All Blacks vs Wales
-
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Pot Hale" data-cid="586519" data-time="1465637714"><p>Can you see Wales getting up again for tests two and three?</p></blockquote>
I hope so. I'd like to think that with a 3 match series they will have the chance to review this match, work out areas they can attack us and come out stronger in the 2nd match with a good idea of what to expect.<br><br>
But, mentally is where they will probably struggle. They played some great footy, had the ABs under the pump for decent periods of the match but lost by 18 points.<br><br>
One thing the ABs have given a lot of focus in the last 13 years is the mental side of things. I have no idea if teams like Wales and Ireland do as well, but to me they seem well capable of getting the win, but seem to hit a mental block in the final 15 minutes when they are still in the contest.<br><br>
Another thing Wales need to have a plan for is how to counter the AB bench. That is a real weapon. -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Pot Hale" data-cid="586525" data-time="1465637985">
<div>
<p>Yep - they poured it all into that match. The relentless focus on first test win can be a killer.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>so much has been made of this first test and I expect they saw this as the best opportunity...I doubt they will find the metres so easy to come by next week. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>As above, can the Welsh get much better, cos we know the ABs will.</p> -
<p>Savea made a good impact. But jeez it is going to get tiresome reading his cheerleaders just over egging it.</p>
-
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Billy Tell" data-cid="586527" data-time="1465638060">
<div>
<p>Cane, Romano, Savea, Naholo in defence, Cruden from the tee should all be worried.<br><br>
I'm predicting Dagg might come in next week, hopefully Whitelock is back.<br><br>
Hansen won that with his excellent use of the bench.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Cane?</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Frank" data-cid="586533" data-time="1465638407">
<div>
<p>Selections next week will be VERY interesting.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I tend to think Hansen won't chop and change much.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>In danger - <strong>Crotty</strong>, Savea.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>Thought he was fine, he is unlikely to go anywhere unless Ngatai is fit</p> -
<p>I'd like to see Dagg start next week, with B of the Smiths on the right wing. Not sure who I'd put on the left wing. Savea and Naholo both weren't good tonight.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I'd also prefer Crotty at 13, with Ngatai at 12, but will Ngatai be back by then? Fekitoa was terrrible tonight; Crotty was mostly good, created opportunities, reasonably good on defence considering the big monster he had to defend against.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Ardie deserves a start, but that would mean Cane on the bench ... Hope S of the Whitelocks will be good to go next week as well, although Romano wasn't bad.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Frank" data-cid="586533" data-time="1465638407">
<div>
<p>Selections next week will be VERY interesting.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I tend to think Hansen won't chop and change much.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>In danger - <strong>Crotty</strong>, Savea (Julian).</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>Crotty played well; Fekitoa was the weakest of the mid-field pair.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Baron Silas Greenback" data-cid="586532" data-time="1465638317">
<div>
<p>Savea made a good impact. But jeez it is going to get tiresome reading his cheerleaders just over egging it.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>Spoken like a true Cane groupie (hey look you're both from the BOP!!!!) :)</p>
<p>Actually think Cane played well and should start.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Frank" data-cid="586533" data-time="1465638407"><p>
Selections next week will be VERY interesting.<br><br>
I tend to think Hansen won't chop and change much.<br><br>
In danger - Crotty, Savea (Julian).</p></blockquote>
<br>
Crotty was fine. At least he can defend. People just want/hope he fails.<br><br>
I wish NMS was available. Straight onto the right wing and Naholo to 11. Naholo mixed good with dreadful but he has incredible potential on attack. -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="booboo" data-cid="586526" data-time="1465638030">
<div>
<p>Will try and sober up before commenting further ... but Barnsry still can't work out what constitutes a forward pass.<br><br><br>
Dickhead. ..</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p>If one had to sober up before commenting, one would never comment.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Stargazer" data-cid="586538" data-time="1465638596">
<div>
<p>Crotty played well; Fekitoa was the weakest of the mid-field pair.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>Agreed.</p>
<p>I'm changing my mind 5 minutes later.</p>
<p>Fekitoa - goooooooone</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="taniwharugby" data-cid="586536" data-time="1465638466">
<div>
<p>Thought he was fine, he is unlikely to go anywhere unless Ngatai is fit</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p>Yeah he was ok. Sums him up really, which isn't a bad thing.</p> -
<p>Could go either way, wholesale changes for rotation. Or acknowledgement that the first test is always messy and combinations take time.</p>
-
Great game to watch for a neutral.<br>
We did OK, glad we tried to play a more expansive game. But our guys aren't used to playing at that pace and were totally out on their feet at the end.<br>
Thought the Blacks bench was superb & made a huge difference.<br>
Nothing wrong with that pass by Cruden that Barnes judged forward either. I'd have given the Faletau try too just for the audacity to steal the ball like he did ;)<br>
Faletau was superb once again for us, the guy has a monstrous engine. His battle with Reed (best 8 on the planet) throughout the series would be worth the entrance fee alone for me.<br>
Hope our reserves can play some good stuff & beat the chiefs on Tuesday but I'm not too hopeful. Our depth isn't great. -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Baron Silas Greenback" data-cid="586532" data-time="1465638317">
<div>
<p>Savea made a good impact. But jeez it is going to get tiresome reading his cheerleaders just over egging it</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p>? I was the first to say great impact but also asked why was Cane replaced rather than why wasn't one of the old fellas like Kaino?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Should I not have also said why BB came onto field when clearly he lifted back play? Weirdly I think a Welshman might have been the best player ion either team until BB came on.</p>
