia - Bledisloe II:

@pakman said in All Blacks v Australia - Bledisloe II:

Stevenson

Am I missing something again? I've seen a couple of people suggest Stevenson. I thought he was long gone?

He's returned to the squad due to Narawa's back injury. He was in Melb last week.

[sparky]

@Bones He’s been training with the squad to cover Narawa

[canefan]

@KiwiMurph said in All Blacks v Australia - Bledisloe II:

@Bones said in All Blacks v Australia - Bledisloe II:

@pakman said in All Blacks v Australia - Bledisloe II:

Stevenson

Am I missing something again? I've seen a couple of people suggest Stevenson. I thought he was long gone?

He's returned to the squad due to Narawa's back injury. He was in Melb last week.

I can't see him making it, unless they drop Leicester. He will have to wait for his chance under Razor now

[TheMojoman]

@canefan said in All Blacks v Australia - Bledisloe II:

@KiwiMurph said in All Blacks v Australia - Bledisloe II:

@Bones said in All Blacks v Australia - Bledisloe II:

@pakman said in All Blacks v Australia - Bledisloe II:

Stevenson

Am I missing something again? I've seen a couple of people suggest Stevenson. I thought he was long gone?

He's returned to the squad due to Narawa's back injury. He was in Melb last week.

I can't see him making it, unless they drop Leicester. He will have to wait for his chance under Razor now

Yep which is unfortunate but a testament to the depth we have in the outside backs. Dropping Leicester (unless he's unavailable due to injury) would be really tough given he hasn't had a chance to play.

[Bovidae]

LF is available this week, but the fact he is leaving could count against him in a close selection decision.

[canefan]

@Bovidae said in All Blacks v Australia - Bledisloe II:

LF is available this week, but the fact he is leaving could count against him in a close selection decision.

I hope not. Foster is out after the cup, so it doesn't matter what happens after. Pick the side you think gives you the best chance to win and go for it

[NTA]

ABs by 40

[MN5]

@NTA said in All Blacks v Australia - Bledisloe II:

ABs by 4050

Let’s be realistic

[ACT Crusader]

@NTA said in All Blacks v Australia - Bledisloe II:

ABs by 40

Nah. Aussies have played pretty well under the roof in times past. We lost our last test there too.

[Dan54]

@Bovidae said in All Blacks v Australia - Bledisloe II:

LF is available this week, but the fact he is leaving could count against him in a close selection decision.

I would think the fact the WC squad is named on Monday works in LF's chances of getting a game, so he can be looked at.

[frugby]

@Dan54 I think the decision has been made... and it may be that they pick LF, but I can't see it.