All Blacks v Japan
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Pretty happy with that. Have to remember they haven't played a game in quite a while, and this is the only warm-up. Complete rest for Vaai, Lomax, Taylor, Savea who have had the heaviest workload I'd think. Good opportunity for the other front rowers to start. Hopefully Ethan is just doing lots of running. Expect Lord on for Barrett early.
If we had a rapid traditional style 7 there, you'd just about be looking at a balanced trio, but Cane is a long way from that now - still, good to see Samipeni get another run and Sititi at 8. Be nice to see them operate with Lakai on for Cane early - although Sititi coming off would be better for managing minutes. -
@Bovidae That team will take care of Japan no problem.
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@darylmitchell said in All Blacks v Japan:
All Blacks team vs Japan:
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Tamaiti Williams
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Asafo Aumua
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Pasilio Tosi
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Scott Barrett (c)
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Patrick Tuipulotu
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Samipeni Finau
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Sam Cane
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Wallace Sititi
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Cam Roigard
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Damian McKenzie
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Mark Tele'a
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Anton Lienert-Brown
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Billy Proctor
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Sevu Reece
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Stephen Perofeta
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George Bell
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Ethan de Groot
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Fletcher Newell
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Sam Darry
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Peter Lakai
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Cortez Ratima
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David Havili
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Ruben Love
Yeah nah. Cf actual team named.
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Includes Proctor and Love - -
@canefan said in All Blacks v Japan:
@Frank said in All Blacks v Japan:
Suggests they (currently) see Ratima as their number one halfback.
I think they will be happy for him to start while giving Cam plenty of time to build his fitness
I don't think fitness is the issue, it's more getting his confidence back by playing minutes. I think there's nothing wrong with Ratima starting on this tour with Cam coming off the bench but I feel that role will be reversed once Roigard is back up to speed again.
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@Machpants said in All Blacks v Japan:
Impact: Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Fletcher Newell and George Bell
Some stupid penalties, 1m of carries, and increased belief in the red and black bias
hopefully Bell's improved and the barn door is now in danger
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It isn’t much, but it’s honest work.
See you again next week for another early announcement.
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@reprobate said in All Blacks v Japan:
@frugby said in All Blacks v Japan:
We won't know who they see as the first choice 10 until the team is named to play England.
Entirely possible, that they want to give DMac and Roigard a run together because they've never played together.
I think it is probable that Ratima and Barrett will start next week with DMac and Roigard on the bench, but far from certain.
I think I'm correct in saying McKenzie started every game except the last one, which was a dead rubber against the Aussies - and Robertson said specifically that it was always planned to give Beauden a run at 10.
I reckon that makes it abundantly clear who the first choice 10 is, and I won't have you messing with my mental health.And yet here you are!
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@JK said in All Blacks v Japan:
@Bovidae said in All Blacks v Japan:
Dunn how they can call the bench "Impact" when Havili is involved
Since Niggles isn't there DH offers dominant injury cover.
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Wings looks slow with little speedy cover - IMO Lam would have been more valuable bench cover than DH, and they certainly have enough FB cover..
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Last chance saloon for Finau IMO. He needs to show some smash em bro.
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@sparky said in All Blacks v Japan:
A bolder selector would have started Peter Lakai and Ruben Love.
Perhaps they're spooked by the thought of the being the coach that lost to Japan?
