only 1 Crusader - that is the inverse of an @ACT-Crusader backline.

@bones The Wallaroos have actually improved a lot in the last couple of years. They lost 67-3 to the Black Ferns at Eden Park before Bledisloe 3 in 2016. I believe their new Super W comp (Aussie Super rugby based female sides playing in a domestic comp) has helped.

@billy-tell said in Bledisloe II:

@shark said in Bledisloe II:

Plenty of people saw it in Nonu. The problem was he was a spare part from 2003 until after RWC 2007. As mentioned, he had serious competition for the 12 jersey when Mauger and McAlister were around - and prior to that, Tana also - but once he was given a few opportunities at 12 he flourished quickly and his game developed rapidly. I don't see that early level of flourishment or development in the 12 jersey at the top level in Laumape's game and therefore I don't see him kicking on.

What a load of crap. Laumape is only 2nd season Super Rugby if I’m not mistaken. Once again it’s flavour of the month to diss him. Tuipolotou and Saiili were extremely average ABs.

Laumape has just finished his 3rd season of Super Rugby.

@no-quarter Agreed but with Hooper captain and being paid so many $ they are forced into starting him.

@mariner4life said in Bledisloe II:

@antipodean said in Bledisloe II:

@mariner4life said in Bledisloe II:

How can they select a #8 when they are fully committed to the two opensides? And who is the #8 they can bring in?

Pick one open side - there's a good reason every other nation has done that for a century. Isi Naisarani or anyone else his size, throw in Jordan Smiler as a stopgap measure.

pffft hahaha

there is no way they aren't picking Saint David, his breakdown turnovers in their own 30 are the only thing keeping the score respectable. And the other one is the captain and highest paid player.

Not based off of Saturday's evidence.

@antipodean if included Arnold and Folau Fainga'a would help their lineout too.

I just had a look on YouTube. The Welcome to Country from the 3rd Bledisloe in Brisbane last year went for 70 seconds.

@african-monkey said in Auckland v Counties Manukau:

@kiwimurph Yes Sumo was moaning and moaning about it last year when he got the start against Canterbury last year, It was totally unnecessary from him.

I think Ieremia has it right with Plummer starting and having Kirkpatrick off the bench if things go wrong. It's good having Kirkpatrick in the squad.

I quite liked that he kept Plummer on the field when Kirkpatrick came on - that way there were 2 playmakers on the field.

One thing i've noticed about Plummer is his willingness to get involved in the tough stuff - he does not shirk it at all - which makes him a useful option at 12.

@Duluth Don't forget Tele'a as an option - he can cover midfield and wing. I'd like to see him get a chance in the 23 jersey ahead of Umaga.

Sitting through the Black Ferns v Wallaroos XVs game was an absolute treat compared to sitting through the 2018 Blues season.

@rancid-schnitzel said in Bledisloe I:

@kiwiinmelb said in Bledisloe I:

Welcome to country is an aboriginal tradition where an elder welcomes visitors to their land .

Doesn’t bother me , actually prefer it to that cheesy waltzing Matilda thing they used to do .

Not it isn't. It's a "tradition" invented in 1976. A
"tradition" that they charge good money for. But regardless, how is it relevant or appropriate for a rugby game?

And the All Blacks didn't perform a haka on home soil until 1987 wasn't it. And how relevant or appropriate is a haka for a rugby game?