NC: All Blacks v Ireland

@antipodean said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

@shaquilleoatmeal said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

@antipodean said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

@shaquilleoatmealthere's still the three fixtures before the first Test.

Is that enough time to find the best blindside option - two games max each?

I think six fixtures is sufficient time to determine your best loose forward trio and bench - training and game data should give you enough to go on.

I mean if not by then, when?

I think it would be if you already had a rough idea of your best trio - and Rennie might - but whether Lakai, Sititi, Vaa’i or Parker is the right option at blindside could take some time to work out if they’re starting with a clean slate. There could be an obvious standout before the first South Africa test though. They might already be able to rule out Sititi.

@Jnr said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

@Jailbreak7 said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

@ShaquilleOatmeal said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

@frugby said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

Parker an interesting one. They clearly feel they need the archetype, but don't feel he is ready to go just yet. I wouldn't be surprised if he is again unused this week - but to me it makes it highly likely they want to get Frizell back involved.

The loose forwards remain the area I'm least sure about and they also seem to be the area the coaches are least sure about. What's the best combination? Are all the jobs being covered? Who plays where? How will a smaller trio fare against South Africa? And if Jacobson is out, we'll see yet another combination this weekend. That could give Parker an opportunity, either as a starter or off the bench.

I don't think we have the balance right as yet in our loose forward mix. I'm far from convinced by Ardie as captain - and player for that matter. LJ and Segner were far more effective hitting rucks, moving bodies and turning ball over...Ardie is planly in the twilight of his career, sure no-one doubts his commitment, but there are other more effective players and ball carriers.
Segner has been a revelation this season winning and contessting LOs, carrying strongly and turning over ball. I would like to see him at 7, LJ (If fit) at 6 and Lakai at 8..

I think Ardie hit close to 50 rucks against the French. It was a key part of the reason we got such quick ball.

He also made the most carries that game.

Even though he came off early against Italy he was top 4 for both carries and tackles.

To do that while clearly needing a rest and after an jnjury early in the game shows he's still a vital component of the team.

Did he really? That would be great if so - but it is a hell of a lot more rucks than usual, he averaged about 15 per 80 minutes for Moana.
Against Italy he was 4th for carries per minute and 7th for tackles per minute. Wallace Sititi - who had the worst game in the history of the known universe - was 3rd and 5th (without the advantage of playing for a shorter period).

He was 9th and 12th vs France when playing 80 (which illustrates the per minute advantage of guys who play part-games).

I'm not particularly down on him, but those carry and tackles per minute vs France are about the same as what he did for Moana, so I'd be very surprised if he kept that workload the same but hit 3 times the amount of rucks.

The loose forward balance, and even what they're aiming for, remains a bit of a mystery to me.

@reprobate said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

Did he really? That would be great if so - but it is a hell of a lot more rucks than usual, he averaged about 15 per 80 minutes for Moana.

It would mean he attended a third of attacking rucks (deduced from carries). I find that difficult to believe, especially the "hit" bit.

yeah "rucks attended" is the dumbest stat

@ShaquilleOatmeal said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

@antipodean said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

@shaquilleoatmeal said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

@antipodean said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

@shaquilleoatmealthere's still the three fixtures before the first Test.

Is that enough time to find the best blindside option - two games max each?

I think six fixtures is sufficient time to determine your best loose forward trio and bench - training and game data should give you enough to go on.

I mean if not by then, when?

I think it would be if you already had a rough idea of your best trio - and Rennie might - but whether Lakai, Sititi, Vaa’i or Parker is the right option at blindside could take some time to work out if they’re starting with a clean slate. There could be an obvious standout before the first South Africa test though. They might already be able to rule out Sititi.

This is the thing, it looks kinda like they really don't know because those players are all pretty different.

Sititi is an okay lineout forward. A medium sized wide volume carrier and tackler. Not a ruck hitter.
Lakai is not really a lineout forward, a medium sized solid generalist, a bit of a jackal threat. A medium-low ruck hitter.
Parker is a good lineout target, a medium volume tackler, not a carrier. Is a ruck hitter.
Vaa'i is a very good lineout target, not a volume tackler or carrier, is a ruck hitter.
Segner is a decent lineout target, not a volume carrier or tackler. Accurate generalist, a bit of a jackal threat. A medium-low ruck hitter.

Rennie says he wants complementary skillsets, but then he's selected a squad without like-for-like replacements, and he's picked Jacobson and Savea to start then matched them with different skillsets. That makes it look like the skillset balance remains unknown. Maybe there are two separate horses-for-courses plans, one with Vaai/Parker, and one with Sititi/Lakai. But even Sititi and Lakai don't really play the same game.

It's also interesting that after Jacobson, the best ruck numbers - by quite a way - belong to Parker. That might point to Parker playing if Jacobson doesn't.

Landers mate.
Where's the team?

@Frank said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

Landers mate.
Where's the team?

I had it locked and ready to go but the Jordie injury has thrown a spanner in the works.

I’ll post what it was going to be anyway, I’m sure it will spark some discussion.

9. Roigard
10. Love
11. Moorby
12. J. Barrett
13. Tupaea
14. Jordan
15. Dmac

Bench
21. Ratima
22. ALB
23. Clarke

All subject to change now due to the JB injury obviously.

@Landers92 said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

@Frank said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

Landers mate.
Where's the team?

I had it locked and ready to go but the Jordie injury has thrown a spanner in the works.

I’ll post what it was going to be anyway, I’m sure it will spark some discussion.

9. Roigard
10. Love
11. Moorby
12. J. Barrett
13. Tupaea
14. Jordan
15. Dmac

Bench
21. Ratima
22. ALB
23. Clarke

All subject to change now due to the JB injury obviously.

If Barrett is out, logic says we'll see a Tupaea/ALB midfield with Proctor on the bench.

But Rennie could throw a spanner in the works and keep Tupaea at 13 if he wants him to clock up more miles there. I'm not a fan of ALB at 12 so would rather this doesn't happen.

Or ALB could remain bench cover with Proctor coming in at 13.

And just want to say I'm very pleased that we've not seen Beauden Barrett at all during the series. Already a big tick for Rennie in my books.

It's a real bugger about that JB injury, I would have liked to see that backline.

One thing I would like to see tried if we are persisting with the 5-3 with a wing option on the bench, is using Clarke as a battering ram for the first 40, just get as many hard carries as he can at their inside backs.

@Landers92 said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

@Frank said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

Landers mate.
Where's the team?

I had it locked and ready to go but the Jordie injury has thrown a spanner in the works.

I’ll post what it was going to be anyway, I’m sure it will spark some discussion.

9. Roigard
10. Love
11. Moorby
12. J. Barrett
13. Tupaea
14. Jordan
15. Dmac

Bench
21. Ratima
22. ALB
23. Clarke

All subject to change now due to the JB injury obviously.

On the news last night it sounded like JB would be fine.

@Bovidae said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

Paul Cully is predicting that Vaa'i will be named at 6.

Probably because a few other pundits have been talking it up. I’ve heard something quite different.

@ACT-Crusader said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

@Bovidae said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

Paul Cully is predicting that Vaa'i will be named at 6.

Probably because a few other pundits have been talking it up. I’ve heard something quite different.

What have you heard?

@Landers92 said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

@Frank said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

Landers mate.
Where's the team?

I had it locked and ready to go but the Jordie injury has thrown a spanner in the works.

I’ll post what it was going to be anyway, I’m sure it will spark some discussion.

9. Roigard
10. Love
11. Moorby
12. J. Barrett
13. Tupaea
14. Jordan
15. Dmac

Bench
21. Ratima
22. ALB
23. Clarke

All subject to change now due to the JB injury obviously.

That lineup tells us two things: Tupaea is the clear favourite for the centre spot ahead of Proctor, although I’m not convinced about having Lienert-Brown there; and Beauden Barrett doesn’t appear likely to be part of the top 23 moving forward and may not make a regular-sized squad once Mo’unga returns. I’m fairly happy with both of those outcomes.

A back three, all with fullback credentials. The high ball really should be taken care of. Clark, who has made the high ball his forte, also in reserve to defuse opposition shenanigans. I like it.

@ACT-Crusader said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

@Bovidae said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

Paul Cully is predicting that Vaa'i will be named at 6.

Probably because a few other pundits have been talking it up. I’ve heard something quite different.

Dominic Gardner, Ethan Blackadder or Corey Kellow?

Jordie all good to start.

@george33 said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

Jordie all good to start.

Thank fuck, he has been in stellar form of late.

@Landers92 said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

@Frank said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

Landers mate.
Where's the team?

I had it locked and ready to go but the Jordie injury has thrown a spanner in the works.

I’ll post what it was going to be anyway, I’m sure it will spark some discussion.

9. Roigard
10. Love
11. Moorby
12. J. Barrett
13. Tupaea
14. Jordan
15. Dmac

Bench
21. Ratima
22. ALB
23. Clarke

All subject to change now due to the JB injury obviously.

Lol myth posted this same backline on his FB page moments after you posted it here.

@akan004 said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

@Landers92 said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

@Frank said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

Landers mate.
Where's the team?

I had it locked and ready to go but the Jordie injury has thrown a spanner in the works.

I’ll post what it was going to be anyway, I’m sure it will spark some discussion.

9. Roigard
10. Love
11. Moorby
12. J. Barrett
13. Tupaea
14. Jordan
15. Dmac

Bench
21. Ratima
22. ALB
23. Clarke

All subject to change now due to the JB injury obviously.

Lol myth posted this same backline on his FB page moments after you posted it here.

Myth, if you're reading this, you're a cock mate

@akan004 said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

@Landers92 said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

@Frank said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

Landers mate.
Where's the team?

I had it locked and ready to go but the Jordie injury has thrown a spanner in the works.

I’ll post what it was going to be anyway, I’m sure it will spark some discussion.

9. Roigard
10. Love
11. Moorby
12. J. Barrett
13. Tupaea
14. Jordan
15. Dmac

Bench
21. Ratima
22. ALB
23. Clarke

All subject to change now due to the JB injury obviously.

Lol myth posted this same backline on his FB page moments after you posted it here.

The Myth is definitely amongst us, there was the same trend last year when @landers92 posted and then all of a sudden the same team showed up on the Myth site.

Someone ban the bloke.

@akan004 said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

@Landers92 said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

@Frank said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

Landers mate.
Where's the team?

I had it locked and ready to go but the Jordie injury has thrown a spanner in the works.

I’ll post what it was going to be anyway, I’m sure it will spark some discussion.

9. Roigard
10. Love
11. Moorby
12. J. Barrett
13. Tupaea
14. Jordan
15. Dmac

Bench
21. Ratima
22. ALB
23. Clarke

All subject to change now due to the JB injury obviously.

Lol myth posted this same backline on his FB page moments after you posted it here.

I’ll be toning it back on the SA tour that’s for sure. Still have bits of oil but tone back the line ups, especially for the tests.

@Landers92 said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

@akan004 said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

@Landers92 said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

@Frank said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

Landers mate.
Where's the team?

I had it locked and ready to go but the Jordie injury has thrown a spanner in the works.

I’ll post what it was going to be anyway, I’m sure it will spark some discussion.

9. Roigard
10. Love
11. Moorby
12. J. Barrett
13. Tupaea
14. Jordan
15. Dmac

Bench
21. Ratima
22. ALB
23. Clarke

All subject to change now due to the JB injury obviously.

Lol myth posted this same backline on his FB page moments after you posted it here.

I’ll be toning it back on the SA tour that’s for sure. Still have bits of oil but tone back the line ups, especially for the tests.

Now look what you've done!!! 'Shakes fist at whoever you are'

@Canes4life said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

Someone ban the bloke

Isn't the forum public?

@Landers92 said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

@akan004 said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

@Landers92 said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

@Frank said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

Landers mate.
Where's the team?

I had it locked and ready to go but the Jordie injury has thrown a spanner in the works.

I’ll post what it was going to be anyway, I’m sure it will spark some discussion.

9. Roigard
10. Love
11. Moorby
12. J. Barrett
13. Tupaea
14. Jordan
15. Dmac

Bench
21. Ratima
22. ALB
23. Clarke

All subject to change now due to the JB injury obviously.

Lol myth posted this same backline on his FB page moments after you posted it here.

I’ll be toning it back on the SA tour that’s for sure. Still have bits of oil but tone back the line ups, especially for the tests.

Definitely don't want to be advertising where the boys are eating and drinking meals....

🤮

@Bones said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

@Canes4life said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

Someone ban the bloke

Isn't the forum public?

I think there's largely a collective understanding that some information shared on the Fern is shared in confidence. The Myth page on FB has a large following and whoevers leaking information to that page is going against what @landers92 has asked.

Dick move in my view and I'm not suprised @landers92 is now reluctant to share that sort of information going forward.

@Canes4life I could swear you're related to Bonesetta with responses to questions that are not even close to an on topic answer.

Pretty hard to ban someone on a public forum is the point.

Might be easier to find them...

Segner to start , Jacobson, Ardie. , Lakai bench. That sounds good.

@george33 Interesting. Mainstream media been going hard on Vaa'i starting at 6, so I wonder if this is an indication that Tuipulotu has not been passed fit?

@george33 said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

Segner to start , Jacobson, Ardie. , Lakai bench. That sounds good.

Are you telling us or is this opinion?

Is there really any advantage in naming the team late Thursday? I mean SA name theirs on what Tuesday?

@chimoaus said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

Is there really any advantage in naming the team late Thursday? I mean SA name theirs on what Tuesday?

It's not like opposition teams don't probably already know who's playing

@canefan or will be changing thier gameplan significantly based on who we select...I expect if you had players with a massive impact other teams may adjust slightly (e.g run at Pocock to try blunt his breakdown work) but not massively.

@chimoaus said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

Is there really any advantage in naming the team late Thursday? I mean SA name theirs on what Tuesday?

I imagine there's a lot more benefit to the team than naming early. Much less disruption should there need to be changes, etc.

Is there really any advantage to complaining about it?

@Bones Quite a unique thing with rugby too.

Likes of Football, Cricket and Basketball it is basically right before start time.

The whole team naming Tuesday in the NRL is a bunch of faff, because half the teams change by kickoff anyway, and the casual fan struggles to keep up with that anyway.

Is the Thursday team naming driven by the New Zealand media cycle?

@Landers92 said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

@Frank said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:

Landers mate.
Where's the team?

I had it locked and ready to go but the Jordie injury has thrown a spanner in the works.

I’ll post what it was going to be anyway, I’m sure it will spark some discussion.

9. Roigard
10. Love
11. Moorby
12. J. Barrett
13. Tupaea
14. Jordan
15. Dmac

Bench
21. Ratima
22. ALB
23. Clarke

All subject to change now due to the JB injury obviously.

Strong backline. Harkin at 15 and Hotham off the bench and that's our RWC backline for me.

@sparky Ideally Pledger off the bench.

@ShaquilleOatmeal 100% if he can get fit. Caleb Tangitau might get there to if he recovers fully.

If we can keep Fehi he’ll be in the mix as well. Just need to get him on the field this year.

I am absolutely in favour of Moorby starting this week - I also don’t really see him as anything other than a stop gap.

But if he is a stop gap who wins us a Boks Tour then he will go down in ABs folklore