@ShaquilleOatmeal said in 2026 Nations Championship: All Blacks v Ireland:
There are a fell calls to rest Savea. If they were going to rest the captain, surely that would have happened against Italy.
Savea won’t be rested, Rennie has already mentioned that.
@kidcalder said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:
Parker will be 6 maybe Lakai bench
Jacobson poss injured? If so Segner 7
ALB prob starts 13- Quinn to bench but could also be other way round
Like to see Numia and Aumia start
You have a source?
Or your speculation?
@kidcalder
He would have been used by now if they really wanted to embed him into their style of play.
While Ireland have to be put to the sword, this is the ideal game for Rennie to give a couple - and I do mean a couple - of chances to players who haven’t featured yet.
Need to find out if they’re up for the first test against the Boks (and therefore likely vs the Sharks the week before) or if they’re fronting up against the Stormers and Bulls with Captain Beauden.
Over to you, Simon Parker and Kyle Preston.
@game_film think it's time to test out ST starting with Aumua finishing too.
I imagine Dave is also keeping a fair bit of dry powder in his basement, which should be a consideration at this stage.
Just rewatched the Italy test. Is it just me or are our props suddenly carrying the ball a lot better? Guys like DeGroot and Lomax appear to be more explosive with their carries and their post contact metres are higher than what they normally bring. Noticed this with Darry too.
Barnes did say that he wanted our forwards to carry more effectively, and I think that's happening.
Bit on the line here for Dave in his third test , with the eden park record and all that .
Not one he would want to drop or the knives will be out very early in his tenure ..
@kiwiinmelb be a good excuse to move to a new captain though...
@Bones said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:
@kiwiinmelb be a good excuse to move to a new captain though...
Not sure that would help his popularity though , ardie has a bigger fan club 
@akan004 said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:
Just rewatched the Italy test. Is it just me or are our props suddenly carrying the ball a lot better? Guys like DeGroot and Lomax appear to be more explosive with their carries and their post contact metres are higher than what they normally bring. Noticed this with Darry too.
Barnes did say that he wanted our forwards to carry more effectively, and I think that's happening.
DeG also did it in test 1, Newell as well although he has been obc working in that a year or two.
@kiwiinmelb said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:
Bit on the line here for Dave in his third test , with the eden park record and all that .
Not one he would want to drop or the knives will be out very early in his tenure ..
I think we lose this game.
I hope I'm wrong, but a one-off game with a new team looks like the perfect game to ambush the record.
We've looked good at times, but also there are a few holes, and they've been giving guys a go so we don't have much in combinations yet.
@gt12 said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:
@kiwiinmelb said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:
Bit on the line here for Dave in his third test , with the eden park record and all that .
Not one he would want to drop or the knives will be out very early in his tenure ..
I think we lose this game.
I hope I'm wrong, but a one-off game with a new team looks like the perfect game to ambush the record.We've looked good at times, but also there are a few holes, and they've been giving guys a go so we don't have much in combinations yet.
I think we are going to win by 15-20. I feel like it's just about to click.
@akan004 said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:
@gt12 said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:
@kiwiinmelb said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:
Bit on the line here for Dave in his third test , with the eden park record and all that .
Not one he would want to drop or the knives will be out very early in his tenure ..
I think we lose this game.
I hope I'm wrong, but a one-off game with a new team looks like the perfect game to ambush the record.We've looked good at times, but also there are a few holes, and they've been giving guys a go so we don't have much in combinations yet.
I think we are going to win by 15-20. I feel like it's just about to click.
It could be exactly that too - which I hope for, of course - but this team feels like a plane that is being built while flying.
Let me put it this way, if I were Ireland, I'd have had this test circled in the diary, so it should be an ideal test of the group before we set up for SA.
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.
I'd like to see the ABs to really attack the Irish scrum. Their lineout has misfired at times too so let's contest the Irish set piece.
@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.
@gt12 said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:
@kiwiinmelb said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:
Bit on the line here for Dave in his third test , with the eden park record and all that .
Not one he would want to drop or the knives will be out very early in his tenure ..
I think we lose this game.
I hope I'm wrong, but a one-off game with a new team looks like the perfect game to ambush the record.We've looked good at times, but also there are a few holes, and they've been giving guys a go so we don't have much in combinations yet.
I'm significantly more confident in this team than I was last year - I'd definitely be expecting a loss then. They can still score points in the final 20 minutes. I don't see players giving up when they're behind. There's a much greater emphasis on doing all the hard work. They seem to have cut out the nonsense miracle plays, chip kicks and so on. There's definitely still a lot to work on, but I think things are looking up, with a few problem areas to sort out.
@ShaquilleOatmeal what would you classify as miracle plays?
Last year with Beaudie there were a few chip and hopes, this year there’s been quite a few jump in the air and pass all in one motion plays. Love in particular.
We are attacking from a pretty flat alignment at times which is high risk/high reward footy. I don’t mind it, but when the opposition has rushed us, we are still trying to make the big play it seems. Both Love and DMac need to vary their depth a bit more.
Ioane has come into the squad as injury cover as the ABs continue to monitor injuries in the outside backs.
Fehi and Leroy won't be available this week according to the Breakdown.
@gt12 said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:
@kiwiinmelb said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:
Bit on the line here for Dave in his third test , with the eden park record and all that .
Not one he would want to drop or the knives will be out very early in his tenure ..
I think we lose this game.
I hope I'm wrong, but a one-off game with a new team looks like the perfect game to ambush the record.We've looked good at times, but also there are a few holes, and they've been giving guys a go so we don't have much in combinations yet.
OTOH, Ireland were lucky to beat the Wallabies. They are probably a step down from France.
@ACT-Crusader said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:
@ShaquilleOatmeal what would you classify as miracle plays?
Very low-percentage passes or offloads, where saying they're fifty-fifty would be extremely generous. Avoiding being tackled or going to deck as if that's going to end the play. Kick-passes haven't been seen often either.
For the loose forwards, ideally Jacobson is fit and has the game he did against the French, Lakai also plays a blinder and Savea plays the way he did in the second half against the Italians (inability to take a winger to ground notwithstanding). Segner on the bench.
Moorby stays in the 23 - starting if neither Fehi nor Clarke are 100% fit).
With Darry having a blinder the last two weeks, I'd pair him with Lord and keep Vaa'i on the bench.
If they stick with Taylor starting, then Aumua must surely get a chance.
Props pick themselves.
Proctor (despite regularly getting done on the outside) should start again. I think we'll just score more often than the Irish can.
@Bones said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:
@game_film think it's time to test out ST starting with Aumua finishing too.
I imagine Dave is also keeping a fair bit of dry powder in his basement, which should be a consideration at this stage.
I think so. The 2 hookers are in better form than Taylor.
Taylor is 35 so we should be managing his minutes if we want to get him to the world cup.
Starting 3 games in a row is not managing his minutes.
We have to usher in Sami and Asafo at some stage.
@Canes4life said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:
Ioane has come into the squad as injury cover as the ABs continue to monitor injuries in the outside backs.
Fehi and Leroy won't be available this week according to the Breakdown.
I thought Fehi may have been a smokey for a start vs Ireland. He could’ve been useful as Irelands defence gets a little compressed leaving space for a winger with genuine speed.
If Clarke is fit I think they go with the same back 3 as France with Moorby on the bench.
@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.
Loose forwards and centre is the main points for me.
Weseem well stocked with form players elsewhere...maybe a little bare after roigard as well come to think about it
Tuipulotu and Jacobson should be available. Might be some outside back injuries.
Likely team?
@kidcalder said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:
Loose forwards and centre is the main points for me.
Weseem well stocked with form players elsewhere...maybe a little bare after roigard as well come to think about it
The lack of a backup 9 concerns me a lot. They have tried a number of people but we are no closer to knowing who the true backup is. I think Roigard is one of the fittest in the team so he can play a lot of minutes but ideally it would be great to have a 9 that can take some of the pressure off Cam.
@chimoaus said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:
@kidcalder said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:
Loose forwards and centre is the main points for me.
Weseem well stocked with form players elsewhere...maybe a little bare after roigard as well come to think about itThe lack of a backup 9 concerns me a lot. They have tried a number of people but we are no closer to knowing who the true backup is. I think Roigard is one of the fittest in the team so he can play a lot of minutes but ideally it would be great to have a 9 that can take some of the pressure off Cam.
Hopefully Pledger makes a full and speedy recovery.
@chimoaus said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:
@kidcalder said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:
Loose forwards and centre is the main points for me.
Weseem well stocked with form players elsewhere...maybe a little bare after roigard as well come to think about itThe lack of a backup 9 concerns me a lot. They have tried a number of people but we are no closer to knowing who the true backup is. I think Roigard is one of the fittest in the team so he can play a lot of minutes but ideally it would be great to have a 9 that can take some of the pressure off Cam.
With 4 midweek games and 4 tests, they will take 4 halfbacks on tour, so someone else will get an opportunity. Hopefully Hotham who has some improvement but does offer a running game.
For this match I think they will go with Preston.
@ACT-Crusader said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:
@chimoaus said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:
@kidcalder said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:
Loose forwards and centre is the main points for me.
Weseem well stocked with form players elsewhere...maybe a little bare after roigard as well come to think about itThe lack of a backup 9 concerns me a lot. They have tried a number of people but we are no closer to knowing who the true backup is. I think Roigard is one of the fittest in the team so he can play a lot of minutes but ideally it would be great to have a 9 that can take some of the pressure off Cam.
With 4 midweek games and 4 tests, they will take 4 halfbacks on tour, so someone else will get an opportunity. Hopefully Hotham who has some improvement but does offer a running game.
For this match I think they will go with Preston.
I think one of the bigger issues is Roigard is very much in the Dupont mold, he runs the show with his running game, tactical awareness and just overall rugby IQ. Ratima is more in the Smith mold where its about the speed of pass etc. I am just not sure you can have one of each in the side as the structure and style of play is different. I think the SA tour will be a great test of our depth for sure.
@chimoaus said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:
@ACT-Crusader said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:
@chimoaus said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:
@kidcalder said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:
Loose forwards and centre is the main points for me.
Weseem well stocked with form players elsewhere...maybe a little bare after roigard as well come to think about itThe lack of a backup 9 concerns me a lot. They have tried a number of people but we are no closer to knowing who the true backup is. I think Roigard is one of the fittest in the team so he can play a lot of minutes but ideally it would be great to have a 9 that can take some of the pressure off Cam.
With 4 midweek games and 4 tests, they will take 4 halfbacks on tour, so someone else will get an opportunity. Hopefully Hotham who has some improvement but does offer a running game.
For this match I think they will go with Preston.
I think one of the bigger issues is Roigard is very much in the Dupont mold, he runs the show with his running game, tactical awareness and just overall rugby IQ. Ratima is more in the Smith mold where its about the speed of pass etc. I am just not sure you can have one of each in the side as the structure and style of play is different. I think the SA tour will be a great test of our depth for sure.
I think that will be tempered somewhat as Love gains in experience and confidence at Test level. As long as Cortez keeps a running threat to his game, sniping to keep ruck defences honest, Love will be good enough to thrive with the speed of delivery.
Ultimately, it's a moot point if we can't get dominance (or at least parity) at the gainline.
@Bovidae said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:
I'd like to see the ABs to really attack the Irish scrum. Their lineout has misfired at times too so let's contest the Irish set piece.
I'd like to see one of those ding dong battles like the chiefs under Rennie Vs the crusaders (or was it blues)?.
Retallick, Messam, etc would niggle the fuck out of them and completely put them off their game.
@Landers92 said in NC: All Blacks v Ireland:
Some early oil to start your week.
Moorby is starting.
After Italy he deserves a shot
