All Blacks v Wales Test #3
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<p>Aaron Smith, speed of movement, speed of thought, speed of pass, as influential as Dan and Richie now. Tremendous.</p>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="LagerLout" data-cid="591620" data-time="1466848785">
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<p>Personally I've always thought Ben was a better winger so for me, that back three is perfect. I don't think we have to have a massive winger, and I've not seen enough from Savea or Naholo to usurp any of those three. Moala has to be a shoe in for 13 after today too. </p>
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<p>If you pick Moala at 13 you definitely don't need a power winger. I like Moala on the bench with a Ngatai-Crotty combo but Moala was very good today.</p> -
<p>Why dont the ABs just put out a team of Smiths and Barretts.</p>
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<p>Has BB cemented his place at 1st Five Eight ? He ran the backline perfectly tonight and his kicks were longer than usual.</p>
<p>Ofa T has surprised me. He was solid in the scrums and won a turnover ball among three Welsh players. Not bad for a debut.</p>
<p>Can't judge Dixon vs Squire as the latter was facing a tiring team but he was impressive with his hard, straight running.</p>
<p>Faumuina scrummed strongly too. I hope the NZRFU will keep him after the Lions series.</p>
<p>Moala looked far better than Fekitoa and Tamanivalu. A bit too eager at times but I like his physicality.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="hydro11" data-cid="591622" data-time="1466849251">
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<p>If you pick Moala at 13 you definitely don't need a power winger. I like Moala on the bench with a Ngatai-Crotty combo but Moala was very good today.</p>
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<p>When (if) SBW and Ngatai are available, I'd say Crotty will be goneski. (even though he is solid enough)</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="LagerLout" data-cid="591620" data-time="1466848785"><p>Personally I've always thought Ben was a better winger so for me, that back three is perfect. I don't think we have to have a massive winger, and I've not seen enough from Savea or Naholo to usurp any of those three. Moala has to be a shoe in for 13 after today too.</p></blockquote><br>our back 3 in the 2011 WC didnt have a so called power winger , I think you pick the best from what is available
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<p>Thought both Smiths, Dagg and Barrett were all outstanding. Pretty much everyone else solid to very good.</p>
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<p>Savea had a rocky start, but got better - very quiet in comparison to Ben Smith on the other wing. Cane obviously too many penalties and slipped off a tackle close to the line.</p>
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<p>Thought all the newbies went well.</p>
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<p>Two biggest questions for me are (i) whether they persist with Savea starting in the Championship - something clearly not right at the moment; and (ii) much bigger question - Cruden or Barrett?</p>
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<p>To date, I've been in the Cruden camp as the "been there, done that" lynchpin. But, I'm not sure we can ignore the explosiveness of Barrett. He probably doesn't quite have the kicking game of Cruden, but I think his passing is equally good and he's got speed and size that Cruden doesn't. I think I'll watch the goal kicking of both over the next month or so. Might be an achilles heel for both or either. </p> -
<p>Nasty to have a blowout in the last game of the tour, but the Welsh just looked knackered the entire game and offered next to nothing on attack, even when it was 15 v 14.</p>
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<p>Dagg and BB looked awesome on the run, but for some hungus moments, we could have easily posted over 50 points.</p>
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<p>Squire looked great when he came on, Moala had some nice touches too. A Smith just class. Savea was awful to start but got better. Front row was a mixed bag, sometimes looked great, sometimes got owned by the Welsh.</p>
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<p>Not sure what the Welsh will be able to take from this tour. Gatland has a lot of thinking to do - maybe it is time for some fresh blood in the coaching box.</p> -
Of the three 10s , I now see Barrett as the first one picked ,<br><br>Even if he comes off the bench , he is the one I least want to lose in the 23.
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<p>Though Crotty did nothing wrong, I would like to see a Ngatai - Moala combo in midfield. Crotty is solid in defense but does not bring much in attack because he is not fast nor strong enough. Ngatai's kicking and eye for the gap could be useful additions to an already deadly backline.</p>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Mokey" data-cid="591634" data-time="1466850632">
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<p>Gatland has a lot of thinking to do - maybe it is time for some fresh blood in the coaching box.</p>
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<p>All got contracts through to 2019 :(</p> -
Did the selectors get it wrong not picking moala first up?
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="MN5" data-cid="591666" data-time="1466852020"><p>Moala. Not only did he not attempt a stupid chip kick and get handed off like a bitch in the same movement, he also did some extremely good stuff.<br> <br>That boy sure looks like a keeper to me.</p></blockquote><br>And the fact that he plays wing as well , increases his value as a squad selection
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="hydro11" data-cid="591669" data-time="1466852130"><p>Also Squire did enough to make the next squad. Didn't see much of Ofa.</p></blockquote>
Ofa tuungafasi was good at scrum time I thought<br><br><br>
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Billy Tell" data-cid="591680" data-time="1466852674">
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<p>Did the selectors get it wrong not picking moala first up?</p>
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<p>No. Earlier in the season he wasn't even making the Blues starting XV.</p>
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<p>To be honest, if everyone is available for the Championship, I'd expect them to pick SBW, Fekitoa, Crotty and Ngatai - in that order.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Billy Tell" data-cid="591680" data-time="1466852674"><p>Did the selectors get it wrong not picking moala first up?</p></blockquote><br>No<br><br>Consistency in selection is a hallmark of All Blacks policy over the past gazillion year's. We always respect the incumbents until they stop performing<br>in the test match arena, Fekitoa and Crotty were higher on the pecking order and deserved to start the series.<br>Our selection policies make our players know where they stand and give the players security.<br><br>Also I thought his performance was mixed. Overall yes he gets an 8 out of 10 and looks promising. But there was a bit of hungus about his play.<br>On his first line break he delayed his pass too long and then the moment was lost. Secondly on his first missed try he should have shovelled it along<br>the line or drawn and passed.<br><br>My humble opinion only.
