All Blacks vs Wallabies Bledisloe 1 Eden Park 7th Aug
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@antipodean It really is the truth. He's a bench player at test level. Wouldn't say no to him starting at 7 with Cane out, but he's not a proper 6/8 and never will be.
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@tim said in All Blacks vs Wallabies Bledisloe 1 Eden Park 7th Aug:
@unite Seems fair to me. As long as we aren't asleep a three try margin should be par for the course.
Well I'll be impressed when either the ABs or the Wallas get 0.5 points!
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Four things I like about that team and three things I'm not so pleased about.
Really pleased:
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Great to have Brodie back
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Like that back row, especially Dalton Papali'i at 7. His form in Super Rugby was outstanding , hopefully he will carry that forward into Test Rugby. I'm glad Akira is being picked again at 6. Ardie is too good to leave out and has the versatility to play anywhere in the back row. Really strong unit with Jacobson just missing out.
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That is our top midfield back and half back combination.
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Delighted Reiko is back in the 11 Jersey.
Not pleased about:
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I don't get George Bower's selection. Hasn't shown Test starter quality at scrum time or around the park.
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Disappointed that Will Jordan hasn't been given the 14 Jersey. Is he injured?
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I'd go with Jordie ahead of DMac at 15. Both need to concentrate on reducing their error rate rather than constantly trying miracle plays.
Overall, pleased to see the coaches reward most of the best players in NZ.
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@sparky said in All Blacks vs Wallabies Bledisloe 1 Eden Park 7th Aug:
- Like that back row, especially Dalton Papali'i at 7.
He quietly put together a truly sensational Super season. Very very high quality, great to have him. He's put it on the track for the ABs as well, which is great.
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that interview. Has Foster had his COVID test?
Certainly didn't look too enthusiastic until he got started about how he learnt a lot about Olympic trampolining (at the end there). Not sure how he is going to sneak the trampolines out to the lineouts without being spotted, but you got to give him credit for thinking outside the circle, into a bigger circle. -
To get you in the zone -
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@machpants said in All Blacks vs Wallabies Bledisloe 1 Eden Park 7th Aug:
@akan004 said in All Blacks vs Wallabies Bledisloe 1 Eden Park 7th Aug:
Why the fuck don't they give mics to the bloody questioners?
It's like playing a gameshow - Guess who the Fuck Fozzie is talking about !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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@crucial said in All Blacks vs Wallabies Bledisloe 1 Eden Park 7th Aug:
@mariner4life said in All Blacks vs Wallabies Bledisloe 1 Eden Park 7th Aug:
jesus, it's like they make a couple of decisions just to fuck with the public. It all looks so good, and then we end up with fucking Ardie at 8 again. And seriously, if DMac's last test didn't play him out of the spot, then it is impossible to get dropped from the ABs
We are desperately short at fullback.
What did DMac do so poorly in his last test?
Serious question as I’m trying to remember. Even went back to the thread to see if it was just me forgetting things.
Sure the DMac v JB debate continues with merit and there are fairly valid concerns on the overall size of the backline (that shouldn’t have to be fixed by the 15).
There are also the old perceptions of headless chook play based on previous years that haven’t been shaken.
I remember the amazing chase back, tackle and turnover but that’s about it.My memory (other than awesome try saver) is getting tackled easily behind the advantage line. The bigger players are able to stand in the tackle longer.
DMac has a similar problem to Bridge but for different reasons. If he’s not in space then he doesn’t offer much. Bridge has concrete feet, and DMac might be too small for fullback.
I’d put him on the right wing and let him pop up whenever he likes. Could be freed from the requirements of fullback and we could actually get full value from him. Cory Jane style fullback winger.
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Would have preferred Jacobsen and Jordie to start but otherwise happy enough. Just stoked to see Akira and Dalton there. And of course Reiko in his proper position. Those are the kind of selections we need going forward.
Pretty good bench as well!
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Think the backline is pretty spot-on - only think that could be changed would be DMac as a super-sub rather than starting. Hope the DH/ALB combination goes well and continues to develop - think there's some serious potential there. Great that Reiko is starting as, from what we have seen in the last few games, he's getting his mojo back
Not sure about 7 & 8, (I'd have Ardie at 7 & Jacobson at 8 ) but perhaps Foster wants experience at 8. Akira has the opportunity to nail down the 6 slot and deserves his place.
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Geezuz we love a moan eh?
Actually surprisingly happy with that team.
Like the backline - I feel more safe with Reece over Jordan - his all around game is much more complete. Jordan does pretty well at running in tries, but his flaws (linking, defence) will be exposed a lot more against Aus. Rieko is the form winger in the team. As well as the fact Jordan is injured - what would people have rather seen?
Likewise the loosies - Papali'i was the form loose forward in SR and I really like the balance they've got there. Jacobson will bring a huge effort off the bench.
Yeah I guess FR is a bit meh, but we'll get more out of our hooker/locls than Aus will.
