Bledisloe #1

[Bovidae]

I don't think the numbers on the back of Savea's and Read's jerseys matter. I think Ardie will be on the back of the scrum for AB feeds.

Looking forward to seeing this combo.

[antipodean]

On the strength of the desire of TSF to see that backrow and centre combination alone, the Wallabies are in for a torrid time of it.

[mariner4life]

3! 3 openside flankers ha ha ha

[mariner4life]

@Hooroo said in Bledisoe #1:

trying to dominate

and right there is the operative word

[sparky]

Scrum. About right and as predicted. But Ardie Savea is shoved the blindside to accommodate Kieran Read. Ardie Savea has been the better 8 so far in 2019. Angus T given the nod as beach tighthead ahead of Ofa T.

Backline more interesting and debatable. Love the look of the midfield. Hope Ben Smith still has the gas to excel on the Right Wing. Big opportunity for George Bridge off the bench. Not sure right now that Sevu Reece, Ennor, Jordie Barrett or SBW are going to RWC.

[Machpants]

@mariner4life said in Bledisoe #1:

@Hooroo said in Bledisoe #1:

trying to dominate

and right there is the operative word

It's only Ozzie

[mariner4life]

@taniwharugby said in Bledisoe #1:

what time is k/o for this one, NZT...I am off to Aus on Saturday so trying to work out these silly time zones things!

yeah yeah, I know google and shit, but thats why I come here...

edit: excellent, is in that article.

7.45 on the east coast i believe

[ACT Crusader]

@mariner4life said in Bledisoe #1:

3! 3 openside flankers ha ha ha

We are Aussie....Phil Waugh, George Smith and Hoiles (started as a 7 and then changed to 8 )

[sparky]

Pleased that Dane Coles has been picked ahead of Codie Taylor as the starting Hooker.

[akan004]

Would rather have Ennor over Bridge but can't fault the other selections.

[Donsteppa]

That’s pretty much the strongest side they could have named at this stage. Might have swapped Read and Savea around, but that’s about it.

[kiwiinmelb]

First time for a while I can say I feel a bit excited after the naming,

Like the look of this team , on paper at least, hope it goes well

[ACT Crusader]

@akan004 said in Bledisoe #1:

Would rather have Ennor over Bridge but can't fault the other selections.

Bridge plays either wing and even fullback if a couple of backs go down.

Bridge is a better player as well.

[Hooroo]

With that team, if Aussie beat us, we can stick a fork in the WC for this year.

All over Mary, wipe ya leg.

[rotated]

Strongest side possible sans Rettalick (and perhaps Crotty in theory, but he gets no more chances from me in the starting side as he just can't be relied on).

I hope they run this side out the next two weeks come hell or high water and assess after that - combos must be built.

[sparky]

Big chance for Laumape to come off the bench and make everyone think Sonny Bill Who?

[ACT Crusader]

@Hooroo said in Bledisoe #1:

With that team, if Aussie beat us, we can stick a fork in the WC for this year.

All over Mary, wipe ya leg.

I know a stronger team than the one named....

[sparky]

@rotated

If fit, Crotty gets selected. Possibly as the bench midfielder ahead of Laumape.

[sparky]

Ardie's extra height will be invaluable at 6.

[rotated]

@Hooroo said in Bledisoe #1:

With that team, if Aussie beat us, we can stick a fork in the WC for this year.

I wouldn't go that far, the ABs do tend to underperform when they play at weird/new venues, something they've zeroed in on this fixture going almost two weeks early. They've also lost the last three away fixtures to Australia in a World Cup year - so I wouldn't completely write them off, but it wouldn't be terribly comforting.