Vai'i picked at 6 to challenge the Irish lineout....?
Feel like I have heard that somewhere before...
@taniwharugby said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:
@akan004 guess they are managing Darry's workload? But he has been arguably our best player in both tests.
If that's the case they should have rested him against Italy. Not a fan of that decision.
@akan004 said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:
@taniwharugby said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:
@akan004 guess they are managing Darry's workload? But he has been arguably our best player in both tests.
If that's the case they should have rested him against Italy. Not a fan of that decision.
at first i agree but also like the idea of two games back to back rather than in and out
Other concern is Ratima and ALB - not sure a backline is scoring much with both on in the latter stages of a match.
I don't think leaving out Darry is as big an issue as being made out. All our locks are of a decent standard, which isn't to say Darry hasn't performed best so far, but I remember even during the team naming some posters not being on board with him.
I think lock is the one position in the current ABs I don't mind us mixing up so much.
Not a huge fan of Vai'i at 6 though but maybe Rennie can make it work.
@taniwharugby said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:
@akan004 I guess maybe he exceeded expectations in T1 and backed it up in T2, but knew we likely had PT coming back for this one, so had already played him more than anticipated.
Yep, and he looked pretty tired in 2nd half last week, I think he probably earnt a break. Let's not burn out a young fella .
The bench has a few players that aren't known for their impact in that role. We better not be chasing the game by the time those guys are due to come on
Vaa’i at blindside confirms they’re still searching for the right option there and don’t yet know who, if anyone, will provide it. Parker can’t be doing enough at training for Rennie’s liking.
Like others, I find it strange that Taylor is starting all three tests. At the very least, he could have been on the bench for one game to give another hooker more game time.
Tuipulotu straight into the starting lineup is interesting too, especially because he seemed like he’d fill the bench role so well. He might end up the midweek captain so this selection may reflect that.
And Beauden Barrett may have played his last test, which I have no issue with.
I like it. If there's an adjustment to the game plan. (see picking Barrett S at 6 then not contesting lineout debacle).
Backline good.
Ireland have a dodgy scrum. Picking Pat at TH lock, and Asafo and Newell on the bench gives us the ability to target it.
The Aussies had some success disrupting their lineout too.
Not sure why there’s confusion around Taylor starting.
We have kept our spine in tact for all 3 tests - 2,8,9,10,15 - for me that’s a positive.
EdG picks himself. The only question was whether they thought Lomax was back in top shape.
The AB scrum to close last weeks game was a little iffy from my perspective. I like our bench FR to address that.
Welcome back Patty T. Good to have him fit. He must be champing/chomping at the bit to get the start. I like it.
Vaa’i to blindside - my only concern is his speed off the scrum. Everything else that we need from a loosie is there. LJ and Ardie pick themselves.
Backs return to France lineup with an opportunity for Moorby. Again a positive.
Agree with the Moorby selection just would have put him at 15 with DMac on the bench where he has more impact. Also best thing about this team, no Beauden Barrett
I like it, Rennie continues to pick shit hot backlines which is such a huge positive this year, means we are going to be dangerous in every test. I would have started Clarke but Moorby is in hot form and Clarke can offer quite a bit of punch from the bench. Segner and Lakai could offer some serious impact from the bench as well if we want to speed things up in the 2nd 40.
I would have started Sami. Otherwise I like it. Giving Vaai a shot at 6 is a good move.
So glad Rennie is trying stuff out. Bringing Segner and Lakai on in the 2nd half would be a top move.
Moorby is a Snakey reincarnation. Always good value.
It would be nice to start better, we have conceded points very early in both games, sure we won and that's all that matters ultimately, but it aint ideal.
Little bit of oil.
We're going to try and score more points than Ireland, while attempting to keep them to less points than us. Hence the selections.
@Bones said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:
Little bit of oil.
We're going to try and score more points than Ireland, while attempting to keep them to less points than us. Hence the selections.
It’s like having Graham Henry and the Ghost of Fred Allen amongst us. Amazing stuff !
@MN5 said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:
@Bones said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:
Little bit of oil.
We're going to try and score more points than Ireland, while attempting to keep them to less points than us. Hence the selections.
It’s like having Graham Henry and the Ghost of Fred Allen amongst us. Amazing stuff !
I've seen it on paper.