Bledisloe #2
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@pakman It's the other @Chris who is talking about 4 locks and 6 loosies, and it's far from a bad theory. I hadn't really thought about an 18-13 split, but he could easily be right and I follow the logic if Big Brodie is a bit marginal.
But, IMO the rest of the structure is a bit of an arse cover - "Oh, we didn't have three decent 10s once Damien was injured". If they don't select Ioane and it burns us, I'm going to say it was a dumb selection. I can't see where the relative upside among an extra outside backs is.
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@Chris-B I wouldn't discount J Ioane from selection just because he hasn't played yet. In hindsight they should have brought him on in BA in a close test but I can understand why they didn't want to put him in that situation. Three 1st 5s were taken in 2015, with Slade filling that 1st 5/fullback role that DMac would of this year, and BB now does. In 2011, only 2 1st 5s were selected but we ended up using 4. Weepu did provide cover, as TJP might.
You can easily cover for a winger (e.g., ALB) so I wouldn't be selecting too many specialist wingers. I wouldn't be surprised if JB has been discussed by the coaches as a 1st 5 option for the lesser pool games if J Ioane isn't chosen.
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@Bovidae Yeah - we're still discussing hypotheticals.
I can see why they haven't used him yet - but, I'm still advocating, and even expecting, that they'll pick him in the final squad.
Of course, if we lose tomorrow due to our forwards getting their arses handed to them, then I'll probably look like even more of a rugby savant and Steve can pm me.
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@Billy-Tell oh well, fuck off then if it is such a problem for you.
You whinge and bitch about players, why cant people express thier views on how the ref went too?
I already said above I felt he had no choice in the RC.
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@Machpants said in Bledisloe #2:
When the RWC squad named,, or have to be named by?
8th September squad to be announced, so they could wait until after Tonga
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@Billy-Tell said in Bledisloe #2:
The guy is a decent ref,
He's a decent ref some of the time. Personally, I don't think he's of international standard.
As for the Fern, the most outrage directed towards a Ref I can recall in its long and illustrious history, was against Romain Poitre for his ridiculous red-carding of Bismark Du Plessis ( a bokke, BTW) in 2013
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I’m picking Squire to be the addition to the WC squad - he apparently played well for Ta$man last week. He’s not as good as I’d like, but, he’s better than what else we have.
A big test for Hemopo too - I’d probably leave Fifita and Frizell at home and take Squire and Hemopo plus four locks, Read and Ardie, plus Cane. I assume that Todd is safe, especially if they want to use Cane and Ardie in the big games.
This week is, to me, a shoot out between Bridge and Reece. Personally, I’d take Bridge as he is the best Smith replacement, meaning that we could bench Bender if required (as I can’t see him being left out). Jordie must be the utility, perhaps covering 10 in the pool games (with TJP), so I assume he’s safe too.
I’d only take Ioane, Bender, Bridge, and Jordie as my outsides, so that I could carry an extra forward (BBBR). Personally I think Ioane needs lots of game time to find his groove. We need him at his best. That definitely means no Ioane, so it’s risky - Jordie and TJP (perhaps Crotty) must cover 10. If we lost a first five, we’re buggered.
Btw, still ogling topless girls here in the south, so will look forward to the game thread, including score updates please!
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@Victor-Meldrew said in Bledisloe #2:
@Billy-Tell said in Bledisloe #2:
The guy is a decent ref,
He's a decent ref some of the time. Personally, I don't think he's of international standard.
As for the Fern, the most outrage directed towards a Ref I can recall in its long and illustrious history, was against Romain Poitre for his ridiculous red-carding of Bismark Du Plessis ( a bokke, BTW) in 2013
I see you, and raise you a Wayne Barnes 2007.
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@mariner4life said in Bledisloe #2:
@Duluth said in Bledisloe #2:
Ioane
it was a poor jab aimed that the guys in front of him
A very poor one at that...
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@pakman said in Bledisloe #2:
The most recent squad was described as for Bledisloe. So could there be additions for Tonga?
I’m hearing Brett Cameron and Matt Proctor will play against Tonga.....
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@gt12 said in Bledisloe #2:
I’m picking Squire to be the addition to the WC squad - he apparently played well for Ta$man last week. He’s not as good as I’d like, but, he’s better than what else we have.
Hansen will need to convince Squire to make himself available according to this article.
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@ACT-Crusader said in Bledisloe #2:
@mariner4life said in Bledisloe #2:
@Duluth said in Bledisloe #2:
Ioane
it was a poor jab aimed that the guys in front of him
A very poor one at that...
Easy...
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@pakman said in Bledisloe #2:
@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.
Karl T big game tonight for Harbour, but limped off with leg injury.
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