Bledisloe #2

@mariner4life said in Bledisloe #2:

didn't Ofa play tighthead through the entire Northern tour last year, and handle it more than adequately?

Ofa actually replaced Big Karl at LH in both the Irish and English tests, and started at LH vs Italy. My point is that although Ofa has mainly played TH prop previously he has also been used at LH by both the Blues and ABs, including both tests he has played this year.

The first time I remember Moli at LH was his AB debut off the bench on the 2017 EOYT vs the French XV, when Hansen mentioned they wanted to convert him into a LH prop. Last year he had a serious leg injury and never played. This year Moli had a late start to the SR season, and then was the regular starting LH prop for the Chiefs. He's still learning his trade at LH.

The AB selectors are still trying to finalise their 5 props with 2 spots to find after Moody, Franks and Tu'ungafasi. Laulala gets his opportunity at Eden Park.

You are quite right. Ofa has plyed there quite a lot and went well on last autumn tour, against fairly average replacement props. That said, he has had some very bad games there -- I seem to recall Blues being mullered by Waratahs with Ofa at LH and Angus at TH. I think his height is a problem when he comes up against shorter THs such as Nyakane. Tupou will be a good hard test.

Moli has seemed alright at LH for Chiefs, certainly much better than Angus at LH. But perhaps too early to judge.

I'm more worried about LH than TH. If Franks were injured Nepo and Ofa in that order can cover. If Moody out then Karl T is out only true starting option against proper scrums.

Looking to RWC for me Moody and Ofa, and probably Angus, are nailed. Then at least one of Franks/Nepo (at least in theory). If after Saturday doubts remain about Ofa at LH then in comes Karl. If Ofa handles Tupou and Nepo performs then Nepo and Owen both travel. I don't see Moli making it.

A. Moody/Karl/Owen/Ofa/Angus

B. Moody/Karl/Nepo/Ofa/Angus

c. Moody/Ofa/Owen/Angus/Nepo

Rancid Schnitzel

Reckon Scott Barrett will get the job done on Saturday!

NTA

@KiwiMurph said in Bledisloe #2:

Rory Arnold is out so Coleman starts, Rob Simmons on the bench. Liam Wright (an openside) replaces Luke Jones on the bench. AAC replaces Banks on the bench.

Wallabies to face All Blacks

1. Scott Sio (57 Tests)
2. Tolu Latu (14 Tests)
3. Allan Alaalatoa (33 Tests)
4. Izack Rodda (20 Tests)
5. Adam Coleman (32 Tests)
6. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (14 Tests)
7. Michael Hooper (c) (94 Tests)
8. Isi Naisarani (3 Tests)
9. Nic White (25 Tests)
10. Christian Lealiifano (21 Tests)
11. Marika Koroibete (22 Tests)
12. Samu Kerevi (vc) (28 Tests)
13. James O’Connor (46 Tests)
14. Reece Hodge (36 Tests)
15. Kurtley Beale (86 Tests)

Reserves

16. Folau Fainga’a (10 Tests)
17. James Slipper (89 Tests)
18. Taniela Tupou (14 Tests)
19. Rob Simmons (96 Tests)
20. Liam Wright*
21. Will Genia (103 Tests)
22. Matt To’omua (45 Tests)
23. Adam Ashley-Cooper (117 Tests)

Emma Greenwood / Aug 14, 2019

TEAM NEWS: Pocock overlooked, Coleman to start, Wright to debut for Wallabies

Jeez that is a big promotion for Liam Wright. Capable young bloke but what a cauldron to get thrown into!

AAC will add experience in the back end and I've heard the weather won't be entirely friendly, so maybe we're digging the heels in a bit for some trench warfare.

Victor Meldrew

@taniwharugby said in Bledisloe #2:

Catching a few passes and making a few tackles always helps too.

That and a bit of mongrel.

Victor Meldrew

@Rancid-Schnitzel said in Bledisloe #2:

Would be terrible if Hanson ends such an illustrious career by losing both the Bledisloe and the World Cup.

Or worse and lose Aura

pakman

@reprobate said in Bledisloe #2:

@Nevorian said in Bledisloe #2:

look out for plenty of cross field kicks but hopefully we will improve our possession stats

Well kicking the ball away is half our possession problem...

Wish I could give this five likes. Contrast with Oz which almost didn't kick other than Tupou's 'effort'.

Crazy Horse

@pakman said in Bledisloe #2:

@reprobate said in Bledisloe #2:

@Nevorian said in Bledisloe #2:

look out for plenty of cross field kicks but hopefully we will improve our possession stats

Well kicking the ball away is half our possession problem...

Wish I could give this five likes. Contrast with Oz which almost didn't kick other than Tupou's 'effort'.

Maybe this is the cunning plan. Kick the ball away in the two years leading up to the WC, then hold on to the ball at the WC and it's wham bam thank you mam. Thanks for coming.

Bovidae

@pakman said in Bledisloe #2:

Looking to RWC for me Moody and Ofa, and probably Angus, are nailed.

Agreed.

Then at least one of Franks/Nepo (at least in theory). If after Saturday doubts remain about Ofa at LH then in comes Karl. If Ofa handles Tupou and Nepo performs then Nepo and Owen both travel. I don't see Moli making it.

Ideally you would want 2 x LH (Moody, ???), 2 x TH (two of Franks, Ta'avao and Laulala) and one who could play both (Tu'ungafasi). Hansen said Moli is rated ahead of Tu'inukuafe so you would have to say the other LH spot is his to lose.

As Ta'avao offers more mobility off the bench, which is what they are wanting for impact, he would be the ideal second TH. Then Franks and Laulala are fighting for one position.

pakman

@Bovidae I think we're at one other than back up LH.

Agreed that when Karl was let go it was Moli's to lose. But from what I saw on Saturday, not only in scrums, but also in work around field, it's too early for him.

Which means Ofa is a chance, but if not if it were me I'd take Karl, although if it came to that I have a hunch TWM would send for Perry, and that I'd be dead against.

MrDenmore

This post is deleted!

pakman

BTW Bridge and Laulala were ALWAYS going to start this week. Trouble was plan was to have Bledisloe safe by this point.

TWM have held their nerve.

Biggest concern (other than no genuine 6) is Reece's defence against Koroibete, who strikes me as a unit.

The Silver Fern

Bledisloe #2

TEAM NEWS: Pocock overlooked, Coleman to start, Wright to debut for Wallabies