Bledisloe II @ Eden Park

[qwerty51]

If Pocock can’t make the Samoa match he shouldn’t be picked. I can’t even see where he fits in now. Fact is Hooper’s never going to be dropped and our set piece is just starting to flex it’s muscles why comprise that with Pooper.

 

[Joe Blow]

Pocock on the bench and rotating with Hooper when need be. Gotta take two 7s no matter what. May as well have one that can play 6 and 8 too. If Poey doesn’t go then Samu and maybe Wright do.

 

[Joe Blow]

Talking RWC

 

[Derpus]

Pocock on the bench and rotating with Hooper when need be. Gotta take two 7s no matter what. May as well have one that can play 6 and 8 too. If Poey doesn’t go then Samu and maybe Wright do.

Samu, for sure. He also covers 6 and 8. He runs it well, is reasonably strong over the ball. Hes well rounded. Perfect for the bench.

 

[qwerty51]

What do you mean rotating? I think we can beat Georgia and Uruguay without Hooper in the 23 and Hooper is playing 80 in every other Test.

 

[pissedoffihavetoregister]

I like Angus Ta’avao playing, he wasn't much value for the tahs, and he got thumped so many times when he ran last weekend. Look forward to a rerun.

 

[Joe Blow]

What do you mean rotating? I think we can beat Georgia and Uruguay without Hooper in the 23 and Hooper is playing 80 in every other Test.

He is not going to start every test at the RWC.

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

All Blacks: Beauden Barrett, Sevu Reece, Anton Lienert-Brown, Sonny Bill Williams, George Bridge, Richie Mo'unga, Aaron Smith; Kieran Read (capt), Sam Cane, Ardie Savea, Sam Whitelock, Patrick Tuipulotu, Nepo Laulala, Dane Coles, Joe Moody. Reserves: Codie Taylor, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Angus Ta'avao, Jackson Hemopo, Matt Todd, TJ Perenara, Ngani Laumape, Jordie Barrett.

Franks, Bender & Rieko the casualties of Perth. Nine changes in all including six in the XV (one positional).

https://i.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/a...ge-nepo-laulala-in-as-all-blacks-ring-changes

 

[Dan54]

Interesting team WOB, did wonder if they would want to look at Reece starting before naming WC squad, and well B Smith has looked a little off pace, though I tend to think it almost as much about looking at Bridge going for full game before WC as they know what they will get from Ben. Maybe I would of liked to see a specialist 6 start, but obviously Fifita looks like his run is over, though I still would not be surprised if Squire comes out of left field for WC, as I still a little worried about lineout with only 3 jumpers. Still I all ready so roll on the game!!

 

[KOB1987]

Adding to the above that Liam Wright will be making his debut off the bench. What a potentially massive moment for him

WALLABIES (likely): 15. Kurtley Beale 14. Reece Hodge 13. James O’Connor 12. Samu Kerevi 11. Marika Koroibete 10. Christian Lealiifano 9. Nic White 8. Isi Naisarani 7. Michael Hooper (captain) 6. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto 5. Adam Coleman 4. Izack Rodda 3. Allan Ala'alatoa 2. Tolu Latu. 1. Scott Sio.

Reserves: 16. Folau Fainga’a 17. James Slipper 18. Taniela Tupou 19. Rob Simmons 20. Liam Wright 21. Will Genia 22. Matt To'omua 23. Adam Ashley-Cooper.

That’s Panda’s version, Wayne Smith is reporting there won’t be any changes at all to the 23.

 

[Ulrich]

There is a tonne riding on this game. If the ABs lose they will be the team remembered for it, Hansen will be the coach remembered for it. The Wallabies will be remembered as the team to regain it.

The depth to which such a knock would plummet the ABs would probably put them out of contention for the world cup. It would be a massive, massive blow.

History suggests New Zealand will get the job done and I think they will. I also think they have taken quite a bit of flack for foul play and older players etc from the Australian press so I doubt they will be lacking motivation. It's not every day the All Blacks openly call on former players for calming guidance either and Hansen has seldom looked so serious.

 

[KiwiM]

That's a very beatable All Black team.

This shapes up to be a classic.

 

[Adam84]

Would have preferred Petaia over AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) on the bench, we know what AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) a can do, Petaia is the unknown with more potential.

Wright is an interesting selection as well, as a Reds fan I rate him, not sure if he is at test standard though.

 

[Derpus]

Not at all convinced by that Wallaby bench. We have way better available (if true).

 

[VassMan]

Would have preferred Petaia over AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) on the bench, we know what AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) a can do, Petaia is the unknown with more potential.

Wright is an interesting selection as well, as a Reds fan I rate him, not sure if he is at test standard though.

Yeah very strange, we know what AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) brings, solid stable player but he doesn't have pace/agility anymore to open up a defence, whereas Petaia does and he needs to be tested at this level to show it!

Wright could be an indication that they are shit scared Pocock won't make the World Cup and they want a backup specialist openside. I would have gone with Samu this week and if Pocock doesn't make it back personally.

 

[Dctarget]

I'm pleased NZ are going with dual opensides again, hopefully we can negate it again. Makes sense to have a traditional seven on the bench then in Wright, especially if they're going to bring Todd on later in the game. Bit tough on Jones, he seems to be a big lad that can use his size and good in the lineout.

Yet to be impressed by ponderous AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper). What an uninspiring bench option to bring on, same goes for Simmons. Let's see if Simmons can replicate Coleman's cameo from last week.

Also, how fucking delicious that we got Franks and old man Bender dropped. Feels good. Hopefully Sevu Reece is found out for the flat track bully he is.

 

[Micheal]

If the AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) rumours are true, I imagine Kerevi will be subbed and AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) will come on to replace him with 10-15 to go if were in front. JOC (James O'Connor) to 12.

The selectors are probably thinking that some of the more temperamental or inexperienced players (Eg Kerevi) night be overawed and shit the bed if we have to cling on.

Having an 84 year old AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) come on to partner JOC (James O'Connor) in the centres could possibly give the team the experience and steadiness to see it out.

“Steady on chaps, I’ve been here before, it’s just another game”.

If we’re chasing the game I don’t think AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) will get minutes.

 

[Dctarget]

Didn't even notice Bridge on the wing, he'll be problematic. Impressive depth that they can drop Smith & Ioane and bring on Reece, Bridge, J. Barrett and have Naholo and others waiting in the wings.

As has been said before, I don't think Read & and the rest of geriatrics are completely passed it. They're at the age where they can't maintain the intensity week in, week out as we saw on the weekend. But their ability is still there and given the right motivation, they can perform at their peak level for a game or two. So, Bled on the line, at their fortress after a record spanking would probably be enough to get them up. Imagine being SBW watching your darlings get put to the sword on tv, he'll be foaming at the mouth to get stuck in.

ABs to come out breathing fire, close match until the last ten and for them to run away with it by 10+

 

[Warpath]

again TK at 23, JOC (James O'Connor) can move to wing or 12 in a flinch, don't need a reserve winger, Banks did nothing when he came on last week, missed 3 tackles too.. too early for JP, this is the the Bledisloe decider, the first time in what 17 years Australia has a chance, DO NOT RISK IT WITH N00BS.

 

[formerflanker]

Didn't even notice Bridge on the wing, he'll be problematic. Impressive depth that they can drop Smith & Ioane and bring on Reece, Bridge, J. Barrett and have Naholo and others waiting in the wings.

As has been said before, I don't think Read & and the rest of geriatrics are completely passed it. They're at the age where they can't maintain the intensity week in, week out as we saw on the weekend. But their ability is still there and given the right motivation, they can perform at their peak level for a game or two. So, Bled on the line, at their fortress after a record spanking would probably be enough to get them up. Imagine being SBW watching your darlings get put to the sword on tv, he'll be foaming at the mouth to get stuck in.

ABs to come out breathing fire, close match until the last ten and for them to fall in a heap by 10+

Slight correction!
Really good photo you now use by the way.