@frank said in Crusaders v Highlanders (2 April 2021):

@pakman said in Crusaders v Highlanders (2 April 2021):

Couple of things I’ve not seen mentioned.

1. Highlander runners seemed for at least first 60 to back off/slow a tad/change line at last moment going into contact. Result was a bit like when a scrum fakes at hit. Oppo overbalanced and contact ineffective. Whatever it was it really threw Saders momentum at breakdown.

2. Clan seemed to target running one out and then angling back in behind ruck. Seemed that analysis may have identified space there, and good yards made.

Seemed also to result in Saders not getting the rub of the red and black, as per usual.

If I were Super coaches I’d be pouring over tape!

A bit of actual rugby analysis rather than endless moaning about the refereeing. Awesome stuff!!

Apologies for any inconvenience caused.

Pakman was at Dublin 1991, Ellis Park 1995, Twickenham 1999, Sydney 2003 and Cardiff 2007. He's watching on Sky.

Irish have no chance.

@Jaguares4real said in TRC: The All Blacks against the Springboks (version 98):

@Yeetyaah

You misinterpreted my post

Simply put Cane is more versatile as a player than Cane

ala Hooper is with Pocock

You've got me with that one.

Is Gamble eligible for ABs?

@Crucial said in All Blacks 2022:

@Tim said in All Blacks 2022:

@booboo Tu'ungufasi should be a big step up on last year's props. Hodgman at loose head, Taukei'aho at hooker. That should give us a big improvement over the first 50 minutes of last year's games - we'd lost the matches at that point against Ireland and France.

Even having Barrett available might prove a difference over the geriatric duo used on the last EOYT.

I like to see Newell get game time this year, maybe Norris too.

Opinions on Ross as a loose head? An all-rounder, but not particularly good at anything?

Chiefs scrum this year has been pretty awesome no matter who was starting. Considering that it has been a bit mix and match and the youth of the locks it shows some good performances from some under-rated and often maligned players.

Brumbies pumped them.

@Tim said in All Blacks 2022:

@booboo Tu'ungufasi should be a big step up on last year's props. Hodgman at loose head, Taukei'aho at hooker. That should give us a big improvement over the first 50 minutes of last year's games - we'd lost the matches at that point against Ireland and France.

Even having Barrett available might prove a difference over the geriatric duo used on the last EOYT.

I like to see Newell get game time this year, maybe Norris too.

Opinions on Ross as a loose head? An all-rounder, but not particularly good at anything?

At TH, Nepo and Ofa are baked in. Then a question of what wanted from third prop. If around the field versatility Angus T's the man. If scummaging, with Mafileo out it would be between Franks (!) or Newell, who certainly seems one for the future.

On LH much harder. Karl best scrummager, but signed for France. Hodgman superb around field/lineouts but not top level test standard in scrum. De Groot and Bower seem a bit in between. Ross seems good in scrum and pretty useful round field. Norris similar but strengths the other way around.

I'd be inclined to select Nepo at 3, to take some pressure off the starting LH (insert name). Ofa and Hodgman could be very useful off bench.

@Bones said in All Blacks 2022:

@pakman said in All Blacks 2022:

European Cup Semi’s Team of the Week. One Kiwi.

Well you say that, buuuuut.....

Good spot! Him and Maori Jesus would be pretty tasty midfield!

European Cup Semi’s Team of the Week. One Kiwi.

@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2022:

@antipodean said in All Blacks 2022:

@Crucial said in All Blacks 2022:

I’m a bit slow to pick up the news that CC did his hammy last night so I guess Reece will start.
I really don’t know who our 4th winger is although Goodhue on the bench could allow RI to cover wing.

Ennor could be fourth wing.

Isn't Bridge more experienced?

Well suited to Classic All Blacks.

The bizarre thing about goal line 22 rule, is that a player caught by a couple of oppo and doubtful to force the ball for a try is actually BETTER to pull himself BACKWARDS so as to stay in the field of play.

Seems totally perverse to me.

P.S. Doesn’t apply to Big Karl.

@MN5 said in Blues 2022:

@Duluth said in Blues 2022:

@muddyriver said in Blues 2022:

There can be huge differance in arm lengths

Chabal was a decent lock at 1.91 because his knuckles dragged on the ground

Tucker is moving bodies, winning lineouts, carrying well etc. If he does that against the Brumbies and then follows up in the knockouts he's a chance. His game is different than most our other lock options

Biggest fucken mitts I’ve ever seen on a Rugby player in the flesh. He woulda been a hell of a boxer with that reach……a teammate ( can’t remember who ) was quoted as saying he’s the only guy in the world who can scratch his ankles without bending over.

Wonderful singer too.

Feb 12, 2005  /  Sport

Rugby Union: Six Nations: Chabal eyes Charlie for breakfast

The awesome Sébastien Chabal is the pick of the seven Sale players on show at Twickenham today, says Michael Aylwin.

Lineout and scrum immediately improved with arrival of Nepo, Karl and Romero. Last named also gave Blues some good go forward.

Perofeta showed some excellent judgement, in particular with time up, declining to tackle when Ponies all over his outsides, and taking ball up well. Lovely delayed pass for BB try.

@Kirwan said in All Blacks 2022:

@No-Quarter said in All Blacks 2022:

Definitely liking the looks of Smith, Beauden, Clarke, RTS, Rieko, Jordan, Jordie at this stage

That’s my preference too.

Mine, too.