All Blacks v Ireland - 1st Test

@Tim said in All Blacks v Ireland - 1st Test:

Only four others in the group have not had Covid, it's understood.

Pretty key, that part, and it's now 3 with McLeod out

This gives me more confidence than before the "brains trust" crippled themselves

“Joe will come in for Tuesday and Thursday’s trainings this week, and we’re really grateful to have his help,” said Foster

I have to admit I have no fucken idea who the new sponsors are which makes me feel old or just out of touch.

@Machpants said in All Blacks v Ireland - 1st Test:

@Crucial said in All Blacks v Ireland - 1st Test:

Good point from Whitelock. The team (and leaders) take over for the latter part of the test week anyway. The coaches are just there as sounding boards.

Talks like a captain too

Is it just me or does he look about 50 nowadays.

Also word is that George Bower, Quinn Tupaea, & Will Jordan all currently have symptoms...

@1kiwi said in All Blacks v Ireland - 1st Test:

Also word is that George Bower, Quinn Tupaea, & Will Jordan all currently have symptoms...

More and more likely BB, RTS, RI backline if that is the case.

@chimoaus And maybe Perofeta at fullback if Jordie Barrett is injured.

@1kiwi said in All Blacks v Ireland - 1st Test:

Also word is that George Bower, Quinn Tupaea, & Will Jordan all currently have symptoms...

Would be funny if DeGroot got called up as cover then outscrummed the opposition.

Wouldn't be funny if Bridge was called up as cover and came on to drop a high kick or fail to beat a man.

@Tim said in All Blacks v Ireland - 1st Test:

@chimoaus And maybe Perofeta at fullback if Jordie Barrett is injured.

..and how is Smith doing?

Could end up with a mostly Crusaders tight 5 & mostly Blues backs

@Duluth If all the mentioned players are out then you might see something like this:

1 Ross
2 Taylor
3 Laulala
4 Retallick
5 Whitelock
6 Ioane
7 Cane
8 Savea
9 Christie
10 Barrett
11 Clarke
12 RTS
13 Ioane
14 Reece
15 Perofeta

16 Taukei'aho
17 Tu'inukuafe
18 Tu'ungafasi
19 Barrett
20 Papalii
21 Fakatava
22 Mo'unga
23 Fainga'anuku

@Tim certainly adds another element to the match!

You'd think one of Tupaea, Goodhue or Havili were all slated to start at 12, add Jordan and Bower, thats 3 probable starters out.

@Tim Looks about right to me, I wonder if they will try and put BB at 15 and Mounga at 10 if they are worried about Perofeta.

@chimoaus I would if so many experienced guys are out. Perofeta still on bench though.

@chimoaus said in All Blacks v Ireland - 1st Test:

I have to admit I have no fucken idea who the new sponsors are which makes me feel old or just out of touch.

Altrad is the main sponsor, same as French Rugby Team. EDIT: Building Co, whoopsCartoon magnate, of all things. Secondary sponsor is INEOS UK big chem co, also sponsor TdF team and Brit America's Cup team for ex.

@Machpants said in All Blacks v Ireland - 1st Test:

@chimoaus said in All Blacks v Ireland - 1st Test:

I have to admit I have no fucken idea who the new sponsors are which makes me feel old or just out of touch.

Altrad is the main sponsor, same as French Rugby Team. Cartoon magnate, of all things. Secondary sponsor is INEOS UK big chem co, also sponsor TfF team and Brit America's Cup team for ex.

?....arent they largely a building materials company ?

@Kiwiwomble said in All Blacks v Ireland - 1st Test:

@Machpants said in All Blacks v Ireland - 1st Test:

@chimoaus said in All Blacks v Ireland - 1st Test:

I have to admit I have no fucken idea who the new sponsors are which makes me feel old or just out of touch.

Altrad is the main sponsor, same as French Rugby Team. Cartoon magnate, of all things. Secondary sponsor is INEOS UK big chem co, also sponsor TfF team and Brit America's Cup team for ex.

?....arent they largely a building materials company ?

Yeah you're right mixing it up with Toulon Pres

@Crucial said in All Blacks v Ireland - 1st Test:

Ennor joining the team is the most alarming bit of news.

For Ireland that is…

Would love to see Jordie given a shot at 2nd 5 at some stage.

I suspect QT and Ioane with either LF or RTS on the bench. Although if Reece is not starting (he should be), he should be on the bench. Jordie covering midfield.

@Nevorian bro, your inner nervous nelly is getting early to the party aye….

Keep the faith and all that. We still have a very good core that look unaffected (at this stage). My only concern is @Tim prospective team. Too many Blues

@1kiwi said in All Blacks v Ireland - 1st Test:

Also word is that George Bower, Quinn Tupaea, & Will Jordan all currently have symptoms...

Gee, this is an absolute clusterfuck.

Both Tupaea and Bower have been in images on AB social media during training earlier today.