RWC: All Blacks v South Africa (Pool B)
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@Snowy ALB and JB, JB can cover everything from halfback out
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@taniwharugby and lock. Ardie has 12 covered too.
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This is what I think the selectors will do, not necessarily what I'd do.
- Coles
12/13. SBW & Goodhue. I think the selectors see these two as their no.1 centre pairing and will get the nod with ALB on the bench. Goodhue seems to be one of those players that can come back in after a lay off and show no signs of rust.
11/14/15 I think the'll stick with BB at 15. As for the wings, it's a bloody lottery.
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@taniwharugby said in RWC All Blacks v South Africa:
ABs FB page says 'big announcement coming up shortly'
Maybe they solved to mystery of Josh Ioane?
They're naming Fozzie coach now, while the going is good, in case it turns to shit later...!
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@Chris-B or maybe Fozzie will say he will NOT be applying for the top job...
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Mark Robinson new NZR CEO
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@Chris-B see above, new CEO
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@taniwharugby said in RWC All Blacks v South Africa:
@Chris-B or maybe Fozzie will say he will NOT be applying for the top job...
I seriously like your optimism compared to @Chris-B 's completely awful thoughts about Fozzie.
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@taniwharugby said in RWC All Blacks v South Africa:
@Chris-B see above, new CEO
It's the centre and not the halfback - nor the guy who tests my water meter!
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@Snowy Both, I think that's what the selectors will do aswell.
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@Canes4life Interesting. I may have been swayed by some opinions on here that SBW is a selectors favourite, but I suspect he will be in the mix.
Crotty, Goodhue works for me, Crusaders pair and with ALB on the bench they have both 12 and 13 cover if "someone" breaks. Got to say that ALB has been really good though.
Maybe they will stick to the "won't be dropped if injured' thing - but it has been so unsettled that I am not sure who the incumbents would be?
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@Snowy said in RWC All Blacks v South Africa:
but it has been so unsettled that I am not sure who the incumbents would be?
injury has forced thier hand to some extent, but agree, otherwise still seems they were experimenting a bit...I am leaning to ward them seeing SBW-JG as thier top duo, although it wouldnt surprise me to see anyone of SBW/Crotty, Crotty/ALB, Crotty/Goodhue, SBW/Goodhue...not convinced they will start a SBW/ALB duo, at least 1 needs to be called by his name.
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Not sure if they will use the "dual playmakers" in this one, but I don't think they will in play-off games. For those (or if they don't start Mounga this weekend):
- Moody
- Taylor
- Laulala
- Tuipulotu/Retallick (if fit)
- Whitelock
- Savea
- Cane
- Read
- Smith (TJP against SA)
- Barrett
- Ioane
- SBW
- ALB
- Bridge (questions over defence)
- Smith
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@Snowy said in RWC All Blacks v South Africa:
... with ALB on the bench they have both 12 and 13 cover if "someone" breaks.
Remember you get that with ALB on the field, and a single midfield back on the bench covering whichever position ALB isn't playing.
ALB is dynamite, I like him a lot. Still struggle that he's only 24, he seems to have been around forever
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@nzzp Obviously re cover. I just think they will have SBW as a starter and ALB on the bench I wouldn't necessarily have it that way but the selectors have in the past. As I said who are the incumbents? Do the coaches care anymore?
If you look at my post again I differentiate between who I might pick and who I think the selectors might as well, and yeah ALB has been great and even at his age must be considered experienced.
Spoilt for choice is a good thing ay. I think all four are good enough.
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99th time the All Blacks will have play the Old Foe. 1st time these teams have met in a RWC group match.
I expect something like:
Moody, Coles, Laulala, Tuitupolou, Whitelock, Savea, Car, Read, A. Smith, Mo'unga, Bridge, SBW, ALB, Reece, B.Barrett
Taylor, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Angus Ta'avao, Scott Barrett, Todd, TJP, Crotty, Ben Smith -
