All Blacks vs Wales Test #2
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<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11657813'>http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11657813</a></p>
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<p>"<span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Calibri, Candara, Segoe, 'Segoe UI', Optima, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">Regular fullback Ben Smith will start in the No11 jersey, with Waisake Naholo retaining his right-wing spot"</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size:16px;">Really? All team announcements (including the one on this thread) I've seen have Smith @ 14 - as you'd expect. Has this changed since? </span></p> -
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I find it hard to seperate Smith and Folau. I'd have both in my world 15.
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="rotated" data-cid="588902" data-time="1466131149"><p>Huge compliment to Ben Smith really. McCaw irregularly played 8/6 when required especially during these dinky June tests. Basically says you are so good and versatile it doesn't really matter what number is on your jersey. Big nod to him IMO.</p></blockquote>
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Bender is a class act. But it's hardly surprising given that's where he started his AB career as a bench player and then a starter. Add to that the fact he basically plays 20+ minutes per test on the wing when Barrett comes on. -
<p>I always thought Folau was a bit overrated. Yes he was good, but he wasn't some phenom. A lot of those early tries were catch and open run to the line types.</p>
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<p>But I got over that, in flight he's a fucking weapon. He tore the poms up last week. He's excellent under the high ball, he's big, quick, and surprisingly elusive. He's not the finished article, his kicking is actually pretty ordinary for a guy who spent a couple of years playing AFL, but he's really fucking good. </p>
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<p>And yes, in an ANZAC team, he and Ben from Accounts at 14 and 15 would be quite handy. </p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="KiwiMurph" data-cid="588988" data-time="1466148624">
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<p>Folau was definitely not close to 100% fit at the World Cup either - <strong>which</strong> <b>is unfortunate </b> - the Folau vs England last weekend was a different proposition.</p>
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<p>I thought it was quite nice actually.</p>
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<p>I wouldn't wish it on him, of course, but against us, he can play at 50% anytime. </p>
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<p>Fuck the Poms though; he can tear them up all day.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="mariner4life" data-cid="588979" data-time="1466147176">
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<p>I always thought Folau was a bit overrated. Yes he was good, but he wasn't some phenom. A lot of those early tries were catch and open run to the line types.</p>
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<p>But I got over that, in flight he's a fucking weapon. He tore the poms up last week. He's excellent under the high ball, he's big, quick, and surprisingly elusive. He's not the finished article, his kicking is actually pretty ordinary for a guy who spent a couple of years playing AFL, but he's really fucking good. </p>
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<p>And yes, in an ANZAC team, he and Ben from Accounts at 14 and 15 would be quite handy. </p>
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<p>And the thing is , of the three I think Hayne and Inglis may have been better ( i think Inglis better days are behind him now though) </p> -
Is weather forecast ok for the game in Wellington?<br><br><br>
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<p>Its ok at the moment. Looking south out my window in Hataitai it is mostly blue skies and just a very slight northerly zephyr wind movement. Not too bad temperature wise either, must be at least ten degrees. I'm off to watch a mates son play in the Under 12s shortly and I will be taking a jacket just in case, but won't be wearing it, a nice woolen jersey should do the trick.</p>
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<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.metservice.com/towns-cities/wellington/wellington-city?gclid=CJS2h9D5r80CFQwnvQodc3IB9A'>http://www.metservice.com/towns-cities/wellington/wellington-city?gclid=CJS2h9D5r80CFQwnvQodc3IB9A</a></p> -
<p>In <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://fantasyrugbydraft.com/'>Fantasy Rugby</a>, based purely on stats, no one is more consistent as Folau, year after year. The guy is a phenom in quietly clocking up metres and tackle busts, even when you don't notice it. If they were on the same team I'd probably move him to the wing and keep Ben Smith at fullback. But you'd have to make sure you play in a way that maximises Folau's highball ability.</p>
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<p>A lot gets said about Dagg's monster boot, but it really is that good in my opinion. He can be frustrating to play against because he can really dominate you if it turns into a bit of a force back duel. It's not enough though. He'll need to show he can bring back his running game to the international stage if he's to keep his spot.</p> -
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<p>I couldn't make the Caketin tonight due to Wife being out and not allowed to leave children unbabysat (one more year!!).
:(</p>
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<p>Watching TV news at 6.41 PM that cut to a live interview with TKB at the 'tin, it seems (a) conditions aren't that bad considering the wind we've had and (
there are people sitting in the stands already - whats wrong with them? Why aren't they in pub/still getting there after feeding kids they are bringing at home.</p>
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<p>PS - Like NZZP, I also grew up in the Wellingtown, so my view of wind being not that bad might be somewhat different to others.</p> -
<p>An advert actually made me think.</p>
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<p>Does the trend to speed up the game and have the ball in play for more minutes, plus the ability to use the bench tactically actually make NZ stronger?</p>
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<p>In the old days, other teams could have a team that matched the ABs in the starting 15 and given the pace of the game/inability to use the reserves, meant that the ABs lost more games. Now, when its a faster 23 man game, the ABs lose fewer games despite a considerable player and coaching loss to overseas.</p>
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<p>So, for the rest of the world to catch up, they need to go back to the old days of trench warfare rugby and no non-injury substitutions.</p>
