All Blacks vs Wales
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Pot Hale" data-cid="586519" data-time="1465637714"><p>Can you see Wales getting up again for tests two and three?</p></blockquote>
I hope so. I'd like to think that with a 3 match series they will have the chance to review this match, work out areas they can attack us and come out stronger in the 2nd match with a good idea of what to expect.<br><br>
But, mentally is where they will probably struggle. They played some great footy, had the ABs under the pump for decent periods of the match but lost by 18 points.<br><br>
One thing the ABs have given a lot of focus in the last 13 years is the mental side of things. I have no idea if teams like Wales and Ireland do as well, but to me they seem well capable of getting the win, but seem to hit a mental block in the final 15 minutes when they are still in the contest.<br><br>
Another thing Wales need to have a plan for is how to counter the AB bench. That is a real weapon. -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Pot Hale" data-cid="586525" data-time="1465637985">
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<p>Yep - they poured it all into that match. The relentless focus on first test win can be a killer.</p>
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<p>so much has been made of this first test and I expect they saw this as the best opportunity...I doubt they will find the metres so easy to come by next week. </p>
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<p>As above, can the Welsh get much better, cos we know the ABs will.</p> -
<p>Savea made a good impact. But jeez it is going to get tiresome reading his cheerleaders just over egging it.</p>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Billy Tell" data-cid="586527" data-time="1465638060">
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<p>Cane, Romano, Savea, Naholo in defence, Cruden from the tee should all be worried.<br><br>
I'm predicting Dagg might come in next week, hopefully Whitelock is back.<br><br>
Hansen won that with his excellent use of the bench.</p>
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<p>Cane?</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Frank" data-cid="586533" data-time="1465638407">
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<p>Selections next week will be VERY interesting.</p>
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<p>I tend to think Hansen won't chop and change much.</p>
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<p>In danger - <strong>Crotty</strong>, Savea.</p>
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<p>Thought he was fine, he is unlikely to go anywhere unless Ngatai is fit</p> -
<p>I'd like to see Dagg start next week, with B of the Smiths on the right wing. Not sure who I'd put on the left wing. Savea and Naholo both weren't good tonight.</p>
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<p>I'd also prefer Crotty at 13, with Ngatai at 12, but will Ngatai be back by then? Fekitoa was terrrible tonight; Crotty was mostly good, created opportunities, reasonably good on defence considering the big monster he had to defend against.</p>
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<p>Ardie deserves a start, but that would mean Cane on the bench ... Hope S of the Whitelocks will be good to go next week as well, although Romano wasn't bad.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Frank" data-cid="586533" data-time="1465638407">
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<p>Selections next week will be VERY interesting.</p>
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<p>I tend to think Hansen won't chop and change much.</p>
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<p>In danger - <strong>Crotty</strong>, Savea (Julian).</p>
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<p>Crotty played well; Fekitoa was the weakest of the mid-field pair.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Baron Silas Greenback" data-cid="586532" data-time="1465638317">
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<p>Savea made a good impact. But jeez it is going to get tiresome reading his cheerleaders just over egging it.</p>
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<p>Spoken like a true Cane groupie (hey look you're both from the BOP!!!!) :)</p>
<p>Actually think Cane played well and should start.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Frank" data-cid="586533" data-time="1465638407"><p>
Selections next week will be VERY interesting.<br><br>
I tend to think Hansen won't chop and change much.<br><br>
In danger - Crotty, Savea (Julian).</p></blockquote>
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Crotty was fine. At least he can defend. People just want/hope he fails.<br><br>
I wish NMS was available. Straight onto the right wing and Naholo to 11. Naholo mixed good with dreadful but he has incredible potential on attack. -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="booboo" data-cid="586526" data-time="1465638030">
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<p>Will try and sober up before commenting further ... but Barnsry still can't work out what constitutes a forward pass.<br><br><br>
Dickhead. ..</p>
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<p>If one had to sober up before commenting, one would never comment.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Stargazer" data-cid="586538" data-time="1465638596">
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<p>Crotty played well; Fekitoa was the weakest of the mid-field pair.</p>
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<p>Agreed.</p>
<p>I'm changing my mind 5 minutes later.</p>
<p>Fekitoa - goooooooone</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="taniwharugby" data-cid="586536" data-time="1465638466">
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<p>Thought he was fine, he is unlikely to go anywhere unless Ngatai is fit</p>
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<p>Yeah he was ok. Sums him up really, which isn't a bad thing.</p> -
<p>Could go either way, wholesale changes for rotation. Or acknowledgement that the first test is always messy and combinations take time.</p>
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Great game to watch for a neutral.<br>
We did OK, glad we tried to play a more expansive game. But our guys aren't used to playing at that pace and were totally out on their feet at the end.<br>
Thought the Blacks bench was superb & made a huge difference.<br>
Nothing wrong with that pass by Cruden that Barnes judged forward either. I'd have given the Faletau try too just for the audacity to steal the ball like he did ;)<br>
Faletau was superb once again for us, the guy has a monstrous engine. His battle with Reed (best 8 on the planet) throughout the series would be worth the entrance fee alone for me.<br>
Hope our reserves can play some good stuff & beat the chiefs on Tuesday but I'm not too hopeful. Our depth isn't great. -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Baron Silas Greenback" data-cid="586532" data-time="1465638317">
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<p>Savea made a good impact. But jeez it is going to get tiresome reading his cheerleaders just over egging it</p>
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<p>? I was the first to say great impact but also asked why was Cane replaced rather than why wasn't one of the old fellas like Kaino?</p>
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<p>Should I not have also said why BB came onto field when clearly he lifted back play? Weirdly I think a Welshman might have been the best player ion either team until BB came on.</p> -
Hilarious reading back on this thread after the red mist has cleared and the game is over. <br><br>
I think some of the criticism is over the top. A combination of first test of the season, new combinations, new full time captain, players with limited test experience starting. <br>
Add to that a very good Welsh performance. <br><br>
The only concern for me is Julian Savea. Sure a number of players have to improve both experienced an newer players, but as has been evident in Super rugby this season, Julian has been very indifferent. Being stood up like that and then effectively being anonymous in attack is worrying. <br><br>
You could point to issues with almost every player, but he is one of the experienced guys that has been around for a few years and was once an automatic selection. He will be disappointed with his effort tonight.
