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

@gt12 said in RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B):

@junior

2007 called, ah, it's Brendan Leonard, saying something about his game not suiting knock out rugby.

...Kelleher in 1999 and to a lesser extent 2003 after Marshall got his ribs smashed.

The other option in 2003 was Devine, who I would have chosen because of his technical proficiency, the fact he'd been the incumbent number 2 for most of the year and the fact that he had a good combo with 'Los. Of course, Kelleher's experience was the deciding factor - which it seems to be in the TJP vs. Weber debate (to the extent that there is one) - and we all know how useful that experience was (it proved equally useful again in 2007...)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Has anyone forced their way into the top 23 if SA Selection for game one is the top 23 ?

Weber perhaps?

Game changed when he came on great pass and runs great support lines would not have thought that was a chance to take TJs spot before the WC but Webber was very good.

I agree. I can't see how anyone thought he was anything other than excellent when he came on (at least compared to TJP). He kept it simple, did his job, got the ball out quickly, backed-up well and, importantly, didn't try to do too much himself. Based on that performance, I'd feel much more confident having him to come on and guide us home in the last 10 mins of a RWC knockout match.

Really?!?! You would have Webber supplant TJP, who at times has challenged A Smith hard for the starting job this year, based on 35 minutes against Canada? You set your bar much lower than me

I actually set it quite high for halfbacks, but my metrics might be different to others. TJP is a great rugby player with a good "rugby brain", hence why he scores so many tries by running really good support lines. My problem is that's not what he should be doing - he's a halfback not an openside flanker. His pass is shit, his kicking is shit, he's selfish and greedy, his option-taking is often poor, he plays for himself more than the team and - crucially - he's not calm or smart enough to be entrusted with such a key role (at which he's not particularly proficient technically), particularly in such a crucial match. I'd much rather have Weber there in such moments, because at least you know he'll pass fast and accurately to the guys who should be taking control (e.g. Mo'unga and Barrett) rather than trying to be a hero and do it all himself.

Savage........but can't say I disagree either. TJP should've improved a lot over the last WC cycle, but not sure I see it

...........so is TJ playing his way out?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Has anyone forced their way into the top 23 if SA Selection for game one is the top 23 ?

Weber perhaps?

Game changed when he came on great pass and runs great support lines would not have thought that was a chance to take TJs spot before the WC but Webber was very good.

I agree. I can't see how anyone thought he was anything other than excellent when he came on (at least compared to TJP). He kept it simple, did his job, got the ball out quickly, backed-up well and, importantly, didn't try to do too much himself. Based on that performance, I'd feel much more confident having him to come on and guide us home in the last 10 mins of a RWC knockout match.

Really?!?! You would have Webber supplant TJP, who at times has challenged A Smith hard for the starting job this year, based on 35 minutes against Canada? You set your bar much lower than me

I actually set it quite high for halfbacks, but my metrics might be different to others. TJP is a great rugby player with a good "rugby brain", hence why he scores so many tries by running really good support lines. My problem is that's not what he should be doing - he's a halfback not an openside flanker. His pass is shit, his kicking is shit, he's selfish and greedy, his option-taking is often poor, he plays for himself more than the team and - crucially - he's not calm or smart enough to be entrusted with such a key role (at which he's not particularly proficient technically), particularly in such a crucial match. I'd much rather have Weber there in such moments, because at least you know he'll pass fast and accurately to the guys who should be taking control (e.g. Mo'unga and Barrett) rather than trying to be a hero and do it all himself.

Savage........but can't say I disagree either. TJP should've improved a lot over the last WC cycle, but not sure I see it

I agree and his development (or lack thereof) has been incredibly disappointing.

Technically he's not up to scratch - he reminds of a cricketer who looks shit-hot smashing a white ball around 20/20 leagues all over the globe, but who turns to shit as soon as he's playing in whites and facing a swinging red ball (I'm looking at you Jason Roy).

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

C'mon Canada score a fucking try. Even a point! Need to get up at 5

Hard luck, Nick. These All Blacks are ruthless.

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

Didn't make 70.

Soft.

Saving that for when we play Australia.

modules:composer.user_said_in, @MiketheSnow, RWC: All Blacks v Canada (Pool B)

All jokes aside, and apologies if it's been mentioned above, but three brothers playing for the same team in the WC and all scoring tries in the same match.

One of the stories of the WC.

Of any WC.

Slightly disappointed that Jordie didn't drop the ball cold too, even better stat then!

Poor ole Ioane is a shadow of his former try scoring days.

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

Poor ole Ioane is a shadow of his former try scoring days.

I don't think Reiko's Fortnite addiction has helped him prepare mentally or physically for the Rugby World Cup.

So disappointing how the Ioane brothers have turned out when you think what they could have achieved in NZ Rugby.

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

I don't think Reiko's Fortnite addiction has helped him prepare mentally or physically for the Rugby World Cup.

What the fuck would you possibly know about his personal life? Don't make up shit just to have something even more over the top to post.

@Tim

I know you're a fan of his, but I don't think I am exactly alone in being disappointed with how Reiko's been playing.

I wouldn’t write him off altogether, I think it’s a form, confidence, timing , mojo thing ( all the above ) , like a batsman out of touch, he may just need that one good game for it all to click,

But for now, this wc is right now, stick with the two in the best form imo

@sparky Again, what do you know about his video game schedule, and why are you posting about it?

@sparky

Brother Akira and fellow All Blacks Jordie Barrett and Ardie Savea are just some of the names that often make up Ioane's star-studded gaming squad.

What possible conclusion could you draw from that? Professional athletes play video games - big whoop.

How could you possibly claim to know that it affects his performance? You absolutely cannot.

Anyone saying TJP is under threat from Weber doesn't have a clue imo. You can read zilch into this game. I will be stunned if Weber plays anymore than the pools games barring injury to AS or TJP. Can’t believe the topic has even been raised.

(Will gladly admit fallibility if his name read our for ¼)

@Billy-Tell all I know is I am currently in fiji for a wedding and my $60 on weber last try scorer paid half the trip!
Thanks BB for the fumble aka the ultimate troll on scott

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

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

Didn't make 70.

Soft.

Saving that for when we play Australia.

Pffft. Bigger fool you! We're not going to survive the quarters.

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

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

Ok all jokes aside about Rieko, there is no doubt that on current form he's not in the big match day 23.

However, I think Rieko's ceiling is much higher than that of either Bridge or Reece, and therefore he should be given much opportunity to regain confidence & form. I would do that via 60 minutes (at least) in both of the remaining pool matches, as Bridge & Reece should both get time as well.

I'm still a bit lost on Ben Smith. Arguably my biggest man crush of the last few years, but he just doesn't look as dynamic as either of the two (current) incumbents ... and its clear the Mo'ounga / Barrett combo is not going to change.

Decisions, decisions.

It's weird what's happening with Ioane eh. Have to wonder if it's something to do with the way the AB's play that he's really struggling to adjust to? He was pretty good for the Blues this season wasn't he? Same with Ben Smith - both at the moment just seem to really struggle with finding/creating space and just look lacklustre.

I'm not so sure on Ioane's ceiling being that much higher though. Some positive signs today for sure.

Has crossed my mind if way Akira was treated has affected him? Think SBW gifted him that try -- seems to see himself as a bit of a mentor?

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

@sparky

Brother Akira and fellow All Blacks Jordie Barrett and Ardie Savea are just some of the names that often make up Ioane's star-studded gaming squad.

What possible conclusion could you draw from that? Professional athletes play video games - big whoop.

How could you possibly claim to know that it affects his performance? You absolutely cannot.

Lomu used to play heaps of video games too, he notably sucked for the All Blacks...