Bled I - All Blacks v. Wallabies OFFICIAL match thread

[Eugenius]

All Blacks:

Beauden Barrett, Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Jack Goodhue, George Bridge, Richie Mo’unga, Aaron Smith

Ardie Savea, Sam Cane (c), Shannon Frizell, Sam Whitelock, Patrick Tuipulotu, Ofa Tuungafasi, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody

Reserves: Dane Coles, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Nepo Laulala, Tupou Vaa’i, Hoskins Sotutu, TJ Perenara, Anton Lienert-Brown, Caleb Clarke.

Savea at 8 ?

I would have started Sotutu !!!

[Zakar]

WALLABIES (1-15): James Slipper, Folau Fainga'a, Taniela Tupou, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Matt Philip, Harry Wilson, Michael Hooper, Pete Samu, Nic White, James O'Connor, Marika Koroibete, Matt To'omua, Hunter Paisami, Filipo Daugunu, Tom Banks

RESERVES: Jordan Uelese, Scott Sio, Allan Alaalatoa, Rob Simmons, Rob Valetini, Jake Gordon, Noah Lolesio, Reece Hodge

Interesting that Wilson is 6 and Samu is 8. Doesn't make a huge practical difference though.

[trapper]

All Blacks:

Beauden Barrett, Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Jack Goodhue, George Bridge, Richie Mo’unga, Aaron Smith

Ardie Savea, Sam Cane (c), Shannon Frizell, Sam Whitelock, Patrick Tuipulotu, Ofa Tuungafasi, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody

Reserves: Dane Coles, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Nepo Laulala, Tupou Vaa’i, Hoskins Sotutu, TJ Perenara, Anton Lienert-Brown, Caleb Clarke.

That’s a pretty good side, I suppose only Jordy on the wing is a surprise but he deserves a shot, I guess he’s going to be the designated kicker, fair enough. Pretty happy with that actually, 3 debs on the bench who’ll get game time.

Savea at 8 ?

I would have started Sotutu !!!

[Slim 293]

WALLABIES (1-15): James Slipper, Folau Fainga'a, Taniela Tupou, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Matt Philip, Harry Wilson, Michael Hooper, Pete Samu, Nic White, James O'Connor, Marika Koroibete, Matt To'omua, Hunter Paisami, Filipo Daugunu, Tom Banks

RESERVES: Jordan Uelese, Scott Sio, Allan Alaalatoa, Rob Simmons, Rob Valetini, Jake Gordon, Noah Lolesio, Reece Hodge

Interesting that Wilson is 6 and Samu is 8. Doesn't make a huge practical difference though.

Wilson actually played at 6 for the Aus U20's, and Samu is pretty explosive off the back of the scrum...

[Thomas]

I'm not sold on Wilson at 6.

And Gordon over Tate the Snake is a puzzling one.

[Slim 293]

Gordon really the only shock selection...

Has been inconsistent over the last few years, and while he had two very good performances this year they were against weak opposition in the Reds and Force games...

[Zakar]

I'm not sold on Wilson at 6.

And Gordon over Tate the Snake is a puzzling one.

Surely Jake the Snake makes more sense than Tate the Snake?

Anyway, Gordon is a good impact player. He does score tries for fun when he's on form. Let's hope he comes on for the last 20 and scores a brace.

[kiap]

Surely Jake the Snake makes more sense than Tate the Snake?

I was gonna say

[Adrianmole]

WTF with the referees, and it's IN New Zealand ..

Surely having Aussie refs for the two kiwi games and vice versa makes a bit more sense?

Getting your excuses in early. Good planning.

[Adrianmole]

Beaudy will replace Ritchie in the 2nd half with Jordy going to FB and Clarke replacing, if all going to plan of course

[trapper]

Or BB gets replaced by his brother, which makes more sense.

[UncleFB]

What’s the Powerball sitting at in NZ at the moment? Hori Bridge should definitely buy a ticket.

[Enzedder]

Or BB gets replaced by his brother, which makes more sense.

BB is the Number 10 cover. He won't be subbed till very late, if at all.

[Olo]

I imagine that Wilson and Samu will switch back and forth a bit.
Bad luck for Tate. His time will come and he is the future. He was by far the best half in SRAU. Jake Gordon is excellent late in the game though.
It’s no surprise that I would have preferred Uelese to start but both will have their chance over the next few weeks.
JOC will drop back as the second 15.

All in all pretty good.
Bring it!

[wamberal]

The biggest surprise to me is that we have gone with a 5/3 bench.

[kiwigreg369]

The biggest surprise to me is that we have gone with a 5/3 bench.

Why's that for you? I thought Tate would get the nod so work as back up wing as well - so i thought 6-2 also (Hodge and Tate).

---

On NZ:
- OK team
- don't like JB at wing, don't think that answers any questions
- With RMO playing 10 Jack is better at 12 (continuity)
- who is goal kicking? (JB>BB>RMo in SRA?)

Overall expect to be a little rusty, but looking forward to the game.

[wamberal]

If we perform well in this game, it will be because our pack manages to break even, at least, in the tight - for the whole game.

[Eugenius]

Best chance for a upset in NZ for the Wallabies in some years .

[CrazyIslander]

All Blacks:

Beauden Barrett, Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Jack Goodhue, George Bridge, Richie Mo’unga, Aaron Smith

Ardie Savea, Sam Cane (c), Shannon Frizell, Sam Whitelock, Patrick Tuipulotu, Ofa Tuungafasi, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody

Reserves: Dane Coles, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Nepo Laulala, Tupou Vaa’i, Hoskins Sotutu, TJ Perenara, Anton Lienert-Brown, Caleb Clarke.

Looks weak.

[Olo]

Best chance for a upset in NZ for the Wallabies in some years .

There is zero pressure on the Wallabies to do anything. It’s a young group with a new coach who has had little time with them.
If the All Blacks do not win convincingly then it will be a big tick for Rennie.

[CrazyIslander]

This is an experiment to see who benefits most from SR. First time since '96 we've gone into a Bledisloe without playing each other domestically.

[CrazyIslander]

Best chance for a upset in NZ for the Wallabies in some years .

There is zero pressure on the Wallabies to do anything. It’s a young group with a new coach who has had little time with them.
If the All Blacks do not win convincingly then it will be a big tick for Rennie.

If the Wobs can keep them under 50 then its a tick to Rennie.

[kiwigreg369]

He's said within 15-16 points.
I think that's tough.
Given the relative experience of the AB team i would hope/aim for higher.

[Olo]

Every time you run onto the paddock you are trying to win, even as an underdog. Every one of those 23 Wallabies are thinking they will win.
Reality is there can only be one victor on the day.

It is going to be a great game either way.

[Tussock]

The biggest surprise to me is that we have gone with a 5/3 bench.

Why's that for you? I thought Tate would get the nod so work as back up wing as well - so i thought 6-2 also (Hodge and Tate).

---

On NZ:
- OK team
- don't like JB at wing, don't think that answers any questions
- With RMO playing 10 Jack is better at 12 (continuity)
- who is goal kicking? (JB>BB>RMo in SRA?)

Overall expect to be a little rusty, but looking forward to the game.

Sum's up my thoughts on the team. Not sure why we persist on playing a fullback on the wing (didn't like seeing Ben Smith there).

[Sonny Blount]

Best chance for a upset in NZ for the Wallabies in some years .

Wallabies are going to get dry humped.

[trapper]

Or BB gets replaced by his brother, which makes more sense.

BB is the Number 10 cover. He won't be subbed till very late, if at all.

Why replace either of them really? Just do a straight swap, winger for winger. Or is that to simple?

[wamberal]

Best chance for a upset in NZ for the Wallabies in some years .

Wallabies are going to get dry humped.

Like Trump??

[Thomas]

JB is a big bloke and he's on the wing against some pretty nimble fuckers.

It's an interesting conundrum. You have BB, Richie and JB in the team and they can all sort of interchange somewhat. Hard to leave one of them out, I guess.

[vintage_cox]

What's the over/under on number of cross-kicks to Jordie Barrett. How tall are the Oz wingers?

[Thomas]

What's the over/under on number of cross-kicks to Jordie Barrett. How tall are the Oz wingers?

MK is 1.81m

Daugunu is 1.75m

JB is 2.9m

[Zakar]

What's the over/under on number of cross-kicks to Jordie Barrett. How tall are the Oz wingers?

Both are sub 6ft, but very explosive.

[xhooker]

All Blacks
Would rather see starting
Caleb Clarke the best wing in NZ today over Jordi Barrett too slow at wing proven failure in that position./
Hoskins Sotutu ditto above over Shannon Frizell ditto above Artie can play 6,7 or 8
Anton Lienert-Brown at 12 the defensive brains and get rid of Rieko Ioane
Rather see Will Jordon as the other wing

[Jay Cee Gee]

What's the over/under on number of cross-kicks to Jordie Barrett. How tall are the Oz wingers?

Both are sub 6ft, but very explosive.

Bit racist.

[trapper]

All Blacks
Would rather see starting
Caleb Clarke the best wing in NZ today over Jordi Barrett too slow at wing proven failure in that position./
Hoskins Sotutu ditto above over Shannon Frizell ditto above Artie can play 6,7 or 8
Anton Lienert-Brown at 12 the defensive brains and get rid of Rieko Ioane
Rather see Will Jordon as the other wing

How the fark is JB a proven failure on the wing? Last time I remember him playing there For the ABs he score 4 tries. As for the rest of your post they will all get a chance at some stage, you can’t pick everyone mate.

[ZuluBoy]

The ABs with all its talent. Cannot work out their choices.
Dave Rennie and his Wallabies if ready if focused can take it

[ZuluBoy]

What's the over/under on number of cross-kicks to Jordie Barrett. How tall are the Oz wingers?

MK is 1.81m

Daugunu is 1.75m

JB is 2.9m

Inflated?

[ZuluBoy]

All Blacks
Would rather see starting
Caleb Clarke the best wing in NZ today over Jordi Barrett too slow at wing proven failure in that position./
Hoskins Sotutu ditto above over Shannon Frizell ditto above Artie can play 6,7 or 8
Anton Lienert-Brown at 12 the defensive brains and get rid of Rieko Ioane
Rather see Will Jordon as the other wing

Caleb Clarke's a good player

[shanky]

WALLABIES (1-15): James Slipper, Folau Fainga'a, Taniela Tupou, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Matt Philip, Harry Wilson, Michael Hooper, Pete Samu, Nic White, James O'Connor, Marika Koroibete, Matt To'omua, Hunter Paisami, Filipo Daugunu, Tom Banks

RESERVES: Jordan Uelese, Scott Sio, Allan Alaalatoa, Rob Simmons, Rob Valetini, Jake Gordon, Noah Lolesio, Reece Hodge

Interesting that Wilson is 6 and Samu is 8. Doesn't make a huge practical difference though.

Wilson actually played at 6 for the Aus U20's, and Samu is pretty explosive off the back of the scrum...

Wilson likes to get out wide and play off 2nd receiver. I think flanker suits him better for that. He might even pack at openside off an attacking scrum.

[jdogscoop]

I must say the Bok supporters on here really do think they are world class selectors since winning the RWC 2019.

This despite the fact their side were beaten by NZ in the group stages, and got past a pretty bushed Wales outfit by the skin of their teeth.