All Blacks v Wales Test #3
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<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>
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<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.
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Months ago we had a thread on here with everyone putting their 23 out there. I had Moala in my 23 based on what I thought was a good performance last year in black, some improvements to his game and other personnel availability and form. <br><br>
His Super form however has been up and down. Moved positions a bit and in and out of the starting lineup. <br><br>
Tonight he looked sharp and I'm not sure it's because black is a slimming colour, but he looks to have dropped a few kegs around the midsection. <br><br>
As for what happens next, well I think he's still on the fringe so to speak. It was after all a 3rd test 'dead rubber'. The Welsh tactics of just kicking us ball really did help spring our boys into attack in broken play. That really wasn't a feature in the first 2 tests as the Welsh tried to keep ball in hand more. <br><br>
So I think the coaches will take those factors into consideration when comparing performances of certain players, particularly those on the fringe eg Moala, Tamanivalu, Dixon, Ofa, Squire, TJP. -
Some players take their opportunities, some don't. Moala has played well twice when given an AB chance and he also covers wing. The only midfielder guaranteed selection in the squad is SBW. Crotty, Moala, Seta, Fekitoa, Ngatai, Ioane will be fighting for 3 max 4 more spots. It's what helps keep NZ strong, no token selections.
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Sbw,ngatai combination I want to see as I think that will be lethal but crotty and moala did well <br><br><br>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Mokey" data-cid="591784" data-time="1466856968"><p>Bugger.</p></blockquote>
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There's over one million signatures on an online petition to try to overturn the EU referendum. I reckon if they added "rescinding the new contracts offered to Howley and McBryde" to the list of demands, they might get even more signatures.
