@Tim said in So what did we learn from Bled2?:
@mariner4life He's had four blinders in the last five tests. Yet dickheads will just assume that because we aren't making spectacular wide moves, while scoring 40 points, it must because we have a defective centre. Moronic.
IT'S 1996 AND THE CENTRE SHOULD PASS TO THE WINGER WHO HAS 15M OF SPACE
DEEEEERP
@Tim said in So what did we learn from Bled2?:
@mariner4life He's had four blinders in the last five tests. Yet dickheads will just assume that because we aren't making spectacular wide moves, while scoring 40 points, it must because we have a defective centre. Moronic.
He has played very well but still needs to improve a lot in putting his wingers away and also in nailing breaks. He has made a few costly errors there so I wouldn't call it all blinders. I think he is better as a winger still. But we have no better centre available at the moment so all good. And his defensive efforts have been far better than those around him so kudos there too.
@Tim said in So what did we learn from Bled2?:
@mariner4life He's had four blinders in the last five tests. Yet dickheads will just assume that because we aren't making spectacular wide moves, while scoring 40 points, it must because we have a defective centre. Moronic.
I think he's the best option at 13 and has come on in spades, but has some work-on's - e. g. he needs to give his support players/wingers more space. There have been times when he's made a blistering break but edged towards the touchline which cramps his attack options.
@BartMan Great post. You spark Rugby debate like no other poster but most of that I agree with.
Disagreement:
I wouldn't write off Ofa T yet. Get him back playing more often and he's still a good test prop.
Dalton Papali'i's no Richie McCaw ( who is?) but he's developing into a bloody good player. I see him a big part of the ABs next two or three RWC challenges.
I think Akira Ioane might be our best bet at 6. His power is something special and he's handling is excellent for a big guy. He needs to up his core fitness and workrate to become a world class player. Is it worth the NZR employing a trainer to work 1-1 with him? Next best 6 = Ethan Blackadder who has the work ethic but nothing like Akira's power or talent.
Reiko's fine at 13.
Akira seems to run really high into contact a lot. I'd love to see him just barrell straight into people low, like Samisoni does so well.
I still think point 2 is wrong Frizell is oretty good at 6,
Loved Jordie's game, but was one game so will be interested to see how he goes, certainly looks the goods. If he does I think RTS drops from squad, he offers very little. Well that I can see.
@TeWaio said in So what did we learn from Bled2?:
Akira seems to run really high into contact a lot. I'd love to see him just barrell straight into people low, like Samisoni does so well.
Like Wilson did! Great tackle by de Groot and Ardi.
@Victor-Meldrew said in So what did we learn from Bled2?:
@Tim said in So what did we learn from Bled2?:
@mariner4life He's had four blinders in the last five tests. Yet dickheads will just assume that because we aren't making spectacular wide moves, while scoring 40 points, it must because we have a defective centre. Moronic.
I think he's the best option at 13 and has come on in spades, but has some work-on's - e. g. he needs to give his support players/wingers more space. There have been times when he's made a blistering break but edged towards the touchline which cramps his attack options.
Yes perhaps Reiko is currently best option with injuries etc. But needs to learn to put his wingers into space. You know, centre stuff!
It is possible that the players are coached to take the ball to ground if they don't think a pass is on. RI I think early in his 13 journey did push a lot of passes that went to ground. Maybe coaches would rather recycle and build pressure. I guess it's a balance because Jordan was clearly in a good position last night and he missed him.
We also get the benefit of multiple replays etc and players make split second decisions, sometimes they get it wrong.
I think he is making metres, making tackles and is doing a lot of his core roles well.
Link play maybe a work on as Sotutu and Clarke have also missed some obvious overlaps recently.
I actually think Paps and Akira complement each other very well. Our ruck and pillar defence was bloody good tonight with both stopping the Wallabies in their tracks often holding up the player slowing it down.
For some reason we judge our loosies off their attack more than their D and I would argue the tight D work is just as important and the loose forward unit did well tonight.
When you have props like Lomax and locks carting it up the gets it makes it much easier on the backs and smith.
It is also obvious that the forwards are now dragging players past the ball in a ruck to force the ruck defence line backwards. There was multiple times the ball was a good metre or two behind where the ruck finished. This no doubt creates more space so props to the coach that has figured that out.
The Wallabies were truly awful with very poor discipline and it is hard to really gauge out performance but I will take three on the trot after how we started. Clearly Schmidt and Ryan have been positive changes and I look forward to the northern tour.
I think off that break RI could have passed to Will, Koribete may or may not have caught Will who in turn could have passed back to RI...don't think it was a bad non pass, but a could have passed.
I think guys like DP, HS, RTS,FF, TV and others have all been given far too little time out there to be making any kind of call on them.
Of that bunch, DP is the one I like most, potential captain, arguably the best 7 in super rugby, then got splinters most of the test campaign.
AI is an interesting one, physically he should be the best player on the park, but often isn't...he did some good stuff last night but still seems to drift in and out of games, think he has way more upside than Frizzell, but also see the value of the energiser bunny, Blackadder.
Was nice having a physical direct running 12, rather than a lightweight 12 and using him to try and bash his way through! Havili has his skills, but doesn't demand attention from opposition as a bigger 12 will.
Was great to see the 2 old locks playing well, feeding off one another's energy, winding back the clock...can they hang on for another 12 months?
Still huge concerns with our ability to do the basics, I mean we had what, 30 mins in the last 2 weeks with a numerical advantage yetfailed to capitalise...and the other not so small elephant in the room, our defence.
We seem good on our line more often when no depth to worry about but is this.just good scramble, but outside this we are still so unstructured and ill disciplined (in being able to hold our line) often we are staggered, width is all over the show...
All told, I think more positives than negatives.
@taniwharugby said in So what did we learn from Bled2?:
I think off that break RI could have passed to Will, Koribete may or may not have caught Will who in turn could have passed back to RI...don't think it was a bad non pass, but a could have passed.
I think guys like DP, HS, RTS,FF, TV and others have all been given far too little time out there to be making any kind of call on them.
Of that bunch, DP is the one I like most, potential captain, arguably the best 7 in super rugby, then got splinters most of the test campaign.
AI is an interesting one, physically he should be the best player on the park, but often isn't...he did some good stuff last night but still seems to drift in and out of games, think he has way more upside than Frizzell, but also see the value of the energiser bunny, Blackadder.
Was nice having a physical direct running 12, rather that a lightweight 12 and using like he is a heavier physical specimen! Havili has his skills, but doesn't demand attention from opposition as a bigger 12 will.
Was great to see the 2 old locks playing well, feeding off one another's energy, winding back the clock...can they hang on for another 12 months?
Still huge concerns with our ability to do the basics, I mean we had what, 30 mins in the last 2 weeks with a numerical advantage yetfailed to capitalise...and the other not so small elephant in the room, our defence.
We seem good on our line more often when no depth to worry about but is this.just good scramble, but outside this we are still so unstructured and ill disciplined (in being able to hold our line) often we are staggered, width is all over the show...
All told, I think more positives than negatives.
That was a blown try, I was high up above the halfway line, and Ioane not passing was top level hungus, appalling decision. Almost dead cert try blown.
I've learnt that the ABs shape and accuracy first half was terrible, really. And Ozzie played like the ninth ranked team in the world, see we were 17 up somehow. Looked pretty bad live
@BartMan said in So what did we learn from Bled2?:
Taylor looked a lot more like Taylor, this match, looks like he's getting his mojo back
Heresy
Watching on tv, it seemed that Ioane lost his footing a little when he should have been shaping up to pass. When he looked right, it looked like the presence of MK made it a riskier pass.
He has been great with ball in hand and his extra pace in defence has been invaluable and saves certain tries, but there is a nagging feeling that he isn’t distributing as well, especially when making a break.
@taniwharugby said in So what did we learn from Bled2?:
I think off that break RI could have passed to Will, Koribete may or may not have caught Will who in turn could have passed back to RI...don't think it was a bad non pass, but a could have passed.
Agree 100%
@chimoaus I remember watching that video circulating of mccaw giving commentary of the 15 wc final ,
And watching the game live there were things I was blowing up over , like why is smith kicking possession away when we get into attacking position etc
Then watching the video mccaw would say , we believed if we kicked here this would happen blah blah blah ,
You just never know what is their decision or what they have been instructed to do .
@chimoaus said in So what did we learn from Bled2?:
The Wallabies were truly awful with very poor discipline and it is hard to really gauge out performance but I will take three on the trot after how we started.
This.
Havili must be feeling unlucky. One head knock had him go from starting All Black to suddenly possibly missing out on a World Cup berth if ALB and/or Goodhue are fit and in form.
In saying that though, we have to temper Jordie's performance (and All Blacks performance in general) with the fact that the Wallaby are currently 9th in the world.
@Frye said in So what did we learn from Bled2?:
Havili must be feeling unlucky. One head knock had him go from starting All Black to suddenly possibly missing out on a World Cup berth if ALB and/or Goodhue are fit and in form.
In saying that though, we have to temper Jordie's performance (and All Blacks performance in general) with the fact that the Wallaby are currently 9th in the world.
He never felt like the answer. After a few games up north we will see if JB can nail 12 down or not. Unless Foster hands the job back to DH and we learn nothing
@canefan said in So what did we learn from Bled2?:
@Frye said in So what did we learn from Bled2?:
Havili must be feeling unlucky. One head knock had him go from starting All Black to suddenly possibly missing out on a World Cup berth if ALB and/or Goodhue are fit and in form.
In saying that though, we have to temper Jordie's performance (and All Blacks performance in general) with the fact that the Wallaby are currently 9th in the world.
He never felt like the answer. After a few games up north we will see if JB can nail 12 down or not. Unless Foster hands the job back to DH and we learn nothing
To be fair Japan,Scotland and Wales will not give us too many answers.England maybe will.
@Chris said in So what did we learn from Bled2?:
@canefan said in So what did we learn from Bled2?:
@Frye said in So what did we learn from Bled2?:
Havili must be feeling unlucky. One head knock had him go from starting All Black to suddenly possibly missing out on a World Cup berth if ALB and/or Goodhue are fit and in form.
In saying that though, we have to temper Jordie's performance (and All Blacks performance in general) with the fact that the Wallaby are currently 9th in the world.
He never felt like the answer. After a few games up north we will see if JB can nail 12 down or not. Unless Foster hands the job back to DH and we learn nothing
To be fair Japan,Scotland and Wales will not give us too many answers.England maybe will.
Wins may not but losses might certainly change the landscape.
@Frye said in So what did we learn from Bled2?:
@Chris said in So what did we learn from Bled2?:
@canefan said in So what did we learn from Bled2?:
@Frye said in So what did we learn from Bled2?:
Havili must be feeling unlucky. One head knock had him go from starting All Black to suddenly possibly missing out on a World Cup berth if ALB and/or Goodhue are fit and in form.
In saying that though, we have to temper Jordie's performance (and All Blacks performance in general) with the fact that the Wallaby are currently 9th in the world.
He never felt like the answer. After a few games up north we will see if JB can nail 12 down or not. Unless Foster hands the job back to DH and we learn nothing
To be fair Japan,Scotland and Wales will not give us too many answers.England maybe will.
Wins may not but losses might certainly change the landscape.
Fuck that would, but losing to Japan,Scotland or Wales unthinkable.
Well ,so was losing to Argentina at home and losing a series to Ireland at home.
@Chris said in So what did we learn from Bled2?:
@canefan said in So what did we learn from Bled2?:
@Frye said in So what did we learn from Bled2?:
Havili must be feeling unlucky. One head knock had him go from starting All Black to suddenly possibly missing out on a World Cup berth if ALB and/or Goodhue are fit and in form.
In saying that though, we have to temper Jordie's performance (and All Blacks performance in general) with the fact that the Wallaby are currently 9th in the world.
He never felt like the answer. After a few games up north we will see if JB can nail 12 down or not. Unless Foster hands the job back to DH and we learn nothing
To be fair **Japan,Scotland and Wales will not give us too many answers.**England maybe will.
You probably thought that about Ireland and Argentina earlier this year.
@MN5 said in So what did we learn from Bled2?:
@Chris said in So what did we learn from Bled2?:
@canefan said in So what did we learn from Bled2?:
@Frye said in So what did we learn from Bled2?:
Havili must be feeling unlucky. One head knock had him go from starting All Black to suddenly possibly missing out on a World Cup berth if ALB and/or Goodhue are fit and in form.
In saying that though, we have to temper Jordie's performance (and All Blacks performance in general) with the fact that the Wallaby are currently 9th in the world.
He never felt like the answer. After a few games up north we will see if JB can nail 12 down or not. Unless Foster hands the job back to DH and we learn nothing
To be fair **Japan,Scotland and Wales will not give us too many answers.**England maybe will.
You probably thought that about Ireland and Argentina earlier this year.
LOL Now I am not looking forward to the EOYT.
@Chris said in So what did we learn from Bled2?:
@MN5 said in So what did we learn from Bled2?:
@Chris said in So what did we learn from Bled2?:
@canefan said in So what did we learn from Bled2?:
@Frye said in So what did we learn from Bled2?:
Havili must be feeling unlucky. One head knock had him go from starting All Black to suddenly possibly missing out on a World Cup berth if ALB and/or Goodhue are fit and in form.
In saying that though, we have to temper Jordie's performance (and All Blacks performance in general) with the fact that the Wallaby are currently 9th in the world.
He never felt like the answer. After a few games up north we will see if JB can nail 12 down or not. Unless Foster hands the job back to DH and we learn nothing
To be fair **Japan,Scotland and Wales will not give us too many answers.**England maybe will.
You probably thought that about Ireland and Argentina earlier this year.
LOL Now I am not looking forward to the EOYT.
Scotland and Wales were probably quite excited about meeting the ABs on tour a few weeks ago. Maybe not quite so much now. I'm keen to see how the group respond to going away with Ryan and Schmidt
@Machpants said in So what did we learn from Bled2?:
@taniwharugby said in So what did we learn from Bled2?:
I think off that break RI could have passed to Will, Koribete may or may not have caught Will who in turn could have passed back to RI...don't think it was a bad non pass, but a could have passed.
I think guys like DP, HS, RTS,FF, TV and others have all been given far too little time out there to be making any kind of call on them.
Of that bunch, DP is the one I like most, potential captain, arguably the best 7 in super rugby, then got splinters most of the test campaign.
AI is an interesting one, physically he should be the best player on the park, but often isn't...he did some good stuff last night but still seems to drift in and out of games, think he has way more upside than Frizzell, but also see the value of the energiser bunny, Blackadder.
Was nice having a physical direct running 12, rather that a lightweight 12 and using like he is a heavier physical specimen! Havili has his skills, but doesn't demand attention from opposition as a bigger 12 will.
Was great to see the 2 old locks playing well, feeding off one another's energy, winding back the clock...can they hang on for another 12 months?
Still huge concerns with our ability to do the basics, I mean we had what, 30 mins in the last 2 weeks with a numerical advantage yetfailed to capitalise...and the other not so small elephant in the room, our defence.
We seem good on our line more often when no depth to worry about but is this.just good scramble, but outside this we are still so unstructured and ill disciplined (in being able to hold our line) often we are staggered, width is all over the show...
All told, I think more positives than negatives.
That was a blown try, I was high up above the halfway line, and Ioane not passing was top level hungus, appalling decision. Almost dead cert try blown.
When he looked towards Jordan, Jordan was potentially obscured by Koroibete. Had Rieko had a subsequent look a split second later then he may well have.
@BartMan said in So what did we learn from Bled2?:
@Victor-Meldrew said in So what did we learn from Bled2?:
@Tim said in So what did we learn from Bled2?:
@mariner4life He's had four blinders in the last five tests. Yet dickheads will just assume that because we aren't making spectacular wide moves, while scoring 40 points, it must because we have a defective centre. Moronic.
I think he's the best option at 13 and has come on in spades, but has some work-on's - e. g. he needs to give his support players/wingers more space. There have been times when he's made a blistering break but edged towards the touchline which cramps his attack options.
Yes perhaps Reiko is currently best option with injuries etc. But needs to learn to put his wingers into space. You know, centre stuff!
I think he's getting there in that regard - though I still think the way the wings & FB position themselves needs improvement, even when Reiko isn't involved.
It's more his broken field play I have a problem with. It's almost as if he can't make up his mind to gas it himself on the outside or pass.
@Frye said in So what did we learn from Bled2?:
Havili must be feeling unlucky. One head knock had him go from starting All Black to suddenly possibly missing out on a World Cup berth if ALB and/or Goodhue are fit and in form.
Havili's utility value will put him in good stead for a World Cup spot even if he can't regain the 12 shirt.
@KiwiMurph said in So what did we learn from Bled2?:
@Frye said in So what did we learn from Bled2?:
Havili must be feeling unlucky. One head knock had him go from starting All Black to suddenly possibly missing out on a World Cup berth if ALB and/or Goodhue are fit and in form.Havili's utility value will put him in good stead for a World Cup spot even if he can't regain the 12 shirt.
Room will be found for McKenzie before Havili I think. I'm not ruling him out but the picture has just become a lot less clear.
@antipodean said in So what did we learn from Bled2?:
@Machpants said in So what did we learn from Bled2?:
@taniwharugby said in So what did we learn from Bled2?:
I think off that break RI could have passed to Will, Koribete may or may not have caught Will who in turn could have passed back to RI...don't think it was a bad non pass, but a could have passed.
I think guys like DP, HS, RTS,FF, TV and others have all been given far too little time out there to be making any kind of call on them.
Of that bunch, DP is the one I like most, potential captain, arguably the best 7 in super rugby, then got splinters most of the test campaign.
AI is an interesting one, physically he should be the best player on the park, but often isn't...he did some good stuff last night but still seems to drift in and out of games, think he has way more upside than Frizzell, but also see the value of the energiser bunny, Blackadder.
Was nice having a physical direct running 12, rather that a lightweight 12 and using like he is a heavier physical specimen! Havili has his skills, but doesn't demand attention from opposition as a bigger 12 will.
Was great to see the 2 old locks playing well, feeding off one another's energy, winding back the clock...can they hang on for another 12 months?
Still huge concerns with our ability to do the basics, I mean we had what, 30 mins in the last 2 weeks with a numerical advantage yetfailed to capitalise...and the other not so small elephant in the room, our defence.
We seem good on our line more often when no depth to worry about but is this.just good scramble, but outside this we are still so unstructured and ill disciplined (in being able to hold our line) often we are staggered, width is all over the show...
All told, I think more positives than negatives.
That was a blown try, I was high up above the halfway line, and Ioane not passing was top level hungus, appalling decision. Almost dead cert try blown.
When he looked towards Jordan, Jordan was potentially obscured by Koroibete. Had Rieko had a subsequent look a split second later then he may well have.
If he had passed, and Marika had got in the middle to block the pass (which looked possible) then I bet many of the same people complaining he didn't pass would be complaining he did.
@KiwiMurph QT is the likely unlucky one. Ignoring the injury, JB and DH are both kicking 12s.
@Nepia said in So what did we learn from Bled2?:
@antipodean said in So what did we learn from Bled2?:
@Machpants said in So what did we learn from Bled2?:
@taniwharugby said in So what did we learn from Bled2?:
I think off that break RI could have passed to Will, Koribete may or may not have caught Will who in turn could have passed back to RI...don't think it was a bad non pass, but a could have passed.
I think guys like DP, HS, RTS,FF, TV and others have all been given far too little time out there to be making any kind of call on them.
Of that bunch, DP is the one I like most, potential captain, arguably the best 7 in super rugby, then got splinters most of the test campaign.
AI is an interesting one, physically he should be the best player on the park, but often isn't...he did some good stuff last night but still seems to drift in and out of games, think he has way more upside than Frizzell, but also see the value of the energiser bunny, Blackadder.
Was nice having a physical direct running 12, rather that a lightweight 12 and using like he is a heavier physical specimen! Havili has his skills, but doesn't demand attention from opposition as a bigger 12 will.
Was great to see the 2 old locks playing well, feeding off one another's energy, winding back the clock...can they hang on for another 12 months?
Still huge concerns with our ability to do the basics, I mean we had what, 30 mins in the last 2 weeks with a numerical advantage yetfailed to capitalise...and the other not so small elephant in the room, our defence.
We seem good on our line more often when no depth to worry about but is this.just good scramble, but outside this we are still so unstructured and ill disciplined (in being able to hold our line) often we are staggered, width is all over the show...
All told, I think more positives than negatives.
That was a blown try, I was high up above the halfway line, and Ioane not passing was top level hungus, appalling decision. Almost dead cert try blown.
When he looked towards Jordan, Jordan was potentially obscured by Koroibete. Had Rieko had a subsequent look a split second later then he may well have.
If he had passed, and Marika had got in the middle to block the pass (which looked possible) then I bet many of the same people complaining he didn't pass would be complaining he did.
Rightly so, it would've been a fuck up. But from my almost spider cam view, that was a blown try. Admittedly I didn't see the possible slip, but it was easy to see the positioning. He didn't look early enough, or at all? I'll see in the replay
@Machpants said in So what did we learn from Bled2?:
@Nepia said in So what did we learn from Bled2?:
@antipodean said in So what did we learn from Bled2?:
@Machpants said in So what did we learn from Bled2?:
@taniwharugby said in So what did we learn from Bled2?:
I think off that break RI could have passed to Will, Koribete may or may not have caught Will who in turn could have passed back to RI...don't think it was a bad non pass, but a could have passed.
I think guys like DP, HS, RTS,FF, TV and others have all been given far too little time out there to be making any kind of call on them.
Of that bunch, DP is the one I like most, potential captain, arguably the best 7 in super rugby, then got splinters most of the test campaign.
AI is an interesting one, physically he should be the best player on the park, but often isn't...he did some good stuff last night but still seems to drift in and out of games, think he has way more upside than Frizzell, but also see the value of the energiser bunny, Blackadder.
Was nice having a physical direct running 12, rather that a lightweight 12 and using like he is a heavier physical specimen! Havili has his skills, but doesn't demand attention from opposition as a bigger 12 will.
Was great to see the 2 old locks playing well, feeding off one another's energy, winding back the clock...can they hang on for another 12 months?
Still huge concerns with our ability to do the basics, I mean we had what, 30 mins in the last 2 weeks with a numerical advantage yetfailed to capitalise...and the other not so small elephant in the room, our defence.
We seem good on our line more often when no depth to worry about but is this.just good scramble, but outside this we are still so unstructured and ill disciplined (in being able to hold our line) often we are staggered, width is all over the show...
All told, I think more positives than negatives.
That was a blown try, I was high up above the halfway line, and Ioane not passing was top level hungus, appalling decision. Almost dead cert try blown.
When he looked towards Jordan, Jordan was potentially obscured by Koroibete. Had Rieko had a subsequent look a split second later then he may well have.
If he had passed, and Marika had got in the middle to block the pass (which looked possible) then I bet many of the same people complaining he didn't pass would be complaining he did.
Rightly so, it would've been a fuck up. But from my almost spider cam view, that was a blown try. Admittedly I didn't see the possible slip, but it was easy to see the positioning. He didn't look early enough, or at all? I'll see in the replay
I think Caleb looks better when you see the replay. I thought the pass was marginal watching on TV
@Kirwan said in So what did we learn from Bled2?:
@KiwiMurph QT is the likely unlucky one. Ignoring the injury, JB and DH are both kicking 12s.
I reckon they'll take four midfielders and barring injuries - you can probably lock in ALB, Rieko and Dave Havili - and then Goodhue, Tupaea, RTS and Jordie (and Ennor) floating about.
Despite the obvious excitement over Jordie's performance last night, I'll be more surprised than not if he's picked as a midfielder.
He may well be our best option at 2nd five, but he's also clearly our number one fullback. And against some opponents there's a shitload of merit in having a 6 foot 5 fullback.
Fozzie clearly wants him at fullback - and I've got some sympathy with that view - we've spent two years developing him there.
Now we're going to abandon the work we've been doing building combinations? Seems like that's what's been heavily criticised since 2015!
@Chris-B said in So what did we learn from Bled2?:
@Kirwan said in So what did we learn from Bled2?:
@KiwiMurph QT is the likely unlucky one. Ignoring the injury, JB and DH are both kicking 12s.
I reckon they'll take four midfielders and barring injuries - you can probably lock in ALB, Rieko and Dave Havili - and then Goodhue, Tupaea, RTS and Jordie (and Ennor) floating about.
Despite the obvious excitement over Jordie's performance last night, I'll be more surprised than not if he's picked as a midfielder.
He may well be our best option at 2nd five, but he's also clearly our number one fullback. And against some opponents there's a shitload of merit in having a 6 foot 5 fullback.
Fozzie clearly wants him at fullback - and I've got some sympathy with that view - we've spent two years developing him there.
Now we're going to abandon the work we've been doing building combinations? Seems like that's what's been heavily criticised since 2015!
I think BB has been the best performing fullback this year, and the combination with RM might actually be starting to work (side note, I wish RM would stop running around like a headless chicken, it doesn't work at Test level, jsut make a decision and go forwards....)
Last night may be the setup that gets the best out of our top players. JB makes space for both RM and RI outside him. He also has largest clearing boot out of the team, so we can use it more often.
And most importantly, JB is the best defender we've had at 12 all year. DH and QT miss a lot of tackles, as does RM. So it eliminates that softness, and helps RM's weakness.
@Kirwan said in So what did we learn from Bled2?:
Last night may be the setup that gets the best out of our top players. JB makes space for both RM and RI outside him. He also has largest clearing boot out of the team, so we can use it more often.
He's a big unit, too. 9 and 10 are small. Having a big 12 really helps. And Foley didn't like him coming down that channel all night.
@nzzp said in So what did we learn from Bled2?:
@Kirwan said in So what did we learn from Bled2?:
Last night may be the setup that gets the best out of our top players. JB makes space for both RM and RI outside him. He also has largest clearing boot out of the team, so we can use it more often.
He's a big unit, too. 9 and 10 are small. Having a big 12 really helps. And Foley didn't like him coming down that channel all night.
You forget how it makes the game easier to have a big body running at the opposition 10. Foster may not want to mess with his plans by moving JB from 15 to 10. But sometimes you have to look at what happened and roll with it. I'd start JB on the NH tour at least in the toughest games to see if he can replicate what he did last night. Considering he stood out at 12 in a poor Canes team last season I'd back him to try and make the spot his own, it's not like he's never played there, this is no Cullen '99 or MacDonald '03 situation
@Nepia said in So what did we learn from Bled2?:
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I think off that break RI could have passed to Will, Koribete may or may not have caught Will who in turn could have passed back to RI...don't think it was a bad non pass, but a could have passed.
I think guys like DP, HS, RTS,FF, TV and others have all been given far too little time out there to be making any kind of call on them.
Of that bunch, DP is the one I like most, potential captain, arguably the best 7 in super rugby, then got splinters most of the test campaign.
AI is an interesting one, physically he should be the best player on the park, but often isn't...he did some good stuff last night but still seems to drift in and out of games, think he has way more upside than Frizzell, but also see the value of the energiser bunny, Blackadder.
Was nice having a physical direct running 12, rather that a lightweight 12 and using like he is a heavier physical specimen! Havili has his skills, but doesn't demand attention from opposition as a bigger 12 will.
Was great to see the 2 old locks playing well, feeding off one another's energy, winding back the clock...can they hang on for another 12 months?
Still huge concerns with our ability to do the basics, I mean we had what, 30 mins in the last 2 weeks with a numerical advantage yetfailed to capitalise...and the other not so small elephant in the room, our defence.
We seem good on our line more often when no depth to worry about but is this.just good scramble, but outside this we are still so unstructured and ill disciplined (in being able to hold our line) often we are staggered, width is all over the show...
All told, I think more positives than negatives.
That was a blown try, I was high up above the halfway line, and Ioane not passing was top level hungus, appalling decision. Almost dead cert try blown.
When he looked towards Jordan, Jordan was potentially obscured by Koroibete. Had Rieko had a subsequent look a split second later then he may well have.
If he had passed, and Marika had got in the middle to block the pass (which looked possible) then I bet many of the same people complaining he didn't pass would be complaining he did.
For me, and I am happy to be corrected on this because I have not seen a replay, but it is that RI did not appear to be even considering the pass that bothers me a little. Soneone mentioned above RI looked once and that was it. Ideally I would have liked him to have multiple looks and engage his periferal vision. It gives the defence something to think about. If he can develop this in his game he will be fantastic.
Unfortunately it's an art that not many players in NZ have mastered in recent times.
