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    AB's v Samoa

    Rugby Matches
    allblacks samoa
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    • westcoastie
      westcoastie last edited by Duluth

      Anyone needing a rest might just get one so a few off selections me thinks, plus the need to play those coming back from injury
      1 Ofa
      2 Taylor
      3 Faumuina
      4 Whitelock
      5 Romano
      6 Scotty B.
      7 Cane/Savea
      8 Read/Squire
      9 TJP
      10 Beaudy
      11 Savea
      12 SBW
      13 ALB (expecting Crotty for Test #1)
      14 Dagg
      15 Jordie
      16 Harris
      one of Crockett/Moody/Franks to miss
      19 Savea/Cane
      20 Romano
      21 A.Smith
      22 Cruden
      23 Laumape

      Am I correct, Sopoaga & Naholo off with the Highlanders
      TKB, Ioane Bros off with the Maori tean...

      1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
      • booboo
        booboo last edited by

        What will lose us this match is the misuse of apostrophes.... grr ...

        pukunui 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 2
        • pukunui
          pukunui @booboo last edited by pukunui

          @booboo said in AB's v Samoa:

          What will lose us this match is the misuse of apostrophes.... grr ...

          And playing Romano both in the starting side and off the bench.

          Is BBBR confirmed out of this one? Sam Whitelock has had a lot of minutes already this season.

          booboo 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
          • booboo
            booboo @pukunui last edited by

            @pukunui two Romanos and no Romero ...

            1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 4
            • ACT Crusader
              ACT Crusader last edited by

              Can't have Moody and Crockett on the bench. I'd select,

              1 Crockett
              3 Faumuina
              17 Moody
              18 Tu'ungafasi

              1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
              • Bovidae
                Bovidae last edited by

                Squire is out until the 2nd test according to that article so he's not going to be playing. Read and Cruden are unavailable too.

                They'll go with (6) Kaino, (7) Cane and (8) Savea. Unless they use Fifita for this test they are a loose forward short.

                Rest Franks and Whitelock. BFA at fullback and give BB and Sopoaga time at 1st 5.

                1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                • Chris B.
                  Chris B. last edited by

                  Isn't the point of this game to give the ABs team a warm-up, so that we're not going up against the Lions cold?

                  If that's the case, I can't see much point in starting anything but the closest we can to the XV we plan to use against the Lions.

                  Bovidae 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 6
                  • P
                    pakman last edited by

                    Agree they'll want Lions starters to get some gametime. So:

                    Moody/Taylor/Franks
                    BBBR/Sam W
                    Cane/Kaino/Savea
                    Smith/BB
                    SBW/ALB
                    Bus/Dagg/Benda

                    50;50 call between Dagg and Naholo, albeit I'd be wanting a strong fielder of the high ball and thus take the former.

                    Bench much more interesting. Expect some high mileage blokes to get a rest:

                    Crockett/Harris/Charlie
                    Romero/Fifita
                    TJP/Sopoaga
                    Laumape

                    It seems to me that Fifta logically ought to be in mix as we have three sevens in extended squad. I also think they'll want to give BB/Laumape a run. If back three hurt BB to 15 and Peru to 10. Could make a case that Barrett (S) needs game time more than Romero.

                    1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                    • Billy Tell
                      Billy Tell last edited by

                      I reckon Harris might get the starting hooker role. Taylor strikes me as better impact off the bench and he won't be entirely happy with his game for the Crusaders vs the lions either.

                      1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
                      • Bovidae
                        Bovidae @Chris B. last edited by

                        @Chris-B. said in AB's v Samoa:

                        Isn't the point of this game to give the ABs team a warm-up, so that we're not going up against the Lions cold?

                        If that's the case, I can't see much point in starting anything but the closest we can to the XV we plan to use against the Lions.

                        I'd agree with that but I think you would want to limit the minutes of some of the Crusaders tight forwards in this game. If you include the Highlanders game, they will be playing 5 big games in as many weeks.

                        Chris B. 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                        • Chris B.
                          Chris B. @Bovidae last edited by

                          @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.

                          ACT Crusader 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                          • ACT Crusader
                            ACT Crusader @Chris B. last edited by

                            @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.

                            Chris B. 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                            • Chris B.
                              Chris B. @ACT Crusader last edited by

                              @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.

                              1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                              • P
                                pakman last edited by

                                Realise I missed that Naholo playing for Clan. UK press full of Warburton saying he doubts he'll make first test and would not expect to start Maori match.

                                1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                • Stargazer
                                  Stargazer last edited by

                                  I hope that Raynal is not going to ruin this game, too.

                                  alt text

                                  taniwharugby 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                  • taniwharugby
                                    taniwharugby @Stargazer last edited by

                                    @Stargazer nah, we are rumoured to be stronger at scrum time so he'll ping Samoa all night.

                                    Stargazer 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                    • Stargazer
                                      Stargazer @taniwharugby last edited by

                                      @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.

                                      1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                      • chimoaus
                                        chimoaus last edited by

                                        Any idea when the team is named?

                                        mimic 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
                                        • mimic
                                          mimic @chimoaus last edited by

                                          @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/Gaitavai

                                          16 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

                                          Stargazer 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
                                          • mariner4life
                                            mariner4life last edited by

                                            holy shit, how old is Census Johnson?

                                            Nepia 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 2
                                            • Nepia
                                              Nepia @mariner4life last edited by

                                              @mariner4life Levave must be getting on a bit too.

                                              Bloody good backline.

                                              Chris B. 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                              • Chris B.
                                                Chris B. @Nepia last edited by

                                                @Nepia said in AB's v Samoa:

                                                @mariner4life Levave must be getting on a bit too.

                                                Bloody good backline.

                                                Three former Makos in that backline and another in the pack! đŸ™‚

                                                1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                                • chimoaus
                                                  chimoaus last edited by

                                                  Interesting to see the dominance of European based players. Sign of the times I guess in regards to earning potential.

                                                  booboo mimic Stargazer 3 Replies Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                                  • booboo
                                                    booboo @chimoaus last edited by

                                                    @chimoaus

                                                    I found this amusing:

                                                    22 D’Angelo Leuila - Papatoetoe - Gaitavai/Fagalii

                                                    chimoaus Dice 2 Replies Last reply Reply Quote 1
                                                    • Tim
                                                      Tim last edited by

                                                      He's also in the Blues dev squad.

                                                      1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                                      • chimoaus
                                                        chimoaus @booboo last edited by

                                                        @booboo said in AB's v Samoa:

                                                        @chimoaus

                                                        I found this amusing:

                                                        22 D’Angelo Leuila - Papatoetoe - Gaitavai/Fagalii

                                                        Used to stay with an uncle from that suburb, he may have played for that well known team.

                                                        1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                                        • Billy Tell
                                                          Billy Tell last edited by

                                                          Some serious pace for Samoa at 13.

                                                          1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 2
                                                          • Rapido
                                                            Rapido last edited by

                                                            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.

                                                            Nepia 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                                            • Nepia
                                                              Nepia @Rapido last edited by

                                                              @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?

                                                              1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                                              • Bovidae
                                                                Bovidae last edited by

                                                                Nikoro has bounced around a lot - Auckland, Tasman, Waikato, Perth and now in the UK. I'm probably missing other stops.

                                                                1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                                                • Dice
                                                                  Dice last edited by

                                                                  The Samoan back 3 would look a lot better with Melani Nanai and Matt Duffie in there instead of Tuala and Nikoro.

                                                                  Tim 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 2
                                                                  • Dice
                                                                    Dice @booboo last edited by

                                                                    @booboo said in AB's v Samoa:

                                                                    @chimoaus

                                                                    I found this amusing:

                                                                    22 D’Angelo Leuila - Papatoetoe - Gaitavai/Fagalii

                                                                    Could be worse, he could have Eden in there instead. đŸ™‚

                                                                    booboo 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
                                                                    • Wurzel
                                                                      Wurzel last edited by

                                                                      West Scarborough play int the West Australian Premiership; ideal prep for taking on the All Blacks

                                                                      Rapido 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                                                      • Tim
                                                                        Tim @Dice last edited by

                                                                        @Dice said in AB's v Samoa:

                                                                        Matt Duffie

                                                                        I thought he was a safe white boy?

                                                                        Dice 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
                                                                        • Rapido
                                                                          Rapido @Wurzel last edited by

                                                                          @Wurzel said in AB's v Samoa:

                                                                          West Scarborough play int the West Australian Premiership; ideal prep for taking on the All Blacks

                                                                          Oh, wow.

                                                                          WA club rugby? Not Yorkshire club rugby.

                                                                          Well, suppose he's conditioned to hard grounds then rather than a playing on cold Tuesday night v Grimsby etc ......

                                                                          1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                                                          • booboo
                                                                            booboo @Dice last edited by

                                                                            @Dice said in AB's v Samoa:

                                                                            @booboo said in AB's v Samoa:

                                                                            @chimoaus

                                                                            I found this amusing:

                                                                            22 D’Angelo Leuila - Papatoetoe - Gaitavai/Fagalii

                                                                            Could be worse, he could have Eden in there instead. đŸ™‚

                                                                            That would be funny.

                                                                            1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                                                            • pukunui
                                                                              pukunui last edited by

                                                                              I take it they aren't naming the team today. Maybe they are pulling a Cheika and delaying the final team naming to rattle the opposition.

                                                                              1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
                                                                              • Dice
                                                                                Dice @Tim last edited by

                                                                                @Tim said in AB's v Samoa:

                                                                                @Dice said in AB's v Samoa:

                                                                                Matt Duffie

                                                                                I thought he was a safe white boy?

                                                                                Seeing this team actually reminded me that he's eligible for Samoa. I remember seeing his name in a wider team list for the Samoan league team a number of years ago.

                                                                                Wurzel 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
                                                                                • Wurzel
                                                                                  Wurzel @Dice last edited by

                                                                                  @Dice said in AB's v Samoa:

                                                                                  @Tim said in AB's v Samoa:

                                                                                  @Dice said in AB's v Samoa:

                                                                                  Matt Duffie

                                                                                  I thought he was a safe white boy?

                                                                                  Seeing this team actually reminded me that he's eligible for Samoa. I remember seeing his name in a wider team list for the Samoan league team a number of years ago.

                                                                                  That's Rugby League, though - you only have to visit the Otara Markets to be eligible for the Samoan league team.

                                                                                  1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 6
                                                                                  • mimic
                                                                                    mimic @chimoaus last edited by

                                                                                    @chimoaus said in AB's v Samoa:

                                                                                    Interesting to see the dominance of European based players. Sign of the times I guess in regards to earning potential.

                                                                                    Looking at the starting XV, everyone played rugby in NZ except for Viliamu Afatia who I don't know about... I guess some could argue that Jack Lam grew up Austalian..
                                                                                    But yes, very hard to pick a player from a super rugby team, as it would give them a pay cut... And let's be honest, most of the young guys still in NZ will try to be All Blacks first, and it's not until they hit their 30s and realise it's not possible, do they move on...
                                                                                    Most who realise that they can't crack the ABs will move overseas as some earn more than super rugby players... It's ridiculous

                                                                                    Also, Matt Duffie is of Samoan descent.

                                                                                    1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
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