Bledisloe 2
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@No-Quarter said in Bledisloe 2:
Right, so after match report. Awesome night out with the family.
We rocked up about 4pm so we could park closish to the ground. Let the boys (9, 4 & 1) play at a playground for a while and then headed into Kingsland to get some dinner.
My wife stood out in a sea of black again. The 1 and 4 years olds were decked in black, and the 9 year old half black half gold in a show of solidarity for her. Got plenty of attention from passerbys on the way to the ground.
When we arrived the Black Ferns had about 30mins left, and the main excitement there was whether they'd crack 100. Was cool seeing them live, they have some fantastic skills and we'll look to get along to a few RWC games. I think Woodman scored like 7 tries lol.
Then the game, freaking awesome. We started slow, and failed to capitalise on a 1 man advantage early on. Wallabies were extremely lucky not to see red there, I'd say if Dalton got injured they would have.
Then after a slightly disjointed start which is probably to be expected with so many changes, the ABs really started getting into their work. We really just ground them down, leading to a lot of penalties our way through pressure and our backline started to show what they can do on the back of that.
I haven't watched the game on TV, and I did have a 1 year old distracting me a bit, but players that stood out live were:
Jordie - just a dominant presence out there in everything he did. Defense, ball in hand, kicking, passing, he was just phenomenal. I remember getting on @Rancid-Schnitzel's bandwagon a few years ago, and thought a midfield combo of Jordie & Rieko is the future. Well the future came to pass, and it was a thing of beauty. Give those guys every game together now until the RWC please.
BBBR - he was back to his best IMO, a number of strong carries, big hits on defense and doing all the dirty work he is known for. Just threw himself around like a fucking maniac and had the Wallabies back peddling for most of the game. Hugely impressive performance from the big man.
Lomax - as with BBBR he was a dominant force out there. After some real concerns with the depth of our front rowers recently we have unearthed some serious talent there now. Great to see.
Rieko - he is so fucking fast, he's an absolute weapon at 13. Don't agree with the calls to put him back on the wing, 13 is perfect for him, gets his hands on the ball plenty and still has space to use his pace on the outside. For one incredible break he made down the touchline where he cut back in instead of finding Jordan outside him, I knew his haters would lose their shit over that, but it was pretty clear Koroibeti had Jordan covered. I thought that showed Rieko's maturity as a player - too often we try to push miracle balls after a break and turn possesion over. I believe we ended up scoring on the back of the territory we made from his break there.
The rest of the forwards - all excellent, nobody had a poor game really. The loosies went well, Dalton and Akira in particular were very strong in the tight, and Ardie always a threat with ball in hand. Sam led the team superbly, Newel was good though I think he was gassed at times so fitness still an issue. Taylor was good around the park but the lineouts are still a problem.
The rest of the backs - as above, all excellent. Mo'unga is still a bit rocks and diamonds, but I think the more starts he gets the more he'll iron that out. Beauden was superb from the back, injecting himself at the right time. Clarke was near faultless, nullifying lots of high balls (he got applause for a number of his takes under pressure, they weren't easy), defended well and strong with ball in hand. One of the biggest cheers of the night was when he bowled over that Aussie on our own 22. Will "Christian Cullen" Jordan scored a try Cully would have been proud of, and Smith was very solid though I agree he needs to run more
Now I'll rewatch the game and change my mind on 90% of what I said above.
But all in all a great night out and another fantastic performance from the ABs at Fortress Eden. We really missed a trick not playing the decider against Ireland there, we would have won the series 2-1 if we did.
Awesome to have the Bledisloe and RC wrapped up, and really looking forward to the EOYT with our new and improved backline.
Newell didn’t play. Presume you mean DeGroot.
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@Steve said in Bledisloe 2:
@No-Quarter said in Bledisloe 2:
Right, so after match report. Awesome night out with the family.
We rocked up about 4pm so we could park closish to the ground. Let the boys (9, 4 & 1) play at a playground for a while and then headed into Kingsland to get some dinner.
My wife stood out in a sea of black again. The 1 and 4 years olds were decked in black, and the 9 year old half black half gold in a show of solidarity for her. Got plenty of attention from passerbys on the way to the ground.
When we arrived the Black Ferns had about 30mins left, and the main excitement there was whether they'd crack 100. Was cool seeing them live, they have some fantastic skills and we'll look to get along to a few RWC games. I think Woodman scored like 7 tries lol.
Then the game, freaking awesome. We started slow, and failed to capitalise on a 1 man advantage early on. Wallabies were extremely lucky not to see red there, I'd say if Dalton got injured they would have.
Then after a slightly disjointed start which is probably to be expected with so many changes, the ABs really started getting into their work. We really just ground them down, leading to a lot of penalties our way through pressure and our backline started to show what they can do on the back of that.
I haven't watched the game on TV, and I did have a 1 year old distracting me a bit, but players that stood out live were:
Jordie - just a dominant presence out there in everything he did. Defense, ball in hand, kicking, passing, he was just phenomenal. I remember getting on @Rancid-Schnitzel's bandwagon a few years ago, and thought a midfield combo of Jordie & Rieko is the future. Well the future came to pass, and it was a thing of beauty. Give those guys every game together now until the RWC please.
BBBR - he was back to his best IMO, a number of strong carries, big hits on defense and doing all the dirty work he is known for. Just threw himself around like a fucking maniac and had the Wallabies back peddling for most of the game. Hugely impressive performance from the big man.
Lomax - as with BBBR he was a dominant force out there. After some real concerns with the depth of our front rowers recently we have unearthed some serious talent there now. Great to see.
Rieko - he is so fucking fast, he's an absolute weapon at 13. Don't agree with the calls to put him back on the wing, 13 is perfect for him, gets his hands on the ball plenty and still has space to use his pace on the outside. For one incredible break he made down the touchline where he cut back in instead of finding Jordan outside him, I knew his haters would lose their shit over that, but it was pretty clear Koroibeti had Jordan covered. I thought that showed Rieko's maturity as a player - too often we try to push miracle balls after a break and turn possesion over. I believe we ended up scoring on the back of the territory we made from his break there.
The rest of the forwards - all excellent, nobody had a poor game really. The loosies went well, Dalton and Akira in particular were very strong in the tight, and Ardie always a threat with ball in hand. Sam led the team superbly, Newel was good though I think he was gassed at times so fitness still an issue. Taylor was good around the park but the lineouts are still a problem.
The rest of the backs - as above, all excellent. Mo'unga is still a bit rocks and diamonds, but I think the more starts he gets the more he'll iron that out. Beauden was superb from the back, injecting himself at the right time. Clarke was near faultless, nullifying lots of high balls (he got applause for a number of his takes under pressure, they weren't easy), defended well and strong with ball in hand. One of the biggest cheers of the night was when he bowled over that Aussie on our own 22. Will "Christian Cullen" Jordan scored a try Cully would have been proud of, and Smith was very solid though I agree he needs to run more
Now I'll rewatch the game and change my mind on 90% of what I said above.
But all in all a great night out and another fantastic performance from the ABs at Fortress Eden. We really missed a trick not playing the decider against Ireland there, we would have won the series 2-1 if we did.
Awesome to have the Bledisloe and RC wrapped up, and really looking forward to the EOYT with our new and improved backline.
Newell didn’t play. Presume you mean DeGroot.
LOL yes I do, thanks, will edit
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The idea that JB was in the pipeline at 12 and would have been given a crack there is laughable. This was a Bradbury selection by Foster.
Anyway it was great to finally see him there and I hope those who were so derisive about it have consumed a nice big shįt burger.
As an aside Brodie was terrific. Best game in years.
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@Kirwan said in Bledisloe 2:
@Chris said in Bledisloe 2:
@Old-Samurai-Jack said in Bledisloe 2:
Did the Aussies make meters up fat man's ally? Did they destroy our maul? Did they gain the advantage on the blindside? All nopes? I think Akira had a great game.
Stuff has a different view
Akira Ioane: Didn’t do much to solve any No 6 questions. Aside from a ripped ball near his own line, nothing much to catch the eye apart from showing his skills with a deft left-foot kick and speedy chase. Replaced in the 70th minute. 5.5
Just a poor take.
He defended well, used his bulk to move bodies, this fabled thing about him not using his shoulder is simply untrue. Several examples in this game alone.
Played tight like many have been asked him to show he can and did it well. Was throwing players back in gang tackles like a beast. Was fun to watch.
He’s particularly strong in the maul too.
One opportunity out wide and showed good skill to earn the team a 5m scrum. Rest of the time he did what he said he’d do the press conference, the dirty work so Ardie could run out on the wing.
Yeah, since when has the Fern deferred to Stuff for player ratings? We usually just post them to take the piss, not use them seriously @Chris
What I found interesting was that there were a few rucks where Akira blew over the top and went to the ground and I was thinking he'd need to watch out or he'd get penalised. Frizell was doing the same in his 1 and half decent games this year and was lauded for it.
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@Tim said in Bledisloe 2:
Caleb Clarke under the high ball and on kick offs was absolutely faultless. Shame on anyone who tried to bag him.
Caleb's good under the high ball.
His work ons are pretty evident though.
He makes some great breaks but then fails to link up.
According to ESPN's stats he made 9 runs and no passes last night.
The week before 11 runs and 2 passes.
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@Chris-B said in Bledisloe 2:
@Tim said in Bledisloe 2:
Caleb Clarke under the high ball and on kick offs was absolutely faultless. Shame on anyone who tried to bag him.
Caleb's good under the high ball.
His work ons are pretty evident though.
He makes some great breaks but then fails to link up.
According to ESPN's stats he made 9 runs and no passes last night.
The week before 11 runs and 2 passes.
I watched him from time to time. Always tries to beat or overpower his man as opposed to wondering where his support is. So when he's taken down we have to recycle to restart momentum.
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@Kirwan said in Bledisloe 2:
@Chris said in Bledisloe 2:
@Old-Samurai-Jack said in Bledisloe 2:
Did the Aussies make meters up fat man's ally? Did they destroy our maul? Did they gain the advantage on the blindside? All nopes? I think Akira had a great game.
Stuff has a different view
Akira Ioane: Didn’t do much to solve any No 6 questions. Aside from a ripped ball near his own line, nothing much to catch the eye apart from showing his skills with a deft left-foot kick and speedy chase. Replaced in the 70th minute. 5.5
Just a poor take.
He defended well, used his bulk to move bodies, this fabled thing about him not using his shoulder is simply untrue. Several examples in this game alone.
Played tight like many have been asked him to show he can and did it well. Was throwing players back in gang tackles like a beast. Was fun to watch.
He’s particularly strong in the maul too.
One opportunity out wide and showed good skill to earn the team a 5m scrum. Rest of the time he did what he said he’d do the press conference, the dirty work so Ardie could run out on the wing.
Try saver on Harry Wilson which would’ve really swung momentum.
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@TheMojoman yeah that was a big moment in the context of the game. Esopecially with the 31-13 reversal the previous week.
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@Rapido said in Bledisloe 2:
That tip on Dalton, very much like 2005. Two guys lift, one lets go, it turns to custard.
I wonder what he did to deserve this pre-planned coordinated, off the ball assault? Musta picked some grass or something?
At least he can tell his kids how he could have died for his country.
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@Crucial said in Bledisloe 2:
@Rapido said in Bledisloe 2:
That tip on Dalton, very much like 2005. Two guys lift, one lets go, it turns to custard.
I wonder what he did to deserve this pre-planned coordinated, off the ball assault? Musta picked some grass or something?
At least he can tell his kids how he could have died for his country.
Almost doid for his country
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@canefan said in Bledisloe 2:
@Chris-B said in Bledisloe 2:
@Tim said in Bledisloe 2:
Caleb Clarke under the high ball and on kick offs was absolutely faultless. Shame on anyone who tried to bag him.
Caleb's good under the high ball.
His work ons are pretty evident though.
He makes some great breaks but then fails to link up.
According to ESPN's stats he made 9 runs and no passes last night.
The week before 11 runs and 2 passes.
I watched him from time to time. Always tries to beat or overpower his man as opposed to wondering where his support is. So when he's taken down we have to recycle to restart momentum.
Yeah, I think he's conditioned to being the power wing in the team so always tries the Maori sidestep instead of sizing it up and maybe stepping, going round, or looking for support. If he tidies that up it should be all good.
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@Nepia said in Bledisloe 2:
@canefan said in Bledisloe 2:
@Chris-B said in Bledisloe 2:
@Tim said in Bledisloe 2:
Caleb Clarke under the high ball and on kick offs was absolutely faultless. Shame on anyone who tried to bag him.
Caleb's good under the high ball.
His work ons are pretty evident though.
He makes some great breaks but then fails to link up.
According to ESPN's stats he made 9 runs and no passes last night.
The week before 11 runs and 2 passes.
I watched him from time to time. Always tries to beat or overpower his man as opposed to wondering where his support is. So when he's taken down we have to recycle to restart momentum.
Yeah, I think he's conditioned to being the power wing in the team so always tries the Maori sidestep instead of sizing it up and maybe stepping, going round, or looking for support. If he tidies that up it should be all good.
He has good “problems”, has the pace to go around and the power to go through.
Is so good under the high ball too he’s covering the two fullback approach we seem to like in the back three. Opens up the other wing for a finisher.
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Quick comment after a great night at teh Garden of Eden and a fun day in Auckland today.
Read the media today about 'emphatic performances' and 'defining effort' and wondered if they were at the same game I was. Scoreboard flattered us, no doubt. Our scrum dominance really papered over a bunch of cracks - if we play that game last night against Ireland, we lose. For Ireland, substitute England (probably) and France.
Very sloppy play in the first 20-30. RM and WJ guilty of throwing poor passes/offloads, no respect for the ball. JB was outstanding at 12, but the rest of the backline was a mix of superb and frustrating. CC had acres of space and players,a nd chose to power into the single defender. RI's pass or non-pass to WJ was discussed above, but it looked a classic case of drawing a defender and throwing the ball - upside is you score, downside is you may lose it or get intercepted. Still a good option.
RM seemed gun shy with his willingness to go into contact. Not because he's frightened, but I infer because he loses the ball so often. Was frustrating to watch.
Forwards were generally solid. Some great things, some very average things. Codie Taylor's lineout throwing was poor - despite actually doing soemthing around the field this time. Australia targetted the props in the defensive line. EDG may have shot up to make some tackles, but he got run over at least once and looked slow and unwieldy out there. Fair play, on the night we thought he was Fletcher Newell - hard to tell sometimes eh
Lomax was solid, but visibly missed some tackles.Scrum was superb. Fed us so much possession and territory it was fantastic ... but honestly, without that we would have looked average. So much lost possession. Scrums at the end of the first YC were an example - multiple scrums, followed by a kick to the corner. Like, why waste the time? Just keep scrumming if that's what you think is right.
Loosies seemed to spend a lot fo the game in the tight. Not much visibility for any of them to be fair, so will watch the replay to see who really had an effect. The New Fern is so provincial Cantabs reckon Akira and Dalts were shit, and others think the sun rises from their arse.
Australia brought the physicality. They were running backline plays with curving runners picking when to straighten - good to watch, and really asked questions of the defence. Reads were good, tackles were strong. And they dropped so much ball it wasn't funny.
Ref was all over the place. ignored some weird things at the rucks, dished a yellow for what looked like a red for turning DP upside down, but ignored Sevu Reece having a head hit. So in three games, similar offences get Red Cards (Angus), Yellow (Porter) and play on (Sevu). And you wonder why players keep rolling the dice?
As a game, it didn't reach great heights. TMO was overpowering, so much time spent wondering WTAF is going on. SOmething has to change there, it's not sustainable. New fans will be wondering what the hell they signed up for.
OVerall, pleased with teh scorebaord, but not so impressed with the quality out there. We're kidding ourselves if we think that will deal with better sides than Aus (who really weren't accurate).
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@chimoaus said in Bledisloe 2:
Haven't read any comments re Whitelocks captaincy? No noise must mean he went alright. I see he got overruled at one point wanting a lineout but Smith or someone else said scrum. I like him as a player and leader.
He was excellent, seems more assertive than Cane too from a distance.
