@bones said in Ireland Vs All Blacks:

@nta the first scrum penalty against us looked wrong I thought. ABs all pushing straight and remaining that way, with Ireland shearing off towards their loosehead side.

It happens a fair bit - refs are often happy to go with "team moving forward" in this cases.

The only way to combat it: shear back.

Just watched the last few minutes again.

Matt Todd should have started.

@nzzp the Irish turned down easy kickable penalties in the first half to go for the line. They were extremely confident in their defence stopping the ABs at the line, or chasing down any breaks the ABs made. Their set piece was working - though their scrum wasn't as dominant as everyone thinks - besides a couple of early shoves where Karl got stood up, the ABs held their own.

Good game from both sides overall. Early discipline issues from the ABs probably gave Ireland a leg-up and they're good at controlling a game, tho they nearly lost it in that 50-65 minute mark.

Also in this initial period, there was a bit of disjointedness with AB ruck work - ball being placed at A Smith's feet while he's still busy organising the next play. The last man into the ruck wasn't covering up properly, and it wasn't always because he needed to clean out.

Barnes was interesting in that he got a lot of calls right, but the big ones he fell down on: 24th minute could have easily yellow carded Whitelock for being offisde, off his feet, knocking the ball down.

Similarly the first Irish try, the steal from POM that gave them lineout position upfield was clearly illegal. Also a yellow card should have been given to Kearney for his tackle in the air.

Savea should have been done multiple times in the second half for not being on his feet at ruck time, but Wayne had put the whistle away by then and let the players sort it out.

AB reserves added a bit of spice I thought, mostly on defence, but they'd been left too much to do.

Overall I think the ABs were just a little bit off, but also there were none of those bounce-of-the-ball plays that often follow a team who are playing well. Ireland have got a bunch of big boppers with good handling, and a back line that knows how to defend, get back to its feet, and play for each other, and know each other's game well.

The parallels between this Irish team and the ABs under McCaw are obvious: a core of players who have been around for a long time, supplemented by young roosters and a controlling 10. The only thing missing was Conor Murray who I'd say would have made Ireland's job even easier.

Cheers mate. Will give it a look

Last few weeks have been a bit fucked. Covered some km walking but not much running due to lurgee.

Anyway jumped on the scales for a laugh and was 96.9kg which is alright.

I guess from this point I'll just be smart about the lifestyle, go back and see the doc, and see where the next step takes me on the cholesterol/heart thing

@mariner4life said in Italy v Australia:

They just desperately need a win don't they? Which they'll get, because Italy are shit.

Never underestimate our ability to play at the opponent's level, when that opponent is shit.

@booboo said in Italy v Australia:

Stop for a second and imagine the consequence of a Wallaby loss.

Already contemplated weeks ago.

In any case: Foley at 12 is a head scratcher.

@mariner4life said in Womens RWC 2021 -NZ to host:

I almost miss the days when you guys had a bit of backbone.

Almost.

Agent Robbie is probably the greatest saboteur the world has ever known.

Agent Raelene is carrying on the legacy brilliantly.

Might be a reason to get back to NZ in 2021.