All Blacks vs Tonga

rotated

Looking back, the seeds of failure were sown when Wayne Smith was removed.

I don't know if I'd fully go along with that. The turnover of players between 2001 and 2003 was a big, if not the biggest factor for the uptick in fortunes. Smith may not have made the wholesale changes needed, especially after investing 1.5 years into some of the guys.

While I definitely put 1991 and 1999 in the category of RWCs where the goose was cooked a year out, I honestly think with a little bit of leadership and some awareness they could have avoided the semi final loss and solved whatever problems were there on the back of a napkin the night before.

Stargazer

Forgot the early start of the NZ Baabaas Legends v Pacific Legends game, so missed the first 10 minutes. Who scored the try?

Dice

@Stargazer Koonwaiyou scored the first try, not sure who scored the second.

Dice

This game has been pretty decent. These guys haven't lost any skills at all.

taniwharugby

@Dice I played golden oldies with a few ex super players last year, and yea these guys don't lose the skills.

Ref pretty lax on some rules

ACT Crusader

Love the yellow card fake - pull the hanky out

ACT Crusader

Rua Tipoki still with the quick feet

Dice

This ref has been too whistle happy.

Dice

We had a wall move sighting. Didn't work, but it was still beautiful.

ACT Crusader

@Dice said in All Blacks vs Tonga:

This ref has been too whistle happy.

I think he was okay. Some pretty blatant stuff out there and I thought he tried to let it flow as much as possible.

kiwiinmelb

That was a bit of fun , some nice ball handling skills even if the legs have deserted them .

Rembrandt

Really enjoyed that. Terrific idea and cause.

canefan

How cool is afternoon test rugby? It's like welcoming back an old friend

Nepia

Is there a reason for the blue and orange (tape?) boots?

canefan

@Nepia said in All Blacks vs Tonga:

Is there a reason for the blue and orange (tape?) boots?

Are they the RWC issue boots?

Nepia

@canefan said in All Blacks vs Tonga:

@Nepia said in All Blacks vs Tonga:

Is there a reason for the blue and orange (tape?) boots?

Are they the RWC issue boots?

Mental health awareness maybe?

No Quarter

Backline moves carving them up so far

Nepia

@No-Quarter said in All Blacks vs Tonga:

Backline moves carving them up so far

Reiko would have scored there. :face_savouring_delicious_food:

No Quarter

@Nepia said in All Blacks vs Tonga:

@No-Quarter said in All Blacks vs Tonga:

Backline moves carving them up so far

Reiko would have scored there. :face_savouring_delicious_food:

I got excited when 11 got the ball thinking Rieko was in space

Nepia

Reece in for a try.

The Silver Fern

All Blacks vs Tonga