Looking forward to seeing Frizell get a good run and really stamp his mark as an AB.

Canadian loosies aren’t too bad and probably where their best players are, so we need Frizell to bring some intensity.

I like that this wasn’t the game to start someone other than Mo’unga or B. Barrett at 1st 5. We’ve had a long break and Mo’unga in particular needs to keep building on that body of work at test level.

The bench probably the only real talking point insofar that I’m surprised Crotty and Bender are both on it.

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

Weird that both our tens are playing, so does that mean neither play vs Namibia in 4 days? I can't see them starting two close games like that. But if they do or get lots of minutes, they maybe will skip Italy? I can't make much sense of the picks in that dept, be interesting to know their plans and contingencies

In the same vein as m4l, bear in mind that these games are only a step above opposed training run. I can't see both playing out a full match either.

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

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

Weird that both our tens are playing, so does that mean neither play vs Namibia in 4 days? I can't see them starting two close games like that. But if they do or get lots of minutes, they maybe will skip Italy? I can't make much sense of the picks in that dept, be interesting to know their plans and contingencies

In the same vein as m4l, bear in mind that these games are only a step above opposed training run. I can't see both playing out a full match either.

Like 2015 Shag will make the boys work harder at training than the games

I'm wondering if the selection of RM at 10 is also to give the RM/SBW/JG combo a run together. A chance to build some confidence and momentum in that midfield combo, as it still must be a chance to either start or finish games when we get to the knockout stages (with ALB either starting at 12 or as bench cover for both spots)

So who's got the day off?

Moody
Coles
Smith
Cane
BBBR
ALB
Bridge
Reece

is that it?

Ardie may get some time at 8 , and let Todd and frizell run out full games I’d reckon

Any mention of Cane in the announcment? Seems odd he doesn't have Savea's spot on the bench. Already short of a gallop this year coming back from injury, with his start cut short last week - would have though 20 minutes off the bench would have done him more good than Savea.

@rotated
My guess is that he will be starting on Sunday with Ardie rested entirely.

I wonder if Retallick will be involved at all during the pool.

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

Any mention of Cane in the announcment? Seems odd he doesn't have Savea's spot on the bench. Already short of a gallop this year coming back from injury, with his start cut short last week - would have though 20 minutes off the bench would have done him more good than Savea.

there's only 4 days between Canada and Namibia - so I supsect all the available players will roll out next week. Cane, Retallick if fit, etc

@mofitzy_ think they mentioned Retallick was targeting the Namibia game?

Don't know if anyone saw (Or mentioned) a sound bite from.Hansen on Jordie.

He said that with older siblings in the team he can sometimes try too hard at proving himself for bros and misses the odd step and sometimes needs to slow down a bit.

That wasn't verbatim but thought it was an interesting point that I hadn't considered, when living in the shadows of your brothers, particularly Beauden who usually dominates headlines.

Ingrained sibling rivalry or competition doesn't stop when you become an AB, especially as the youngest.

@ACT-Crusader reckon Bender will get plenty of time once they've had BB stretch his legs a bit. Wondering how much mixing and matching we'll see at 12/13 with our starters + Crotty. This is the biggest midfield combo we've rolled out in ages, Canada must be mucho excited lol

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

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

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

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Holy shit , imagine the carnage if both of his eyes worked properly?

Good on him. I wonder what it's like when he plays in the rain?

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

Good on him. I wonder what it's like when he plays in the rain?

He'll need little windscreen wipers on them.

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

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

Good on him. I wonder what it's like when he plays in the rain?

He'll need little windscreen wipers on them.

we finally found a use for halfbacks!