All Blacks v Wales Test #3
-
<p>Moala is marginally more experienced as an AB though Ngatai is the one with (minimal) minutes in the midfield. Moala and Ngatai's sole test appearance was in the game in Apia last year - Moala started on the left wing and Ngatai made a second half cameo in the midfield (replacing? Crotty, or SBW (or neither). </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Let's just say that both guys are inexperienced. Moala has more "in camp" experience, there you go. And Ngatai is not getting much experience this month because of his mushy swede.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I'm not salivating at the prospect of Moala being on the bench on Saturday but he seem the only choice if Fekitoa is out and Tamanivalu promoted to start. <br>
</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Provincial Stalwart" data-cid="590429" data-time="1466561990">
<div>
<p>Moala is marginally more experienced as an AB though Ngatai is the one with (minimal) minutes in the midfield. Moala and Ngatai's sole test appearance was in the game in Apia last year - Moala started on the left wing and Ngatai made a second half cameo in the midfield (replacing? Crotty, or SBW (or neither). </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Let's just say that both guys are inexperienced. Moala has more "in camp" experience, there you go. And Ngatai is not getting much experience this month because of his mushy swede.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I'm not salivating at the prospect of Moala being on the bench on Saturday but he seem the only choice if Fekitoa is out and Tamanivalu promoted to start. <br>
</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p>Not denying that, I guess Ngatai is just the more popular guy on the fern in particular but then again there are lots of Chiefs fans here.</p> -
<p>Moala actually played right wing in his test debut v Samoa - was matched up with marking Tuilagi and did a fine job, including a nicely taken try. He made the odd error but he had a much better game than say Julian Savea had in test match 1.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>While Ngatai has had limited AB experience, he does have more big-game experience than Moala, having played in Super Rugby playoffs/finals and is the captain of the NZ Maori.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Ngatai looks a lot more polished than Moala as a midfielder, his passing skills, vision, kicking game etc are all superior, so I think it is fair enough he is rated higher.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Having said that Moala's one test performance was good and he has been coming into form for the Blues as the season has progressed so I'd have no issues with him having to play on Saturday if required, and in fact would like to see him get a run, it's a good chance to see what he has got. </p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="MajorRage" data-cid="590366" data-time="1466553908">
<div>
<p>Naholo has this forum split 50/50, Savea is not looking himself, Dmac has never played for the ABs, so that leaves an injured guy, Dagg & Smith.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>Not quite 50-50</p>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.daimenhutchison.com/rugby/index.php/topic/42079-naholo-yay-or-nay/'>http://www.daimenhutchison.com/rugby/index.php/topic/42079-naholo-yay-or-nay/</a></p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="KiwiMurph" data-cid="590439" data-time="1466562964">
<div>
<p><strong>Moala actually played right wing in his test debut v Samoa - was matched up with marking Tuilagi and did a fine job, including a nicely taken try. He made the odd error but he had a much better game than say Julian Savea had in test match 1.</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>While Ngatai has had limited AB experience, he does have more big-game experience than Moala, having played in Super Rugby playoffs/finals and is the captain of the NZ Maori.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Ngatai looks a lot more polished than Moala as a midfielder, his passing skills, vision, kicking game etc are all superior, so I think it is fair enough he is rated higher.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Having said that Moala's one test performance was good and he has been coming into form for the Blues as the season has progressed so I'd have no issues with him having to play on Saturday if required, and in fact would like to see him get a run, it's a good chance to see what he has got. </p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>Yeah I guess his issue was that in playing there he had to compete with NMS and Naholo who did even better ( mind you that may have been an easier nut to crack than Nonu/Smith/SBW ).</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Either way a spot on the bench for someone that versatile wouldn't go amiss.</p> -
<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>
<p> </p>
<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>
<p> </p>
<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 Nonu was then a fraction of what he became. 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> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Frank" data-cid="590455" data-time="1466565099">
<div>
<p>Not quite 50-50</p>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.daimenhutchison.com/rugby/index.php/topic/42079-naholo-yay-or-nay/'>http://www.daimenhutchison.com/rugby/index.php/topic/42079-naholo-yay-or-nay/</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p>It was a bad question. There could be plenty of people who are fans of Naholo but who don't reckon he is up to All Black standard right now.</p> -
<p>plus, he asked me while i was at work. Dick move, i felt pressure. </p>
-
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="hydro11" data-cid="590470" data-time="1466568350">
<div>
<p>It was a bad question. There could be plenty of people who are fans of Naholo but who don't reckon he is up to All Black standard right now.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<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>
<p> </p>
<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>
<p> </p>
<p>Hopefully the team selection will see some talking points. Seriously, I really hope so.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Billy Tell" data-cid="590482" data-time="1466570383">
<div>
<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>
<p> </p>
<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>
<p> </p>
<p>Hopefully the team selection will see some talking points. Seriously, I really hope so.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<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">
<div>
<p>Moala has looked better at 13 for the Blues this season than he has at 12.</p>
<p> </p>
<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>
</div>
</blockquote>
<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">
<div>
<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>
<p> </p>
<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>
<p> </p>
<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>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<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.
-
<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>
<br>
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">
<div>
<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>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<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>
<p> </p>
<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>
<p> </p>
<p>Gethin Jenkins, Bradley Davies and Josh Turnbull injured and already flying home.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Roberts being monitored, but looks like he'll be ok.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Jake Ball and Gareth Anscombe available for selection</p>
<p> </p>
<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>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<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>
<br>
What if England was still sucking and was 2-0 down in their series, would you still be keen for that match?</p></blockquote>
<br>
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.
