@Mauss said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

The Vaa’i selection to me is mostly a response to the likely Irish game plan, which will be similar to their Dublin strategy against Scotland in the Six Nations: disrupt the breakdown, slow down opposition attack and frustrate opposition halfbacks.

The Scottish and AB attacks are currently very similar: gain momentum through quick ball, keep the ball alive and find the attacking space before opposition defence can realign.

The Irish, however, led by Beirne, completely shut down this quick ball against the Scots, limiting them to just 34% LQB (the ABs had 85% against the French, remember). They consistently put multiple defenders into the breakdown (winning 6 turnovers to zero from the Scots), denying the Scots quick ball and any attacking momentum.

Vaa’i is there to help with securing the breakdown, counter Beirne and to help the ABs go through the middle. Tuipulotu is the battering ram. Whereas the halfbacks were crucial against the French, this match will be decided by the back 5 and who can dominate the breakdown.

Whether it will work remains to be seen but it’s a very logical selection, once again. In terms of strategy and selection, Rennie is doing well right now.

But, if that is the case then:
Vaa'i is a good breakdown lock, but is he really the best 6 in the country at securing fast ruck ball?
Why drop Darry, who is our lock (maybe even player in any position) who hits the most rucks?

I tend to think the selections are more focused on disrupting their set-piece, as a combination of Darry+Vaa'i at lock and Parker at 6 would be better to secure our breakdown, whereas Tuipolotu and Newell on the bench suggests a scrum focus, and Vaa'i is by streets our best lineout option at 6.
Vaa'i having to get to breakdowns and tackling a bit wider than usual strikes me as one of the risks of the approach - especially given we've still picked a backline to spread the ball.

Our accuracy at the ruck is definitely going to be tested and it's going to be interesting to see how it plays out, can't wait.

@Dan54 said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

Geez after watching the team naming press conference with Rennie and co, anyone else get the impression of a fair bit of openess etc from this group?

I have loved the subtle measured digs at the TMO/refs from Rennie and Barnes. Just planting seeds. We have been sorely lacking in those respects since the 2017 Lions series. We were more interested in winning as the good guys, than just winning at all costs.

I like that he said Sititi has been given clear messaging as to what’s expected.

I like how he said Mo’unga won’t be going to S.A.

It’s refreshing.

TAB odds:

Spread is 10.5 pts.

Some good watching on the morning of game day

Sky had the full replay of that game on last night.

Weather report?

@chimoaus looks like a perfect winters evening, c 13deg, minimal wind, no rain in forecast

@chimoaus said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

Weather report?

Lovely in the 09 today. Warm sunny with some cloud, light breeze

@canefan sounds similar to the mid 09, given '09' extends about 500km end to end

@taniwharugby said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

@chimoaus looks like a perfect winters evening, c 13deg, minimal wind, no rain in forecast

Great to hear, I have to admit I am looking forward to this game more than any game under razor, this new regime has me full of hope and I like what I see and hear from the coaches and players.

I have this memory of playing maybe under 13's early morning standing in a lineout thinking about how much fun I was having playing rugby and knowing at 2:30 the mighty All Blacks were playing that afternoon. As a kid that was my perfect day. I am just happy to be looking forward to the ABs playing.

@chimoaus said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

@taniwharugby said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

@chimoaus looks like a perfect winters evening, c 13deg, minimal wind, no rain in forecast

Great to hear, I have to admit I am looking forward to this game more than any game under razor, this new regime has me full of hope and I like what I see and hear from the coaches and players.

I have this memory of playing maybe under 13's early morning standing in a lineout thinking about how much fun I was having playing rugby and knowing at 2:30 the mighty All Blacks were playing that afternoon. As a kid that was my perfect day. I am just happy to be looking forward to the ABs playing.

Positive feels are back!

Anyone heading to the game tonight? What’s the buzz around Auckland atm?

Let’s go boys. Drogo, Gollum and Frodo sideline.

Looking forward to this game, have a feeling we are going to click

I hope this backrow combination can answer some questions

Where's James Lowe?

Excellent job of neutering the Irish national anthem with sweet, sweet voices at half speed

@MiketheSnow said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

Excellent job of neutering the Irish national anthem with sweet, sweet voices at half speed

Bloody good anthems.

The Irish supporters can't wait to belt out a rendition of the Fields of Anthenry

Let’s go.