All Blacks v France
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Not a fan of this selection. McKenzie is far and away the better ten, and Robertson is putting him in a position where he is likely to come on late and have to chase the game - then he's going to have to try things, mistakes will happen, and he will get rubbished as erratic. Once you've made the poor decision to start BB, then starting Roigard becomes a no-brainer. At least then we have someone who can kick accurately on the field.
I would have started Aumua, and just given him 40 minutes. He's earned it, and despite the big efforts last couple of weeks should have 40 minutes in him. Give the man some reward, we've seen how his performance grows with confidence.
Would have picked De Groot to start for this one too, although the props have been going well.
Finally they move Savea. About time, looking forward to seeing what he can do. Assume they will sub Finau for Lakai, and Sititi goes back to 6, Ardie back to 8.Everyone else picks themselves. Haven't seen much of the French lately, but don't have the same confidence I did vs the Irish - largely because of the 10 selection.
@reprobate I think BB would be fine if they gave him strict directives about how he was to play, but seems he has free licence to do what he wants (obviously needs a better balance between the game plan and playing what he sees in front of him) which is when the poor options and decision making come to the fore.
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Yeah I was pulling my hair out with the starting first five vs England.
Then DMac plays a blinder against Ireland.
The other thing that should be given a heavy weighting is the goal kicking.
I don't get it. -
Rather disappointed with the selection at 10, but happy elsewhere. We are playing in white against a team that needs early passion to fire up. Just not sure we can generate enough early threats to take the wind out of their sails.
I do hope they will use Finau on the sideline to challenge for some crosskicks.
Personally I see high level rugby using more attacking plays from league next year. E. G. High wide crosskicks to tall aerial specialists, pressuring defenders into error, grubbers into the in goal for a chaser, and 10 running crossfield to confuse defenders to cover both a switch and a long pass. Defences at test level are acting like league teams, so why not use league tactics to beat them. I do wonder if Ray is testing the waters in this area. -
Harsh on Aumua but this might go to Henry's stated belief that you can't play three hard games in a row.
Big fan of Finau and Sititi in their best position. Baffled by the choice of Savea at 7. A lot resting on Finau's shoulders here.
On face value it's harsh on DMac but they probably feel Beaudy's varied kicking sets up conditions for DMac to better exploit.
@antipodean said in All Blacks v France:
Harsh on Aumua but this might go to Henry's stated belief that you can't play three hard games in a row.
Big fan of Finau and Sititi in their best position. Baffled by the choice of Savea at 7. A lot resting on Finau's shoulders here.
On face value it's harsh on DMac but they probably feel Beaudy's varied kicking sets up conditions for DMac to better exploit.
Hmmm yeah don't like Savea at 7 either. He hasn't played there in years and a big difference between packing at 8 where he's scanning behind the defensive line looking to jackle, and at 7 where he's chasing ball and expected to be the first tackler.
Finau's gonna have to do a lot of extra dirty work and as much as I like Sititi playing as an 8 (his proper position), does he play more as a 6?
I'm very confused about the balance of the loose trio as I don't see Ardie Savea playing as a 7 the way Cane does.
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@antipodean said in All Blacks v France:
Harsh on Aumua but this might go to Henry's stated belief that you can't play three hard games in a row.
Big fan of Finau and Sititi in their best position. Baffled by the choice of Savea at 7. A lot resting on Finau's shoulders here.
On face value it's harsh on DMac but they probably feel Beaudy's varied kicking sets up conditions for DMac to better exploit.
Hmmm yeah don't like Savea at 7 either. He hasn't played there in years and a big difference between packing at 8 where he's scanning behind the defensive line looking to jackle, and at 7 where he's chasing ball and expected to be the first tackler.
Finau's gonna have to do a lot of extra dirty work and as much as I like Sititi playing as an 8 (his proper position), does he play more as a 6?
I'm very confused about the balance of the loose trio as I don't see Ardie Savea playing as a 7 the way Cane does.
@African-Monkey I think some people are finally going to notice the work Cane does by his absence. Because Ardie doesn't play anything like it.
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Apart from the injury enforced Reece for Telea that has to be our best backline, not superstars at the top of their game in all positions but the best backline we currently have. Aumua could rightly feel aggrieved to not be rewarded for his performance the last two games with the starting jersey but really isn't this a position where we are talking about two players who have both been playing outstandingly this season, unlike first five where we are not as strong as we sometimes have been and it seems everyone on here has their pet. With the cantabs still rooting for Mo'unga less than half the fern is ever happy.
Loose forward combo maybe not quite the best we could come up with but so hard to balance a trio with Savea in it, he has to be selected as one of the best we currently have but he's still not a 7 or an 8, Cane has been utilised superbly to balance this. Could be a glimpse of the future if Savea is subbed for Lakai... unlikely to be the plan though.
I thought it was hard to complain with the team from the available players the last two weeks and I would say the same this week. -
I’d probably start dmac right now for the reason alone he’s in a purple patch of form with his goalkicking
2 weeks in a row his boot has been a major factor in our wins
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I reckon NZ is going to win and going to win well. Not sure France has recovered from going out in the quarter finals of their home tournament and when you have players throwing toys out of the cot for making the bench that’s a bit of a signal. In saying that I haven’t followed the French team closely for form. Might be wrong in which case I’ll have to accept the shame…but nz by 15.
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Apart from the injury enforced Reece for Telea that has to be our best backline, not superstars at the top of their game in all positions but the best backline we currently have. Aumua could rightly feel aggrieved to not be rewarded for his performance the last two games with the starting jersey but really isn't this a position where we are talking about two players who have both been playing outstandingly this season, unlike first five where we are not as strong as we sometimes have been and it seems everyone on here has their pet. With the cantabs still rooting for Mo'unga less than half the fern is ever happy.
Loose forward combo maybe not quite the best we could come up with but so hard to balance a trio with Savea in it, he has to be selected as one of the best we currently have but he's still not a 7 or an 8, Cane has been utilised superbly to balance this. Could be a glimpse of the future if Savea is subbed for Lakai... unlikely to be the plan though.
I thought it was hard to complain with the team from the available players the last two weeks and I would say the same this week.@Runt said in All Blacks v France:
Loose forward combo maybe not quite the best we could come up with but so hard to balance a trio with Savea in it, he has to be selected as one of the best we currently have but he's still not a 7 or an 8, Cane has been utilised superbly to balance this. Could be a glimpse of the future if Savea is subbed for Lakai... unlikely to be the plan though.
I'd have a lot more faith in the coaching group if that transpired around the 50th minute mark.
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I reckon NZ is going to win and going to win well. Not sure France has recovered from going out in the quarter finals of their home tournament and when you have players throwing toys out of the cot for making the bench that’s a bit of a signal. In saying that I haven’t followed the French team closely for form. Might be wrong in which case I’ll have to accept the shame…but nz by 15.
@Billy-Tell said in All Blacks v France:
I reckon NZ is going to win and going to win well. Not sure France has recovered from going out in the quarter finals of their home tournament and when you have players throwing toys out of the cot for making the bench that’s a bit of a signal. In saying that I haven’t followed the French team closely for form. Might be wrong in which case I’ll have to accept the shame…but nz by 15.
What could be more French than them putting on a display with that internal turmoil?
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Can I just say, I fucking love how deliciously French it is to go on strike because you were put on thr bench.
Bien jouè
@mariner4life said in All Blacks v France:
Can I just say, I fucking love how deliciously French it is to go on strike because you were put on thr bench.
Bien jouè
Fuck this vingt trois hommes game idea!
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@ACT-Crusader said in All Blacks v France:
@Jet said in All Blacks v France:
@BerniesCorner said in All Blacks v France:
DMac starts in my book. DMac was great against Ireland.
I've been waiting years for Savea to play at 7Injury will once again be the Allblacks best selector. Savea is gonna get stuck in.
In other news all aboard the #Camwagon
Choo ChooCan’t wait to see DuPonts face when he realises that Daddy is home.
Why will it take a jersey number change for him to get stuck in?
I think you’re getting a bit carried away about Roigard.
Because he is fond of a highlight reel poach or two and now he has carte blanche to feed his gluttonous belly..
It will also free up Sititi to play his best position hence injury being the best selector albeit by proxy in this case.
The Camwagon is leaving the station mate. Jump on or be left on the platform with Victor Meldrew.
Choo Choo
@Jet said in All Blacks v France:
The Camwagon is leaving the station mate. Jump on or be left on the platform with Victor Meldrew.
Choo Choo
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Bloody hell, golden boy Beauden Barrett has had a pretty sweet ride over the last four years. Never sets the house on fire but seems to always squeeze himself in.
DMac should be starting after last week. Disappointing.
@Canes4life said in All Blacks v France:
Bloody hell, golden boy Beauden Barrett has had a pretty sweet ride over the last four years. Never sets the house on fire but seems to always squeeze himself in.
DMac should be starting after last week. Disappointing.
Beaudy will be the most capped All Black of all time at this rate!
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@African-Monkey I think some people are finally going to notice the work Cane does by his absence. Because Ardie doesn't play anything like it.
@antipodean
On the other hand this could be another 2004 Paree moment and I'll be there to witness it :beaming_face_with_smiling_eyes: -
DMac on at 55, BB to fullback. France to be totally flabbergasted by a pivot that is actually a pivot and can pass/kick accurately, combined with a fullback that actually looks to link with his support that they give up 30 points.
@Bones said in All Blacks v France:
DMac on at 55, BB to fullback. France to be totally flabbergasted by a pivot that is actually a pivot and can pass/kick accurately, combined with a fullback that actually looks to link with his support that they give up 30 points.
I'd prefer on at 41
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Apart from the injury enforced Reece for Telea that has to be our best backline, not superstars at the top of their game in all positions but the best backline we currently have. Aumua could rightly feel aggrieved to not be rewarded for his performance the last two games with the starting jersey but really isn't this a position where we are talking about two players who have both been playing outstandingly this season, unlike first five where we are not as strong as we sometimes have been and it seems everyone on here has their pet. With the cantabs still rooting for Mo'unga less than half the fern is ever happy.
Loose forward combo maybe not quite the best we could come up with but so hard to balance a trio with Savea in it, he has to be selected as one of the best we currently have but he's still not a 7 or an 8, Cane has been utilised superbly to balance this. Could be a glimpse of the future if Savea is subbed for Lakai... unlikely to be the plan though.
I thought it was hard to complain with the team from the available players the last two weeks and I would say the same this week.
