All Blacks vs Wales
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Catogrande" data-cid="584073" data-time="1464598475">
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<p>Lydiate is now out of the tour with a shoulder injury he picked up in the loss to England. Warburton did not play due to injury but will tour and Tipuric is also out longer term. Lydiate is being replaced by the uncapped Ellis Jenkins, a natural open side.</p>
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<p>Warburton is expected to be fit for the 1st Test.</p>
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<p>Tipuric is on long-term rest for concussion after leaving the field against Italy in the 6N.</p>
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<p>James Davies, brother of centre Jonathan Davies, was not selected for the touring party but has been selected for the GB 7s training squad for the 2016 Olympics.</p>
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<p>Ellis Jenkins has had a very good season with the Blues often playing 7 with Warburton at 6. He's a former Wales U-20 captain. Not the biggest but has very good technique over the ball.</p>
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<p>If we have any hope of competing at the breakdown then I would start with Moriarty, Warburton, Faletau with Jenkins on the bench.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Provincial Stalwart" data-cid="583983" data-time="1464580935"><p>I heard that Lydiate news from a workmate and Bovidae just confirmed it. So Wales' loose forward situation is looking pretty grim right? I'd be pleased to have any Taffs, and anyone up with the play, comment on this (or anyone with an ability to do internet research for that matter).<br><br>
The Telegraph website named these loose forwards as original selections for the tour:<br><br>
T Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons), J King (Ospreys), D Lydiate (Ospreys), R Moriarty (Gloucester), J Turnbull (Cardiff Blues), S Warburton (Cardiff Blues, capt).<br><br>
Take out Lydiate, and considering Warburton is still an injury concern I believe, then Wales is struggling. Lydiate started the England friendly at 7 I think, captaining the team. Seems Tipuric is also injured out of the series.</p></blockquote>
From a Welsh perspective I'd have preferred Lydiate to stay fit but the inclusion of Ellis Jenkins is just about the best news we could get.<br>
Yesterday was an accident waiting to happen given the matchday squad. Wales whole gameplan is reliant on winning collisions & turn-overs in the tackle area. Take Warburton out of that equation & it immediately became more difficult. To then shoe-horn Lydiate at 7 (it's a stretch these days to say he's quick enough for 6 never mind 7) without bench cover was suicidal.<br>
We spent the last 50 of that game with James King in the openside role, this is a guy who's been on form for the Ospreys at 8 but has spent most of his career at lock. This immediately gave the impetus to England to enjoy a free reign at the breakdown.<br>
Given England started with Haskell at 7 if we'd selected a "proper" openside we'd have enjoyed a regular supply of turn-over ball. To make it more annoying two of the best opensides in Wales this season have been Ellis Jenkins & James Davies - both overlooked by Gatland. -
<p>Well that was shitter than shit.</p>
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<p>Worst display of basic skills I've seen in a decade at least. Defence was pathetic.<br><a class="" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/justnotgoodenough?source=feed_text&story_id=10154226998628624"><span>‪#‎</span><span>justnotgoodenough‬</span></a></p>
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<p><span><span><span><span>And I hope the World Rugby official who's marking the ref, touch judges, and TMO has run out of red pen.</span></span></span></span></p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="pooler fan" data-cid="584096" data-time="1464604133">
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<p>.....Given England started with Haskell at 7 i<strong>f we'd selected a "proper" openside </strong>we'd have enjoyed a regular supply of turn-over ball. To make it more annoying two of the best opensides in Wales this season have been Ellis Jenkins & James Davies - both overlooked by Gatland.</p>
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<p>That pretty much sums up England for the last ten years or so. You don't get any moaning rights on this issue unless you can show no selection of a 7 for at least five years.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Catogrande" data-cid="584099" data-time="1464604664"><p>That pretty much sums up England for the last ten years or so. You don't get any moaning rights on this issue unless you can show no selection of a 7 for at least five years.</p></blockquote>
Very true, luckily for you guys the emergence of guys like Clifford can end that era once & for all. -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="cgrant" data-cid="584093" data-time="1464603121">
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<p>Hames ? He can't win a starting spot in the Chiefs XV and you see him as a FAB ? The Chiefs scrum started to suffer a lot against the Tahs when Graham and Yamashita were replaced. Maybe it was not entirely his fault but what did he show lately which could lead the selectors to pay attention to him ?</p>
<p>I think he is just not big enough for the job at the international level and his workate has nothing extraordinary. Edmunds and Goodes look more promising prospects IMO as they are strong scrummagers and offer much more in the loose. In a year or two, Hodgman could emerge as he has all the attributes to become a first class LHP.</p>
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<p>Not sure whether Hames will be a FAB, but he is only playing this season because the Chiefs had a big run of injuries in the front row. He left the Highlanders to take a year off rugby to recover from injury.</p>
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<p>Doubt he's playing at his best right now.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="No Quarter" data-cid="583787" data-time="1464519468"><p>
In my defense I did say I can't think of many. I'm tired...</p></blockquote>
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Were the Whitlocks the only other recent brothers? -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Gary" data-cid="584126" data-time="1464615131"><p>Owen and Ben Franks!</p></blockquote>
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Mentioned about 120 posts ago bro [emoji3] -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Gary" data-cid="584126" data-time="1464615131">
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<p>Owen and Ben Franks!</p>
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<p>I meant apart from them, as I was replying under that. As you were.</p>
<p>Actually I do have a question, and that is when/if SBW returns that might affect selection at 10 (i.e. Cruden having more of a chance)..than say if Fekitoa was selected at 12 that still doesn't (?) tip the chances any more towards Sopoaga.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="nostrildamus" data-cid="584111" data-time="1464608327">
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<p>Were the Whitlocks the only other recent brothers?</p>
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<p>I'm late to this thread, but would it be Zinzan and Robin in the late 90's?</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="nostrildamus" data-cid="584111" data-time="1464608327">
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<p>Were the Whitlocks the only other recent brothers?</p>
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<p>Laulalas and Gears, like the Whitelocks, did not play together and are the only ones that fall into the Hansen/Henry eta. The Maugers mentioned earlier were in the same 22 but Aaron didn't come off the bench.</p>
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<p>After that you are back to the Bookes, Bachops, Coopers etc.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="rotated" data-cid="584152" data-time="1464636976">
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<p><strong>Laulalas</strong> and Gears, like the Whitelocks, did not play together and are the only ones that fall into the Hansen/Henry eta. The Maugers mentioned earlier were in the same 22 but Aaron didn't come off the bench.</p>
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<p>After that you are back to the Bookes, Bachops, Coopers etc.</p>
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<p>Wow, I never realized those two were brothers.........</p>
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<p>The mighty Scots had two sets of brothers in the same backline as recently as five or six years ago when the Lamonts and Evans's were tearing up all before them ( I may have exaggerated that last bit....)</p>
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<p>Interesting how few played together though, would be cool if Ardie and Julian managed this, looks a given within a couple of weeks. Rico was long gone by the time Hosea came on the scene if I recall correctly.</p> -
<p>well, this is all very sedate really isn't it? The first AB squad of a new era, a few newbies replacing all-time greats, and the level of discussion barely gets above "meh"</p>
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<p>Are we as AB supporters just more mature now? Have we become so sure of success we don't care who puts on the jersey? Or have the selectors and coaches built up such a level of goodwill we just trust that they are right? Or is it just that the selectors have done such a good job of bringing guys through we know that the first 23 are all proven test performers already?</p>
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<p>There are a couple of selections that in the past would have at least some people blowing up, but even provincial rivalries can't generate any spite. I think Luatua is extremely hard done by, but then i think Liam Squire could be moulded into a weapon as well. I think Taminavalu is a bit rubbish, but has Moala really been playing better? Who the fuck is Franklin?</p>
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<p>I think i miss selectorial shitfights. </p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="mariner4life" data-cid="584193" data-time="1464650486">
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<p>well, this is all very sedate really isn't it? The first AB squad of a new era, a few newbies replacing all-time greats, and the level of discussion barely gets above "meh"</p>
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<p>Are we as AB supporters just more mature now? Have we become so sure of success we don't care who puts on the jersey? Or have the selectors and coaches built up such a level of goodwill we just trust that they are right? Or is it just that the selectors have done such a good job of bringing guys through we know that the first 23 are all proven test performers already?</p>
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<p>There are a couple of selections that in the past would have at least some people blowing up, but even provincial rivalries can't generate any spite. I think Luatua is extremely hard done by,<strong> but then i think Liam Squire could be moulded into a weapon as well</strong>. I think Taminavalu is a bit rubbish, but has Moala really been playing better? Who the fuck is Franklin?</p>
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<p>I think i miss selectorial shitfights. </p>
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<p>What is it that he brings to the table ? I must confess to not watching a single Highlanders game this year.</p> -
<p>Strong, quick, aggressive, and runs good lines. Has many rough edges, but i like him. Was gutted the Chiefs lost him</p>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="mariner4life" data-cid="584195" data-time="1464650749">
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<p>Strong, quick, aggressive, and runs good lines. Has many rough edges, but i like him. Was gutted the Chiefs lost him</p>
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<p>So basically the player that the hype machine would have us believe that Luke Whitelock is ?</p> -
He's a unit, and a tackle breaker who can offload. He's also quite fast. Early in the season he was going crazy, then got injured. Has been good since coming back but perhaps no as dynamic.<br><br>
I'd imagine that they see his size and skills and are wondering if he can bring that at the next level.<br><br>
Edit: snap M4L. -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="mariner4life" data-cid="584193" data-time="1464650486">
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<p>Are we as AB supporters just more mature now? Have we become so sure of success we don't care who puts on the jersey? Or have the selectors and coaches built up such a level of goodwill we just trust that they are right? Or is it just that the selectors have done such a good job of bringing guys through we know that the first 23 are all proven test performers already?</p>
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<p>More than anything the stakes are so low. They are back-to-back World Champions about to play a three test series against a struggling Wales and there are no World Cup implications being 4 years out.</p>
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<p>Lose a game and stare down the barrel of losing the Bledisloe or losing a home series to Wales and we will see how mature we have become.</p>
