All Blacks vs Pumas II
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@themojoman said in All Blacks vs Pumas II:
At some point Reiko Ioane will take the Centre spot given his level of development and performances. Until then Havili/ALB are the top combo.
I like Tupaea’s potential, he seems to have very good penetration with ball in hand and strong on defence. Ennor has been taking up a spot without adding value TBH. Not sure why he’s still there. Bridge is another that’s finding hard to get back into form. He seems to be down on pace and has taken to try and run over opposition players.
I agree. We seem to overlook that Rieko is 24 (!!). Centres (13) rarely come up out fully-formed unless they're all time greats like O'Driscoll. But I hope ALB is the centre until the next RWC.
George Bridge appears on borrowed time unless his game develops. Reminds me of Zac Guildford without the "issues", i.e. nothing stands out! Or Cory Jane without his world-class fend and high-ball ability ... I miss Cory, quite under-rated internationally.
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@bones said in All Blacks vs Pumas II:
@l_n_p I'd be surprised to find anyone that doesn't rate Jane. Fairly unique in that you knew he'd never let the jersey down...
I think he was fully rated in NZ - I'm sure on the Fern! But less well-known outside perhaps.
Alway remember that double-fend off for a try (I think vs the Pumas?) ... also the gob-smacked expression on his face when Quade Cooper beat him with a pearl of a "mid-air" step". Tbh that step would have beaten anyone in the world.
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@l_n_p said in All Blacks vs Pumas II:
@yeahtheboys said in All Blacks vs Pumas II:
The problems with Damien McKenzie, or anyone really, running sideways at top international level (it can work at SR level) is that (1) defenses are tighter, so he's looking for space that percentage-wise isn't there and (b) he runs away from his support, meaning often slow ball at best or a turnover.
Funny thing about DMac, I think he runs a bit like RMo, in that he drifts/runs sideways looking for a place to beat somewhere, and only mean that if you watch BB he is the type who plays flat to the line and plays to gaps in front of him. Not saying either is right, just how I have seen them play.
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@dan54 said in All Blacks vs Pumas II:
Funny thing about DMac, I think he runs a bit like RMo, in that he drifts/runs sideways looking for a place to beat somewhere, and only mean that if you watch BB he is the type who plays flat to the line and plays to gaps in front of him. Not saying either is right, just how I have seen them play.
BB has tended to "shovel" the ball on a bit in a predicable way, allowing defenses to drift? D*mn you Dan, now I need to rewatch a whole lot of RM's international games!
Regardless, the way BB ran direct (crash-ball) at 10 vs the Pumas, plus his run-kick-pass decision-making was remiscent of DC at his best ... sorely missed. Jonny Wilkinson is remembered for his kicking and tackling but he also know how and when to take the line on, bloke was 110% committed.
I'm kind of hoping the directness was a coaching message to all three AB 10's. If not, it bl**dy well should be.
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Last week was the best game at 10 BB has played in ages. Bit rich to make out like that’s his standard until he strings some together.
Also a bit rich to make out that running sideways is something DMac does as a standard option. He does do it but mostly when cleaning up from a spilled pass or a kick through. When that happens he has to buy time and look for a way to not get caught while the support gets behind him. RM does the same. They aren’t as strong as BB who can stand in the tackle a bit better.
What I would like to see more of tonight is DMac distributing sharp passes into gaps in front of runners. Those are the money balls for gaining ground and making breaks. -
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@chimoaus said in All Blacks vs Pumas II:
I have feeling this won't be as easy as last week. Should be a good test for the new faces.
Its a proper B team from us, so it could get a bit worrying if that front five doesn’t stand up. Plus Dmac is at 10, so I imagine we all might need a few deep breaths.
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@gt12 said in All Blacks vs Pumas II:
@chimoaus said in All Blacks vs Pumas II:
I have feeling this won't be as easy as last week. Should be a good test for the new faces.
Its a proper B team from us, so it could get a bit worrying if that front five doesn’t stand up. Plus Dmac is at 10, so I imagine we all might need a few deep breaths.
We will be right Moody will get better with some more game time Ofa back on the bench Ardie there. And Taylor and Scott Barrett on the bench.
Combinations in the backs may cause some hickups. -
@gt12 said in All Blacks vs Pumas II:
@chimoaus said in All Blacks vs Pumas II:
I have feeling this won't be as easy as last week. Should be a good test for the new faces.
Its a proper B team from us, so it could get a bit worrying if that front five doesn’t stand up. Plus Dmac is at 10, so I imagine we all might need a few deep breaths.
I hope they all have blinders.
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@mn5 said in All Blacks vs Pumas II:
@bones said in All Blacks vs Pumas II:
@l_n_p I'd be surprised to find anyone that doesn't rate Jane. Fairly unique in that you knew he'd never let the jersey down...
Tell us the story about when he ran around you in a club game
He didn't need to. He was already past me before I even saw him.
Edit: just for you though, I'll claim I couldn't see past pow's toilet from fullback.
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@kirwan said in All Blacks vs Pumas II:
According to Stan, if we win by 15 points tonight we go back to number 1.
Nope, we cannot get more than .38. Ozzie needed to win by 16 for us to go top
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