@canefan Roger Moore was the James Bond I grew up watching in the 1980s so I was saddened to hear of his passing despite his age.

I read this on another forum.

Time for Paddy T to have a big game at home as the senior lock. I didn't think he imposed himself at all in game 1.

The irony is that MacDonald could take Umaga's position again and Mitchell and Deans have nothing to do with it this time.

@nzzp said in Ireland Vs All Blacks:

Ireland have been seriously good for some time. They should have beaten us in Christchurch a few years ago. They should have beaten us in Dublin in 13. They did beat us in Chicago.

That win in Chicago was the catalyst for this victory in Dublin. Ireland now has the belief they can win these games, and that is half the battle.

The disappointing thing from an AB perspective is that Ireland played exactly how everyone expected them to so Hansen and co should have had a game plan to counter that.

@number9

How can you talk about work rate and then want Tu'inukuafe in your starting XV?

@98blueandgold said in All Blacks Squad for France:

As Selectors pointed out its work rate and energy levels for Akira. ABs need the forwards to work, clean out rucks, link etc so backs can finish which is probably why Akira not chosen

Is "workrate and energy levels" a euphemism for masquerading on the wing ala Fifita?

I'm 2 days late reading this thread so I'll only make a few comments.

I was high up in the stands in the corner where Jordie scored so had a good view of the other chances at the same end of the ground. Both BB and Laumape could have also scored tries as they were in gaps but fumbled under some defensive pressure. But no excuses for Savea - that was a definite try if he had caught the bloody ball. As many have said, if we had taken 1 or 2 of those chances the ABs would be well ahead at HT and in control of the game, as the Lions were never going to score multiple tries.

The thing I was most pissed off about was that the officials let the Lions slow the game down all the time as not all the injuries seemed to be genuine. It was like watching a RL game when the support staff run onto the field at every opportunity. Read should have spoken to Poite about this too.

Now for something about the Lions tour in general. I picked my father up from the airport earlier in the day as he had been working in Europe and was going to the game with me. He travelled back to NZ via London and was sitting next to a guy who was flying into Auckland to attend the 3rd test and flying back to the UK the following day - that's dedication. And at the test there was a South African guy (wearing his Bok colours) next to me who also flew to NZ especially for the game. That is what makes these tours unique so long may they continue.

Entirely predictable, and disappointing.

Broughton's post-match comments about some playing having a chip on their shoulder and a point to prove over non-selection for the other U20 teams was on point. I wonder if Donnelly will select some Barbarian players that were snubbed?

Broughton also hasn't lost a game at this tournament over 2 years.

The changes in the Barbarians have certainly weakened their team, particularly TH prop and halfback, but they are hanging in there.

@Stargazer said in Blues U20 v Crusaders U20:

@Bovidae Matt Monaghan from the Hurricanes maybe? The Barbarians have some good locks, but I don't know how old they are.

I don't think Monaghan is that tall either. Similar to Craig and Beehre, for example. Hannah has some height but is a lightweight.

As to the Barbarian locks, Cahill is first year out of school so should have been in the Crusaders. You might remember him playing for Hamilton BHS last year but from Chch.

Sititi missed the first tackle on Bell when he scored, and then Brial missed Nichols in his try. All three starting Blues loose forwards played well. There is plenty of depth at no.8 and loose forward for Donnelly to select from.

I'm not sure which locks he will use apart from Holland. Some of them lack height.

@Kid-Chocolate That sounds like the Union tour. White brought a rock edge to the band as Bruford is more jazz/fusion.

@FakatavaFuture It will be a like a school reunion with so many Hamilton BHS players in both teams (3 starting for the Highlanders).

Sititi is much more prominent than Brial. Frans showed some pace too.

I will have to record this game as it's on at the same time as Chiefs-Drua.

I've just watched both episodes, but I won't spoil it. A nice little cameo in there too.

Where is Sam based now?