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Joined August 2021
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The starting bok pack and probably the finishing lot will be much heavier than the ABs. The solution for the ABs must be to run the bulk around, avoid scrums and pressure the ref to keep the tempo up and the water boys off. My suggestion would be a 6-2 split with Blackadder instead of McKenzie and Roigard for Christie. Perhaps even start with one of either Blackadder (at 8) or Papalihi so that we don’t get pushed around too much early on. As the game opened up, Savea who has been one of our best, coming on fresh would cause havoc.
Did England's tactics against the Boks give New Zealand the blueprint for World Cup final victory?
If Retallick is back this week the backrow should be Barrett 6 (sic), Papalii 7 and Sotutu 8. The extra muscle to play it tight and get the go forward. Cane should be given a break. Bring Savea and Va’ii in off the bench. Minimal changes to the backline. Jordie and Reiko were our salvation against the boks at Ellis Park.
Did Ian Foster just have an epiphany? If so, will we see it in selection or game plan for Saturday?
May I tentatively enter the ‘age old debate of which Barrett is the best Barrett’?
This week JB is preeminent having more than any other AB won last week’s game, primarily because he defused most of the HighBs and he also kicked superbly. Perhaps BB has been shaded slightly by Mo’unga but the ABs should find other duties for him. His reading of the game, speed and elusiveness are too valuable. SB is a bit below the lock standard 120kg and 2m but he would make an excellent 6, the last RWC notwithstanding. The three Bs are skilful players with big motors, the challenge is one of best utilisation.
Best Barrett? Best Mo? Worst cliche? Still plenty to play for in TRC finale despite the inevitable results
The Boks did not seem too distressed by their narrow loss, perhaps after losing to the WBs they expected a walloping. The ABs played incredibly well for the first three minutes and were mediocre for the rest. The ref was mediocre for the full 80, or should that be 120.
If Whitelock is back for next week and Papalii and Jacobsen are fit, the loosies should be Barrett 6 (sic), Papalii 7, Jacobsen 8 and Blackadder, not too fussed which of them is on the bench. All of them are workers. Vaa’i also on the bench.
If ALB is fit, Reiko moves to the wing. Perhaps Weber starts while TJ pays his respects from the bench. Bridge had an off-game but has otherwise impressed.
SA View: Heartbreak in the 100th as Boks 'set the table, kill the calf and forget to eat'
Having spent 10 years in Jo’burg, watched Willie John’s Lions destroy the Boks in 3 of 4 tests and seen the reactions (including that of the Rapport), looked into the depths of the big hole and the bokkie mentality, I suspect the raging gnarliness will surface again today but will be no match for the power and skill of the ABs. At least I hope so.
'When you think they're done they rise up': Why Boks can shock the All Blacks
Great selection but still would have preferred two worker loosies in the run on side against a big Boks pack. Perhaps if Papalii is fit next week, we will see that. Have always seen Ardie as a better fit coming off the bench.
Havili is a keep at 12, he is smart (no coincidence we went to the same secondary school, albeit he was 50 years later), involved and makes good decisions.
Reece a bit unfortunate, but Bridge and Jordan are the best options with Reiko at 13.
'We're aware of the history': Foster names strongest available side for All Blacks clash with Boks
The rugby world first came to me in ’56 when Peter Jones scored that wonderful try. Still remember a lot of the detail of that day, ear glued to the radio. Hope the 100th is a real contest with the ABs romping home in the final quarter.
Celebrating 100 Tests and 100 years: 'There's never a winner in NZ vs South Africa, just the next battle'
Each point you made Highlander resonated with me, likewise each player. And you write well.
Agree the conundrum is the new-found wealth in the loosies.
I like the workers Papalii, Jacobson and Blackadder but do they complement each other?
Hard to leave Akira out of the mix, likewise Sotutu. Is Ardie locked in as captain – he is not as dynamic as he was.
So for me start with Akira, Papalii and Jacobson with Blackadder off the bench.
Retallick captain, with Vaa’i also off the bench.
The ‘clunk’ of another All Black piece falling into place under coach Foster
Write the boks off at our peril. Bank on it, they will be up for this one, particularly after being humbled by the Wallabies. I hope the growing hubris around AB wins this year will be ignored by the players.
NZ reaction: All Blacks take 'physically fearless but mentally fragile' Boks No.1 ranking. Is their dignity next?
Correct, assume and you make an ass of u and me.
NZ reaction: All Blacks take 'physically fearless but mentally fragile' Boks No.1 ranking. Is their dignity next?
Wallabies not as bad as the NZ press makes them out to be, nor the ABs as good. Always a lot of hubris over there, often followed by a banana skin. Arg will test both OZ and NZ up front and the Boks will also look to out muscle them in the backs as well.
NZ View: Wallabies' 'first half was a joke', 'own worst enemies', while Foster decision 'puzzling'
Great guy, but don’t understand why the coaches play him at 8. He is 15 kgs too light. When Whitelock et al return, Ardie is best coming off the bench. In the absence of Cane and Frizell, the AB best back row starters are Papalii, Iaone and Jacobson. They will also need more beef in the backline later in the tournament or they will be out muscled by the boks.
'Thought I was in trouble:' Ardie Savea's classic reaction to All Blacks captaincy call
Agree with you on most points. Currently we have 4 smallish backs in Smith, Mo’unga, Reece and McKenzie. Neither of our midfielders are exactly big blokes like Allende. Savea is light for an 8. We will be outmuscled by the Boks.
Smith and Mo’unga are indispensable. Havili looks a keep, ALB likewise unless perhaps Goodhue when fit. BBarrett too good to be on the bench and should replace McKenzie. JBarrett to come off the bench. Reiko and Jordan on the wings.
Not sure why SBarrett is not given another go at 6, but Akira is playing himself in, as is Papalii. Savea best off the bench, Jacobson starting.
All Blacks combinations are improving, but not all the gaps are closed
Lets be clear about the issue here. It was a failure by Robinson to inform Rugby Australia of the decision before communicating it to the media. And then he grovels and tries to cover up.
The whole performance points to a typically arrogant and patronising attitude by NZ Rugby, not just towards Australia but also involving South Africa and Argentina.
And its not the first time.
Robinson should fall on his sword and if he does not, the board should move him on.
The chairman and board members of NZ Rugby also have a lot to answer for, having appointed Robinson in the first place and now being oblivious to first principles of governance and communication.
'Simply not true': NZR boss rejects Rennie claim, SA journo says Boks should join Six Nations
I am 100% with Rennie on this one. Robinson and his board are both incompetent and an embarrassment to NZ rugby and I am an AB supporter! The communcations failure is just compounded by an arrogant and patronising attitude and it does not reflect well on either the players or supporters.
The Thursday rugby two-up: Biggest lesson from Wallabies' 'brutal' review
“We’re comfortable” Robinson says as he seeks to justify releasing a significant decision via the media. Pathetic and patronising comes to mind.
This is not the first time this bloke has embarrassed NZ Rugby, with his ignorance of the ABC of manners and Communications 101. The NZR board should move him on, or examine their own positions. Better still, both.
'We're comfortable': NZR boss defends Bledisloe no-show in face of Australia's 'emotion'
The arrogance of NZ Rugby is again on display AND I am otherwise a one-eyed AB supporter. Surely a board that appoints and fails to control a CEO of such a prominent organisation should be thinking seriously about their positions and certainly about his.
WATCH: Dave Rennie tears New Zealand Rugby a new one in extraordinary presser
“a massive step up by the All Blacks”, “a tight and gifted unit”, “accurate and sustained”, “flow and cohesion to it”, “requisite steel and resilience” I hope if the ABs read all the hype, it counts for nothing. Typically when the score blows out, complacency sets in and they struggle with the next game. The Wallabies had their measure for the first half and I hope they can lift again for the 3rd Bled and for the Pumas and Boks.
The ABs as presently constituted will be outmuscled by the Boks particularly in the backline. Having BB on the bench is madness. He should be at fullback, with JB to cover. Havili looks good with ALB coming back. Reiko on one wing, Jordan or Clarke (if available) on the other. Up front Jacobson should be run on, SB and Savea coming off the bench.
NZ VIEW: 'All Blacks' best performance since World Cup,' Wallabies not 'top of the tree opposition'
I suppose this is horses for courses but I wonder if Rennie and Foster have given more than a passing thought to the Boks on the horizon. The ABs in particular will be overpowered in the backline with four small blokes. Given Smith and Mounga are indispensable, Mckenzie and Reece will have to make way for BBarrett and someone like Bridge or Clarke (if available). Up front the bokke will also out muscle us. And they are fitter than they used to be. Just a gentle reminder.
Main complaint with the AB team is the 3 skilled Barrett brothers on the bench. Two should be run-on, BB at fullback, SB at 6 (yes we should persist) and JB only covering.
The Wallabies are looking like a much more balanced unit and hope we see a close game on Saturday.
Welcome back Lachie! Swinton confirmed as Wallabies name their team
Very surprised the AB selectors did not respond to the bok 7-1 split with a 6-2. This is likely to be a slugfest, particularly if it rains. Will we be able to counter the weight and muscle of an almost new pack going into the second half? And if the ref keeps the tempo going will our extra backs be a point of difference if the game is tight? Hope so and hope the outcome does not hinge on a last-minute penalty.
COMPLETE RWC finals teams: All Blacks' answer to Boks' bold 7-1 bench call, Smith returns for England