AB's v Samoa

[Bovidae]

Speaking of Akira, it seems Umaga and Cooper have decided that no.6 is the position for him at the moment. This makes sense to me as he doesn't have to think as much and can just focus on strong ball-carrying and making dominant tackles. There is no doubt Ioane is a physical beast but some of his decision-making with the ball has been questionable.

[Rembrandt]

Naholo has been incredibly frustrating in black, I keep expecting that one breakout game which will cement his place but it just hasn't come. Easily our best winger for beating defenders at the moment. Hope he gets a shot against the Lions.

[kiwiinmelb]

@Crucial for sure ,
But I think as far as team balance goes , they see him more of a starting wing than midfield at this point in time .

[RoninWC]

The other thing that Naholo brings is his over the ball work.
As we saw on Tuesday, it's amazing just how often he wins penalties or gets turnovers at the ruck. Far more than most backs and certainly more than any other winger.
(The Highlanders are lucky in that the have the two best backs in the comp for this, Naholo and Buckman)
But yes, I question his decision making and consistency as well. If he can get this right, then his speed and over the ball work will see him cement that starting spot for the AB's.

[Stargazer]

@mimic said in AB's v Samoa:

@chimoaus said in AB's v Samoa:

Any idea when the team is named?

The team is:

1 Viliamu Afatia - Racing 92 - Vailoa Palauli/Salelavalu/Sapapali'i
2 Maatulimanu Leiataua - Bayonne - Manono/Safune
3 Census Johnston - Toulouse - Lalomanu/Falevao
4 Chris Vui -Worcester Warriors - Foaluga/Lano /Saasaai
5 Faatiga Lemalu - Saracens - Faleasiu/Lefaga
6 Piula Faasalele - Toulouse - Magiagi/Nofoalii
7 Jack Lam - Bristol - Gaitavai/Malie/Taga
8 Faifili Levave - Mitsubishi - Lalomanu/Fasito'o-Uta
9 Kahn Fotualii - Bath - Faleapuna
10 Tusiata Pisi - Bristol - Lefaga Safaatoa /Toamua
11 Tim Nanai Williams - Chiefs - Manono/Falelatai
12 Alapati Leiua - Wasps - Malie
13 Kieron Fonotia - Ospreys - Apia
14 Albert Nikoro - West Scarborough - Vaiala/Vaiusu
15 Ah See Tuala - Northampton Saints - Moamoa/Gaitavai

16 Seilala Lam - Nevers - Gaitavai /Malie/Taga
17 Nephi Leatigaga - Piacenza - Saleloga/Siumu
18 Paul Alo-Emile - Stade Francais - LeulumoegaTuai/Fasito'o-Tai/Falefa
19 Taiasina Tuifua - Lyon - Lauli'i
20 Alafoti Faosiliva - Worcester Warriors - Afega/Tuana'i
21 Auvasa Falealii - Nevers - Letogo/Lefaga Gagaifo
22 D’Angelo Leuila - Papatoetoe - Gaitavai/Fagalii
23 Ken Pisi - Northampton Saints - Lefaga Safaatoa /Toamua

Samoa squad update:

7 Jack Lam replaced by Fa'alemiga Selesele due to injury
21 also due to injury, Auvasa Falealii replaced by Dwayne Polataivao

[chimoaus]

Smallest ABs crowd I think I have ever seen for a test at Eden Park. Looks to be filling up now. Let's play well boys.

[Stargazer]

Nice, the three bros next to each other while singing the anthem.

[Sapetyvi]

I don't know much of the Haka, but it isn't that scary with the accountant at the front. Is it always the captain there first?

[Stargazer]

@Sapetyvi Yes, since they started in that triangular formation at the 2015 RWC.

[No Quarter]

Great start from Samoa, they look well drilled.

[No Quarter]

That's not fine Marshall, there's a clear cut rule against that. Unfortunate as they had us under pressure.

[chimoaus]

BBBR looks sexy in black.

[Baron Silas Greenback]

@No-Quarter said in AB's v Samoa:

That's not fine Marshall, there's a clear cut rule against that. Unfortunate as they had us under pressure.

Jeez our commentators are tossers.

[Tordah]

rubbish officiating.

[No Quarter]

I know the ABs will want to run it a lot, but I'd like to see them get the basics right for the first 20-30 mins before trying to open it up.

[Tordah]

ABs look rusty as always in the first test. Here's hoping they're only just getting warm

[kiwiinmelb]

Need this hit out to get the rust out , hopefully Samoa don't drop away too early

Need a tough work out

[chimoaus]

ALB in.

[MiketheSnow]

Shithouse refereeing

[ACT Crusader]

Good strength there by Beauden Barrett.

Ardie isn't a no8 at the back of a scrum....