RWC: All Blacks v South Africa (Pool B)
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Man Rieko left right out, that's a pretty significant fall from grace even when you consider his minor injury. Really hope he's not going the way of his brother off field, as he's one of the most naturally gifted players I've ever watched. Or is he still injured?
I'd like to say I'm not happy with the team but to be honest I hadn't really decided my own top 23, there's quite a few combinations that would work.
Hooker and halfback we have amazing 1 - 2 punch combos. I lean towards TJP and Codie starting, but either way gives us a point of difference.
If Patty T can keep up his form, but off the bench against a tiring defense, he could well wreck some havoc in the final 20 - 30 minutes of this test.
Rookies on both wings is a bit of a risk, but they're in form and BFA can always sub on if one of them is having a mare.
We'll need Richie to play a lot better than he did in Wellington in the first half when the pressure is on.
And finally, stoked for @mariner4life that his man-crush is starting. Well deserved, he's been consistently our best midfielder for ages now. SBW off the bench makes sense, he's too old to go 80 these days but a 20 minute burst to finish could work very well.
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@KiwiMurph said in RWC All Blacks v South Africa:
I like that team a lot.
My only issue is Barrett starting ahead of Tuipulotu. Would have swapped that.
Pleased they have gone with ALB at 13 - he was brilliant at Eden Park and I think he offers a lot more explosiveness in attack than Goodhue.
Be interesting if pat t keeps the bench spot when Brodie returns , and if thatโs where they see him best suited hence get him used to the role.
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@kiwiinmelb good thought.
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@Hooroo said in RWC All Blacks v South Africa:
@Bovidae said in RWC All Blacks v South Africa:
@Hooroo TVNZ 1.
Thanks mate.
Is the delay 1 or 2 hours?
I don't know. Coverage starts at 9:45 pm and ends at 1:20 am so be prepared for a long night.
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@Bovidae said in RWC All Blacks v South Africa:
@Hooroo said in RWC All Blacks v South Africa:
@Bovidae said in RWC All Blacks v South Africa:
@Hooroo TVNZ 1.
Thanks mate.
Is the delay 1 or 2 hours?
I don't know. Coverage starts at 9:45 pm and ends at 1:20 am so be prepared for a long night.
Must be an hour delay then as the real kick-off is 9:45 isn't it?
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@Frank said in RWC All Blacks v South Africa:
@Hooroo said in RWC All Blacks v South Africa:
@SammyC said in RWC All Blacks v South Africa:
Like that team... Crotty/ Lienert-Brown is my favourite midfield.
Isn't Frizell a lucky hua!!
Hopefully there is no need to use him.
Why? Great call though, it's very rare the bench gets used these days eh.
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@Hooroo said in RWC All Blacks v South Africa:
@Bovidae said in RWC All Blacks v South Africa:
@Hooroo said in RWC All Blacks v South Africa:
@Bovidae said in RWC All Blacks v South Africa:
@Hooroo TVNZ 1.
Thanks mate.
Is the delay 1 or 2 hours?
I don't know. Coverage starts at 9:45 pm and ends at 1:20 am so be prepared for a long night.
Must be an hour delay then as the real kick-off is 9:45 isn't it?
Pretty sure it's an hour at the start - but, once those guys at TVNZ get stuck into their ad breaks, it will probably be two hours by the finish!
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Very pleased to see what I think is our best midfield combo starting a big test. It was excellent a couple of years ago and good to see it back.
Powder is no longer dry.
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@No-Quarter said in RWC All Blacks v South Africa:
Man Rieko left right out, that's a pretty significant fall from grace even when you consider his minor injury.
Goodhue's the other that's fallen out of favour. Prior to his injury I would have thought he was the lock in the midfield with the other 4 contenders jockeying to be his partner. Not that I have a problem with the combo chosen.
I still don't like Reece in the team but then I railed against MacKenzie's selection right up until he got injured and we missed him. Long after I secretly knew he was quite good.
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@pukunui said in RWC All Blacks v South Africa:
Decent team. A few surprises.
Still donโt think dropping the world best winger is a good idea. Lets hope Reece and ridge can live up to the hype. Will be interesting to see how Reece copes under the high ball.
Isn't it amazing how just one letter can completely change a team?