TRC: The All Blacks against the Springboks (version 98)
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One big change which I haven't seen commented on is that I don't recall TWM in recent times picking a 23 to face Boks without THREE full grown locks.
Bokke has three, and PSDT has played there quite a lot. He's now used mainly at 7 (NZ:6), but will be well down for speed on Frizell and Fifita.
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@KiwiMurph said in TRC: The All Blacks against the Springboks (version 98):
With ALB on the bench I think it is highly likely we'll see the ALB-Goodhue combo in the second half that lots have been calling for.
We certainly will because SBW will be injured with "just a little niggle" inside the first 20 minutes.
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Good to see some angst about the team selection :).
My tuppence:
XV isn't far off full strength.
Top tight five (Taylor currently ahead of Coles).
Best #8.
You could put a case for best available 6.
Execllent, if 3rd choice, 7.
You could put a case for best available 9 & 10.
Some may argue first choice 12. Regardless he is one of 5 outstanding midfield options. 6 if Crotty isn't injured. ... 5 ...
First choice 11, 13 & 14*.
First choice team member at 15.
- Bender is the best right winger and best fullback.
And further to the 14/15 selection, given one of those is Ben Smith our options to accompany him are Reece, Bridge and Jordie. Given those options I'm more comfortable with Barrett (given Bridge is a left wing and only part time fullback).
Bench:
Coles. Check.
Ofa. Check.
Angus. Ok check.
Fifita. Cause for concern.
Papalii. Not quite sure what to make of that call.
Smith. Check.
ALB. Check.
Bridge. Best option of the remaining outside backs. -
You could put a case for best available 6.
I want to disagree with this but in reality it's up in the air right now. I would have have S Barrett or Hemopo, and possibly Jacobson and Papali'i over Frizzell but Barett is injured (minor injury though - should be ready for the RWC), Hemopo hasn't played enough 6 to determine that and Jacobson and Papali'i are too green.
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Hansen's cutting it fine though with only 3-4 games before RWC kicks off.
Bad scenario looms if SBW makes it thru this Test and/or Bledisloe 1 and then injures himself in Bledisloe 2.
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@Victor-Meldrew said in TRC: The All Blacks against the Springboks (version 98):
Hansen's cutting it fine though with only 3-4 games before RWC kicks off.
Bad scenario looms if SBW makes it thru this Test and/or Bledisloe 1 and then injures himself in Bledisloe 2.
How bad is it really? We have four other midfielders with a relatively decent amount of experience (especially so if Crotty doesn't break his ankle while walking over to see if SBW is ok).
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@Nepia said in TRC: The All Blacks against the Springboks (version 98):
How bad is it really? We have four other midfielders with a relatively decent amount of experience
It's the experience in the combination which is missing. IMHO a settled 12/13 where both players don't require a season ticket to the casualty department would be helpful.
(especially so if Crotty doesn't break his ankle while walking over to see if SBW is ok).
Class.
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Question I am thinking is who does bridge replace in 2nd half? Barrett to 10? What if RM is on fire? Replace best left winger in world? Replace VC and experience in Bender? Or does he not play? Interested to see if it is close what happens.
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@98blueandgold Fifita? Oh he's on the bench too...
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@Jaguares4real said in TRC: The All Blacks against the Springboks (version 98):
fresh Boks who are lying in wait for an ambush
How can it be an ambush if we expect it?
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@Snowy dont forget the fresh Crusaders who are lying in wait for an ambush from the fresh Boks who are doing the same
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@taniwharugby All very Monty Python - " nobody expects the Spanish inquisition" and yet the religious nutjob torturers used to give three months warning apparently (so that you could shit yourself waiting for them to come).
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@Snowy said in TRC: The All Blacks against the Springboks (version 98):
@Jaguares4real said in TRC: The All Blacks against the Springboks (version 98):
fresh Boks who are lying in wait for an ambush
How can it be an ambush if we expect it?
Yeah. And ambushing someone in a friendly match is pretty uncool....
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@Chris-B said in TRC: The All Blacks against the Springboks (version 98):
To be honest - I'd be happy enough if they lined all five of them up for a hundred metre sprint and left the guy who comes last at home! I'd be a bit pissed if it was Goodhue, though!
What odds on either SBW or Crotty (or both) breaking down before the finish line?
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@Snowy Our chief weapon is surprise...surprise and rush defence...rush defence and surprise.... Our two weapons are rush defence and surprise...and flukey interceptions.... Our three weapons are rush defence, and surprise, and flukey interceptions...and an almost fanatical devotion to the drop goal.... Our four...no... Amongst our weapons.... Amongst our weaponry...are such elements as rush defence, surprise.... I'll come in again. (Exit and exeunt)
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@Smuts at least you dont have a pact, I was getting worried!
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@Bovidae said in TRC: The All Blacks against the Springboks (version 98):
@Chris-B said in TRC: The All Blacks against the Springboks (version 98):
To be honest - I'd be happy enough if they lined all five of them up for a hundred metre sprint and left the guy who comes last at home! I'd be a bit pissed if it was Goodhue, though!
What odds on either SBW or Crotty (or both) breaking down before the start line?
FIFY
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@taniwharugby pacts are no laughing matter.
