@ACT-Crusader said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

@Bovidae said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

@ACT-Crusader said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

What is this thing called x-factor? It’s so elusive that it’s meaning has evaded me….

Think of Reece in an AB jersey. The opposite of that. I'm happy to be of assistance.

And the rest of them. The only winger that had x-factor in the last 20 years is Rupeni. Every one else just did their job

I would posit Shane Williams and Jason Robinson

They both bamboozled defences

@nostrildamus said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

@ACT-Crusader said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

What is this thing called x-factor? It’s so elusive that it’s meaning has evaded me….

According to a certain poster x-factor is a fat but fast Fijian.

I would dare not call anyone fat who was quicker than myself and the majority of pro rugby players.

@ACT-Crusader said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

@nostrildamus said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

@ACT-Crusader said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

What is this thing called x-factor? It’s so elusive that it’s meaning has evaded me….

According to a certain poster x-factor is a fat but fast Fijian.

I would dare not call anyone fat who was quicker than myself and the majority of pro rugby players.

I am more than happy to change it to:
According to a certain poster to have x-factor you need to play for the Blues..

@nostrildamus said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

@ACT-Crusader said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

@nostrildamus said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

@ACT-Crusader said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

What is this thing called x-factor? It’s so elusive that it’s meaning has evaded me….

According to a certain poster x-factor is a fat but fast Fijian.

I would dare not call anyone fat who was quicker than myself and the majority of pro rugby players.

I am more than happy to change it to:
According to a certain poster to have x-factor you need to play for the Blues..

Whatever floats your boat. Rupeni is in my all-time XV. Unlike most of the eye patch wearing supporters who seem to have this weird obsession with their provincial favourites (to go along with their anti-Crusader/Cantab obsession), I can see greatness regardless of the colour of the jersey.

For completeness Caleb Ralph and Scott Hamilton were a close 2nd and 3rd behind the great Fijian.

@ACT-Crusader said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

@nostrildamus said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

@ACT-Crusader said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

@nostrildamus said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

@ACT-Crusader said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

What is this thing called x-factor? It’s so elusive that it’s meaning has evaded me….

According to a certain poster x-factor is a fat but fast Fijian.

I would dare not call anyone fat who was quicker than myself and the majority of pro rugby players.

I am more than happy to change it to:
According to a certain poster to have x-factor you need to play for the Blues..

Whatever floats your boat. Rupeni is in my all-time XV. Unlike most of the eye patch wearing supporters who seem to have this weird obsession with their provincial favourites (to go along with their anti-Crusader/Cantab obsession), I can see greatness regardless of the colour of the jersey.

For completeness Caleb Ralph and Scott Hamilton were a close 2nd and 3rd behind the great Fijian.

I want to see this all-time XV of Rupeni and XIV Cantabs/Crusaders immediately.

@Nepia said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

@ACT-Crusader said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

@nostrildamus said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

@ACT-Crusader said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

@nostrildamus said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

@ACT-Crusader said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

What is this thing called x-factor? It’s so elusive that it’s meaning has evaded me….

According to a certain poster x-factor is a fat but fast Fijian.

I would dare not call anyone fat who was quicker than myself and the majority of pro rugby players.

I am more than happy to change it to:
According to a certain poster to have x-factor you need to play for the Blues..

Whatever floats your boat. Rupeni is in my all-time XV. Unlike most of the eye patch wearing supporters who seem to have this weird obsession with their provincial favourites (to go along with their anti-Crusader/Cantab obsession), I can see greatness regardless of the colour of the jersey.

For completeness Caleb Ralph and Scott Hamilton were a close 2nd and 3rd behind the great Fijian.

I want to see this all-time XV of Rupeni and XIV Cantabs/Crusaders immediately.

Blair
Vunibaka
Caucaunibuca

@ACT-Crusader said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

@Bovidae said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

@ACT-Crusader said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

What is this thing called x-factor? It’s so elusive that it’s meaning has evaded me….

Think of Reece in an AB jersey. The opposite of that. I'm happy to be of assistance.

And the rest of them. The only winger that had x-factor in the last 20 years is Rupeni. Every one else just did their job

Peak Julian Savea 'just doing his job'. Wow.

@ACT-Crusader said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

@Bovidae said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

@ACT-Crusader said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

What is this thing called x-factor? It’s so elusive that it’s meaning has evaded me….

Think of Reece in an AB jersey. The opposite of that. I'm happy to be of assistance.

And the rest of them. The only winger that had x-factor in the last 20 years is Rupeni. Every one else just did their job

Nehe ?

@nzzp said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

@ACT-Crusader said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

@Bovidae said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

@ACT-Crusader said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

What is this thing called x-factor? It’s so elusive that it’s meaning has evaded me….

Think of Reece in an AB jersey. The opposite of that. I'm happy to be of assistance.

And the rest of them. The only winger that had x-factor in the last 20 years is Rupeni. Every one else just did their job

Peak Julian Savea 'just doing his job'. Wow.

Rokokoko ? Sivivatu ? Both Gears at times ?

Utter nonsense.

Top job ACT, that was too easy eh

@NTA said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

Watching a YouTube discussion on Game 1 between Jean de Villiers, Schalk Burger, and Robbie Fleck.

Fuck me the whinging about the refs...

Can't comment as haven't seen it ... but am not surprised

@Chris-B said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

View embedded content

I remember this try and commentary well. Andy Irvine needed another 10 metres to gun down GB.

A bit sad realising several of these guys are no longer with us!

Apparently the genesis of sports advertising. Got replayed so often that Schweppes a massive boost. Watch when Batty puts it down.

Rupeni was the most dangerous attacking player of all time at his peak - better than Lomu and Cullen

I like the starting XV and am interested in seeing how Carter plays. Hopefully the weather and the game plan suit.

I'm not sure DMac at fullback is the best use of him and Jordan.

@Frank said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

Rupeni was the most dangerous attacking player of all time at his peak - better than Lomu and Cullen

I wouldn’t go that far

@MN5 said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

@Frank said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

Rupeni was the most dangerous attacking player of all time at his peak - better than Lomu and Cullen

I wouldn’t go that far

I would (come back from the rebuttal!!)

@nzzp said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

@ACT-Crusader said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

@Bovidae said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

@ACT-Crusader said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

What is this thing called x-factor? It’s so elusive that it’s meaning has evaded me….

Think of Reece in an AB jersey. The opposite of that. I'm happy to be of assistance.

And the rest of them. The only winger that had x-factor in the last 20 years is Rupeni. Every one else just did their job

Peak Julian Savea 'just doing his job'. Wow.

And doing it better than some

@Bones said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

Top job ACT, that was too easy eh

It’s a long time between now and kick off

@Frank said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

Rupeni was the most dangerous attacking player of all time at his peak - better than Lomu and Cullen

Didn't WR change the eligibility rules out of pure fear of him playing for the ABs? At his peak he was easily as good, but his peak wasn't long unfortunately.

@Chris-B

Grant Batty was so good he once made JPR Williams look silly. Nuff said.

@Frank said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

Rupeni was the most dangerous attacking player of all time at his peak - better than Lomu and Cullen

Definitely better than Lomu.

Rupes had better moves and near the same explosive power. No arm tackle was ever guna stop him (nor stop Lomu for that matter). But he was always guna flame out. Zero professionalism really - haha. Enjoyed himself much more back in Fiji I'd say.

I'm thinking Cullen was just as good early on; but with the gap glide not the power. Then his knees went and it slowly faded away. Not the same player at the end.
Bit sad watching him soldier on towards the back end, when you consider his first few seasons.

The only player i'd rate better as stepper would be Barry Sanders (Detroit).

Pretty happy with the team. Good continuity and Hotham starting with Ginga on the bench is a good opportunity to develop new-ish talent backed by a 9 who's played pretty damn well in the last 2 games.

Think the back 3 are way better with DMac at 15. Want Love to have some serious game-time.

Wonder what's happened to the Vaa'i at 6 experiment?

@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

Wonder what's happened to the Vaa'i at 6 experiment?

Parker.

Plus Vaai will be the captain by 2027...

@Bones said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

Wonder what's happened to the Vaa'i at 6 experiment?

Parker.

Plus Vaai will be the captain by 2027...

Or Sititi.

@mohikamo said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

@Frank said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

Rupeni was the most dangerous attacking player of all time at his peak - better than Lomu and Cullen

Definitely better than Lomu.

Rupes had better moves and near the same explosive power. No arm tackle was ever guna stop him (nor stop Lomu for that matter). But he was always guna flame out. Zero professionalism really - haha. Enjoyed himself much more back in Fiji I'd say.

I'm thinking Cullen was just as good early on; but with the gap glide not the power. Then his knees went and it slowly faded away. Not the same player at the end.
Bit sad watching him soldier on towards the back end, when you consider his first few seasons.

The only player i'd rate better as stepper would be Barry Sanders (Detroit).

No

@ACT-Crusader said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

I can see greatness regardless of the colour of the jersey ... For completeness Caleb Ralph and Scott Hamilton were a close 2nd and 3rd behind the great Fijian.

Should have gone to specsavers.

@chchfanatic Was thinking exactly the same somethings got to give eventually

Interesting to see that Jordan has been demoted from fullback to wing.

@brodean said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

Interesting to see that Jordan has been demoted from fullback to wing.

Interesting you see that as a demotion. Played at fullback, did you?

@Old-Samurai-Jack said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

@brodean said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

Interesting to see that Jordan has been demoted from fullback to wing.

Interesting you see that as a demotion. Played at fullback, did you?

I think if your preferred position is fullback - which requires more skill, more vision, and has more influence/responsibility - then yes - being moved from your preferred position to a position with less tactical influence is a demotion.

@brodean said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

@Old-Samurai-Jack said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

@brodean said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

Interesting to see that Jordan has been demoted from fullback to wing.

Interesting you see that as a demotion. Played at fullback, did you?

I think if your preferred position is fullback - which requires more skill, more vision, and has more influence/responsibility - then yes - being moved from your preferred position to a position with less tactical influence is a demotion.

So has BB been promoted or demoted to 10 from 15? Has Parker been promoted or demoted to 6 from 8? Has Vaai been promoted or demoted to lock from 6 or the other way around? Has DMac been promoted or demoted for this game? Do you have a type of Bloom's Taxonomy for rugby positions, or is it just your bias showing through once again?

@brodean said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

@Old-Samurai-Jack said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

@brodean said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

Interesting to see that Jordan has been demoted from fullback to wing.

Interesting you see that as a demotion. Played at fullback, did you?

I think if your preferred position is fullback - which requires more skill, more vision, and has more influence/responsibility - then yes - being moved from your preferred position to a position with less tactical influence is a demotion.

It may be - but, I think we'll only be able to tell if it's a demotion after a few more games.

I'm inclined to think it's probably more like when someone goes on holiday at your work and your boss asks you if you can go back for a week and cover for him (or her) in your old job, because no-one else knows how to do it.

@brodean I do understand what you are saying.

I think that his approach has been reasonably balanced so far, in terms of who has actually been capped. I agree Fihaki was a weird one but he was probably an outlier. If he had been too focused on 'depth for depth sake', i doubt we would have seen Barrett start so many games at 10, or Jordie at 12

@Kruse said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

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Rassie - "“You know, we are still two in the world, ..."
Ummm... sorry to break it to you mate, but...

So after the young blokes/ expansive play let the Wallabies win at Ellis Park he went back to a limited gameplan. Which lost at Eden Park so he's now going back to the start..?

I see this game as a bit of a watershed moment for Razor.
Has a decent set of forwards now; working on the backs. Recognised one or two of the back incumbents may need to move on. Recognised the talents/genius of DMac , need pace on the wings and giving Love game time. Using McCaw head in training for the mental steel. Huge game, good setup.

@antipodean said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

@Kruse said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

View embedded content

Rassie - "“You know, we are still two in the world, ..."
Ummm... sorry to break it to you mate, but...

So after the young blokes/ expansive play let the Wallabies win at Ellis Park he went back to a limited gameplan. Which lost at Eden Park so he's now going back to the start..?

Innovation. Genius.
(cough... fishtailing... cough)

How ironical would it be if Boks convince ref to be tough on scrums and then we do a number on them?

@pakman said in All Blacks vs Springboks II:

How ironical would it be if Boks convince ref to be tough on scrums and then we do a number on them?

You would imagine we will be better at scrum time and them better in the line outs with each side prioritising their weakness’s from last week.

Relatively warms and dry tonight - but, windy from the west - that's a cross breeze at the caketin?