Yes it was an opportunity to test another lock/6 methinks.
They seem to like Finau and want to give Kirifi another chance
All Blacks
Match thread
France III
Worst case scenario is that Tuipulotu goes down early. Having lock cover on the bench would be better than expecting Finau to play big minutes there.
Noah Hotham's Dad should be able to see him play as he is currently in NZ with the Hong Kong U20s.
@nostrildamus said in All Blacks v France III:
Not a very big backline. But 4 7s in the 23..
3 guys over 100kg and we know Ratima is a gym powerhouse. They'll be ok.
Perhaps they have chosen to stick to named squad, then confirmed injury replacements to replicate a tour or RWC situation. I.e. testing their planned contingency options to the max.
Thought Norris might play given his feature article. Is that 7 Waikato players in starting lineup though?
I am hoping the plan is to play an expansive style this week and move the French forwards around a lot.
I have tickets and am looking forward to this.
I think I read somewhere BB had a hand injury?
@Pepe said in All Blacks v France III:
I think I read somewhere BB had a hand injury?
Typical bloody Aucklander (just getting in there before Canerbry)
@bayimports said in All Blacks v France III:
@mariner4life said in All Blacks v France III:
In days gone by ah kuoi would be a solid Super Rugby cult hero.
The fact he's in line for a test is a sign of where we're at.Hes jonno gibbes from wish
I will accept Temu Tanerau but won’t accept DSW comparisons lol
bro he's a filthy Marist player from Wellington, i feel no loyalty at all.
@MN5 said in All Blacks v France III:
@nostrildamus said in All Blacks v France III:
Not a very big backline. But 4 7s in the 23..
3 guys over 100kg and we know Ratima is a gym powerhouse. They'll be ok.
Height lad, height. Ok midfield, Ioane good winger size but doesn't jump and rest of backline not tall. I expect France to kick to them, a lot.
@nostrildamus said in All Blacks v France III:
And I haven't really seen this raw gym strength from Ratima at test level.
Amazing power to weight ratio but no, neither have I.
Considering he can lift more than quite a number of forwards he should be dominating more.
@akan004 said in All Blacks v France III:
Really don't see the point of picking Bower when he wasn't even named in the original squad. Norris is the future, so why not give him another go. Happy with the other selections.
Giving every one a run that was named in the original squad and all the replacements that were officially added eg Bower and Papali’.
Ah Kuoi makes much more sense than having 2 loose forwards on the bench. DP wasn't picked so for me I would have left him out.
@Bovidae said in All Blacks v France III:
@Quarky said in All Blacks v France III:
Who will lead the Haka?
Sexton's bestie.
Rieko Ioane, the best player to ever play for Leinster? You can forward that to Sexton 