The Silver Fern

There were some terrible calls against the ABs. The posture of the ref against TJ at the beginning was strange, however we did get away with Cane staying on the field after the hit on Kolisi. At the end of the day we have to win even with crap calls, it’s still a loss and too much whinging won’t change the result. We don’t want to be victims, we must beat the team in front of us and if that include a refs dodgey calls then that’s what we have to do.

Patrick Tuipolotu needs to be in the end of year tour. He offers very good go forward (Ala the blues), and is a staunch defender. Even if you only play him 30-50 minutes he offers power against the big packs.

Interesting we have a couple of young loose forwards coming out of Auckland. Suafoa is a big lump and Che Clark is a real fast, good, offloading 6. (Just unsure of his defence). Both are genuine lineout options as Clark is 6’4 and Suafoa 6’5 There’s talent on the way atleast.

@JK how long do you persist with an injury prone player like Blackadder? If he has two more injuries in the space of year I’d be tempted to invest in someone else. I love his intensity in principle but now what are our 6 options. I’d rather have someone like Akira.

@pakman thinking back we had Jerome K and Kieran Read in our loose forwards mix who were able to mix it with big boys. Now it’s Ardie and Ethan Blackadder. I got no doubts Ardie is an explosive power athlete, it just feels like we lack balance and power in that loose forward mix. I guess this is a broken record.

@canefan there was talk he might be ready for the end of year tour which would be great. I kind of hope they take Sotutu to have a good look too. It would be good to see him tested in test footy.

@nostrildamus I notice South Africa hire former ref Jaco Piper. I still think in a 18 months we will be top 2, if not the best team. I think Ireland will fade and I just doubt that South Africa will be able to change their DNA in that time. Yes they might score a counter attacking try here and there but when the pressure goes on, they revert to type.

@canefan I wish Iose was bigger, cause he’s a good 8 too. Regarding Sotutu, his tackle stats, number of runs was down on Satitis, Jacobson and others but his try assists, try’s and line break assists were the best of the lot. He also provides a jumper at line out time, more size in maul defense. I think with an attacking ABs side he will add xfactor. You surround him with your hard workers.

@mariner4life I thought the team also started to improve when Jordie moved out of the 15. Too slow to be a major threat into the backline. Decent defensively though.

@Brandon very interesting that Victor Matfield while reflecting on their change to allow overseas players picked believed that it had increased their player pool by not only picking overseas players but also exposing younger players to senior rugby more quickly. He said it was a win win. I would be open to explore the rule which allowed 40 game All blacks the ability to go overseas and be picked after 40 games for the ABs.

@pakman this is 3 years ago, I would think he’s still capable of this when given some room. -

A bit left field but I think there’s an opportunity to really bolster the ABs pack by considering a grab at Nelson Asofa Solomona. He is a school boy rugby union star, would absolutely be able to handle the SA and any other big men in international rugby with ease, has amazing go forward, would just need to keep him under control. I would also seriously consider making a play for Kalyn Ponga. These two players are currently unsettled and would be superstars in the game both having played Union. Just a left field suggestion but well worth consideration.

Surely Sititi plays the role of an 8 with the exception of packing onto the side of the scrum. Biggest concern is lineout. A lot of pressure on our two smaller locks. It’s all in on the speed game obviously. We might win well or we could crash and burn badly this week. It doesn’t seem like good odds. I feel like Jacobsen could add some steal at the end.

@kiwiinmelb he’s 28 and apparently the Storm want to move on his contract. I would definitely back him for 4 more years. A lot to gain, the Bomb squad would struggle to control him. He would provide a power upgrade the ABs would not have seen for years. Then there’s Ponga who would revolutionise the backline & both have had dreams of playing for the ABs.

@brodean I have loved the Michael Jones and Ardie Savea type of 7s who are great runners. Richie was not as good but could do a job. Sam Cane in comparison was not good and seems a bit slow but he’s grown on me. He tackles well, and if he hits a heap of rucks then, I think he can do enough to contribute toward a good game for the team. Just don’t expect him to be a great runner.

I’m guessing they are hoping that if South Africa are looking to shut Ardies go forward down, then hopefully Satiti can provide another dynamic running game to split the defence.

@nzzp thanks bro, exactly what I meant.