All Blacks v BI Lions Test #2

[dogmeat]

That side to me looks weaker than the one for the first test and seems chosen on hype and hope rather than reason (not Mark)

[Tim]

Ben Smith out of the series.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen confirmed today that Smith passed all the concussion protocol tests but decided to take a conservative approach due to a number of recent head knocks.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/rugby/news/article.cfm?c_id=80&objectid=11883681

[Salacious Crumb]

Damn shame. Expected as much but still a shame.

[Donsteppa]

Te’o benched? I guess there's impact late in the game to think about, but the first 55 minutes are handy too...

[Rancid Schnitzel]

My God, he actually selected Jersey Shore.

Looks like alot of kneejerk selections to me.

Will be severely pissed off if abs lose to this lineup.

[Bovidae]

AWJ leads a charmed life.

The changes in the loose forwards are designed to compete more at the breakdown.

Warburton needs to play well as being named captain doesn't help your job security.

[booboo]

Wonder if Laumape on the bench prompted starting Sexton? I was looking forward to Ngani running at him late on.

Anyway we end up with SBW running at him whilst Te'o and Laumape get to cancel each other when they get on.

[Tim]

That's a very short lineout. The loose forwards are about 1.88 to 1.92 m. Itoje is 1.95m, and AWJ is 1.96m.

[jegga]

YanksTe'o fairly early when he was having a great game then benches him for the next game?

[Tim]

@jegga said in All Blacks v BI Lions Test #2:

YanksTe'o fairly early when he was having a great game then benches him for the next game?

Classic anti North Harbour bias.

[taniwharugby]

@jegga maybe he's blaming the loss on him for failing to pass with a big overlap?

Lucky they had advantage on that play too, cos otherwise he shoulda been pinged for pulling the ball back into the ruck when Owen Franks was standing over him.

[Frank]

Wasn't sure where to post this.
Great article about Wayne Smith in the Guardian.
"Creativity is practice camouflaged"

Jun 28, 2017  /  Sport

Wayne Smith’s role in transforming All Blacks culture bears fruit

The thoughtful New Zealand assistant coach faced initial resistance to his attempts to introduce more responsibility and leadership into the team but it has paid off

[jegga]

@taniwharugby probably, he's pretty good at blaming everyone but himself.

[Bones]

Spotted while out for dinner in Crete, I felt an instant sense of relief about this weekends result, it's gotta be a sign.

Edit: well shit seems I've got no idea about image hosting sites. How do I post a pic from my phone?

[Tim]

You need the direct link to the file. e.g. https://image.ibb.co/gM4zXk/20170629_054340.jpg

[Bones]

@Tim said in All Blacks v BI Lions Test #2:

You need the direct link to the file. e.g. https://image.ibb.co/gM4zXk/20170629_054340.jpg

Cheers... seems to be working now?

[Tim]

@Bones I changed it, ya goof.

[Bones]

Which reminds me, Sexton starting, yeeehaaa!

[taniwharugby]

man, gotta love the Media!!

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/94225768/eden-park-music-upsets-lions

[Chris B.]

Interesting changes.

Arguably we've lost a little bit of finesse, but added a bit of power, while the Lions seem to have gone the other way - lost a bit of power, but maybe a bit more finesse?

I'm both excited and nervous at the pairing of Ioane and Naholo on the wings. Two power wingers hasn't always worked out for us as well as I've expected - e.g. Rok and Sivi in Cardiff and Savea and Naholo in Chicago.