NPR

Tamaiti Williams had a torrid first half as a starter. Was expecting more, tbh.

Well I missed it, but blimey, are we suddenly vulnerable.

Or are we thinking it would be a completely different game with the other weeks team?

Ymx wrote: Sat Aug 05, 2023 6:40 am Well I missed it, but blimey, are we suddenly vulnerable.

Or are we thinking it would be a completely different game with the other weeks team?

No worries, imho. The Wallabies played as well in the first half as I remember them playing in ages, but our experienced bench made a big difference. How good was Nugget in his last home game.

And once again Australia struggled to score points after early dominance. That's got to be a huge concern for Eddie.

Damian Mackenzie was complete and utter gash. He’s not a first five’s arsehole. The turning of that game was him getting hooked.

Scotland beat France. The Springboks pool suddenly became very very interesting

Sards wrote: Sat Aug 05, 2023 6:51 pm Scotland beat France. The Springboks pool suddenly became very very interesting

Wouldn't read too much into it, these warmup matches are a bit of a joke. On the other hand it definitely makes a statement if a team goes all out in these games and is determined to win, takes them seriously, and wins.

I'm expecting the Boks to lose today.

What time does this start?

Slick wrote: Sat Aug 05, 2023 7:02 pm What time does this start?

Now. Sky sports in the UK. Picture is about 12 frames a second and the sound is fecked but it’s still better than the Wales England game.

Ghastly south African anthem

Argentinian anthem hip-hop scratch version

The Spearmint Boks

Fucking turning the sound off.

Both teams in their dodgy away kits. Such a cash grab. I'm not buying a teal Bok jersey!

Argie 12 sparked-out in a tackle.

The Gay Green is a terrible strip.

Argie is out cold. That’s his match over.

Chilli wrote: Sat Aug 05, 2023 7:11 pm The Gay Green is a terrible strip.

It’s an um interesting shade of green.

Gumboot wrote: Sat Aug 05, 2023 5:09 am So who do you reckon enhanced their chances of making the cut for the RWC?

I thought Finau had an excellent debut and possibly booked his ticket (at Jacobson's expense?)

Thankfully Leicester's fluffed try didn't prove costly, because I thought he played very well and showed that we really don't need Clarke as a power winger.

Vaa'i was another strong performer after replacing Retallick (hope he's OK!) and if they're taking only four locks he's made a good case for being ahead of Lord. I won't be too surprised if they decide to take five though, and five props instead of six, in which case they both make it.

Stevenson got better the longer the game went on, and the more attacking chances he got. But his defence was targetted early and found wanting. As that was the selector's initial concern about his game, I wonder how much that'll count against him.

McLeod was OK, but if Ennor's injury is serious, it may have opened a door in the midfield for Havili instead.

Newell was excellent, as was Ofa. Laulala was average as he often is. I hope his experience doesn't count in his favour.

Posted this on PR... so to save me typing similar again...

A lot of negativity around the All Blacks today, yet they still managed to beat an Aussie side who were on fire in the first half.

My take aways...


Number 10 - DMac had a horrible first half. But was this because he had no platform? He had to play very deep all the time as had barely any front foot ball. Compare that to how he performed against Argentina when he was near faultless. The point being, if the forwards aren't doing their job we'll probably lose no matter who is at 10... after halftime the All Black forwards were so much better.. obviously had a rocket at halftime from Schmidt... and a gentle cuddle from Fozzie... and DMac suddenly looked himself again and wasn't kicking away stupidly... Richie came on and showed his class, but I suspect we probably would have still won had DMac stayed on... momentum was already shifting...

The rest...

Scrum half - Christie, I'm a Blues fan but I don't know why he keeps getting picked. I'd have Weber as the third scrummie... Christie is functional, but slow. Smith certainly made sure we made more of the momentum shift when he came on... Smith with Roigard on the bench for me at the WC.

Wingers: Stevenson.. having watched the first two Aussie tries again, I can't blame him at all. He was covering an inside player for the first try (which he had to do!) but still almost stopped the try.... and second try, it was DMac Hooper ran over, Stevenson had to leave his man to assist once he realised DMac wasn't going to stop him alone... though not sure he did enough to force himself onto the plane. LF. Loved him. Just offers so much more than Caleb Clarke, especially off the bench. I think Telea and Jordan are our starting wingers now... but LF on the bench?

Fullback Jordan sorta played like he does on the wing... and I just think that BB is better suited there for his kicking game... though I could be persuaded either way.

Centres I thought Ennor started quite well given that the team were under pressure most of the first half... I hope his injury isn't too bad. ALB was solid, but didn't offer much on attack. Is Goodhue back anywhere near his best? I think it's too late for him, so ALB will likely go...

Loosies... Finau started nervously and played like a newbie, but got better and better as the game wore on... with Blackadder injured he has to be in the WC Squad. Ardie played a blinder again... shame he's a fan of Andrew Tate. Cane didn't have one of his better games.. is his neck still troubling him? Brought off when game still in balance, so maybe.

Front row - Tough game for Williams. Is it him or Newell or can we take both? As both look ideal bench players... just not starters at this stage... at least not this year. Nepo may be a top scrummager (on reputation) but in the loose he is a liability with stumps for hands... and Samisoni was our form hooker last year... has lack of game time affected his timing at lineouts? Whereas Taylor last year struggled, he now looks to be locked in at the moment... Replacements so much better than starters today...

Locks. Is Brodie ok? I hope so, we need him. I thought Whitelock got better as the game wore on... and great try saving tackle on McDermott (with an assist from Ardie). Tupou Vaai looked good when he came on... which is a bonus.

Overall, wasn't it great to see the All Blacks come back from an extremely poor first half to win the match? Great prep for the WC... composure under pressure...

Argie backs are offside at every ruck. Ref pens them only after about 10…..

Number 10 - DMac had a horrible first half. But was this because he had no platform? He had to play very deep all the time as had barely any front foot ball. Compare that to how he performed against Argentina when he was near faultless. The point being, if the forwards aren't doing their job we'll probably lose no matter who is at 10... after halftime the All Black forwards were so much better.. obviously had a rocket at halftime from Schmidt... and a gentle cuddle from Fozzie... and DMac suddenly looked himself again and wasn't kicking away stupidly... Richie came on and showed his class, but I suspect we probably would have still won had DMac stayed on... momentum was already shifting...

He kicked the ball badly and aimlessly. Missed touch on a penalty, kick the ball dead, sliced into the centre of the field when there was loads of space to aim for. His running was headless and offered nothing to those outside him. He killed any hope of fluidity or a platform in the backs.

anyone got a hd stream with proper sound?

Watching the tv, listening to the dishwasher.

boere wors wrote: Sat Aug 05, 2023 7:20 pm anyone got a hd stream with proper sound?

Nope. It’s the same Argentina broadcast we all have to suffer.

Sandstorm wrote: Sat Aug 05, 2023 7:22 pm

boere wors wrote: Sat Aug 05, 2023 7:20 pm anyone got a hd stream with proper sound?

Nope. It’s the same Argentina broadcast we all have to suffer.

It’s ok now

ScarfaceClaw wrote: Sat Aug 05, 2023 7:19 pm

Number 10 - DMac had a horrible first half. But was this because he had no platform? He had to play very deep all the time as had barely any front foot ball. Compare that to how he performed against Argentina when he was near faultless. The point being, if the forwards aren't doing their job we'll probably lose no matter who is at 10... after halftime the All Black forwards were so much better.. obviously had a rocket at halftime from Schmidt... and a gentle cuddle from Fozzie... and DMac suddenly looked himself again and wasn't kicking away stupidly... Richie came on and showed his class, but I suspect we probably would have still won had DMac stayed on... momentum was already shifting...

He kicked the ball badly and aimlessly. Missed touch on a penalty, kick the ball dead, sliced into the centre of the field when there was loads of space to aim for. His running was headless and offered nothing to those outside him. He killed any hope of fluidity or a platform in the backs.

Yup, I really like DMac but he was absolute piss bar some nice little runs. No excuses, it's all on him.

Cane was anonymous and comfortably outplayed by his opposite number.

Sandstorm wrote: Sat Aug 05, 2023 7:22 pm

boere wors wrote: Sat Aug 05, 2023 7:20 pm anyone got a hd stream with proper sound?

Nope. It’s the same Argentina broadcast we all have to suffer.

i have a stream with good sound, but sd only

http://0eb.net/video/3932818.html

Boks running the ball well

Orie just too slow lol.

Our wings showing good signs early on.

Libbok meh.

3-0 Boks
16 mins

Sandstorm wrote: Sat Aug 05, 2023 7:26 pm Boks running the ball well

I much more prefer this side

Stuttervision is back again

Argie try

Sandstorm wrote: Sat Aug 05, 2023 7:34 pmArgie try

Was a good sneaky try

Reinach is fucking clueless.

Held up = goal-line drop out is a very shit law.

Chilli wrote: Sat Aug 05, 2023 7:41 pm Reinach is fucking clueless.

True, but imagine how ghey Faf would like in this jersey.

I am not sure why they aren't going for touch

Sandstorm wrote: Sat Aug 05, 2023 7:42 pm Held up = goal-line drop out is a very shit law.

Heartbreaking

Mostert is a fucking passenger

Chilli wrote: Sat Aug 05, 2023 7:41 pm Reinach is fucking clueless.

Couple of half breaks, decent passing so far, and won a turnover penalty.

Your bias is showing chief. Theres far worse players in green... I mean teal on the pitch so far. Libbok has done literally fokkol, Dean Fourie is there to make up the nrs, has kleyn touched the ball?, Am and also Mostert is a shadow of his former self.

But sure, Reinach is the problem m

Sandstorm wrote: Sat Aug 05, 2023 7:52 pm Mostert is a fucking passenger

And now a yellow for a late tackle. Twat.