Five talking points from Ireland vs All Blacks

'Every chance I get' to quote the venerable Einstein of this site (not to be confused with the great historical Einstein). Your labelling, Slacker, is your affair I don't accept any part of it.

I am interested that there has been not much comment about the BB try that was allowed but was nonetheless controversial in that replay showed some doubt. The interesting bit is that the tackle has around his head and so I would have thought it perhaps should have been a penalty try anyway as the rules state that if you stop a try by illegal means then it becomes a try shall be awarded? Had the referee gone that route it would have made for some interesting comments...

The game in Chicago the all blacks never showed up, and Ireland played a game that they will never play again in 111 years, now everyone seem to think that they should be able to cross the line willy nilly. I don't think Ireland is as good as they think, and with a decent ref the wallabies should win quite comfortably.

Great article Digger, Hey guys just off tack a bit, what this years AB's matches have shown me is a desire to prove they were capable of moving on post Mccaw, Carter, Mealamu etc etc and for the RC they did just that, emphatically! What's concerning is how they have tailed off, by their own standards and fans expectations, so badly. Forget Italy, they were always going to cop a backlash, but the authority, confidence, slickness and cohesion just seems missing, they seem a bit flustered....pushing passes, discipline, which is shocking and the general attitude. I may be wrong, truly, but there's just...something missing or wrong. They lost so much experience with recent retirements but looking at the current team there are many players who have played 50-60 plus tests, some 30-40 and for the life of me I can't figure why no one can take charge in the sense of discipline, tactics, on and off feild behavior. I don't think Read is a leader, he's captain and an undoubtedly superb player and ambassador for the game and how its to be played, but as an outright leader of men I just don't think it's in him. I feel often hes one of the boys, whereas Mccaw, Fitzpatrick, Shelford, John Eales, Lochore, Steve Waugh were bonafide leaders. They could divorce themselves from everything to focus on leading....not too sure if it sounds right but he doesn't strike me as having those qualities. I began to think they rolled on from the RWC on unbelievable talent and class but when they lost Retallick and Whitelock, and Kaino moving to lock it actually made me see how little depth we have, sure prop, hooker, openside....halfback, first 5 and back 3 seem to be fine but I'm more worried about the ball winning capabilities from lock and no 8 and the lack of depth in those areas coming through along with a solid centre combo. And the experienced guys just aren't stepping up. It's a curve ball for sure but I'd like to see TJP in a captaincy role, I think he has something about him that triggers things. I may be wrong. I would like to see Sopoaga given a decent crack if only to really strengthen our kicking and playmaking options. He's never let the team down. But where to fit Barrett, I know I know. Grotty is the glue in te mid feild and a great thinker/organiser but injury prone, SBW an outstanding athlete but not a general in my opinion but thats me. All thoughts are welcome.

Haha someone else said dont build a wall between mexico just get the ABs to guard the border

Just for you timbo' Well having just replayed it about 15 times I saw a perfectly legal tackle. Which is what the TMO saw and the ref refused to accept

Is a headlock that your no 10 does on someone trying to score a try a legal play? SO one sided Bakkies.

Yes peter a video on twitter

PeterK I am not wrong at all. I commented that an accidental head clash is not illegal. You decided I meant accidental foul play which I didnt.

Which is usually the case when you have 35% of the ball Rebel. How many penalties would Ireland have racked up with 35% of the ball do you think. Alot more than 4 you would think.

Who cares the Irish were back to where they should be, no sugar coating it. They can't score a try to save them selves, it's funny when the abs actually turn up to win. It was a good defensive practice for the abs anyway, crotty and alb the best Nz centre combo at the moment. Can't wait to get sbw and nms back to add abit more punch to the backline.

Agreed three million percent. Jus watched the highlights reel again the last play from us on the attack says it all - we look tired and done for the year I reckon .. The darkness have scored more than 75 tries this year ! The boys must be knackered ...

Aaron Smith is off his game a little but still starts for the value of his basics, his passing, plus Perenara's running and also clever Cruden off the bench, add a heap of impact. Ardie Savea and Squire so strong and physical in the hard work against Ireland as I believe the coaches will want to see from them, both powerful runners but that comes into play later for mine, Kane and Kaino still the benchmarks but these guys progressing fast. Fekitoa playing really hard, trying so hard and doing a lot of good but that high tackle was such a bad mistake, plus the silly kick out on the full, he kind of undermines his own confidence and despite his best efforts still seems shaky and hasn't claimed centre as his like he could have. When AB's are up for a game its not so much about attack but more so defence, awesome commitment obviously dirty on themselves for all those Irish tries in Chicago. Awesome commitment by Ireland too, improves WB's chances against a probably tired Ireland for next week even though Ireland are the better more settled and structured team, with stronger set piece.

Peter it is a Video but if you watch the actual game recording, Peyper does not penalise Read (suspect because Heaslip has unbound when Read plays at the ball) he clearly says flanker unbound. The penalty was for Squire detaching early. Squire had no impact on the play as detached as he fell off the scrum. Hard to see a YC there.

NZ commentators seem to think we can't see what is going on and tell us every little detail.

Bakkies, if you watch the replay in full your argument is null. Peyper never penalised Read. He clearly says penalty against the flanker for detaching early & indicates to Squire. Read was not penalised because Heaslip had unbound from the scrum.

Wouldn't it be wonderful, if the commentators became just callers ,only calls the game like a horserace caller would, straight as, no bullshit , no bias...neutral rugby callers and then you go to your respective corners and you can listen the bullshit you want to hear from your own twits.....oops rugby experts.

I think Todd will strengthen up the breakdown. A.Smith will come right, I think he was better than his previous game.

Yeah I like the oz commentators, It's worth it waiting for what Kearnsys going to say. Commentating for me is as much about the entertainment as the accuracy...I mean I can see for myself what's going on.

Bakkies, as soon as Heaslip lifts his head up, he's detached.