@Crucial said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):

@Bones said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):

@Crucial why not JB?

Because I think Ben Smith will start at 15. He is more important to have time under the belt and confidence. JB will come on from the bench.

I can see Barrett starting right wing against Namibia. There is no compelling reason to play Reece or Bridge on short rest.

Whoever is the 3rd 10 will likely get at least a 20 minute stint there at some point - could be Jordie too.

Centre combo is the interesting one. They want to give everyone a run, but they've been doing that for four years, its about time the chosen two settled down and developed a combo for at least 2 of the next 3 games.

@rotated said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):

@Crucial said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):

@Bones said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):

@Crucial why not JB?

Because I think Ben Smith will start at 15. He is more important to have time under the belt and confidence. JB will come on from the bench.

I can see Barrett starting right wing against Namibia. There is no compelling reason to play Reece or Bridge on short rest.

Whoever is the 3rd 10 will likely get at least a 20 minute stint there at some point - could be Jordie too.

Centre combo is the interesting one. They want to give everyone a run, but they've been doing that for four years, its about time the chosen two settled down and developed a combo for at least 2 of the next 3 games.

For this game I think the aim will be to start SBW and Goodhue with the aim of them getting up to speed. Crotty is the obvious reserve but he could also sub the 10 and have someone like JB go into 12.

For backs I’m thinking something like

TJP
Mounga
Rieko
SBW
Goodhue
Reece/JB
Bender

Weber
Crotty
JB/BB

@Crucial said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):

@rotated said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):

@Crucial said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):

@Bones said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):

@Crucial why not JB?

Because I think Ben Smith will start at 15. He is more important to have time under the belt and confidence. JB will come on from the bench.

I can see Barrett starting right wing against Namibia. There is no compelling reason to play Reece or Bridge on short rest.

Whoever is the 3rd 10 will likely get at least a 20 minute stint there at some point - could be Jordie too.

Centre combo is the interesting one. They want to give everyone a run, but they've been doing that for four years, its about time the chosen two settled down and developed a combo for at least 2 of the next 3 games.

For this game I think the aim will be to start SBW and Goodhue with the aim of them getting up to speed. Crotty is the obvious reserve but he could also sub the 10 and have someone like JB go into 12.

For backs I’m thinking something like

TJP
Mounga
Rieko
SBW
Reece/JB
Bender

Weber
Crotty
JB/BB

You are the anti-Cheika.

@rotated said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):

Centre combo is the interesting one. They want to give everyone a run, but they've been doing that for four years, its about time the chosen two settled down and developed a combo for at least 2 of the next 3 games.

According to Fozzie that isn't the philosophy anymore. They want an interchangeable pool of centres and see that as a strength.

@Crucial said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):

According to Fozzie that isn't the philosophy anymore. They want an interchangeable pool of centres and see that as a strength.

He has also said they know who their best centre combo is, even if the rest of us don't from the outside looking in (yet).

@Bones

I don’t know if you are referring to next game or in general, but it seems to me if you play your strongest team against Italy that’s three weeks after the Boks game, you definitely want a hit out before that but you don’t want it on a short week, so it only makes sense for bulk of first team to play this week after having had a good break, with the dirt trackers playing 4 days after that. To me after that tough first game the schedule is perfect. An opportunity to build every week and stay game ready with no short weeks for the 1st team.

Thing is that you've actually only got 8 dirt trackers - i.e. guys who didn't play the first game (and Frizell for Todd, Patty T for Retallick IMO).

So, for me, those eight guys all play both of the next two games - mixed and matched with the starting 23. And then the top 23 (as far as possible) play Italy and the play-off games.

The Canada game looks the ideal opportunity to give Jordie Barrett some match time at First Five Eight and get up to speed playing number 10 at International level.

@sparky said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):

The Canada game looks the ideal opportunity to give Jordie Barrett some match time at First Five Eight and get up to speed playing number 10 at International level.

@DMX said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):

@Bones

I don’t know if you are referring to next game or in general, but it seems to me if you play your strongest team against Italy that’s three weeks after the Boks game, you definitely want a hit out before that but you don’t want it on a short week, so it only makes sense for bulk of first team to play this week after having had a good break, with the dirt trackers playing 4 days after that. To me after that tough first game the schedule is perfect. An opportunity to build every week and stay game ready with no short weeks for the 1st team.

Well sure, if that's the way you think rugby must be done, then it wouldn't make sense. They know what their top side is (if there even is one) and also what plays/plans work when and against who pretty much. What value is there in saying everyone gets played and then not following through? I keep hearing the ABs are getting an easier quarter and also can't play more than 3 decent level games in a row - why does the top team need to play twice before hitting the finals?

@Bones said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):

if there even is one

I think that is it. There isn't a first 15 (or 23) - at this point anyway.

There will be different strategies for different opposition. Some guys will need to play more if they have been injured or out of form, others will need a break. I don't like playing guys out of position but even that might have to happen when you are only allowed a squad of 31 and have a couple of easier games.

Team I'd pick:

Moli, Coltman, Laulala, Whitelock, Tuipulutu, Frizell, Todd, Read (c), Weber, J Barrett, Ioane, SBW, Goodhue, Reece, B.Smith
Bench: Taylor, Ofa T, Ta'avao, S. Barrett, Cane, TJP, Crotty, B.Barrett.

@sparky said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):

Team I'd pick:

Moli, Coltman, Laulala, Whitelock, Tuipulutu, Frizell, Todd, Read (c), Weber, J Barrett, Ioane, SBW, Goodhue, Reece, B.Smith
Bench: Taylor, Ofa T, Ta'avao, S. Barrett, Cane, TJP, Crotty, B.Barrett.

I’d start one of B. Barrett or Mo’unga. Jordie can play wing and cover 1st 5.

Can Frizell play no8? If so I’d play him there and give Cane a start in the blindside with Todd at openside. Cane had a short run against the Boks.

@Crucial said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):

@rotated said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):

Centre combo is the interesting one. They want to give everyone a run, but they've been doing that for four years, its about time the chosen two settled down and developed a combo for at least 2 of the next 3 games.

According to Fozzie that isn't the philosophy anymore. They want an interchangeable pool of centres and see that as a strength.

Ah yes, the Black Caps strategy. We don't want a long term pair of test openers instead an interchangeable pool of 5-10 guys on a conveyor belt is much better.

@Bones

Agree to disagree , everyone will play in my scenario, with only Moli , Fritzell and Goodhue needing the opportunity to show form and/or fitness to force/remain in top 23. Also can imagine TJ needing to play at 10 against Namibia so you may need Weber on the bench against Canada and starting against Namibia. Let’s see what he actually does.

@DMX but how do you give everyone a run and play your top team in the first two games?

I'll leave this here ...

@booboo said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):

I'll leave this here ...

Likely?
It’s an option for sure but I don’t think it’s likely except for him being in the 23 and may end up there late in the game.
More likely is that Crotty will play 10 at some stage as he is more likely to be in a big game 23 and would be contingency.

@booboo said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):

I'll leave this here ...

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Fuuuuuuuuck!!!!!!!!

Seems a long bow to draw to assume JB plays there against Canada. But obviously he is going to get a run there at some point.

One would assume minimal workload between Canada and Namibia - so whatever formations Napier has seen at training could well be for Namibia.

I would guess full strength for Canada with an early sub for one of Barrett or Mo'unga who then ride the pine against Namibia with Perenara to cover Jordie at 10.