All Blacks v France Test #2
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Joe Moody hobbled off, but heard no other news about that.
I think there will be a few changes - given what Stargazer said about everyone getting a run and an assumption that they won't leave all those changes until the third test.
I reckon Mo'unga might get a start in the third test, in which case TTT needs to come onto the bench for the second test, because you don't want to have those two paired up.
Changes in the midfield are good bet, with Goodhue featuring somewhere.
Finally, if Naholo and NMS are both to get a run somewhere, then there probably needs to be a change in the back three for this test. I'm inclined to think they'll want Jordie to go again, so maybe NMS in for Ben Smith (to pair the Hurricanes boys) - with a Rieko, Naholo, BSmith back three in the third test? Or maybe vice-versa. Or something else.
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Speaking of midfields you would like to see , obviously not this week ,
But sbw goodhue are a couple that might compliment each other
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Midfield is really interesting.
Last weekend's backline didn't really have an obvious crash ball exponent (Savea, Nonu, SBW) until Laumape came on and he showed what he could do.
I really like Goodhue - he's a combination of power and finesse, so he and SBW could be a good fit - as could he and Crotty, or eventually he and Laumape.
I wonder whether they might start Laumape and Crotty this weekend and stick Goodhue on the bench. Or, even start the Crusaders' boys - probably with Laumape on the bench (though both options would risk a Laumape-Goodhue midfield for quite a lot of the match - not that I'd be particularly concerned about that).
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@chris-b said in All Blacks v France Test #2:
@kiwiinmelb "Nice guns, Sonny".
"Thanks, Jack - I like your hair".
Best post ever
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@mn5 said in All Blacks v France Test #2:
@chris-b said in All Blacks v France Test #2:
@kiwiinmelb "Nice guns, Sonny".
"Thanks, Jack - I like your hair".
Best post ever
No shit, it actually brightened my morning when I read that post.
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@majorrage said in All Blacks v France Test #2:
I wouldn’t count on the 23 being available ...
The media campaign about the non citing is off the scale here a I guarantee Gosper and Pichot phones and inboxes are going mental.
Don’t be surprised to see World Rugby pull out there “this needs further investigation” card here.
That would be the end of Gosper's tenure.
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@antipodean said in All Blacks v France Test #2:
@majorrage said in All Blacks v France Test #2:
I wouldn’t count on the 23 being available ...
The media campaign about the non citing is off the scale here a I guarantee Gosper and Pichot phones and inboxes are going mental.
Don’t be surprised to see World Rugby pull out there “this needs further investigation” card here.
That would be the end of Gosper's tenure.
Really? He's been pretty anti NZ his whole tenure and both him and Pichot have poked their noses in when they feel like it.
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@nepia I have it on reasonable authority that there have been conversations on maintaining the integrity and impartiality of the position.
Swings and roundabouts...
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@antipodean said in All Blacks v France Test #2:
@nepia I have it on reasonable authority that there have been conversations on maintaining the integrity and impartiality of the position.
Swings and roundabouts...
Sweet, that would be good!
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@antipodean said in All Blacks v France Test #2:
@nepia I have it on reasonable authority that there have been conversations on maintaining the integrity and impartiality of the position.
Swings and roundabouts...
I'm not totally comprehending this.
Are you saying his interjection re: Adam Thomson has been called out, 'unofficially ' but at executive levels?
P.S wow, Adam Thomson seems an age ago, is that from a pre-2011 tour?, Gosper must have been CEO for a very long time now.
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The Crusaders will play the French Barbarians this Friday so I expect Goodhue and Mounga to be released for this game : the French Barbarians look as "strong" as the national team and won't be pushovers, especially upfront where they have a number of big men.
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The coaches signalled before the 1st test that some of the squad might not even play, and that if the series was won before Dunners they would use the 3rd test to give new players an opportunity. Of course, Hansen and co might change their minds.
There maybe some minor tweaks in the 23 because of injury/wear and tear for this Sat but I don't expect many changes.
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@cgrant if he is released, I'd think he will likely play 12 too with Tamanivalu at 13...?
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@taniwharugby Only if the AB coaches specifically ask for Goodhue to play at 12. Against the Chiefs, Havili played at 12, with Goodhue at 13 and Tamanivalu at 14.
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Can't see forwards changing. I expect Fifita will get more game time this week. Interesting that he replaced Whitelock (L) rather than a lock. Scrum markedly less powerful with no established TH lock.
In backs run on, hard to see any change other than possibly in midfield. It would not surprise if Laumape got a run with ALB on pine.
Do hope Mo'unga and Goodhue get some game time in third.
BTW has Taufua been released from squad, which would justify Todd staying on?
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@pakman Taufua is injured and out of the series, but I think he's still with the squad (going by the photos I saw on instagram, but I'm not sure where/when they were taken). Todd is indeed staying with the squad.
Edit: Taufua is definitely still with the squad in Wellington (see Naholo's insta).
