@act-crusader apart from injuries that's a bloody decent team. Can't wait to see how that loose forward trio works together against a bigger Springbok pack. I'm glad they've stayed with the Jordie / Jordan combo because that will only get better with time.
@kiwiwomble said in All Blacks vs Springboks I:
i dont mind it
I'm underwhelmed a bit but I don't know what I would change with no ALB. Can't argue with forwards though.
Some facts:
Beauden Barrett will be playing his 15th Test against South Africa and Brodie Retallick his 12th. Eight players (Akira Ioane, Luke Jacobson, David Havili, Will Jordan, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Ethan Blackadder, Brad Weber and Quinn Tupaea) will be playing them for the first time.
I like what they’ve done with the front row too. Strong starting 3 and with Ofa and Sami off the bench together, that’s some firepower.
@kiwiwomble said in All Blacks vs Springboks I:
i dont mind it
Me neither. Loosies possibly better than if Ardie was at 8 and at least Blackadder is in form.
Would have been nicer to have ALB with RI on the wing but the combo has at least had plenty of time.
As much as Bridge offers little in attack except linking he is a tidy player to tidy up the attempts to gain territory.
Have to say that a year ago a good 23 without ALB, Whitelock, Mounga and Smith would have looked a big stretch. This looks pretty good so hats off to the coaching team for getting things in order. Let's hope they now play well.
Tough on Sevu Reece, but otherwise a strong team.
Is that 4 out 6 frontrow players having Tongan heritage?
@bovidae said in All Blacks vs Springboks I:
Some facts:
Beauden Barrett will be playing his 15th Test against South Africa and Brodie Retallick his 12th. Eight players (Akira Ioane, Luke Jacobson, David Havili, Will Jordan, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Ethan Blackadder, Brad Weber and Quinn Tupaea) will be playing them for the first time.
Wow! That is quite a stat. I like that.
Good team selection I think,Taking into account injuries etc.
The selection looks like it has been well thought out to combat the Boks usual game plan.
No mention of injuries but we can assume that ALB isn't 100% yet, and likely Papalii isn't either.
@hooroo said in All Blacks vs Springboks I:
@kiwiwomble said in All Blacks vs Springboks I:
i dont mind it
I'm underwhelmed a bit but I don't know what I would change with no ALB. Can't argue with forwards though.
Whilst still a work in progress, Ioane is the second best centre in the squad, so he has to play there.
I would’ve gone for Reece on the wing, but can’t complain about the other two selected.
Will be interesting if one of our wingers has to go off, will they put Tups on and move Ioane or do they put DMac on and move Jordie. If it’s early in the game I reckon the latter because of experience.
