All Blacks v Wales Test #3
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<p>All Blacks were wonderful but it was a bit of a perfect storm - our game style under the roof at Dunedin vs a Welsh team with limited athletes at the end of a long season - it was always on the cards.</p>
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<p>It is great watching the skills of the ABs under the roof - the pace at which they play, the ball skills - a real joy to watch.</p>
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<p>Thought Barrett was excellent - best test at 10 he's played by far - not just his running and passing game but areas where he isn't so strong - field kicking and goal kicking - were good too. Will be interesting if he can push forward with the Canes and claim the 10 jersey for the Sydney test.</p>
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<p>Dagg again excellent. I'm not sure I get the argument that Ben Smith HAS to be at fullback - Dagg on full form like he is at the moment has some wonderful abilities, and probably some areas where he is possibly even better than Smith (defensive high ball take, punting distance) - and Ben Smith is an exceptional winger - an argument could be made he's an even better test winger than fullback - plus they have an excellent combo so they should keep rolling with Dagg 15 Ben Smith 14 in my opinion.</p>
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<p>Savea - He did get better as the game went on but he still looks a long way off of the player from 2012-14. It's going to be particularly interesting to see how he goes for the Canes, same with Naholo for the Highlanders, they could be fighting for the 11 jersey in Sydney. </p>
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<p>Moala showed a lot to like and a lot to work with moving forward - he definitely needs to work on his decision making, when to pass, but after making breaks but he really does pose some questions for the defence, he straightens terrifically, is powerful, has good feet and good short area acceleration. He was up against a quality centre opponent too. His defence was good too. I'd like to see him get opportunities at Rugby Championship at both 13 and 23 as bench impact covering 11/12/13/14. He's shown more than Seta and in my opinion looks to offer more than Fekitoa, but it is a small sample size.</p>
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<p>Thought Dixon showed good intent, got up off the line and got stuck in. Squire was terrific - you can see why the selectors like him - he's a good athlete, has good size and is abrasive. There's really good loose forward impact off the bench with him and Ardie. Ofa T was solid when he came on, was impressed with him at scrum time (as I was with Charlie), didn't disgrace himself.</p>
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<p>I think the Sydney test is going to be really interesting - who knows what will happen with injuries/form between now and then, Wallabies will be getting players back from Europe and will likely have a bit longer to prepare as they are unlikely to have players involved in Super Rugby final. Could definitely see a Wallaby ambush in Sydney again, and ABs don't have a great record in Aus of late but i'd like to think the ABs will be better prepared for Cheika-ball than last year.</p>
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<p>Edit - and on another note - the commentators were again woeful - my personal favourite - after Naholo goes on, Marshall then gets surprised when Naholo goes to centre, then says "I've just been told Naholo played centre at school" - Hansen specifically mentioned all of this in the press conference - that Naholo would be covering centre and that he played there in schoolboy rugby - is it too much to ask that Marshall at least watches the AB press conferences during the week for preparation for a job he gets paid to do?</p> -
<p>Dagg calls out hungus BB...</p>
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<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/sport/rugby/he-just-hungus-israel-dagg-explains-beauden-barretts-try'>https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/sport/rugby/he-just-hungus-israel-dagg-explains-beauden-barretts-try</a></p> -
<p>Agree Kiwimurph, between Marshalls stupid comments and Nisbo getting more mundane and dull by the season I wouldn't mind a real shake up in the Comm box.</p>
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<p>Surely Moala has leap frogged, well at least Taminuvula and possibly the as yet unsighted Ngatai. Say what you want about the tired Welsh team, he was still up against one of the better midfield combos and shone beautifully. I don't see Fekitoa as having the jersey by rights just cos he did the apprenticeship under Nonu/Smith/SBW.</p> -
<p>Perhaps Moala to start at left wing and be given some time to come into the centers later in the game.</p>
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<p>Fekitoa is in his 3rd season with the ABs - looks exactly the same player as when he started.</p>
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<p>Crotty - solid journeyman - always will be.</p>
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<p>NMS might struggle to start with Dagg in that form, as I don't think he plays left wing and Hansen probably wants one power winger.</p>
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<p>Barrett might have earned the start ahead of Cruden provided he continues to take on the line and not just shovel it on (as well as achieving parity with Cruden in goalkicking).</p>
<p>He is bigger and quicker than Cruden - me likey</p>
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<p>I think Hansen will have his eye on Akira Ioane as an impact sub for the EOYT, and perhaps even his younger brother.</p>
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<p>The performances of Ardie Savea and Cane suggest they are pretty close. I think Ardie should be given a start at some point so he is not permanently cast as the impact sub.</p>
<p>Cane had a poor first half yesterday but was solid enough thereafter. I am yet to see him have a breakout game for the ABs. Hope he hasn't been anointed too soon because he is so mature and responsible (and doesn't have a silly haircut)</p>
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<p>Like Squire more than Dixon.</p>
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<p>Romano - meh</p>
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<p>Let's hope Ofa can actually scrum better and that wasn't just a tired Welsh front row because he has big upside.</p>
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<p>The lack of minutes given to Codie Taylor suggest the selectors see Harris as in number 2. (guess)</p>
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<p>Welcome back 2011 Dagg, it's been a while. Loving the terrible mustache.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Frank" data-cid="591967" data-time="1466913134">
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<p>Perhaps Moala to start at left wing and be given some time to come into the centers later in the game.</p>
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<p>Like Squire more than Dixon.</p>
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<p>The lack of minutes given to Codie Taylor suggest the selectors see Harris as in number 2. (guess)</p>
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<p>Yeah - I'm wondering whether they shed Tamanivalu for the Rugby Championship and keep George as a "designated" wing - maybe at the expense of DMac, or maybe Savea.</p>
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<p>Even though Squire is a good Ta$man boy, it's a pretty small sample size to conclude that. Liam still has a few rough edges to knock off, but he looks like yet another one who won't be playing much for the Mako$ in the future.</p>
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<p>I think the main conclusion about hooker is that Coles is quite a long way ahead of the other two. Pretty sure he played more than 70 minutes in every match. I guess given that Harris got 1st dibs and got two tests to one he's probably in the number two slot, but I'd think it's far from decisive. Neither got much chance to show their wares. Hooker suddenly looking pretty strong with Coles in his prime and both the young guys with heaps of potential.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="DMX" data-cid="591915" data-time="1466896882">
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<p>I agreed with Davidav on that one. Toeava physically and skill wise had the potential to be one of the greatest AB backs ever, but mentally just could not cut it imho, error count is what killed him.</p>
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<p>Nah, he got shifted around like billie-oh. And he was a FB or 12. Should have been allowed to choose one.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="hydro11" data-cid="591980" data-time="1466917001">
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<p>If Barrett was to start at 10 we could pick McKenzie on the bench and leave Sopoaga out of the squad all together with Cruden as the third 10. I personally think Sopoaga does offer something off the bench but it is an idea.</p>
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<p>He's composed so we need not worry about him steering the cutter come squeaky bum time. It allows Shag to move BB back to 15 if he wants, to take advantage of the greater space and the tiring opposition. McKenzie's time will come</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Frank" data-cid="591916" data-time="1466897272"><p>Naholo is (relatively) mistake free at Super level. But he seems to be trying too hard.<br></p></blockquote>Some guys make the transition to AB level look reasonably easy. Others struggle, Feki and Naholo have looked out of their depth in black so far
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="nostrildamus" data-cid="591979" data-time="1466915793">
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<p>Nah, he got shifted around like billie-oh. And he was a FB or 12. Should have been allowed to choose one.</p>
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<p>I was watching a replay of the 2010 Wales game. Toeava was playing on the wing and was, frankly, phenomonal. Size, speed, skills - except for his handling. Woulda coulda, shoulda, but would have loved to see him and Piutau playing for Auckland at the same time.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Frank" data-cid="591967" data-time="1466913134">
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<p>Perhaps Moala to start at left wing and be given some time to come into the centers later in the game.</p>
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<p>Fekitoa is in his 3rd season with the ABs - looks exactly the same player as when he started.</p>
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<p>Crotty - solid journeyman - always will be.</p>
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<p>NMS might struggle to start with Dagg in that form, as I don't think he plays left wing and Hansen probably wants one power winger.</p>
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<p>Barrett might have earned the start ahead of Cruden provided he continues to take on the line and not just shovel it on (as well as achieving parity with Cruden in goalkicking).</p>
<p>He is bigger and quicker than Cruden - me likey</p>
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<p>I think Hansen will have his eye on Akira Ioane as an impact sub for the EOYT, and perhaps even his younger brother.</p>
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<p>The performances of Ardie Savea and Cane suggest they are pretty close. I think Ardie should be given a start at some point so he is not permanently cast as the impact sub.</p>
<p>Cane had a poor first half yesterday but was solid enough thereafter. I am yet to see him have a breakout game for the ABs. Hope he hasn't been anointed too soon because he is so mature and responsible (and doesn't have a silly haircut)</p>
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<p>Like Squire more than Dixon.</p>
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<p>Romano - meh</p>
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<p>Let's hope Ofa can actually scrum better and that wasn't just a tired Welsh front row because he has big upside.</p>
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<p>The lack of minutes given to Codie Taylor suggest the selectors see Harris as in number 2. (guess)</p>
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<p>Welcome back 2011 Dagg, it's been a while. Loving the terrible mustache.</p>
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<p>Ofa T did not scrummed against a tired Welsh front row ! It was against a fresh one (Rob Evans at LH and Baldwin at hooker).</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="hydro11" data-cid="591902" data-time="1466892682">
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<p>They picked Seta Tamanivalu off of a handful of Super Rugby games ahead of Moala. Moala was the best player for the Blues last season, played well in Samoa and was playing good rugby before the international break. I'm sure Hansen & co had their reasons but I can't understand what they were right now.</p>
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<p>Moala has been awesome for the Blues for a few seasons now. He would probably have received a bit more love if he was playing for another team.</p> -
<p>An Sbw Moala Midfield will be an interesting one at the Blues next season </p>
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If only we had Piutau at 11 would be the complete back 3. Barrett made a very very persuasive case yesterday. He even kicked well
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Wales were so poor I feel both tamanivalu and fekitoa would have looked just as good as moala did. One of his breaks was exploiting a mismatch against the hooker ken something or other. That's not "brilliant", its expected of a back. Notwithstanding i did think moala played well and took his chance but we can all see his limitations. <br><br>
Barrett was sensational on attack and the counter, his pace and eye for the gap is staggering. He needs to prove to the coaches he's not just a flat track bully, but getting starts against straya and the boks this year will be hard to come by. He got a crack in '14 after cruden missed the bird to BA but fell short. He's great to watch though. -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Provincial Stalwart" data-cid="592060" data-time="1466940589">
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<p>Wales were so poor I feel both tamanivalu and fekitoa would have looked just as good as moala did. One of his breaks was exploiting a mismatch against the hooker ken something or other. That's not "brilliant", its expected of a back. Notwithstanding i did think moala played well and took his chance but we can all see his limitations.<br><br>
Barrett was sensational on attack and the counter, his pace and eye for the gap is staggering. He needs to prove to the coaches he's not just a flat track bully, but getting starts against straya and the boks this year will be hard to come by. He got a crack in '14 after cruden missed the bird to BA but fell short. He's great to watch though.</p>
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<p>how are your first and second paragraph matching up? Barrett was sensational, but Moala's breaks are expected of a back? Give some credit where it's due, Moala has shown in SR that he is a great linebreaker</p> -
<p>Bit late to the thread but that seemed to be a more complete performance from the ABs.</p>
<p>Great seeing Dagg back to his best. Proved a lot of people wrong tonight. Him and B Smith were dangerous together.</p>
<p>Newer guys all went well.</p>
<p>Liked what I saw from Moala, just needs to look to put others away if it is the better option. Pity he got injured. I said it before the game but still surprised they picked seta ahead of him in the original squad. Especially given the wing injuries.</p>
<p>Dixon went ok. Not a huge impact but had a couple of runs. Squire was good when he came on. Similar running style to read where he gets a run up and charges forward.</p>
<p>Wonder if swapping those to around would be a better option if Kaino wasn't available ie. Squire starting and Dixon to bring a bit more pace off the bench. However I guess this scenario would require two loosies on the bench because Ardie is probably first choice bench loose forward for now.</p>
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<p>BB went well. His goal kicking was pretty good and I definitely noticed a lot more distance on his punts. Maybe his poor clearing from the 22 in recent times is more about prioritising getting the ball into touch rather than gaining max distance. It's a fine balance because like Beaver found out years ago. You can let a booming punt go but if it doesn't find touch you can still be in the shit (and get crucified for it).</p>
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<p>As others have said Cane didn't have his best game but should be better next time.</p>
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<p>Moving forward into the year I would hope Ngatai gets back to fitness, Seta dropping out with Moala taking his spot. SBW in if he is available with DMac dropping out. Getting closer and closer between BB and Cruden for the starting 10 spot. Still not sure BB has overtaken Cruden but might not be long.</p>
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<p>Hopefully the rest of the Superwhatever season doesn't throw up too many injuries.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="KiwiMurph" data-cid="591943" data-time="1466905533"><p>
Dagg again excellent. I'm not sure I get the argument that Ben Smith HAS to be at fullback - Dagg on full form like he is at the moment has some wonderful abilities, and probably some areas where he is possibly even better than Smith (defensive high ball take, punting distance) - and Ben Smith is an exceptional winger - an argument could be made he's an even better test winger than fullback - plus they have an excellent combo so they should keep rolling with Dagg 15 Ben Smith 14 in my opinion.<br>
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I'll bite on that one. I think was a fair argument but probably less so now. Smith was the form Super rugby full back for past 6 seasons, best full back in the world for the past 3 or 4, at full back he gets more touches and is in a better position to manage the back line, allowed Barret to come on for impact without major reshuffle, Dagg had been poor since 2013. Flip side now is that are wings are struggling, Smith might be best right wing in the world, Dagg is finally able to mix up his running and kicking game again. I still think Ben Smith has better decision making at 15 than Dagg and rarely takes the wrong option but if Dagg maintains this level of play and our other wings remain underwhelming having Smith , Barrett and Dagg on the field at the same time sounds pretty good.
