The Rugby Championship - Round 5 (feat. Bledisloe Cup 1)

Where goats go to escape
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Gumboot
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Curtain Raiser

Australia vs New Zealand

Accor Stadium, Sydney
Local: 3:45pm, Sat 21 Sep
NZ: 5:45pm, Sat 21 Sep
SA: 7:45am, Sat 21 Sep
Arg: 2:45am, Sat 21 Sep
Japan: 2:45pm, Sat 21 Sep
UK: 6:45am, Sat 21 Sep

Referee: Karl Dickson (RFU)
Assistant Referee 1: Nika Amashukeli (GRU)
Assistant Referee 2: Damian Schneider (UAR)
TMO: Stuart Terheege (RFU)

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Main Event

Argentina vs South Africa

Estadio Unico Madre de Cludades, Santiago del Estero
Local: 6pm, Sat 21 Sep
SA: 11pm, Sat 21 Sep
NZ: 9am, Sun 22 Sep
Aus: 7am, Sun 22 Sep
Japan: 6am, Sun 22 Sep
UK: 10pm, Sat 21 Sep

Referee: Christophe Ridley (RFU)
Assistant Referee 1: Matt Carley (RFU)
Assistant Referee 2: Gianluca Gnecchi (FIR)
TMO: Ian Tempest (RFU)

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Last edited by Gumboot on Fri Sep 20, 2024 4:49 am, edited 8 times in total.
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Gumboot
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Fletcher Newell has been ruled out of Bled 1 with a calf injury, but in better news Ethan de Groot came through the Stags game yesterday Ok and is fit and available. I hope Williams continues to start and de Groot's on the bench, along with Tosi covering tighthead. Ofa has his strengths, but he offers little in open play and we need a lot more attacking impact from our reserves.

With so much at stake, I reckon Razor will be pretty conservative with his selections. He won't want to go to Wellington (boo hisss!) needing a win to retain the Cup. I wouldn't mind him putting Jordan back on the right wing and starting Beauden at fullback, with Reece or Clarke on the bench. We've also got another Pommy ref, so they might be tempted to drop TJ and have Hotham covering Ratima.

Let's hope it's a dry night in Sydney, and the two sides can enjoy a hard, fast surface to best showcase their attacking skillz.
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OomStruisbaai
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For the Springboks it's all about survival. Pumas at home will be their biggest challenge. The pressure is high.
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Gumboot
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OomStruisbaai wrote: Sun Sep 15, 2024 4:27 am For the Springboks it's all about survival. Pumas at home will be their biggest challenge. The pressure is high.
LOL

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Meanwhile, cellar dwellers NZ and Aus face a titanic struggle to avoid the wooden spoon. Not sure about other Kiwis, but I couldn't care less about us losing the title, as long as we retain the Bledisloe Cup. If we cough that up after 21 years, Razor's honeymoon will be well and truly over.
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Guy Smiley
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Gumboot wrote: Sun Sep 15, 2024 5:11 am

Meanwhile, cellar dwellers NZ and Aus face a titanic struggle to avoid the wooden spoon. Not sure about other Kiwis, but I couldn't care less about us losing the title, as long as we retain the Bledisloe Cup. If we cough that up after 21 years, Razor's honeymoon will be well and truly over.
The knives would be out for sure.

Getting sucked into an open, free flowing game could be a mistake. Oz can play that style and score. I think you’re right in that they’ll go conservative and I’d like to see a power game based on forward dominance. Forget the ‘razor dazzle’ Justin. I want to see some meat and potatoes.
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Gumboot
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Patrick Tuipulotu got through Auckland's game yesterday, and will rejoin the squad in Sydney. I hope he doesn't start ahead of Vaa'i, who's very much earned his spot, imho.

Now that Newell's out and de Groot's back, it's a good chance to freshen up our forward reserves. The Wallabies scrum is unlikely to present many challenges, so let's give Ofa a miss and go with de Groot and Tosi, and maybe Blackadder (if he's fit) in for Jacobson. Not too fussed about the reserve lock, but hope it's either Darry or Lord rather than Tuipulotu. And maybe give George Bell a run instead of Aumua..?
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Grandpa
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Gumboot wrote: Mon Sep 16, 2024 9:42 am Patrick Tuipulotu got through Auckland's game yesterday, and will rejoin the squad in Sydney. I hope he doesn't start ahead of Vaa'i, who's very much earned his spot, imho.

Now that Newell's out and de Groot's back, it's a good chance to freshen up our forward reserves. The Wallabies scrum is unlikely to present many challenges, so let's give Ofa a miss and go with de Groot and Tosi, and maybe Blackadder (if he's fit) in for Jacobson. Not too fussed about the reserve lock, but hope it's either Darry or Lord rather than Tuipulotu. And maybe give George Bell a run instead of Aumua..?
And lets get rid of Cane and TJ... they are pointless picks at this stage. I'd love to see Ardie at 7, Sititi at 8 and Vaai at 6. Darry and Barrett at lock. Patrick on the bench. That's a back row to scare sides...
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Gumboot
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Grandpa wrote: Mon Sep 16, 2024 6:06 pm
Gumboot wrote: Mon Sep 16, 2024 9:42 amAnd lets get rid of Cane and TJ... they are pointless picks at this stage. I'd love to see Ardie at 7, Sititi at 8 and Vaai at 6. Darry and Barrett at lock. Patrick on the bench. That's a back row to scare sides...
It's strange, given it's supposedly Razor's area of expertise, that our loose forward mix has been so out of whack this year. Vaa'i's playing so well at lock that I'd keep him there, but agree we need a big gnarly bastard at blindside. Thought Finau was that player, but he hasn't exactly grabbed his chances yet, and I'm not sure how long they're prepared to give him.

Sititi played well against the Boks, but agree that he's really an 8. Will Ardie ever go back to 7? Cane was also very good in SA and I wouldn't mind if they stick with him. Not really a fan of Papali'i, tbh. If only Finau could find his mojo I think we'd have much better balance in the loosies...
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Gumboot
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Grandpa wrote: Mon Sep 16, 2024 6:06 pmAnd lets get rid of Cane and TJ... they are pointless picks at this stage. I'd love to see Ardie at 7, Sititi at 8 and Vaai at 6. Darry and Barrett at lock. Patrick on the bench. That's a back row to scare sides...
It's strange, given it's supposedly Razor's area of expertise, that our loose forward mix has been so out of whack this year. Vaa'i's playing so well at lock that I'd keep him there, but agree we need a big gnarly bastard at blindside. Thought Finau was that player, but he hasn't exactly grabbed his chances yet, and I'm not sure how long they're prepared to give him.

Sititi played well against the Boks, but agree that he's really an 8. Will Ardie ever go back to 7? Cane was also very good in SA and I wouldn't mind if they stick with him. Not really a fan of Papali'i, tbh. If only Finau could find his mojo I think we'd have much better balance in the loosies...
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Grandpa
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Gumboot wrote: Mon Sep 16, 2024 8:10 pm
Grandpa wrote: Mon Sep 16, 2024 6:06 pmAnd lets get rid of Cane and TJ... they are pointless picks at this stage. I'd love to see Ardie at 7, Sititi at 8 and Vaai at 6. Darry and Barrett at lock. Patrick on the bench. That's a back row to scare sides...
It's strange, given it's supposedly Razor's area of expertise, that our loose forward mix has been so out of whack this year. Vaa'i's playing so well at lock that I'd keep him there, but agree we need a big gnarly bastard at blindside. Thought Finau was that player, but he hasn't exactly grabbed his chances yet, and I'm not sure how long they're prepared to give him.

Sititi played well against the Boks, but agree that he's really an 8. Will Ardie ever go back to 7? Cane was also very good in SA and I wouldn't mind if they stick with him. Not really a fan of Papali'i, tbh. If only Finau could find his mojo I think we'd have much better balance in the loosies...
Finau hasn't grabbed his opportunity so far.. not sure why, as he played well for NZ last year in that match in Dunedin. Maybe he will flourish against Aussie again... I just don't see the point of playing Cane and TJ anymore... they're leaving for good.. so lets get the players in that will be here next year so they can get used to playing together... else we're just kicking the can down the road...

Vaai has impressed with his mobility and physicality this year. He's not the biggest of locks... but has a great physique for a six... and he did play at blindside in the world cup... so not alien to him... then we can see Sititi off the back of the scrum...
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Gumboot
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Grandpa wrote: Mon Sep 16, 2024 11:07 pmFinau hasn't grabbed his opportunity so far.. not sure why, as he played well for NZ last year in that match in Dunedin. Maybe he will flourish against Aussie again... I just don't see the point of playing Cane and TJ anymore... they're leaving for good.. so lets get the players in that will be here next year so they can get used to playing together... else we're just kicking the can down the road...

Vaai has impressed with his mobility and physicality this year. He's not the biggest of locks... but has a great physique for a six... and he did play at blindside in the world cup... so not alien to him... then we can see Sititi off the back of the scrum...
Once, in our 27-13 humping by France when Frizell was out injured... which in turn conjured up painful memories of Scooter playing 6 in the 2019 RWC Semi.

It should work in theory, but I'm not a fan of the idea, tbh.
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OomStruisbaai
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The Wallabies don't have a scrum or defense. The Sharks will destroy them.
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Gumboot
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Grandpa wrote: Mon Sep 16, 2024 11:07 pm
Gumboot wrote: Mon Sep 16, 2024 8:10 pm
Grandpa wrote: Mon Sep 16, 2024 6:06 pmAnd lets get rid of Cane and TJ... they are pointless picks at this stage. I'd love to see Ardie at 7, Sititi at 8 and Vaai at 6. Darry and Barrett at lock. Patrick on the bench. That's a back row to scare sides...
It's strange, given it's supposedly Razor's area of expertise, that our loose forward mix has been so out of whack this year. Vaa'i's playing so well at lock that I'd keep him there, but agree we need a big gnarly bastard at blindside. Thought Finau was that player, but he hasn't exactly grabbed his chances yet, and I'm not sure how long they're prepared to give him.

Sititi played well against the Boks, but agree that he's really an 8. Will Ardie ever go back to 7? Cane was also very good in SA and I wouldn't mind if they stick with him. Not really a fan of Papali'i, tbh. If only Finau could find his mojo I think we'd have much better balance in the loosies...
Finau hasn't grabbed his opportunity so far.. not sure why, as he played well for NZ last year in that match in Dunedin. Maybe he will flourish against Aussie again... I just don't see the point of playing Cane and TJ anymore... they're leaving for good.. so lets get the players in that will be here next year so they can get used to playing together... else we're just kicking the can down the road...

Vaai has impressed with his mobility and physicality this year. He's not the biggest of locks... but has a great physique for a six... and he did play at blindside in the world cup... so not alien to him... then we can see Sititi off the back of the scrum...
The "Ardie at 7" topic gets a good airing on today's ARP, starting at 30:05...

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Ja. Saw that and Moerat and lost interest
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Sards wrote: Tue Sep 17, 2024 2:41 pm Ja. Saw that and Moerat and lost interest
You will change your tune when the Sharks poach him.
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Grandpa
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Gumboot wrote: Tue Sep 17, 2024 10:08 am
Grandpa wrote: Mon Sep 16, 2024 11:07 pm
Gumboot wrote: Mon Sep 16, 2024 8:10 pm

It's strange, given it's supposedly Razor's area of expertise, that our loose forward mix has been so out of whack this year. Vaa'i's playing so well at lock that I'd keep him there, but agree we need a big gnarly bastard at blindside. Thought Finau was that player, but he hasn't exactly grabbed his chances yet, and I'm not sure how long they're prepared to give him.

Sititi played well against the Boks, but agree that he's really an 8. Will Ardie ever go back to 7? Cane was also very good in SA and I wouldn't mind if they stick with him. Not really a fan of Papali'i, tbh. If only Finau could find his mojo I think we'd have much better balance in the loosies...
Finau hasn't grabbed his opportunity so far.. not sure why, as he played well for NZ last year in that match in Dunedin. Maybe he will flourish against Aussie again... I just don't see the point of playing Cane and TJ anymore... they're leaving for good.. so lets get the players in that will be here next year so they can get used to playing together... else we're just kicking the can down the road...

Vaai has impressed with his mobility and physicality this year. He's not the biggest of locks... but has a great physique for a six... and he did play at blindside in the world cup... so not alien to him... then we can see Sititi off the back of the scrum...
The "Ardie at 7" topic gets a good airing on today's ARP, starting at 30:05...

I'm with Brynn.. play Ardie off the bench! :clap:

He could be even more devastating coming on just after half time... same with Taylor. And the only way Aumua improves is starting games. Experience and quality coming off the bench would be handy... Marx and Kwagga for SA.. Taylor and Ardie for NZ...
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OomStruisbaai wrote: Tue Sep 17, 2024 4:01 pm
Sards wrote: Tue Sep 17, 2024 2:41 pm Ja. Saw that and Moerat and lost interest
You will change your tune when the Sharks poach him.
:lol:
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Gumboot
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Calculon, cheers for the team graphic. :thumbup:

Starting to think I might've stuffed up the kickoff time for the Sydney test... can anyone confirm if it's 5:45pm, or 3:45pm Aus time? Ta
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Guy Smiley
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Gumboot wrote: Tue Sep 17, 2024 9:31 pm Calculon, cheers for the team graphic. :thumbup:

Starting to think I might've stuffed up the kickoff time for the Sydney test... can anyone confirm if it's 5:45pm, or 3:45pm Aus time? Ta
I have it as 5.45pm our time... and The Roar's fixture confirms that

https://www.theroar.com.au/rugby-union/ ... -fixtures/


we change to Daylight Savings' Time the night after the second Test, on the 28th / 29th, so that's not a factor in fixture times.
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Gumboot
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Guy Smiley wrote: Tue Sep 17, 2024 9:48 pmI have it as 5.45pm our time... and The Roar's fixture confirms that

https://www.theroar.com.au/rugby-union/ ... -fixtures/


we change to Daylight Savings' Time the night after the second Test, on the 28th / 29th, so that's not a factor in fixture times.
Cheers Guy, I've updated the OP. :thumbup:
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Guy Smiley
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An afternoon test... how long has it been since we got to see the ABs play in daylight?

I'm not working this weekend. Thoroughly looking forward to being able to sit back, relax and get wound right up.
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Guy Smiley wrote: Tue Sep 17, 2024 10:06 pm An afternoon test... how long has it been since we got to see the ABs play in daylight?

I'm not working this weekend. Thoroughly looking forward to being able to sit back, relax and get wound right up.
:lol:
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Kiwias
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Japan: 2:45PM, Sat, 21 Sept.
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Gumboot
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Kiwias wrote: Tue Sep 17, 2024 11:25 pm Japan: 2:45PM, Sat, 21 Sept.
:thumbup:

I've added UK times to the OP as well. Hopefully I haven't stuffed it up even more...
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Jethro
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OomStruisbaai wrote: Sun Sep 15, 2024 4:27 am For the Springboks it's all about survival. Pumas at home will be their biggest challenge. The pressure is high.
Calm your farm there Oom, for once just live with the Bokke as favorites tag, you will sleep easier and your Doctor will approve - that rash might just clear up this time :shh:
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Jethro wrote: Wed Sep 18, 2024 1:23 am
OomStruisbaai wrote: Sun Sep 15, 2024 4:27 am For the Springboks it's all about survival. Pumas at home will be their biggest challenge. The pressure is high.
Calm your farm there Oom, for once just live with the Bokke as favorites tag, you will sleep easier and your Doctor will approve - that rash might just clear up this time :shh:
:lol: lot of changes, hopefully Moerat will pull us through.
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OomStruisbaai
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Gumboot wrote: Wed Sep 18, 2024 12:14 am
Kiwias wrote: Tue Sep 17, 2024 11:25 pm Japan: 2:45PM, Sat, 21 Sept.
:thumbup:

I've added UK times to the OP as well. Hopefully I haven't stuffed it up even more...
SA times is spot on.
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Sards
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Moerat must be more unpopular than Siya ever was.

Moerats Dad has pushed this position and there is only one demographic happy with his selection. The Cape Crusaders
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Jethro
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OomStruisbaai wrote: Wed Sep 18, 2024 4:10 am
Jethro wrote: Wed Sep 18, 2024 1:23 am
OomStruisbaai wrote: Sun Sep 15, 2024 4:27 am For the Springboks it's all about survival. Pumas at home will be their biggest challenge. The pressure is high.
Calm your farm there Oom, for once just live with the Bokke as favorites tag, you will sleep easier and your Doctor will approve - that rash might just clear up this time :shh:
:lol: lot of changes, hopefully Moerat will pull us through.
Actually just spotted that, not entirely sure that was the best decision, maybe underestimating the Pumas a little. Still expecting the Bokke to win, but should be one heck of a struggle up front.

Meanwhile the ABs should be able to put the Bled back in the cabinet after Saturday, only taking time out to dust around the spot the Freedom Cup used to have :thumbup:
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OomStruisbaai
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Sards wrote: Wed Sep 18, 2024 1:31 pm Moerat must be more unpopular than Siya ever was.

Moerats Dad has pushed this position and there is only one demographic happy with his selection. The Cape Crusaders
Nah he is from Paarl. Not a Kapenaar like you.
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ABs side named in 40 minutes.
I drink and I forget things.
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Enzedder wrote: Wed Sep 18, 2024 8:21 pm ABs side named in 40 minutes.
Must be some very long names
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Gumboot
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All Blacks named:

1. Ethan de Groot (26 caps)
2. Codie Taylor (91)
3. Tyrel Lomax (38)
4. Scott Barrett (74) (Captain)
5. Tupou Vaa’i (32)
6. Wallace Sititi (3)
7. Sam Cane (98)
8. Ardie Savea (88) (Vice Captain)
9. Cortez Ratima (6)
10. Damian McKenzie (54)
11. Caleb Clarke (23)
12. Jordie Barrett (64) (Vice Captain)
13. Rieko Ioane (75)
14. Will Jordan (35)
15. Beauden Barrett (130)

16. Asafo Aumua (12)
17. Tamaiti Williams (12)
18. Pasilio Tosi (1)
19. Sam Darry (4)
20. Luke Jacobson (22)
21. TJ Perenara (85)
22. Anton Lienert-Brown (77)
23. Sevu Reece (28)
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Enzedder
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Tuipolotu and Blackadder rightfully relegated to the Left Right Out position.

I wonder when/if Jordan will return to his pre-injury form and if they will be allowed to play expansively instead of the boring style of the last few games where players took the ball into contact as option 1
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Gumboot
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Enzedder wrote: Wed Sep 18, 2024 9:07 pm Tuipolotu and Blackadder rightfully relegated to the Left Right Out position.
Yep, happy they've stuck with the incumbents for Bled 1.

If we can sqeak a win first up, the team for Wellington (spit) should see a good few changes.
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Guy Smiley
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No sign of Papali'i. I'm ok with that but next year without Cane looms a little ominously.

Kinda ok with that team with a couple of personal reservations. I think it falls in line with that need to be relatively conservative we mentioned earlier in the week... that team is pretty much the same as the one that ran the Boks close at home. They're a hardened unit and sticking with it makes sense.
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Jethro
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Gumboot wrote: Wed Sep 18, 2024 9:03 pm All Blacks named:

1. Ethan de Groot (26 caps)
2. Codie Taylor (91)
3. Tyrel Lomax (38)
4. Scott Barrett (74) (Captain)
5. Tupou Vaa’i (32)
6. Wallace Sititi (3)
7. Sam Cane (98)
8. Ardie Savea (88) (Vice Captain)
9. Cortez Ratima (6)
10. Damian McKenzie (54)
11. Caleb Clarke (23)
12. Jordie Barrett (64) (Vice Captain)
13. Rieko Ioane (75)
14. Will Jordan (35)
15. Beauden Barrett (130)

16. Asafo Aumua (12)
17. Tamaiti Williams (12)
18. Pasilio Tosi (1)
19. Sam Darry (4)
20. Luke Jacobson (22)
21. TJ Perenara (85)
22. Anton Lienert-Brown (77)
23. Sevu Reece (28)
No new caps which is at it should be, time to make a statement :thumbup:
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Gumboot
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Jethro wrote: Wed Sep 18, 2024 9:21 pmNo new caps which is at it should be, time to make a statement :thumbup:
I think Ruben Love's the only player named in the Razor's first squad who hasn't been capped yet.
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Kiwias
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Gumboot wrote: Wed Sep 18, 2024 12:14 am
Kiwias wrote: Tue Sep 17, 2024 11:25 pm
Japan: 2:45PM, Sat, 21 Sept.
:thumbup:

I've added UK times to the OP as well. Hopefully I haven't stuffed it up even more...
:thumbup:
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