North vs South

Bones

@KiwiMurph Professional sport is happening in some shape or form in most counties now, despite COVID. It is totally absurd that the NZ government who have many, many fewer COVID cases than most countries are struggling to make pro-sport (with the necessary crowd safety restrictions) happen.

I present to you, ladies and gentleman, hurricanes fanship! "SRA didn't happen...."

sparky

@pukunui Yes, to answer your question, I did notice SRA.

But what about the next few weeks/months? Surely Pro-Rugby must be allowed to function unhibited while the number of COVID-19 cases in NZ are tiny.

pukunui

@sparky said in North vs South:

@pukunui Yes, to answer your question, I did notice SRA.

But what about the next few weeks/months? Surely Pro-Rugby must be allowed to function unhibited while the number of COVID-19 cases in NZ are tiny.

There is a very good chance it will be after the 6th of September.

Hooroo

Going ahead in Wellybops.

No Crowd

So dull

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/300091446/nz-rugby-confirm-north-v-south-game-to-be-played-in-wellington

KiwiMurph

The expected outcome.

Better than no game.

sparky

Really pleased it is going ahead and the killjoys haven't got their way.

Bovidae

Good for Sky but bad for NZR.

NZR has to provide some product to fulfil their broadcasting commitment.

KiwiMurph

@sparky said in North vs South:

Really pleased it is going ahead and the killjoys haven't got their way.

This is why you wait for announcements.

sparky

@KiwiMurph said in North vs South:

@sparky said in North vs South:

Really pleased it is going ahead and the killjoys haven't got their way.

This is why you wait for announcements.

Pro sport in empty or semi empty stadiums is the new norm around the world. It is not as good as full stadiums obviously. The idea that means you cancel everything is weak.

Looking forward to North Vs South and the players being able to compete.

Bovidae

Sky confirmed on Wednesday that it will feed in digital crowd effects for TV audiences during its North v South broadcast, having first used the technology during the closed-doors Highlanders-Hurricanes game Forsyth Barr Stadium a fortnight ago.

Duluth

The fake crowd sounded really bad in the Highlanders/Canes match - even worse than the NRL version

During that game I tried switching to the alternative audio without the commentary and that had the fake crowd too. That option shouldn't have the fake shit.

Bones

@Duluth I found it quite nostalgic, reminded me of this.

Stargazer

Replacing Alex Hodgman (family leave):

Tim

North v South preview from "The Chase":

https://thechaserugby.com/2020/08/28/steinlager-north-v-south-preview/

KiwiMurph

Looks like this game if it goes ahead will be on Fox for those in Aus.

Frank

Stuff "analysis" comparing our two first-five options

WEAKNESSES

Mo’unga: Big question mark has to be game management. Yes, he piloted the Crusaders out of a lot of tight spots in Super Rugby Aotearoa with last-quarter bursts. But, remember, it was him running the show as they struggled to put teams away earlier. Not at his best in the RWC semi either when the team was on the back foot from the off. Would have learned a lot that night. More a game-changer than a match-shaper.

Barrett: At his best there are few. Goalkicking is the obvious one, and sometimes can be a little too ambitious with his tactical nudges. Also falls off the odd tackle. A little short of form in 2020 and not at his impactful best. Needs to refind the attacking spark.

So, apparently, RM's major weakness (his defence) is actually BB's

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/300093996/beauden-barrett-v-richie-mounga--breaking-down-the-big-all-blacks-first-five-rivalry