RWC: All Blacks v South Africa (Pool B)
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@No-Quarter said in RWC All Blacks v South Africa:
Man Rieko left right out, that's a pretty significant fall from grace even when you consider his minor injury.
Goodhue's the other that's fallen out of favour. Prior to his injury I would have thought he was the lock in the midfield with the other 4 contenders jockeying to be his partner. Not that I have a problem with the combo chosen.
I still don't like Reece in the team but then I railed against MacKenzie's selection right up until he got injured and we missed him. Long after I secretly knew he was quite good.
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@pukunui said in RWC All Blacks v South Africa:
Decent team. A few surprises.
Still don’t think dropping the world best winger is a good idea. Lets hope Reece and ridge can live up to the hype. Will be interesting to see how Reece copes under the high ball.
Isn't it amazing how just one letter can completely change a team?
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@dogmeat said in RWC All Blacks v South Africa:
Goodhue's the other that's fallen out of favour.
not so sure, Goodhue has only played what, 9 tests? SO while he has appeared tha heir apparent for the past 2 years, he has played buggar all.
I expect they prefer ALB who is a bit more explosive going forward
If it was a final rather than a pool match I wonder if this side would be much different against same opposition?
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@sparky said in RWC All Blacks v South Africa:
An error not to pick Reiko Ioane IMHO. Great try scoring record against the Boks.
I agree, but maybe his calf injury is playing up still? Someone is claiming that on PR.
I still think there was too much luck involved for Bridge and Reece - if they'd been selected for the Perth game things might not be going so well for them ... and likely little to do with them too.
Anyway, we know that Hansen likes to take a punt on "unknown" wings - he did the same at the last RWC.
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@Bones I'd prefer Frizell off the bench too against this mob. We need size against these guys and we have that coming off the bench with Patty and Frizell there.
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@African-Monkey said in RWC All Blacks v South Africa:
@Bones I'd prefer Frizell off the bench too against this mob. We need size against these guys and we have that coming off the bench with Patty and Frizell there.
I reckon we get a bit too carried away with the size thing. Frizell's running game will be very handy in the final quarter, he runs good lines and is great at finding holes. I'd say he'll replace Cane.
I like Tuipulotu off the bench, I think it really suits him - I get the feeling he's got a good rugby mind so a bit like Weepu used to he uses what he's seen to his benefit. Plus my overriding impression/memory of him is coming off the bench and stealing a lineout.
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@Bovidae and while it is a running joke, I do genuinely think we were keeping our powder dry up until Bled 2, where we had little choice but to roll out some big changes that we were hoping to hold off until RWC.
Thats not to say the Bokke wont have improved either and not have been holding back themselves.
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@Bones Yes I see Frizell coming on for Cane too. I see the thinking with Todd there but personally prefer having the bigger man on the bench.
Tuipulotu is a very good bench option, always has been. It virtually been that last test against the Aussies where he showed what he's capable of. I prefer him over Scott Barrett in most aspects but Barrett is probably slightly more reliable come lineout time so yeah, can see why Barrett is starting. Happy to see Patty come on with 20-25 to go though.
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@taniwharugby said in RWC All Blacks v South Africa:
@Bovidae and while it is a running joke, I do genuinely think we were keeping our powder dry up until Bled 2, where we had little choice but to roll out some big changes that we were hoping to hold off until RWC.
Agreed, but like @Nepia I don't think Bridge and Reece were their first-choice wingers at the start of the RC. Circumstances, form and taking their opportunities have meant the plans have changed. I was fully expecting Hansen to be more conservative and start BFA in this game.
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@Bovidae yeah the Bridge/Reece thing is surprising given the quality of ball they got vs the Perth backs.
I was more meaning the dual pivots and showing a bit of our hand that was forced on us after the Perth debacle.
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@Bones said in RWC All Blacks v South Africa:
@pukunui said in RWC All Blacks v South Africa:
Decent team. A few surprises.
Still don’t think dropping the world best winger is a good idea. Lets hope Reece and ridge can live up to the hype. Will be interesting to see how Reece copes under the high ball.
Isn't it amazing how just one letter can completely change a team?
Sorry, Breece and Ridge.
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@Chris-B said in RWC All Blacks v South Africa:
Radiosport played a clip from the press conference saying that Matt Todd has a shoulder injury - could have played in a knock out match, but they're not risking him for this.
Yeah yeah, sure he did.
Only the first game and Frizell already gets his chance to start tearing it up. Who would've thought? 😁
