Hoping it isn’t mass changes next week, as I’d like to see guys fill some roles…
- de Groot
- Taukei’aho
- Newell (Lomax)
- Vaa’i
- Holland
- Jacobson
- Kirifi
- Savea
- Roigard
- Love
- Ioane
- Tupaea
- Proctor
- Narawa
- Jordan
- McAllister
- Norris
- Tosi
- Tuipulotu
- Finau
- Hotham
- Tavatavanawai
- McKenzie
When bigger tests roll around, I still think Tuipulotu would be best used as your impact man - Scott Barrett will rise to the challenge. Finau gets one last chance, and possibly edging to that territory for Kirifi so I’d start him to get a proper read.
@taniwharugby said in 2025 All Blacks v France series:
@brodean hopefully another good run next week and good leadership from Ardie and the heat will be on Scott.
Who is more of a certain pick at the moment? I know who I favour.
I'm not a Crusader supporter but I'm not sure how SB is a better pick at Captain than Ardie apart from his history and clearly close relationship with the coaches. But that is a good reason.
@brodean said in 2025 All Blacks v France series:
PT runs a better lineout than Barrett and is a better lineout jumper.
PT better on the carry and Barrett better at the breakdown.
PT must be pretty bloody good then.
@frugby said in 2025 All Blacks v France series:
@Bones gut feeling is that Kirifi hasn’t taken his chance, and will be usurped by Lakai when he returns. Be good to see him given a proper go this week though.
Yeah Kirifi seems to have the unwanted "busy but ineffective" Blackadder tag, unfortunately you can also add "small" to that.
Griping with the ref and not getting turnovers. Did he actually do anything of note ?
Would love him to prove me wrong next week.
@frugby said in 2025 All Blacks v France series:
@Bones gut feeling is that Kirifi hasn’t taken his chance, and will be usurped by Lakai when he returns. Be good to see him given a proper go this week though.
He took quite a long time to become a dominant force at SR level too. Unfortunately you don't get that opportunity in test rugby, especially at his age. I get the feeling he's doing his best to do the role given, but it probably doesn't suit him and he needs to just go out rip shit n bust.
@brodean said in 2025 All Blacks v France series:
Vaa'i did well for his try. He's probably deceptively fast but he definitely runs like a lock and not a loose forward.
Don't get style points. It's not how, it's how many.
8 days later
@Duluth said in 2025 All Blacks v France series:
What absolute nonsense
France did far better than any pundit predicted and will go forward with a huge playing base
Yeah the reaction to a disjointed AB side has been strangely positive in the media.
Robertson might say a bit of stuff about what the team has learned from the series but the real question is whether or not they apply that knowledge in the future. I look forward to the improved tactical kicking, better use of the bench and game plan adaptability.
@ShaquilleOatmeal said in 2025 All Blacks v France series:
I look forward to the improved tactical kicking, better use of the bench and game plan adaptability.
Yep, and I expect to win lotto this weekend.
@Duluth said in 2025 All Blacks v France series:
Fair comment about the tactically poor appreciation of the space provided by France with both their wingers up and a shallow fullback.
Kicking in New Zealand rugby is as poor as I've ever seen it.
@antipodean said in 2025 All Blacks v France series:
@Duluth said in 2025 All Blacks v France series:
Fair comment about the tactically poor appreciation of the space provided by France with both their wingers up and a shallow fullback.
Kicking in New Zealand rugby is as poor as I've ever seen it.
We've never recovered since DC. Everyone remembers his amazing running game and focus on getting someone who can razzle dazzle, but they forget he was a very good kicker and alround tactical 10 as well