All Blacks vs. B&I Lions test #1
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Hansen does it to me every time. I question the selections, yet he almost always proves me wrong. His gambles paid off except perhaps for Crotty who was good but always seems to struggle to go 80. Bones right outstanding from locks and loosies, brought more physicallity than Lions. At the breakdown I thought the clearing was excellent , very few turnovers lost and great decisions in contact (SBW possibly a couple of exceptions). Nevermind the great individual performances but ABs just a much better team than Lions or any of the other NZ teams who have played them.
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Great game. Forwards dominated in tight giving a big fuck you to the Lions forwards fluffers.
Thought the ref was pretty good overall. A couple of funny calls but overall pretty good.
Dagg the pick of the backs. BB goal kicking was very nice to watch. Has he changed his technique? Didn't seem to stab it as much as usual.
Lineout and kick chase defence were probably the low points. Hopefully B Smith is ok for next week.
I think the ABs can improve a hell of a lot from tonights performance. Fix that kick chase and the lineout and you are in a much better place. Not sure what the lions can do. They made plenty of breaks but they look confused when they get into space. That forward running game the ABs used tonight isn't going to be easy to counter.
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I hope the guys down on A Smith are taking the piss after tonight
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@mariner4life He was good initially, but faltered. Honetly, I feel more confident in TJP starting. Smith's passing was inconsistent at times.
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I thought we lost a lot of shape and structure with the injuries ,
Mainly because of beaudy moving away from the ball I think ,I think he has matured as a first receiver , not so sure I like him moving back these days
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Oh and when you are up by 15 and have an easy shot at goal take the fucking 3.
Pushing it to 18 forces them to score 3 tries not 2 plus a penalty. No point going for the try when there are no bonus points.
Again like the Crusaders game if you really must go for a try why not take the scrum that you have been dominating? -
@Nepia said in All Blacks vs. B&I Lions test #1:
@rotated said in All Blacks vs. B&I Lions test #1:
Does Cruden have some link to Hawkes Bay? Smithy pumping his tires for his performance today big time.
Smithy is from the Poo.
Actually, he was born in Nelson.
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Good game.
Good by Peyper.
Scrum dominance by NZ not a surprise. Lions lineout is superb.
I thought the Lions would have it over us on the ruck, maul, choke tackle etc, but nz pack was superb.Re: Choke tackle, everyone (backs included) manage to get to ground when tackled.
Not sure the impact of Peyper keeping them onside on the non set piece dominance of the AB forwards. Needs more thought ....
Nullifying the rush defence wasn't just down to Peyper , the first half session of prolonged very quick ruck ball and attacking narrow to rucks was tactical masterpiece.
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@Tim said in All Blacks vs. B&I Lions test #1:
@Bones Start TJP next week?
Dagg to fullback I guess, or do they go for Jordie?
Ioane and Naholo the wings? Or does Savea come back?
I wouldn't be surprised if they bring Jordie in. The two fullbacks is an important part of our gameplan.
We did lose our shape when Cruden came on to 1st 5. He got a little better later in the 2nd half. But I'm not the biggest fan of moving Barrett from 1st 5. He's currently our best 1st 5 so should play 80 there if he's fit.
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@Tim said in All Blacks vs. B&I Lions test #1:
Unsung hero was SBW, who was used almost obsessively to cart it up, often off static ball or poor passes.
It was like having an extra loose forward on the field. He attracted at least two every time, sometimes three. Love a couple of very quick recycles he created in that first half. Eliminate the errors and vary his running line a bit more.
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@ACT-Crusader His quick recycles were really good. Loved the quick ball.
