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It’s fantastic for Hawkes Bay’s Israel Dagg to get a start for he was easily the fullback of the Super 14 this year. Add Rocokoco and Jane to the mix, and that’s a superstar back three.
If the weather’s good and Ireland kick too much, as British sides generally do, we may be witness to the ushering in of a new era – the age of Israel may begin at Yarrow Stadium.
His vision not only allows fine strikes at slightly ajar defences, with powerful running. He can alo drop the ball to his foot into good space. With flying wingers on either side, they may combine magically.
Please O’Gara, kick too much!
Looking inside, Conrad Smith, or the Stone Eel as I like to call him, slips into gaps that only he could squeeze through and places runners into holes with soft and silky hands.
And then there’s Benson Stanley, nephew of ‘Smokin Joe’, one of the all time best centres I’ve ever seen. Judging from that pedigree and his capable crunches and crashes, this All Blacks backline should be able to break the Irish backline.
But will the Irish forward pack allow them front foot ball?
Scrum time is always a great indication of how clean or scrappy the game will be: the messier the scrum, the messier ruck and maul time will be. Discipline must be enforced at ruck time.
It’s disappointing watching a game where spirit destroying tactics like killing the ball and repeat offences are not harshly dealt with.
Now back to the battle of the brawn.
As Ireland have already completed the 6 Nations, I expect them to be a stronger unit, at least until the All Black forwards find their rhythm. The longer Ireland control this facet, the better their chance of winning.
I look forward to seeing how the Franks brothers crack into their work, as well as Boric’s return to the black jersey. Along with Thorn, Kino, Mealamu, Read and McCaw, they will be forceful and effective and looking to play a dynamic game at pace.
It’s their job to feed a deadly backline with tasty quick ball.
Ireland will have to be defensively on their game if they want to control the tempo, and extremely protective of the ball when they have it.
The worst thing they can do is kick poorly and allow the All Blacks broken play opportunities.
Ireland always has the fire in the belly to be competitive, but when they’re pressured, that fire turns into frustration and emotion, which has lost them many a game. To win this game, that passion must be balanced with composure.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.