RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B)
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So one down, 6 to go.
Do we expect to see 50% of the starting line up swapped out or benched? I expect Reiko will have a spin at the wheel and score a few too.
Are we all happy so far? I certainly am.
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I think we will see one of two things;
- The majority of the top team play this one, given it’s a 10 day turn around from the SA game, then most of those guys sit out the Namibia game given it’s only a 4 day turn around between those games, then back to the top team for Italy.
Or 2, half the top team play this one, and the other half play Namibia.
Edit, and yes very happy so far.
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@Rembrandt said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool
:I wonder if Reiko can push himself back into the frame here? Not exactly top notch opposition.
Iguess they'll be playing their midweek intra team games like last time.
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@Hooroo said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool
:Are we all happy so far? I certainly am.
Based on the other thread some clearly aren’t because the ABs didn’t play a perfect match against the Boks.
I’m happy, we are 1-0 and winning is what matters at RWC’s.
On this test, a few questions as to who plays 1st 5. Do they give it Richie and Beauden doesn’t feature in the 23? Or vice versa. I don’t think both feature in 23 is what I’m getting at. Jordie as back up.
Boks - strongest side
Canada - the rest + mix of strongest side
Namibia - all non strongest side starters to start.
Italy - mixed/strongest side -
@Rembrandt said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool
:I wonder if Reiko can push himself back into the frame here? Not exactly top notch opposition.
Just quietly - it's Rieko - some people get upset about that, but yes play an error free game, high work rate, train well and he should be in the picture.
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I am happy but I wouldn't get too carried away. We looked good against England in 99 pool play too which was a much hyped pool game from memory.
Rieko's problem is Bridge's game seems far better suited to today's test rugby. Perhaps that's an indictment on today's test rugby (seriously how many box kicks have their been already) but Bridge is superior in the air, Bridge has superior workrate, he's as good of a link player, and Bridge actually has a kicking game. Rieko is a better ball runner (when in form) but up against Boks/Ireland etc Bridge's skillset seems far more useful. For all Rieko's early career greatness - he's got the exact same game he had 2 years ago (plus his form on that is way down). He hasn't developed his game at all - why hasn't he been working on a kicking game?
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@Bovidae said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool
:The interest will be how Hansen rotates his players in the next 3 games, particularly the front row and locks. Tu'ungafasi will be switching between LH and TH depending on who gets rested. Frizell could be used as a lock if required until BBBR is fit.
Agree on Frizell playing lock.
Canada will be a tougher prospect than Namibia but will they offer more resistance than Italy?
Given Italy is our final pool game I think they will want to play close to or even the same side they will want playing the QF.
And yes I’m not in the ol’ Henry-theory can’t play 3 intense tests in a row camp.
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@KiwiMurph said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool
:I am happy but I wouldn't get too carried away. We looked good against England in 99 pool play too which was a much hyped pool game from memory.
Rieko's problem is Bridge's game seems far better suited to today's test rugby. Perhaps that's an indictment on today's test rugby (seriously how many box kicks have their been already) but Bridge is superior in the air, Bridge has superior workrate, he's as good of a link player, and Bridge actually has a kicking game. Rieko is a better ball runner (when in form) but up against Boks/Ireland etc Bridge's skillset seems far more useful. For all Rieko's early career greatness - he's got the exact same game he had 2 years ago (plus his form on that is way down). He hasn't developed his game at all - why hasn't he been working on a kicking game?
Very good question.
Possibly because, like his brother, he has dominated earlier age grade rugby. Why work on further skills when you have been kicking ass all your life?
George Bridge is similar to Ben Smith, nowhere near as naturally talented as the Ioane brothers but has had to constantly improve.
Thus, he has a very different mindset.
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Read a book where they said top athletes are generally not the most naturally gifted, ones that have to work harder to get to the same level have better habits and work ethic. Probably why some gifted juniors never make it.
Listened to an interview with A Smith who said the big game changer for him was not getting a super rugby contract and being told by the Hurricanes he was too fat and unfit. He didn’t realise at the time just how much hard work was required to get to the top level. Guess the key is to get the naturally gifted with the work ethic of the Goat.
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@chimoaus said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool
:work harder to get to the same level have better habits and work ethic.
That applies to life in general but the guys with the talent that don't use it annoy me (having none - talent that is).
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@chimoaus said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool
:Read a book where they said top athletes are generally not the most naturally gifted, ones that have to work harder to get to the same level have better habits and work ethic. Probably why some gifted juniors never make it.
Listened to an interview with A Smith who said the big game changer for him was not getting a super rugby contract and being told by the Hurricanes he was too fat and unfit. He didn’t realise at the time just how much hard work was required to get to the top level. Guess the key is to get the naturally gifted with the work ethic of the Goat.
Michael Jordan never made his high school basketball team. He used that and other slights, real or imagined, to fuel his HoF career
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@ACT-Crusader said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool
:@Bovidae said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool
:The interest will be how Hansen rotates his players in the next 3 games, particularly the front row and locks. Tu'ungafasi will be switching between LH and TH depending on who gets rested. Frizell could be used as a lock if required until BBBR is fit.
Agree on Frizell playing lock.
Canada will be a tougher prospect than Namibia but will they offer more resistance than Italy?
Given Italy is our final pool game I think they will want to play close to or even the same side they will want playing the QF.
And yes I’m not in the ol’ Henry-theory can’t play 3 intense tests in a row camp.
They're just going to have to huh?
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@canefan said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool
:@chimoaus said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool
:Read a book where they said top athletes are generally not the most naturally gifted, ones that have to work harder to get to the same level have better habits and work ethic. Probably why some gifted juniors never make it.
Listened to an interview with A Smith who said the big game changer for him was not getting a super rugby contract and being told by the Hurricanes he was too fat and unfit. He didn’t realise at the time just how much hard work was required to get to the top level. Guess the key is to get the naturally gifted with the work ethic of the Goat.
Michael Jordan never made his high school basketball team. He used that and other slights, real or imagined, to fuel his HoF career
30 for 30 on Brian Boswell: "Brian and The Bos".
Was the best player in the team but kept working hard. (Until he didn't. )
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@booboo said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool
:@ACT-Crusader said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool
:@Bovidae said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool
:The interest will be how Hansen rotates his players in the next 3 games, particularly the front row and locks. Tu'ungafasi will be switching between LH and TH depending on who gets rested. Frizell could be used as a lock if required until BBBR is fit.
Agree on Frizell playing lock.
Canada will be a tougher prospect than Namibia but will they offer more resistance than Italy?
Given Italy is our final pool game I think they will want to play close to or even the same side they will want playing the QF.
And yes I’m not in the ol’ Henry-theory can’t play 3 intense tests in a row camp.
They're just going to have to huh?
I think Henry is being unfairly maligned. His comment is that there is a performance dropoff int he third week of tough tests, and it's really hard to maintain standards. I think he's right ... it doesn't mean you can't win it (obviously), but it does compromise your performance.
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@Hooroo said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool
:Are we all happy so far? I certainly am.
It's the pool stages of the RWC, of course I'm bloody happy. I might be a miserable bastard but if you can't enjoy things now you never will.
As far as the ABs, two big performances, under pressure in the past three tests is pretty bloody good and to see ALB and Savea step up big time and be counted is satisfying.
My overall opinion of the team is about the same as it was at the start of the year... the centre combo, iffy goal kicking and lack of any squad members with previous RWC pain are the major landmines, but providing the ABs can get the Scotland/Japan/Samoa QF they are capable and should be favoured to navigate through like the Boks in 2007.
They are now on that side so happy days.
Going forward the only selection of serious interest is the centres where they surely now have to force four into three; where two are sacred cows, but the other two are undroppable on form. Perhaps Goodhue's injury makes this academic?
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@chimoaus said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool
:Read a book where they said top athletes are generally not the most naturally gifted, ones that have to work harder to get to the same level have better habits and work ethic. Probably why some gifted juniors never make it.
On the other hand thought there is a hockey study which I believe has been replicated in other sports showing kids born in the months immediately after age-grade cut offs (i.e. biggest/oldest in their age grade) are more likely to make rep teams growing up and in turn are more likely to make the pros. It is a distinct advantage.
What is the age grade cut off for rugby in NZ? What is McCaw's birthday?
