The Silver Fern

@donsteppa said in Crusaders v Hurricanes - SF:

DMac is there over Mo’unga because several NZ rugby journalists and the AB’s brains trust seem to be blindly in love with the razzle dazzle and “exciting risk taking” of DMac. Which is so amazing that we have to convert him to first five so he can cause even more damag... err... sorry... exciting plays.

Yeah, I’m still sulking about last week.

DMac is the RWC2019 Marc Ellis. There to beat up some minnow on a flat track. Please please please lets have BB and Mounga in the first choice 23 for the important games.

The professional rugby player Lions will probably run over this NZ barbarions team later in the game, but by fuck these lads should be proud of themselves no matter what happens.

He got replaced a couple of minutes ago but another good start from Laulala. With Franks injurred and Charlie gone it could have been a problem but Nepo has done awesomely well.

NZ Barbarians take a bow. Be proud. Kia Kaha.

Normally the score says who was the winner. This time it was wrong.

Gentlemen.

Haven't forumed on TSF for a year or two for various reason but popped in to say that I'm really enjoying this Cant versus NH game. Its like the old days!!

I think the ABs are trying to change their style/game plan based on where they think the rules/interpretations of rules are currently at in order to really hit their straps in 2019.

I think what I saw yesterday was the ABs lowering their point of impact in tackles for example. A lot more "ankle cutters" or waist high hits, rather than the previous chest high attempt at a dominant tackle. This means the opposition will get dropped but will have the chance to off load/recycle but also means less chance of an AB YC/RC from a poor (or slipped up) tackle. This may mean that while we continue to expect both backs and forwards to be able to play the jackal, we have to rethink the openside role again....but I think Cane would adapt if necessary, just like McCaw adapted to a changing role over time.

I think also the ABs think pace/elusiveness is the answer to a new style of game and this smothering rush defense but have yet to figure out the rest of what that game means. Their non-injury/retirement/off-to-Europe-to-earn-big-euro forced picks kinda suggest this. DMac brings elusiveness. Reiko brings pace.

The problem is that when trying to find a new style game, shit happens, players get selected that might remind you of Ben Blair style midgets but I guess its good they are trying to move the game forward while everyone else (looking at you England) tries to be what the ABs used to be.

SCOTT OF THE BARRETTS!!!!

@tim said in Highlanders vs. Hurricanes:

@dingo Dropped the ball from set piece attacks like the Blues.

Gnawing fingernails down to the bone is occasionally more enjoyable than watching 'canes play when they are in dumb/stupid shit mode.

Dane Coles. New Zealand's best winger.

Is it just me being a 'canes support and all, but do Hanson's big calls in bringing back Jules, and starting Laumape and Jordie seem like pretty good calls at half time?

@nostrildamus said in All Blacks vs Boks:

Do the Barretts have any children? Might as well get the next 20 years of AB selection sorted out early..

If you thought about it, McCaw plus hockey chick are married now so can start knocking out sprogs for Barrett offspring to marry.

@kiwimurph said in Crusaders v Hurricanes - SF:

So why is DMac in the AB matchday 23 and Mounga not?

You'd think the BB/Mounga combination (with BB dropping back to 15) would be better than the BB/DMac combination too.

Apple?

iBlacks?

Be nice if the ref was consistent. Ireland have been using the blockers in front of the kick off receiver as well.

@no-quarter said in Hurricanes v Reds:

I think the ref is getting confused. Once Umaga-Jensen touches the ball he's fair game to be tackled while trying to regather.

By the laws today that should have been a penalty and a card.

TJP talked the ref out of the YC and into looking at the replay. Well done him.

If the Hurricanes played like this against any NZ team (apart from the Blues of course) they'd get dicked.

@canefan said in Crusaders v Hurricanes - SF:

@dingo said in Crusaders v Hurricanes - SF:

@kiwimurph said in Crusaders v Hurricanes - SF:

So why is DMac in the AB matchday 23 and Mounga not?

You'd think the BB/Mounga combination (with BB dropping back to 15) would be better than the BB/DMac combination too.

This is a great point. I think that combo gives us more options and provides potentially better security if BB is crocked

I agree but maybe only because of seeing Mounga in this Super season. He seems to be both the better injury replacement for BB if that happens, but also a pretty good impact replacement if BB drops back to 15 (with a reshuffle in back three depending on who is playing well). Just seems to give more positive options than DMac.

I like Nigel Owens. No fucking around. Penalty to Oz on half way. You got to respect that.

I'm thinking the ABs have gamed this and are relying on the locks ability to play 80. I think they'll sub a back for Ardie with 25-30 mins to go.

@Tim said in All Blacks vs Boks:

SBW has had a bloody good game so far. Very strong and direct taking it up.

Interesting isn't it. He has only done the one off load and that was after in contact versus his normal offload every time. SBW being prepared to take contact has meant BB has been able to loop around more and looking to be the overlap I think.