The Rugby Championship - W2 - 15 July : NZ v SA / Aus v Rg

[Torquemada 1420]

Thick as sh*t. Why take it over the line when you are held up?

[Insane_Homer]

I think it might have been 23 blue?

[dpedin]

I see Eddie Jones has worked his magic on the Aussies!

[Torquemada 1420]

You RETARD

[boere wors]

What a fun game this is. Great stuff argies and aussies

[Torquemada 1420]

Arg remain the dumbest side in rugby. F**king lucky he got that down.

[_Os_]

The dark menacing shadows of SA's finest refs are looming large over Deep South's beach hut. As is the RWC pool match against Georgia.

[OomStruisbaai]

Missed the test driving back home. Checked the score 15 mins and nearly made an accident. Don't plan to watch it.

[sockwithaticket]

I see Eddie Jones has worked his magic on the Aussies!

I imagine most of my fellow England fans are feeling a decent amount of schadenfreude right now.

[Grandpa]

I'm still uneasy about NZ's default setting. The first 20 minutes were outstanding... but the middle hour was too tentative and too much of a defensive mindset... kicking the ball back to SA, instead of holding onto it... it allowed SA back into the game... then the last fifteen minutes, not sure what happened but they held onto the ball and got momentum back... I hope that was worked out on the field.. and not from the coach's box...

[LoveOfTheGame]

I'm still uneasy about NZ's default setting. The first 20 minutes were outstanding... but the middle hour was too tentative and too much of a defensive mindset... kicking the ball back to SA, instead of holding onto it... it allowed SA back into the game... then the last fifteen minutes, not sure what happened but they held onto the ball and got momentum back... I hope that was worked out on the field.. and not from the coach's box...

In fairness oupa some credit must go to the coaches, that opening 20-30 min was well planned. It was the difference between the teams in the end. They knew the Boks would come back with their bench, so did enough to keep the game out if reach.

[OomStruisbaai]

Very happy for Foster..

[Grandpa]

I'm still uneasy about NZ's default setting. The first 20 minutes were outstanding... but the middle hour was too tentative and too much of a defensive mindset... kicking the ball back to SA, instead of holding onto it... it allowed SA back into the game... then the last fifteen minutes, not sure what happened but they held onto the ball and got momentum back... I hope that was worked out on the field.. and not from the coach's box...

In fairness oupa some credit must go to the coaches, that opening 20-30 min was well planned. It was the difference between the teams in the end. They knew the Boks would come back with their bench, so did enough to keep the game out if reach.

Oh yes definitely... Schmidt and Ryan deserve great credit. It had Schmidt's fingerprints all over it. Hard to give Foster credit though when before Ryan and Schmidt, the All Blacks lacked any sort of pattern at all.

Two things though. Firstly, I think the death of Eben's father was a contributory factor. Not only for him but the entire squad would be worried about him and that can affect the whole ambience and mindset... some things in life are bigger than the game etc..

Secondly. SA played well in the middle hour. And a lot of passes stuck for NZ in that initial onslaught. Bit of luck (Kolbe's non-try etc) and SA could have been right back in it. So not like anything has changed for SA really... they're still gonna be a big threat at the world cup.

[LoveOfTheGame]

I'm still uneasy about NZ's default setting. The first 20 minutes were outstanding... but the middle hour was too tentative and too much of a defensive mindset... kicking the ball back to SA, instead of holding onto it... it allowed SA back into the game... then the last fifteen minutes, not sure what happened but they held onto the ball and got momentum back... I hope that was worked out on the field.. and not from the coach's box...

In fairness oupa some credit must go to the coaches, that opening 20-30 min was well planned. It was the difference between the teams in the end. They knew the Boks would come back with their bench, so did enough to keep the game out if reach.

Oh yes definitely... Schmidt and Ryan deserve great credit. It had Schmidt's fingerprints all over it. Hard to give Foster credit though when before Ryan and Schmidt, the All Blacks lacked any sort of pattern at all.

Two things though. Firstly, I think the death of Eben's father was a contributory factor. Not only for him but the entire squad would be worried about him and that can affect the whole ambience and mindset... some things in life are bigger than the game etc..

Secondly. SA played well in the middle hour. And a lot of passes stuck for NZ in that initial onslaught. Bit of luck (Kolbe's non-try etc) and SA could have been right back in it. So not like anything has changed for SA really... they're still gonna be a big threat at the world cup.

You guys are so hard on old Fozzie

Anyway, thanks for the kind words, we’ll see you at Twickers!

[Raggs]

SA were caught cold and NZ exploited it brilliantly. Took too long for the boks to wake up.

[OomStruisbaai]

Expect the loss. The All Blacks supporters should be proud with their team.

This loss come at the right time for the Springboks. Coaches and players will be grounded and will have to work much harder.

To lose in NZ against the All Blacks is not the end of the world.

[Sards]

Expect the loss. The All Blacks supporters should be proud with their team.

This loss come at the right time for the Springboks. Coaches and players will be grounded and will have to work much harder.

To lose in NZ against the All Blacks is not the end of the world.

Don't talk kak. I said I am never comfortable with leaving " star " players just particular games. When they come into the game it goes pear shaped . We saw it a lot at the Sharks.
We should never lose....because we don't select properly

[Guy Smiley]

A little taste here of what it can mean to make a Test team...

[Gumboot]

Stephen Jones continues to set the journalistic standard in his Times column today...

Wallaby coach Eddie Jones and his team face the Springboks in Perth in a fortnight trying to prevent a whitewash in the tournament after last week’s defeat by South Africa.

[Guy Smiley]

Stephen Jones continues to set the journalistic standard in his Times column today...

Wallaby coach Eddie Jones and his team face the Springboks in Perth in a fortnight trying to prevent a whitewash in the tournament after last week’s defeat by South Africa.

He'd already written his review when the fixture was released.

[OomStruisbaai]

Expect the loss. The All Blacks supporters should be proud with their team.

This loss come at the right time for the Springboks. Coaches and players will be grounded and will have to work much harder.

To lose in NZ against the All Blacks is not the end of the world.

Don't talk kak. I said I am never comfortable with leaving " star " players just particular games. When they come into the game it goes pear shaped . We saw it a lot at the Sharks.
We should never lose....because we don't select properly

Sharks are in a sad state, mate.

[Gumboot]

It was another encouraging performance by the All Blacks. But to the World Cup? Meaningless.

[Ymx]

Stephen Jones continues to set the journalistic standard in his Times column today...

Wallaby coach Eddie Jones and his team face the Springboks in Perth in a fortnight trying to prevent a whitewash in the tournament after last week’s defeat by South Africa.

He'd already written his review when the fixture was released.

I think Gumboot is alluding to who he says are actually playing next. Ie it’s not the boks, whom he had even referenced as previous weeks team.

[Guy Smiley]

I think Gumboot is alluding to who he says are actually playing next. Ie it’s not the boks, whom he had even referenced as previous weeks team.

And you called me numbskull the other day

[Thor Sedan]

Did Fozzie throw some shade at Mark Reason in the post game interview?

[Ymx]

I think Gumboot is alluding to who he says are actually playing next. Ie it’s not the boks, whom he had even referenced as previous weeks team.

And you called me numbskull the other day

I did. But I still can’t figure out what you’re on about.

I’m pretty sure Gumboot was referring to this correction

“Wallaby coach Eddie Jones and his team face the
—Springboks— All blacks in Perth in a fortnight trying to prevent a whitewash in the tournament after last week’s defeat by South Africa.”


Although I think even the Perth bit is wrong.

Not sure what yours is on about, as it’s not an actual fixture.

[Ymx]

Did Fozzie throw some shade at Mark Reason in the post game interview?

On Foz, due to the recent success of this new team. Call me cynical, but I wonder how much he has been relegated to being away from coaching, and just a media figurehead??

[Kiwias]

Did Fozzie throw some shade at Mark Reason in the post game interview?

On Foz, due to the recent success of this new team. Call me cynical, but I wonder how much he has been relegated to being away from coaching, and just a media figurehead??

Looking at how rarely BB forced himself into the first receiver position last night, giving RMo a genuine 80-minutes as the boss, I suspected that he had been told to stay out of RMo's way, something Foz would never do. This gives credibility to your suggestion that he is not deeply involved in the day-to-day coaching of the team.

[Sards]

Well done New Zealand. I haven't had the whole match. Lost the first and last 20. Will be interesting to watch how the ABs pulled that off

[Enzedder]

Jaysus, you Kiwi guys are so freaking negative you'd drain every battery in the world in 30 seconds.

We had a great win and everyone involved gets a thumbs up from me. Your bitterness must be so bad for your mental health.

[convoluted]

^^^^^ Yup.

It is all too predictable. One of the best fullbacks in the world forced to play on the wing to assuage Foz's love affair with the initial B.

Yup.

In his first test since September last year, Jordan not only provided the All Blacks with the direct attacking impetus they needed, but his willingness to find a way to get into the game and make himself a central figure persuaded those around him to adopt an equally bold and adventurous mind-set.

It was Jordan, in the way he was able to scramble to his feet after Willie le Roux tackled him five minutes into the game, regather the ball and blast into a huge hole to set up Aaron Smith to score, who set the tone for the All Blacks to inflict untold damage in the first 20 minutes.

It was to Jordan’s wing that the All Blacks kept kicking as part of an exit strategy that was all about using his pace to contest for the ball.

Mostly it worked, Jordan being able to regather or at least put enough pressure on the Boks’ catchers to force mistakes and it felt as if the young Crusader was working endless miracles.
And it was always Jordan who gave the Springboks’ defence kittens when he continually hovered close to Richie Mo’unga, threatening to take an inside ball.

The confidence that flowed through the team on the back of Jordan’s involvement was almost visible.

Jordie Barrett started to automatically look to his right whenever he had possession and was willing to kick pass backwards at times just to get Jordan involved.

For some, Jordan’s performance will be seen as his most powerful claim yet that he should shift to his preferred role of fullback, but if anything, it was confirmation that wing is exactly the right place for him to showcase what he’s all about.

As Jordan revealed, he’s been granted a licence to roam – to not wait for the action to come to him.

“I had a mind-set to try to get some touches early,” he said. “I think a bit of it was the way the game went.

“Fozzie has been keen for me to try to get in the middle of the park as much as possible from the wing.

“I was able to do that a couple of times and I was eager to try to make an impact and not just sit out on my wing.

“To be able to spot a couple of backs and go through them was a bit of a confidence boost. It is good of Foz to give me the licence to be able to go do that.”

Whether Jordan would be able to have such an attacking licence at fullback is doubtful.

At test level, it’s a position with a heavier defensive brief and for now, it’s hard to believe the All Blacks would have anything to gain from changing the balance of their back three.

Beauden Barrett, after a slow Super Rugby start, has burst into life now that the test programme has begun and his play-making instincts and defensive reading from fullback are equally important parts of the overall offering, and just as critically, it’s his steadying presence that enables Jordan to go hunting for attacking opportunities.

How well these two now combine was witnessed in the try Jordan scored to clinch the game for the All Blacks, when Barrett came in at first receiver, saw Jordan was open on the other side of the field and cross-kicked beautifully for the wing to click and collect.

[Guy Smiley]

Yeah, right.

[Gumboot]

I'd be more than happy with Beauden at fullback and Jordan and Narawa on the wings. I think Narawa is equally as threatening as Telea on attack, and he's a better defender. Chuck Stevenson into the mix (and Clarke out) and that's a more than handy contingent of outside backs heading towards the RWC, imho.

[JM2K6]

SA were caught cold and NZ exploited it brilliantly. Took too long for the boks to wake up.

Yup. The split team thing did them no favours. NZ played like a well oiled machine, SA took forever to find themselves. There was enough in the middle third of the game to suggest the reverse fixture might be a completely different story.

Hell of a start by the ABs, reminiscent of their glory days.

[JM2K6]

I'd be more than happy with Beauden at fullback and Jordan and Narawa on the wings. I think Narawa is equally as threatening as Telea on attack, and he's a better defender. Chuck Stevenson into the mix (and Clarke out) and that's a more than handy contingent of outside backs heading towards the RWC, imho.

Any chance you guys can even things up by starting Christie at 9?

[Guy Smiley]

I'd be more than happy with Beauden at fullback and Jordan and Narawa on the wings. I think Narawa is equally as threatening as Telea on attack, and he's a better defender. Chuck Stevenson into the mix (and Clarke out) and that's a more than handy contingent of outside backs heading towards the RWC, imho.

Any chance you guys can even things up by starting Christie at 9?

2 Barretts in the backline not enough of a concession?

I don't think that Beauden proves his worth at 15. Not when you have Jordan and Stevenson in the mix. Both bring more to the role. BB has a one dimensional kicking game, you know he will cross kick to the winger or some sort of weird little chip kick to nowhere. He passes muster at the moment because his limitations are disguised by the players around him... but he's a space filler.

[Kiwias]

I'd be more than happy with Beauden at fullback and Jordan and Narawa on the wings. I think Narawa is equally as threatening as Telea on attack, and he's a better defender. Chuck Stevenson into the mix (and Clarke out) and that's a more than handy contingent of outside backs heading towards the RWC, imho.

Any chance you guys can even things up by starting Christie at 9?

2 Barretts in the backline not enough of a concession?

I don't think that Beauden proves his worth at 15. Not when you have Jordan and Stevenson in the mix. Both bring more to the role. BB has a one dimensional kicking game, you know he will cross kick to the winger or some sort of weird little chip kick to nowhere. He passes muster at the moment because his limitations are disguised by the players around him... but he's a space filler.

Jeff and Justin on the Breakdown do not agree, gushing over the best performance by BB in the last couple of years.

You know you are right when the Breakdown crew take the opposite position.

[Gumboot]

Nah, I don't agree, either. Barrett's playing well at 15, and Jordan had a great game at 14 on Saturday. Barrett's experience is invaluable considering how raw our other outside backs like Telea, Narawa and Stevenson are. And I'd take Beauden (or McKenzie) as the last line of defence over either Jordan or Stevenson any day of the week. He's really not a bad space-filler.

[Guy Smiley]

Whatever magic potion the coaching staff have come with to derive these blistering pace at all costs phases to the ABs game deserves attention...

and the BB argument is fed by that dynamic to an extent. His Super season was woeful and he's been on the decline as a player for a couple of years. That's my main reason for voicing my doubts over his capacity. I reckon it's only a matter of time before he reverts to type. The phrase 'class is permanent, form is temporary' hovers above me while I type this out... some will argue that in favour and fair enough. I counter the shouting in my head by suggesting that BB's 'class' has always been as that of a superlative finisher with his most breathtaking performances coming off the bench, injecting pure speed into a tiring game (and feeding off a superb FB winger in B Smith) whereas his class as a pivot (starting FB is a 2nd pivot a lot of the time) leaves a lot to be desired.

Whatever lies behind the focus* on fast ball movement through the hands, rapid recycling game plan we've seen is allowing the backs to move and BB is a beneficiary along with the others. Watch someone work to shut the play down and slow that ball movement and let's have that discussion about BB's value then.

*the answer is Jason Ryan. The breakdown has become a space of brutality and no compromise, just the way it should be. We've moved away from not committing bodies to allow movement out wide and swung towards earning the right through hard work. Interesting to see that focus drop away through the middle stages of the game and SA turn the tables with some serious heft of their own over the ball. We were caught out by counter rucking... too often. That's a flaw.

[Gumboot]

Sooo... Beauden's playing well at 15. Jordie's playing well at 12. Richie's playing well at 10, and no doubt benefitting from the other two playing well. The 'starting ten' debate is over. And the new-ish assistant coaches are clearly earning their dosh...

Would've thought you'd be absolutely delighted, Guy.