All Blacks v Wales Test #3
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="hydro11" data-cid="591980" data-time="1466917001">
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<p>If Barrett was to start at 10 we could pick McKenzie on the bench and leave Sopoaga out of the squad all together with Cruden as the third 10. I personally think Sopoaga does offer something off the bench but it is an idea.</p>
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<p>He's composed so we need not worry about him steering the cutter come squeaky bum time. It allows Shag to move BB back to 15 if he wants, to take advantage of the greater space and the tiring opposition. McKenzie's time will come</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Frank" data-cid="591916" data-time="1466897272"><p>Naholo is (relatively) mistake free at Super level. But he seems to be trying too hard.<br></p></blockquote>Some guys make the transition to AB level look reasonably easy. Others struggle, Feki and Naholo have looked out of their depth in black so far
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="nostrildamus" data-cid="591979" data-time="1466915793">
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<p>Nah, he got shifted around like billie-oh. And he was a FB or 12. Should have been allowed to choose one.</p>
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<p>I was watching a replay of the 2010 Wales game. Toeava was playing on the wing and was, frankly, phenomonal. Size, speed, skills - except for his handling. Woulda coulda, shoulda, but would have loved to see him and Piutau playing for Auckland at the same time.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Frank" data-cid="591967" data-time="1466913134">
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<p>Perhaps Moala to start at left wing and be given some time to come into the centers later in the game.</p>
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<p>Fekitoa is in his 3rd season with the ABs - looks exactly the same player as when he started.</p>
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<p>Crotty - solid journeyman - always will be.</p>
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<p>NMS might struggle to start with Dagg in that form, as I don't think he plays left wing and Hansen probably wants one power winger.</p>
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<p>Barrett might have earned the start ahead of Cruden provided he continues to take on the line and not just shovel it on (as well as achieving parity with Cruden in goalkicking).</p>
<p>He is bigger and quicker than Cruden - me likey</p>
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<p>I think Hansen will have his eye on Akira Ioane as an impact sub for the EOYT, and perhaps even his younger brother.</p>
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<p>The performances of Ardie Savea and Cane suggest they are pretty close. I think Ardie should be given a start at some point so he is not permanently cast as the impact sub.</p>
<p>Cane had a poor first half yesterday but was solid enough thereafter. I am yet to see him have a breakout game for the ABs. Hope he hasn't been anointed too soon because he is so mature and responsible (and doesn't have a silly haircut)</p>
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<p>Like Squire more than Dixon.</p>
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<p>Romano - meh</p>
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<p>Let's hope Ofa can actually scrum better and that wasn't just a tired Welsh front row because he has big upside.</p>
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<p>The lack of minutes given to Codie Taylor suggest the selectors see Harris as in number 2. (guess)</p>
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<p>Welcome back 2011 Dagg, it's been a while. Loving the terrible mustache.</p>
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<p>Ofa T did not scrummed against a tired Welsh front row ! It was against a fresh one (Rob Evans at LH and Baldwin at hooker).</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="hydro11" data-cid="591902" data-time="1466892682">
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<p>They picked Seta Tamanivalu off of a handful of Super Rugby games ahead of Moala. Moala was the best player for the Blues last season, played well in Samoa and was playing good rugby before the international break. I'm sure Hansen & co had their reasons but I can't understand what they were right now.</p>
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<p>Moala has been awesome for the Blues for a few seasons now. He would probably have received a bit more love if he was playing for another team.</p> -
<p>An Sbw Moala Midfield will be an interesting one at the Blues next season </p>
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If only we had Piutau at 11 would be the complete back 3. Barrett made a very very persuasive case yesterday. He even kicked well
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Wales were so poor I feel both tamanivalu and fekitoa would have looked just as good as moala did. One of his breaks was exploiting a mismatch against the hooker ken something or other. That's not "brilliant", its expected of a back. Notwithstanding i did think moala played well and took his chance but we can all see his limitations. <br><br>
Barrett was sensational on attack and the counter, his pace and eye for the gap is staggering. He needs to prove to the coaches he's not just a flat track bully, but getting starts against straya and the boks this year will be hard to come by. He got a crack in '14 after cruden missed the bird to BA but fell short. He's great to watch though. -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Provincial Stalwart" data-cid="592060" data-time="1466940589">
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<p>Wales were so poor I feel both tamanivalu and fekitoa would have looked just as good as moala did. One of his breaks was exploiting a mismatch against the hooker ken something or other. That's not "brilliant", its expected of a back. Notwithstanding i did think moala played well and took his chance but we can all see his limitations.<br><br>
Barrett was sensational on attack and the counter, his pace and eye for the gap is staggering. He needs to prove to the coaches he's not just a flat track bully, but getting starts against straya and the boks this year will be hard to come by. He got a crack in '14 after cruden missed the bird to BA but fell short. He's great to watch though.</p>
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<p>how are your first and second paragraph matching up? Barrett was sensational, but Moala's breaks are expected of a back? Give some credit where it's due, Moala has shown in SR that he is a great linebreaker</p> -
<p>Bit late to the thread but that seemed to be a more complete performance from the ABs.</p>
<p>Great seeing Dagg back to his best. Proved a lot of people wrong tonight. Him and B Smith were dangerous together.</p>
<p>Newer guys all went well.</p>
<p>Liked what I saw from Moala, just needs to look to put others away if it is the better option. Pity he got injured. I said it before the game but still surprised they picked seta ahead of him in the original squad. Especially given the wing injuries.</p>
<p>Dixon went ok. Not a huge impact but had a couple of runs. Squire was good when he came on. Similar running style to read where he gets a run up and charges forward.</p>
<p>Wonder if swapping those to around would be a better option if Kaino wasn't available ie. Squire starting and Dixon to bring a bit more pace off the bench. However I guess this scenario would require two loosies on the bench because Ardie is probably first choice bench loose forward for now.</p>
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<p>BB went well. His goal kicking was pretty good and I definitely noticed a lot more distance on his punts. Maybe his poor clearing from the 22 in recent times is more about prioritising getting the ball into touch rather than gaining max distance. It's a fine balance because like Beaver found out years ago. You can let a booming punt go but if it doesn't find touch you can still be in the shit (and get crucified for it).</p>
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<p>As others have said Cane didn't have his best game but should be better next time.</p>
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<p>Moving forward into the year I would hope Ngatai gets back to fitness, Seta dropping out with Moala taking his spot. SBW in if he is available with DMac dropping out. Getting closer and closer between BB and Cruden for the starting 10 spot. Still not sure BB has overtaken Cruden but might not be long.</p>
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<p>Hopefully the rest of the Superwhatever season doesn't throw up too many injuries.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="KiwiMurph" data-cid="591943" data-time="1466905533"><p>
Dagg again excellent. I'm not sure I get the argument that Ben Smith HAS to be at fullback - Dagg on full form like he is at the moment has some wonderful abilities, and probably some areas where he is possibly even better than Smith (defensive high ball take, punting distance) - and Ben Smith is an exceptional winger - an argument could be made he's an even better test winger than fullback - plus they have an excellent combo so they should keep rolling with Dagg 15 Ben Smith 14 in my opinion.<br>
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I'll bite on that one. I think was a fair argument but probably less so now. Smith was the form Super rugby full back for past 6 seasons, best full back in the world for the past 3 or 4, at full back he gets more touches and is in a better position to manage the back line, allowed Barret to come on for impact without major reshuffle, Dagg had been poor since 2013. Flip side now is that are wings are struggling, Smith might be best right wing in the world, Dagg is finally able to mix up his running and kicking game again. I still think Ben Smith has better decision making at 15 than Dagg and rarely takes the wrong option but if Dagg maintains this level of play and our other wings remain underwhelming having Smith , Barrett and Dagg on the field at the same time sounds pretty good. -
<p>I'm happy for them to choose fb based on conditions. Thought Ben Smith was close to sensational in the RWC but as he moves to wing etc when BB comes on (unless BB seals the 10 spot) it seems to be fine as long as he is on the field (but preferably not midfield).</p>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Tordah" data-cid="592069" data-time="1466943837"><p>''<br>
how are your first and second paragraph matching up? Barrett was sensational, but Moala's breaks are expected of a back? Give some credit where it's due, Moala has shown in SR that he is a great linebreaker</p></blockquote>
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Not only that but also, at least one of Barrett's breaks he went around a front rower. -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Provincial Stalwart" data-cid="592060" data-time="1466940589">
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<p>Wales were so poor I feel both tamanivalu and fekitoa would have looked just as good as moala did. One of his breaks was exploiting a mismatch against the hooker ken something or other. That's not "brilliant", its expected of a back. Notwithstanding i did think moala played well and took his chance but we can all see his limitations.<br><br>
Barrett was sensational on attack and the counter, his pace and eye for the gap is staggering. He needs to prove to the coaches he's not just a flat track bully, but getting starts against straya and the boks this year will be hard to come by. He got a crack in '14 after cruden missed the bird to BA but fell short. He's great to watch though.</p>
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<p>Haha you really don't like Moala do you? A lot of your posts have been critical of Moala.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Provincial Stalwart" data-cid="592060" data-time="1466940589">
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<p>Wales were so poor I feel both tamanivalu and fekitoa would have looked just as good as moala did. One of his breaks was exploiting a mismatch against the hooker ken something or other. That's not "brilliant", its expected of a back. Notwithstanding i did think moala played well and took his chance but we can all see his limitations.<br><br>
Barrett was sensational on attack and the counter, his pace and eye for the gap is staggering. He needs to prove to the coaches he's not just a flat track bully, but getting starts against straya and the boks this year will be hard to come by. He got a crack in '14 after cruden missed the bird to BA but fell short. He's great to watch though.</p>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Tordah" data-cid="592069" data-time="1466943837">
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<p>''</p>
<p>how are your first and second paragraph matching up? Barrett was sensational, but Moala's breaks are expected of a back? Give some credit where it's due, Moala has shown in SR that he is a great linebreaker</p>
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<p>Ok. You've convinced me to give some credit to him. Hang on, I already did - "Notwithstanding i did think moala played well and took his chance"</p> -
<p>probably shoulda added the caveat to your praise of BB too then....?</p>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="African Monkey" data-cid="592091" data-time="1466971175">
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<p>Haha you really don't like Moala do you? A lot of your posts have been critical of Moala.</p>
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<p>I'm not sure whether it's "a lot [of my] posts" - this will be my 105th according to the counter , and I can't recall dozens and dozens of anti-Moala posts. Maybe one or two expressing reservations about him along the lines of his weakness being his distribution and some of his decision making post-break, which he displayed again on Saturday night along with many positives. If you make a break and then the team don't capitalise because you commit an error or make a wrong decision, then that's disappointing.</p>
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<p>Moala is a very good line breaker (fatty in front of him or not) and has pretty good feet. He carved up Jonathan Davies in that line break in first half injury time from deep in our half. As I said before, he played well and took his chance. Of course I cannot forecast how another player would have done in his position in the same circumstances but I just think he was served up the proverbial armchair ride by the team's lift in performance (in comparison to the previous two weeks) and Wales' exhausted display. We were carving Wales up at will and Barrett and Dagg also made several breaks.</p>
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<p>Moala's definitely in the mix for the RC squad and well done to him.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="taniwharugby" data-cid="592098" data-time="1466975570">
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<p>probably shoulda added the caveat to your praise of BB too then....?</p>
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<p>Don't worry TR, Barrett came in for some of my special brand of damning praise too. I stated he risked being seen as a flat track bully for beating up on Wales.</p>
