@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.

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.

@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.

@sparky said in Bledisoe #1:

@Bovidae Opps, I forgot about Matt Tood.

Easy mistake.

@Bones I saw that article. Isaac isn't a Kiwi anyway. He's from the Pacific Island of Tokoroa.

@Nepia said in [Poll] Next All Black Coach:

WTF! Mains was only 46 when he took over the ABs.

He always looked old didn't he.

CNI games are also postponed.

According to Coles some Canes players aren't 100% keen on playing this game.

@Tim said in North vs South:

XVs from Sky's Breakdown show:

There is a reason I seldom watch this show. Christie ahead of Hunt?

@Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders v Hurricanes:

Florence is an openside isn't he? interesting call, Hunt isn't on the list of guys i would sub

A 6 at schoolboy level but seems to have been converted into an openside.

I can't believe that van Wyk's hearing has taken so long.

@Stargazer Was Tupou in NZ before playing at Sacred Heart? I don't know.

I'm curious which Australian schoolboys have been poached by NZ.

Tiaan Tauakipulu went from NZ to Aust late last year.

@dogmeat I was listening to that last night too while trying to find a particular video with David Hungate on bass.

This will have to do...

Evans looks a good chance for a suspension too based on his tackle technique due to his height.

And listen to Richardson...