All Blacks vs Tonga

Stargazer

One of the squads for the curtain raiser has been named; the Pasific Legends are:

Inoke Afeaki, Tomasi Cama, Graham Dewes, DJ Forbes, Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu, Frank Halai, Jeff Ierome, Roy Kinikinilau, Nili Latu, Filipo Levi, Lua Lokotui, Laisa Maasi, Deacon Manu, Seilala Mapusua, Onehunga Mata’uiau, Luke Mealamu, Mikaele Pesamino, Junior Poluleuigaga, John Senio, Semo Sititi, Hale T Pole, Justin Va’a, To’o Vaega, Samiu Vahafolau, Lesley Vainikolo, Silao Vaisola-Sefo, Tanner Vili, Gavin Williams, Radike Samo
Coach: Tana Umaga

http://www.allblacks.com/News/34654/stars-line-up-for-pacific-legends-squad

Bovidae

@DrivingMaul Do you know when the ABs are training this week? I might go down and have a look.

ACT Crusader

@Bovidae said in All Blacks vs Tonga:

@DrivingMaul Do you know when the ABs are training this week? I might go down and have a look.

More importantly do you know when the team will be named?

Yeetyaah

@ACT-Crusader Surely a question for @SouthernMann

sparky

Stargazer

@sparky So that seems to indicate they don't want to risk Mo'unga.

canefan

@Stargazer said in All Blacks vs Tonga:

@sparky So that seems to indicate they don't want to risk Mo'unga.

Good plan. Ioane can get some reps, just in case

Bovidae

Yep, this is probably just about maximising his time training with the team before they leave for Japan.

Jailbreak7

Yes indeed. Or ist it the coaches know something we don't about the health of the squad?
Certianly gonna be interesting who they select for this clash,
I wouldn't want either Ritchie or Beaudy in the firing line.

Rapido

Moouage always missing this game. Out for minimum 3 weeks.

Only question was whether Josh from outside the squad or some random unco from inside the squad.

nzzp

@Rapido said in All Blacks vs Tonga:

Only question was whether Josh from outside the squad or some random unco from inside the squad.

I'd pay good money to see how the ABs go with Owen Franks at 10.

Bovidae

This needs to be posted separately.

Machpants

@Rapido said in All Blacks vs Tonga:

Moouage always missing this game. Out for minimum 3 weeks.

Only question was whether Josh from outside the squad or some random unco from inside the squad.

"Hansen said there would be "heaps" of stuff they would be holding back this weekend, but plenty they need to also tick off, the main one being getting some minutes under the belt of some players.

Centre Jack Goodhue may not yet return this weekend, still being troubled by the hamstring injury he picked up against the Wallabies in Perth.

Hansen said he was still to see the medical report on first-five Richie Mo'unga, who took a shoulder knock against the Wallabies at Eden Park, and that non World Cup squad member Josh Ioane was therefore with the squad this week and a chance of a test debut."

Stargazer

If anyone is wondering where that quote in @Machpants' post comes from, you can find it at the bottom of this article:

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/rugby-world-cup/rwc-2019-japan/115453825/rugby-world-cup-2019-all-blacks-coach-steve-hansen-hits-back-at-cheats-tag

Machpants

@Stargazer rest of article was a waste but that was some relevant info

sparky

I think the third and fourth choice Ten need some game time so Beauden Barrett gets a rest. Apart from that select the top team available.

So the team I'd pick:

Moody 2. Coles 3. Laulala 4. Tuipulotu 5. Whitelock 6. Savea 7. Cane 8. Read 9. A.Smith 10. J. Barrett 11. R. Ioane 12. SBW 13. ALB 14. Reece 15. B.Smith 16. Taylor 17. Moli 18. Ta'avao 19. S. Barrett 20. Jacobson 21. TJP 22. J.Ioane 23. G.Bridge

Bovidae

Crotty needs to be in the 23 as he is most needing gametime. Coltman too.

Stargazer

@sparky You can count on it that Ryan Crotty will get a start because he missed the entire TRC. Scott Barrett probably, too.

pukunui

Would be good if they tried Bridge on the right wing.

Nepia

@sparky said in All Blacks vs Tonga:

I think the third and fourth choice Ten need some game time so Beauden Barrett gets a rest. Apart from that select the top team available.

So the team I'd pick:

Moody 2. Coles 3. Laulala 4. Tuipulotu 5. Whitelock 6. Savea 7. Cane 8. Read 9. A.Smith 10. J. Barrett 11. R. Ioane 12. SBW 13. ALB 14. Reece 15. B.Smith

Taylor 17. Moli 18. Ta'avao 19. S. Barrett 20. Jacobson 21. TJP 22. J.Ioane 23. G.Bridge

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The Silver Fern

All Blacks vs Tonga