Rugby Championship Match Thread - Sat 2nd - SA v NZ / Arg v Aus

[Ymx]

This would be mine:

15. Jordie
14. Reece
13. ALB (Rieko if he's out)
12. Havili
11. Rieko (Bridge if ALB's out)
10. Beauden
9. Perenara

8. Savea (c)
7. Papalii
6. Akira
5. Scooter
4. BBBR
3. Laulala
2. Taylor
1. Moody

16. Taukei'aho, 17. Karl, 18. Ofa, 19. Vaa'i, 20. Jacobson, 21. Weber, 22. DMac, 23. Jordan

Fozz is more likely to pick that back row but I just want to see Savea in his rightful position.

This.

[Ymx]

Fozz is more likely to pick that back row but I just want to see Savea in his rightful position.

I'd be more than happy with 6 Akira, 7 Ardie, 8 Jacobson, and 20 Papalii.

And this

[Enzedder]

Not enough Chiefs - we're in trouble and are going to play them at their own game.

[Ymx]

1. Joe Moody (52 caps)
2. Codie Taylor (62)
3. Nepo Laulala (35)
4. Brodie Retallick (87)
5. Scott Barrett (46)
6. Akira Ioane (8)
7. Ardie Savea (54) – captain
8. Luke Jacobson (9)

9. TJ Perenara (73)
10. Beauden Barrett (96)
11. George Bridge (15)
12. David Havili (9)
13. Rieko Ioane (42)
14. Will Jordan (8)
15. Jordie Barrett (30)


16. Samisoni Taukei’aho (6), 17. Karl Tu’inukuafe (22), 18. Ofa Tuungafasi (40), 19. Patrick Tuipulotu (39), 20. Ethan Blackadder (5), 21. Brad Weber (12), 22. Damian McKenzie (35), 23. Quinn Tupaea (3)

That’s virtually the team you or another picked wasn’t it? With the ALB out option.

Just bumping the actual team.

[Ymx]

Not enough Chiefs - we're in trouble and are going to play them at their own game.

And too many Barrett’s

[Certain Navigator]

Very happy that Jacobson has the start and Ardie's back in his best position. Not sure how much of that's down to Papalii's injury, but that's a well balanced backrow for mine.

Interesting that Tupaea's on the bench in ALB's absence, but I guess they already have plenty of guys who can play wing so Reece is surplus to requirements.

Is the loose forward balance really any better than before? Replacing Papalii with Jacobson is like-for-like. The problem of having both Savea and Ioane in the same mix persists.

I rate Jacobson highly and like Ardie being back at openside. Thought Papalii was carrying a niggle, but not sure. What's the problem with Ardie and Akira in the same mix?

Both prefer playing out wide rather than in close. One is ok in a back row, but not two.

[Monkey Magic]

6 months ago seeing that all blacks team would have me worried, but the form of Havili, both ioanes and Jordie B makes that look like a very strong team.

[Gumboot]

6 months ago seeing that all blacks team would have me worried, but the form of Havili, both ioanes and Jordie B makes that look like a very strong team.

True, and barely a year ago Cullen Grace and Caleb Clarke were the big movers.

[Grandpa]

Very happy that Jacobson has the start and Ardie's back in his best position. Not sure how much of that's down to Papalii's injury, but that's a well balanced backrow for mine.

Interesting that Tupaea's on the bench in ALB's absence, but I guess they already have plenty of guys who can play wing so Reece is surplus to requirements.

Is the loose forward balance really any better than before? Replacing Papalii with Jacobson is like-for-like. The problem of having both Savea and Ioane in the same mix persists.

I rate Jacobson highly and like Ardie being back at openside. Thought Papalii was carrying a niggle, but not sure. What's the problem with Ardie and Akira in the same mix?

Disappointed that Papalii is injured... Jacobson is more of a ball player, Papalii thrives in the tighter exchanges... but these are the sort of games where Dalton would be in his element. I was hoping to see if his heavy tackling and carrying ability close to rucks would flourish against the Boks... giving the forwards more of a platform, especially at the breakdown. Oh well, maybe next week if he gets over his hamstring.....

[Gumboot]

Disappointed that Papalii is injured... Jacobson is more of a ball player, Papalii thrives in the tighter exchanges... but these are the sort of games where Dalton would be in his element. I was hoping to see if his heavy tackling and carrying ability close to rucks would flourish against the Boks... giving the forwards more of a platform, especially at the breakdown. Oh well, maybe next week if he gets over his hamstring.....

Both quality players. I think Jacobson plays the tight game equally well, and his carrying has been a real positive.

[Grandpa]

Disappointed that Papalii is injured... Jacobson is more of a ball player, Papalii thrives in the tighter exchanges... but these are the sort of games where Dalton would be in his element. I was hoping to see if his heavy tackling and carrying ability close to rucks would flourish against the Boks... giving the forwards more of a platform, especially at the breakdown. Oh well, maybe next week if he gets over his hamstring.....

Both quality players. I think Jacobson plays the tight game equally well, and his carrying has been a real positive.

Yeah be interesting. If he can carry and compete well against a big SAn pack then no need for me to worry about Papalii... it's where Frizzell has been found wanting... and we haven't really had anyone do the Kaino job, since.. Kaino... was hoping Papalii was that man.. though doing it as a 7... as Akira though playing well, is different again. Plays like an 8.. even though a six...

[Kiwias]

The situation regarding our back row has changed dramatically from a couple of months ago, when no one seemed to have any idea of our best combination and no one outside Savea had any sort of form.

Now everyone is playing pretty well and we are seeing players settling into positions and through that building better combinations.

I don’t intend to sound as if I am praising Fozz but ………..

[FalseBayFC]

Vokkit! Tired of all the doom and gloom. Time to smash these glamour boy running rugby All Blacks into second place. Roll those mauls and launch those box kicks! Bring it on! What more glorious way to assert our dominance than winning test no. 100. Go Bokke!

[Grandpa]

The situation regarding our back row has changed dramatically from a couple of months ago, when no one seemed to have any idea of our best combination and no one outside Savea had any sort of form.

Now everyone is playing pretty well and we are seeing players settling into positions and through that building better combinations.

I don’t intend to sound as if I am praising Fozz but ………..

So irritating that he is making the All Blacks look pretty good recently... Goddamnit!

[Grandpa]

Vokkit! Tired of all the doom and gloom. Time to smash these glamour boy running rugby All Blacks into second place. Roll those mauls and launch those box kicks! Bring it on! What more glorious way to assert our dominance than winning test no. 100. Go Bokke!

Like a bulldozer through kindling... we will splinter and succumb.... only soulless black cloth shall remain...

I'll say it again... the games where the Boks have beaten the All Blacks have been mostly based on catching them by surprise playing dynamic rugby... not many 9-6 suffocations...

[FalseBayFC]

Vokkit! Tired of all the doom and gloom. Time to smash these glamour boy running rugby All Blacks into second place. Roll those mauls and launch those box kicks! Bring it on! What more glorious way to assert our dominance than winning test no. 100. Go Bokke!

Like a bulldozer through kindling... we will splinter and succumb.... only soulless black cloth shall remain...

I'll say it again... the games where the Boks have beaten the All Blacks have been mostly based on catching them by surprise playing dynamic rugby... not many 9-6 suffocations...

To be decided by a drop kick or a rolling maul.

[Grandpa]

Vokkit! Tired of all the doom and gloom. Time to smash these glamour boy running rugby All Blacks into second place. Roll those mauls and launch those box kicks! Bring it on! What more glorious way to assert our dominance than winning test no. 100. Go Bokke!

Like a bulldozer through kindling... we will splinter and succumb.... only soulless black cloth shall remain...

I'll say it again... the games where the Boks have beaten the All Blacks have been mostly based on catching them by surprise playing dynamic rugby... not many 9-6 suffocations...

To be decided by a drop kick or a rolling maul.

Or disputed scrum penalty...

[OomStruisbaai]

Any team with rugby freak DMac on the bench must be very strong.

Hope he off load to a Springbok broer!

[Certain Navigator]

Any team with rugby freak DMac on the bench must be very strong.

Hope he off load to a Springbok broer!

Interestingly, barring injuries, McKenzie may not even be on the bench next week given that Mo'unga is scheduled to return.

[Ymx]

Who was our newby back rower who missed a bunch of crucial tackles in a test match. For some reason I thought it was Papalii.

[Grandpa]

Who was our newby back rower who missed a bunch of crucial tackles in a test match. For some reason I thought it was Papalii.

He's a tackle machine.... I don't remember a test match this year where someone missed a load of crucial tackles? That implies we almost lost?

But for me he is easily the most destructive tackler in the NZ team and will be missed tomorrow.

If all fit, I liked the loose trio from two weeks ago. Jacobson, Papalii and Akira... a big and mobile bunch... Ardie on the bench to wreak havoc in the second half......

[Gumboot]

Who was our newby back rower who missed a bunch of crucial tackles in a test match. For some reason I thought it was Papalii.

Yeah, he missed a couple in the second Bled at Eden Park. Mentioned it at the time:

I'm still not sure what to make of Papalii. He does so much right, covering acres of ground at a good clip and making tons of tackles. BUT...he missed two important tackles in the first half. Koroibete waltzed right past him and deep into our 22 in the lead-up to Kellaway's early try, then he missed McDermott under our posts right on half time - had him covered but barely laid a finger on him.

Those were tackles an All Blacks openside should not miss.

[Ymx]

Thanks gumboot. I’m not going mad.

[Grandpa]

I still rate him....

I wouldn't swap him for Cane when he comes back either...

[Gumboot]

All Blacks No 8 Luke Jacobson has been scratched from tonight’s historic test against South Africa in Townsville due to a stomach bug.

His withdrawal has forced coach Ian Foster to move captain Ardie Savea from openside flanker to No 8, and Ethan Blackadder from the pine into the No 7 role.

Hoskins Sotutu moves on to the bench...

Bugger.

[Kiwias]

All Blacks No 8 Luke Jacobson has been scratched from tonight’s historic test against South Africa in Townsville due to a stomach bug.

His withdrawal has forced coach Ian Foster to move captain Ardie Savea from openside flanker to No 8, and Ethan Blackadder from the pine into the No 7 role.

Hoskins Sotutu moves on to the bench...

Bugger.

Blackadder at 7. Hmmmmmmm. I know he has the work rate and I guess that was the only choice.

[Gumboot]

Blackadder at 7. Hmmmmmmm. I know he has the work rate and I guess that was the only choice.

Wasn't exactly a resounding success last time he started at openside, but I guess his confidence will be sky high after his top performance last week. I was really looking forward to seeing that original starting backrow, though. Jacobson's had more than his share of shit luck. Shame, I rate him very highly.

[OomStruisbaai]

Suzi strikes in Townsville

[Gumboot]

I blame Laurie Mains.

[Chilli]

We are so busy at work, I am going to miss the Test.

I hope that it is a good game, not spoiled by the Ref or cards.

May the best team win, as long as it is The Springboks!

Bok BeVok!

[OomStruisbaai]

I hope this Springbok team play good enough to justify respect for this 100th clash and from our rugby rivals and their supporters. That will be enough.

[Sards]

We are so busy at work, I am going to miss the Test.

I hope that it is a good game, not spoiled by the Ref or cards.

May the best team win, as long as it is The Springboks!

Bok BeVok!

Oh no. That sucks...

Might actually be a blessing in disguise. My sons t20 match was moved from 11 to 2 pm so we could all watch the match.

I am nervous. If we get pumped it's going to make us look really really bad.
Been reading about how unfit, unskilled etc our players are since moving away from Super Rugby...
Last night watching the Lions pump Zebra in the first half before falling asleep in the second half I was left wondering whether I too was right about it being bad for us to go north if we are going to pump them all like that. Will have to see how the other matches pan out.

Back to the ABs....just as long as it's not a humiliation. That's all I am asking. You know how ruthless the ABs are. Not going to ease off if they are smashing us

[Kiwias]

Blackadder at 7. Hmmmmmmm. I know he has the work rate and I guess that was the only choice.

Wasn't exactly a resounding success last time he started at openside, but I guess his confidence will be sky high after his top performance last week. I was really looking forward to seeing that original starting backrow, though. Jacobson's had more than his share of shit luck. Shame, I rate him very highly.

I would have preferred to see Akira moved to 8 and Blackadder into 6.

[Monkey Magic]

Blackadder at 7. Hmmmmmmm. I know he has the work rate and I guess that was the only choice.

Wasn't exactly a resounding success last time he started at openside, but I guess his confidence will be sky high after his top performance last week. I was really looking forward to seeing that original starting backrow, though. Jacobson's had more than his share of shit luck. Shame, I rate him very highly.

I would have preferred to see Akira moved to 8 and Blackadder into 6.

Or bring Sotutu straight into 8 and leave ardie and Akira where they are. Although that does seem to leave us short of a grafted in the trio

[Gumboot]

I would have preferred to see Akira moved to 8 and Blackadder into 6.

Yep.

[Gumboot]

Half an hour till kick off.

Fizzing.

[Ymx]

The result of 100 years of rugby to be decided today boys !!!

I’m getting excited.

Just 30 mins to kick off

[Ymx]

Jinx

[Ymx]

Good morning Saffer friends. You guys all ready, breakfast cooked and coffee in hand.

[Muttonbird]

I hesitate to suggest that this is PT's last chance as he seems to be a permanent resident in the Last Chance Saloon.

Such a disappointing player. So enormous yet plays so tentatively. Plus he's knackered after about 10 minutes.

Would hazard a guess its no "last chance saloon" at all, just company man Fozzie again deferring to experience.

Tuipuloto is a good St Peter's boy. Sometimes the Catholic in a man manifests itself in ways contrary to rugby effectiveness.