AB's v Samoa
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@Bovidae I think the front rowers should be in pretty reasonable nick. Razor hasn't been scared to run out Crockett/Funnell/Alaalatoa early in the second half in many games. Sam Whitelock would be the one who's played a lot of minutes - though he got that imposed rest at a good time so he's only had a four week run vs Chiefs/Rebels/Highlanders/Lions.
Pakman's team looks about right. I think Scott Barrett is a good bet as bench lock, since he definitely needs a run. Agree with Billy Tell, that Taylor might be under pressure from Harris after Saturday.
Dagg didn't look right to me in the second half vs Lions. If he's fit, he'll surely play, but I reckon that points to Jordie getting the bench spot. If he's not fit, maybe Ben Smith goes to the wing and Jordie gets the start and if that worked out OK that might even be what they went with in the first test!!!
They will be wanting the two fullbacks/high ball exponents.
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@Chris-B. in previous years we've gone into a test like this with what ended up being a very different lineup to the first big test.
A number of guys need some serious game time, but others will need a lighter workload to freshen up for three consecutive tests.
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@ACT-Crusader True - but, then they've released 6 guys to the Maori and Highlanders and Read, Coles, Crotty and Cruden are all unlikely to play in this game, so there's not too many variations can be made within the squad 33.
I can't see the point in playing Tu'ungafasi. Scott Barrett certainly needs the game time and I expect him to play here, but not in the first test. Sopoaga will need to back-up from the Highlanders game and one of Jordie or Laumape sits on the bench.
Pakman's team with my suggested variations would mean everyone getting a game this week except Ofa, Romano and Laumape - plus they'll need to dip into their stand-by pool for a loose-forward.
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@Stargazer nah, we are rumoured to be stronger at scrum time so he'll ping Samoa all night.
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@taniwharugby LOL, don't want that either. Just want a game that's entertaining and where the lead role is not played by the ref.
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@chimoaus said in AB's v Samoa:
Any idea when the team is named?
The team is:
1 Viliamu Afatia - Racing 92 - Vailoa Palauli/Salelavalu/Sapapali'i
2 Maatulimanu Leiataua - Bayonne - Manono/Safune
3 Census Johnston - Toulouse - Lalomanu/Falevao
4 Chris Vui -Worcester Warriors - Foaluga/Lano /Saasaai
5 Faatiga Lemalu - Saracens - Faleasiu/Lefaga
6 Piula Faasalele - Toulouse - Magiagi/Nofoalii
7 Jack Lam - Bristol - Gaitavai/Malie/Taga
8 Faifili Levave - Mitsubishi - Lalomanu/Fasito'o-Uta
9 Kahn Fotualii - Bath - Faleapuna
10 Tusiata Pisi - Bristol - Lefaga Safaatoa /Toamua
11 Tim Nanai Williams - Chiefs - Manono/Falelatai
12 Alapati Leiua - Wasps - Malie
13 Kieron Fonotia - Ospreys - Apia
14 Albert Nikoro - West Scarborough - Vaiala/Vaiusu
15 Ah See Tuala - Northampton Saints - Moamoa/Gaitavai16 Seilala Lam - Nevers - Gaitavai /Malie/Taga
17 Nephi Leatigaga - Piacenza - Saleloga/Siumu
18 Paul Alo-Emile - Stade Francais - LeulumoegaTuai/Fasito'o-Tai/Falefa
19 Taiasina Tuifua - Lyon - Lauli'i
20 Alafoti Faosiliva - Worcester Warriors - Afega/Tuana'i
21 Auvasa Falealii - Nevers - Letogo/Lefaga Gagaifo
22 D’Angelo Leuila - Papatoetoe - Gaitavai/Fagalii
23 Ken Pisi - Northampton Saints - Lefaga Safaatoa /Toamua -
holy shit, how old is Census Johnson?
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@mariner4life Levave must be getting on a bit too.
Bloody good backline.
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@Nepia said in AB's v Samoa:
@mariner4life Levave must be getting on a bit too.
Bloody good backline.
Three former Mako$ in that backline and another in the pack!
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Some serious pace for Samoa at 13.
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14 Albert Nikoro - West Scarborough - Vaiala/Vaiusu
A winger from west Scarborough? Not good enough to make the full Scarborough team?
I remember in the 95 World Cup, and it was quite amusing to see an unknown Auckland club rugby player like George Harder carving up against test opposition.
Somehow, I don't think this will be quite the same.
What League do they play in? Yorkshire?
That Samoa are calling up an amateur or semi-pro outside back from low level English club rugby is quite sad. -
@Rapido said in AB's v Samoa:
14 Albert Nikoro - West Scarborough - Vaiala/Vaiusu
A winger from west Scarborough? Not good enough to make the full Scarborough team?
I remember in the 95 World Cup, and it was quite amusing to see an unknown Auckland club rugby player like George Harder carving up against test opposition.
Somehow, I don't think this will be quite the same.
What League do they play in? Yorkshire?
That Samoa are calling up an amateur or semi-pro outside back from low level English club rugby is quite sad.Not really, Nikoro has been close to Super rugby standard in the past - maybe they think they can get him up to standard?
