@Nevorian said in World Cup all time AB team:

I don't know what we had at First Five in 2011, but he sure saved our skins

Carter has to be in front for the 10 jersey for his work in 2015 (and the sublime lines he carved in 2003)

@ACT-Crusader said in Hansen needs his head read:

England are usually my no.2 team when it comes to RWC’s anyway, but they are so temperamental as a side that other than 03 I have never thought they were an actual chance to win.

the more I think about it, the harder this RWC looks to win for any team. Looking like three really tough matches for most people, and they will be tight, uncompromising efforts. Whoever falls over the line will have damn well earned it I reckon

@sparky great contenders. Outstanding talent there, and very varied

@booboo said in Aura watch:

@pakman said in Aura watch:

@rotated said in Aura watch:

@No-Quarter said in Aura watch:

I know they're a real threat but I can't take Wales completely seriously at the moment, they've still got a big mental hurdle to overcome.

A lot will depend on how the tournament breaks in terms of QF/SF match ups.

In the abstract I can see Wales/Ireland winning the RWC, but the reality of winning three weeks in a row with the mental swings that happen is another thing. Like we saw in 2011 with the ABs the relief/achievement of making the final finally can be mentally hard to back up from,and we have seen that in all sports thus the old 'you have to lose one to win one' adage.

Even more challenging for Ireland would mentally need to back up from beating NZ/SA before a prospective SF.

Oz need to beat Wales, England/France, NZ/Ireland/SA AND then win final!

Ouch

yeah ... IReland will get NZ/SA, Probably Australia (or whoever beats them), and then the final. Basically there's no easy route this time around. NZ might have the easiest QF if we get Scotland - but the other 5-6 teams that are really competitive will be playing off. Quarters wlil be a weekend of superb rugby ... may book the Monday off already

@DrivingMaul said in RWC squad. Who's in, who's out?:

@nzzp More likely 11 Bridge, 14 Smith, 15 Barrett

I can clearly tell you're English

There's a clear preference the coaches have (and that I agree with in principle) for a power winger along with a couple of fullback-style players. Playing three fullback type players isn't going to happen in a big game ... it'd be Rieko (most likely) or Reece (remote possibliity) as the power wing

@Billy-Webb said in Hansen needs his head read:

Reckon it is a stretch for the other teams - but not discounting that they will cause one or two upsets.

It's always the same. A decent forward pack that shows up and gets physical will have you in the game. Backs help, but anyone who can front physically will be competitive.

Doing it three weeks ina row, however, is more difficult

@DrivingMaul said in RWC squad. Who's in, who's out?:

The back 3 choices were really thrown up in the air!

I think the right wing could easily be Bridge

I think they'll look at 11 Ioane, 14 Bridge, 15 Smith...

I'm exercising my selfish privilege - anyone who plays us regularly and promotes our competitions.

Therefore, of the major nations in order I'd prefer:
SA
Arg
Aus

daylight

France
Including Scotland here so @MN5 doesn't get too wound up
Wales
Ireland
England

@DMX said in MOTM vs Australia, Bledisloe II 2019:

I take it that an Aussie voted for Coles!

nah that was me with a fat fingered stupid click. Still thinking of last week.

If I had my votes again would definitely go Smith/SBW/Reado

@cgrant said in 2020 All Blacks Squad:

With Reece and Bridge probably securing a seat for Japan, and with the likes of Leicester Fainganuuku and Will Jordan looming, the All Blacks will have plenty of options in the wings. That is why I'd like Rieko Ioane to become a centre as Goodhue will likely play most of his games for the Crusaders next year as a 2nd five in order to let the 13 jersey to Ennor. A backline like this one could be deadly : B. Barrett - Reece - Ioane - Goodhue (or ALB) - Bridge - Mounga.

You're already on the Blues coaching staff, Tana

Edit: but seriously, it's possible in the future. Short term I think we just let him concentrate on getting back to being the best winger in the world