It isn’t much, but it’s honest work.
See you again next week for another early announcement.
All Blacks
Match thread
Japan
A bolder selector would have started Peter Lakai and Ruben Love.
I would have preferred to see AJ Lam or Quinn Tupaea as the midfield sub ahead of David Havili.
No complaints about the rest. A good side.
@reprobate said in All Blacks v Japan:
@frugby said in All Blacks v Japan:
We won't know who they see as the first choice 10 until the team is named to play England.
Entirely possible, that they want to give DMac and Roigard a run together because they've never played together.
I think it is probable that Ratima and Barrett will start next week with DMac and Roigard on the bench, but far from certain.
I think I'm correct in saying McKenzie started every game except the last one, which was a dead rubber against the Aussies - and Robertson said specifically that it was always planned to give Beauden a run at 10.
I reckon that makes it abundantly clear who the first choice 10 is, and I won't have you messing with my mental health.
And yet here you are!
@JK said in All Blacks v Japan:
@Bovidae said in All Blacks v Japan:
Dunn how they can call the bench "Impact" when Havili is involved
Since Niggles isn't there DH offers dominant injury cover.
Wings looks slow with little speedy cover - IMO Lam would have been more valuable bench cover than DH, and they certainly have enough FB cover..
@sparky said in All Blacks v Japan:
A bolder selector would have started Peter Lakai and Ruben Love.
Perhaps they're spooked by the thought of the being the coach that lost to Japan?
@nostrildamus said in All Blacks v Japan:
Wings looks slow with little speedy cover - IMO Lam would have been more valuable bench cover than DH, and they certainly have enough FB cover..
Agreed. I’m guessing for this game wing cover is ALB, they have used him there a few times before.
@Landers92 Steve Borthwick says hi and thanks 
@Landers92 The second coming of Kahui 
@nostrildamus have to agree with that. This tour will be make or break for the six position. But the issue is that the depth is non existent. Two out and out six’s in the squad. I suspect this tour will be a patch work job for the back row and next year will see Sititi at 8, Lakai at 7, and a shootout for six for the rest
@antipodean said in All Blacks v Japan:
@Bovidae That team will take care of Japan no problem.
But if they don't
LOOK OUT
@nostrildamus said in All Blacks v Japan:
Last chance saloon for Finau IMO. He needs to show some smash em bro.
I’m sure some puny Japanese first five will get the ball in a vulnerable position and get poleaxed
@KiwiInLondon said in All Blacks v Japan:
@nostrildamus have to agree with that. This tour will be make or break for the six position. But the issue is that the depth is non existent. Two out and out six’s in the squad. I suspect this tour will be a patch work job for the back row and next year will see Sititi at 8, Lakai at 7, and a shootout for six for the rest
Haig. I could well be wrong (oh such early days) but I think he could become a good AB 6.
@MN5 said in All Blacks v Japan:
@nostrildamus said in All Blacks v Japan:
Last chance saloon for Finau IMO. He needs to show some smash em bro.
I’m sure some puny Japanese first five will get the ball in a vulnerable position and get poleaxed
@KiwiInLondon said in All Blacks v Japan:
@nostrildamus have to agree with that. This tour will be make or break for the six position. But the issue is that the depth is non existent. Two out and out six’s in the squad. I suspect this tour will be a patch work job for the back row and next year will see Sititi at 8, Lakai at 7, and a shootout for six for the rest
No such thing as a 6 anymore, 6s and 8s are one and the same.
@nostrildamus oh I’m 100% on the Haig bandwagon but not this tour. That’s a baptism of fire
@Mr-Fish said in All Blacks v Japan:
@KiwiInLondon said in All Blacks v Japan:
@nostrildamus have to agree with that. This tour will be make or break for the six position. But the issue is that the depth is non existent. Two out and out six’s in the squad. I suspect this tour will be a patch work job for the back row and next year will see Sititi at 8, Lakai at 7, and a shootout for six for the rest
No such thing as a 6 anymore, 6s and 8s are one and the same.
hmmmmmmmm
@KiwiInLondon said in All Blacks v Japan:
@nostrildamus oh I’m 100% on the Haig bandwagon but not this tour. That’s a baptism of fire
oh yeah. Not for awhile, maybe another season or two.