RWC: All Blacks v South Africa (Pool B)
-
More info on selection and quotes from Hansen.
https://www.allblacks.com/news/all-blacks-team-named-for-world-cup-opener/
-
-
Well ... not my pick 11, 12, 13, 14 ... but still good. Yes, still good.
Would have gone Pat T to start. But see the rationale.
Trouble for my preferred wingers is they both play 11.
Ball players not line smashers at 12, 13.
-
Happy with the team, now let's get it lads.
-
@Billy-Tell said in RWC All Blacks v South Africa:
@Billy-Tell said in RWC All Blacks v South Africa:
Anyone saying Hansen will suddenly drop the dual playmaker thing is crazy.
Questions are who starts at 2, which midfield and whether Ioane or Smith get back in on the wing.
Possible All Blacks team (Knowler stuff): Beauden Barrett, Sevu Reece, Jack Goodhue, Sonny Bill Williams, George Bridge, Richie Mo'unga, Aaron Smith, Kieran Read (capt), Sam Cane, Ardie Savea, Sam Whitelock, Scott Barrett, Nepo Laulala, Dane Coles, Joe Moody.
Possible All Blacks team (Napier Herald):
Beauden Barrett, Sevu Reece, Anton Lienert-Brown, Ryan Crotty, George Bridge, Richie Mo'unga, Aaron Smith, Kieran Read, Sam Cane, Ardie Savea, Sam Whitelock, Scott Barrett, Nepo Laulala, Dane Coles, Joe Moody
Bench: Codie Taylor, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Angus Ta'avo, Patrick Tuipulotu, Shannon Frizell, TJ Perenara, Sonny Bill Williams, Ben Smith
Looks like the guy from Napier had the team early - presumably via Hansen's room number and a crowbar!
-
Man Rieko left right out, that's a pretty significant fall from grace even when you consider his minor injury. Really hope he's not going the way of his brother off field, as he's one of the most naturally gifted players I've ever watched. Or is he still injured?
I'd like to say I'm not happy with the team but to be honest I hadn't really decided my own top 23, there's quite a few combinations that would work.
Hooker and halfback we have amazing 1 - 2 punch combos. I lean towards TJP and Codie starting, but either way gives us a point of difference.
If Patty T can keep up his form, but off the bench against a tiring defense, he could well wreck some havoc in the final 20 - 30 minutes of this test.
Rookies on both wings is a bit of a risk, but they're in form and BFA can always sub on if one of them is having a mare.
We'll need Richie to play a lot better than he did in Wellington in the first half when the pressure is on.
And finally, stoked for @mariner4life that his man-crush is starting. Well deserved, he's been consistently our best midfielder for ages now. SBW off the bench makes sense, he's too old to go 80 these days but a 20 minute burst to finish could work very well.
-
@KiwiMurph said in RWC All Blacks v South Africa:
I like that team a lot.
My only issue is Barrett starting ahead of Tuipulotu. Would have swapped that.
Pleased they have gone with ALB at 13 - he was brilliant at Eden Park and I think he offers a lot more explosiveness in attack than Goodhue.
Be interesting if pat t keeps the bench spot when Brodie returns , and if that’s where they see him best suited hence get him used to the role.
-
@kiwiinmelb good thought.
-
-
-
@Hooroo said in RWC All Blacks v South Africa:
@Bovidae said in RWC All Blacks v South Africa:
@Hooroo TVNZ 1.
Thanks mate.
Is the delay 1 or 2 hours?
I don't know. Coverage starts at 9:45 pm and ends at 1:20 am so be prepared for a long night.
-
@Bovidae said in RWC All Blacks v South Africa:
@Hooroo said in RWC All Blacks v South Africa:
@Bovidae said in RWC All Blacks v South Africa:
@Hooroo TVNZ 1.
Thanks mate.
Is the delay 1 or 2 hours?
I don't know. Coverage starts at 9:45 pm and ends at 1:20 am so be prepared for a long night.
Must be an hour delay then as the real kick-off is 9:45 isn't it?
-
@Frank said in RWC All Blacks v South Africa:
@Hooroo said in RWC All Blacks v South Africa:
@SammyC said in RWC All Blacks v South Africa:
Like that team... Crotty/ Lienert-Brown is my favourite midfield.
Isn't Frizell a lucky hua!!
Hopefully there is no need to use him.
Why? Great call though, it's very rare the bench gets used these days eh.
-
@Hooroo said in RWC All Blacks v South Africa:
@Bovidae said in RWC All Blacks v South Africa:
@Hooroo said in RWC All Blacks v South Africa:
@Bovidae said in RWC All Blacks v South Africa:
@Hooroo TVNZ 1.
Thanks mate.
Is the delay 1 or 2 hours?
I don't know. Coverage starts at 9:45 pm and ends at 1:20 am so be prepared for a long night.
Must be an hour delay then as the real kick-off is 9:45 isn't it?
Pretty sure it's an hour at the start - but, once those guys at TVNZ get stuck into their ad breaks, it will probably be two hours by the finish!
-
