All Blacks v Wales Test #3
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Billy Tell" data-cid="590482" data-time="1466570383">
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<p>Yes, I think a degree in political science and 200 hours of practical experience is needed before posting a poll on the forum. The Q must be phrased just right to avoid bias.</p>
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<p>There is so little to discuss this week, except everyone getting their knickers in a twist because we haven't yet settled on the new Nonu/Smith combo after only 2 tests.</p>
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<p>Hopefully the team selection will see some talking points. Seriously, I really hope so.</p>
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<p>Anyone can phrase a poll how they want. It's just that how the poll is phrased affects what conclusions you can draw from it.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="KiwiMurph" data-cid="590398" data-time="1466558204">
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<p>Moala has looked better at 13 for the Blues this season than he has at 12.</p>
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<p>However having said that, I think a big part of that is the Blues 13s of Ranger/Sau, who don't really mesh with Moala. The Francis-Moala combo has worked much better. </p>
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<p>He sure has. Ranger getting injured has been a blessing in disguise for Moala. I hope he gets a go somewhere on Saturday.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Provincial Stalwart" data-cid="590468" data-time="1466568000">
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<p>Yep, I think I recall Moala's try being on the right side so seems like he was on the right wing - my mistake for saying he was on the left (I assumed he was the "power" winger that day put it must have been Chuck Piutau. Moala did play well on debut - I'm not denying that - but he sure as shit isn't yet an international midfielder based on his iffy Super Rugby form and zero test match experience.</p>
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<p>However, we know that iffy form (even for a newbie) is subservient to the selectors' eye for talent and coachability. These are nebulous terms but our panel seems to have a serious knack for it. </p>
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<p>Without the benefit of hindsight, are we actually any further ahead in the midfield today than we were in 2008? Conrad and Nonu were inexperienced as test players despite their Canes / Wellington partnership (Nonu played a fair bit at wing at domestic level in his earlier years too, with Tana around). I think Conrad only had 12 tests prior to 2008 while <strong>Nonu was then a fraction of what he became.</strong> The time it took to develop that partnership at test level was surely one of the factors in our average 2008 and dismal 2009.</p>
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<p>I think Nonu evolved as a player whereas Jamie Roberts never has ( and probably never will ) with the additional skills to go with the brute force he picked up. I was genuinely shocked when Roberts got run down ( not that bit, Barrett is fucken lightning ) and had the presence of mind to actually offload. Obviously a smart bloke in real life, it doesn't carryover to his rugby ability it seems......</p> -
Barrett, Savea and Dixon to start. Naholo out.
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="MN5" data-cid="590506" data-time="1466576803"><p>I think Nonu evolved as a player whereas Jamie Roberts never has ( and probably never will ) with the additional skills to go with the brute force he picked up. I was genuinely shocked when Roberts got run down ( not that bit, Barrett is fucken lightning ) and had the presence of mind to actually offload. Obviously a smart bloke in real life, it doesn't carryover to his rugby ability it seems......</p></blockquote>
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Roberts played some brilliant "smart" attacking rugby in that last Lions tour to OZ. not just running ball in hand but as a secondary playmaker at times. <br><br>
On Saturday I was surprised he stayed in the park after the head knock. He looked out of sorts after that. -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="booboo" data-cid="590546" data-time="1466590767"><p>
Your opinion or inside word?</p></blockquote> My word is normally pretty good. That's Julian Sa -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="MN5" data-cid="590506" data-time="1466576803">
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<p>I think Nonu evolved as a player whereas Jamie Roberts never has ( and probably never will ) with the additional skills to go with the brute force he picked up. I was genuinely shocked when Roberts got run down ( not that bit, Barrett is fucken lightning ) and had the presence of mind to actually offload. Obviously a smart bloke in real life, it doesn't carryover to his rugby ability it seems......</p>
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<p>Part of the issue is if Roberts offloaded as Nonu has he'd be throwing it to no one. Offloading only works if your support are looking for it & have the ball skills to catch it. You watch a game of Roberts popping the pass to thin air or watching it bounce off Gethin Jenkins surprised forehead & you'd be demanding he stop adding skill.</p>
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<p>Put Roberts in an AB shirt for a year he'd be popping passes left right & centre</p> -
<p>Latest news from Wales camp</p>
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<p>Gethin Jenkins, Bradley Davies and Josh Turnbull injured and already flying home.</p>
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<p>Roberts being monitored, but looks like he'll be ok.</p>
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<p>Jake Ball and Gareth Anscombe available for selection</p>
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<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/36593667'>http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/36593667</a></p>
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<p>So that means no Matthew Morgan again :(</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="taniwharugby" data-cid="590221" data-time="1466483789"><p>so are you (DMX) suggesting we have these 2 v Wales and then a one off v England, or say a 2 test series v England and 1 off v Wales?<br>
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What if England was still sucking and was 2-0 down in their series, would you still be keen for that match?</p></blockquote>
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It is exactly what I am suggesting, going back to how it used to be. Yes England might suck or Wales might suck but lower odds of them both sucking. That format makes every game of equal importance to ABs and gives us a better way to benchmark ourselves. Wales have been competitive over periods but were hammered by England before coming out. I would like to see how we go against one of the other top nations. -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="rotated" data-cid="590392" data-time="1466556729"><p>You are comparing what you think someone is capable of vs what you know people are capable of. Let's just wait and see. Otherwise Toeava is still better than Tim Horan.</p></blockquote>
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Don't get your point I know what SBW is capable off. Ngatai off course is about AB potential but as far as I am aware it was the same with every single great AB ever selected. -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="DMX" data-cid="590576" data-time="1466599652">
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<p>Don't get your point I know what SBW is capable off. Ngatai off course is about AB potential but as far as I am aware it was the same with every single great AB ever selected.</p>
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<p>Indeed, but no one was saying that there were up to it till they had proven they were up to it. Ngatai is not the solution, he's an option. Who may be good enough. Or who may be Toeava, Mayerhofler, Stensness, Ranger, Gibson, Clarke, Fekitoa, Laulala, King, Lowden etc </p>
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<p>Re SBW, issue would be he looked good enough (briefly) in 2012 (4 years ago) after being a reserve wing the year before. Last year he started a TN game & our backline was pigshit. And then he played a series of excellent 20 of 30 minute cameo's off the bench - Victor Vito literally delivered the same last year. So I get the idea that SBW is not quite the locked on solution that some think he is.</p>
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<p>Tho' I honestly think he's a shoe in at 12 & will be very good there. Especially with Cruden running the show next to him. Where I'm not sure is him staying long term...</p> -
<p><strong>ALL BLACKS</strong>: Israel Dagg, Ben Smith, George Moala, Ryan Crotty, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, Aaron Smith, Kieran Read (captain), Sam Cane, Elliot Dixon, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Charlie Faumuina, Dane Coles, Joe Moody. <strong>Reserves</strong>: Codie Taylor, Wyatt Crockett, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Luke Romano, Liam Squire, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Lima Sopoaga, Waisake Naholo.</p>
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<p>decent team. Interesting to see Moala at 13 and not Tamanivalu</p> -
<p>Exciting team. I've liked Moala during super rugby, I think he can add the go forward we've been missing in the backs for the previous two tests.</p>
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<p>Glad Savea had done the right things to get called back into the starting squad, they must be confident his head is in the right space now, so I'm expecting him to go beast mode. </p>
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<p>Disappointed that there is no Tuipulotu in the 23 though - been my favourite player of the series. </p> -
Why not moala 12 crotty 13?<br><br>
Also Romano ahead of tuipolotou :(<br><br>
Otherwise no complaints. -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="DMX" data-cid="590584" data-time="1466618393"><p>Does that mean Ben Smith covering midfield?</p></blockquote>
Must do yeah ! <br>
No ardie savea so be concerned if cane gets injured<br><br><br>
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<p>Thanks for taking it easy on us Shag :whistle:</p>
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<p>Great to see Moala get an opportunity. </p>
