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RWC 2019 1/4 Final New Zealand vs Ireland

waiopehu oldboy

Stirling Mortlock (74)
Other than Lurch for ScoBar I can't see the XV differing from SA match & other than ScoBar for PT it's hard to see the subs being any different either.
 

zer0

Jim Lenehan (48)
Team named.

1. Joe Moody
2. Codie Taylor
3. Nepo Laulala
4. Brodie Retallick
5. Sam Whitelock
6. Ardie Savea
7. Sam Cane
8. Kieran Read (C)
9. Aaron Smith
10. Richie Mo'unga
11. George Bridge
12. Anton Lienert-Brown
13. Jack Goodhue
14. Sevu Reece
15. Beauden Barrett

16. Dane Coles
17. Ofa Tuungafasi
18. Angus Ta'avao
19. Scott Barrett
20. Matt Todd
21. TJ Perenara
22. Sonny Bill Williams
23. Jordie Barrett

Happy to see ALB at second-five. I think he was under-used against the Boks when he was at centre. The more involvements he has the better IMO. Surprised that they went with Goodhue ahead of Crotty at centre, so he'll have to step up following his return from injury. ALB/Goodhue does look like the next long-term midfield though.

Taylor ahead of Coles is a mild surprise, although they're pretty interchangeable these days. Todd is a pleasant unexpected surprise. Though they might've gone for S.Barrett as the reserve loosie (Tuipulotu covering lock), or Frizzel. Still uncomfortable with J.Barrett being on hand to, potentially, do something stupid in a close match.....
 

KiwiM

Trevor Allan (34)
I would have selected ALB at 13 and have Crotty in the 23. Also would have Ben Smith ahead of Jordie.

Can't help but think a bit more bulk (Tuipulotu/Frizell) would be more useful than Todd against the Irish too.
 

Dan54

Tim Horan (67)
Team named.



Happy to see ALB at second-five. I think he was under-used against the Boks when he was at centre. The more involvements he has the better IMO. Surprised that they went with Goodhue ahead of Crotty at centre, so he'll have to step up following his return from injury. ALB/Goodhue does look like the next long-term midfield though.
.

Likie you I happy with ALB/Goodhue pairing although I did think if Crotty started it would be 12 and ALB at 13. I alway thought of ALB as a 12, but by geez he has gone well at 13 too!

Can I say one thing ,with this lineup, Todd and Jordie on bench, it's time to put your running shoes on Ireland, I suspect the ABs intend a fairly quickish game plan!!!
 

Braveheart81

Will Genia (78)
Staff member
EHEAMJCUwAEl7n-.jpg:large
 

aeneas

Tom Lawton (22)
I'm not sure that this will go well for NZ. Aside from the SA game NZ have looked patchy throughout the tournament to date. That back line looks very inexperienced when compared to their Irish counterparts. Brodie can't possibly last 60 minutes either.
 

John S

Desmond Connor (43)
Yeah, I'm not sure. I'm trying to pick a winner for my tipping comps, and I'm torn. Both teams have not been brilliant this world cup, seems to be an even match.
 

Tex

John Thornett (49)
All the ABs have to do is keep it tight and pounce on the Irish errors. It's the most frustrating thing about playing them - you're right in the match for 60 minutes then one lazy kick chaser or tired forward and Barrett and Reece and Mounga have blown through for a 7 pointer.

Ireland will need a miracle.
 

Dismal Pillock

Simon Poidevin (60)
I'm not sure that this will go well for NZ.
yeah me too. suddenly that Irish side have a bit of an experienced professional assassin look compared to our slightly motley ragtag lot. NZ tight 5 look a bit iffy, whether they can answer the bell will settle it. wouldnt be overly surprised to see NZ dumped out. they look short of 3 or so experienced heads to adapt if the match gets dragged into The Irish Way.
 

Strewthcobber

Mark Ella (57)
I'm not sure that this will go well for NZ. Aside from the SA game NZ have looked patchy throughout the tournament to date. That back line looks very inexperienced when compared to their Irish counterparts. Brodie can't possibly last 60 minutes either.
So just aside from when they demolished the second best team in the comp!

This won't be close. Kiwis in a canter.
DPs desperate attempt to gain underdog status is a typically hilarious satire
 

aeneas

Tom Lawton (22)
So just aside from when they demolished the second best team in the comp!

This won't be close. Kiwis in a canter.
DPs desperate attempt to gain underdog status is a typically hilarious satire


I see that that NZ tab has AB +12.5. So maybe my pessimism is misplaced.
 

ACR

Bob Davidson (42)
I see that that NZ tab has AB +12.5. So maybe my pessimism is misplaced.


No, you are just a NZ rugby fan with an awareness of World Cup history. ANYTHING can happen once you reach a knockout game.

These finals have a new legitimate variable too, send-offs. Anyone copping a red card in the first half is done for.
 

aeneas

Tom Lawton (22)
No, you are just a NZ rugby fan with an awareness of World Cup history. ANYTHING can happen once you reach a knockout game.

These finals have a new legitimate variable too, send-offs. Anyone copping a red card in the first half is done for.



I actually assume red cards are why SBW is not starting.
 

Ulrich

Nev Cottrell (35)
I'm not sure that this will go well for NZ. Aside from the SA game NZ have looked patchy throughout the tournament to date. That back line looks very inexperienced when compared to their Irish counterparts. Brodie can't possibly last 60 minutes either.
NZ looked patchy during 2015 pool stage as well and then turned up the heat come K/O games.

They will be fine.

Ireland have a huge monkey on their back and I don't imagine they will shake it against the reigning champs, especially not after their indifferent form this year and the knock their confidence would have taken with the loss to Japan.

NZ will have a bit of a score to settle as well.
 

Derpus

George Gregan (70)
NZ looked patchy during 2015 pool stage as well and then turned up the heat come K/O games.

They will be fine.

Ireland have a huge monkey on their back and I don't imagine they will shake it against the reigning champs, especially not after their indifferent form this year and the knock their confidence would have taken with the loss to Japan.

NZ will have a bit of a score to settle as well.
100% Ireland are in for it.
 

cyclopath

George Smith (75)
Staff member
Only concern for NZ is that Ireland have looked better as things go along, after their somewhat arrogant play against Japan that brought them undone.
That said, I think the ABs have not yet really gotten into their stride.
I think Ireland will push them but the ABs will be too strong.
 

waiopehu oldboy

Stirling Mortlock (74)
I was worried that maybe we were going to try beating Ireland at their own game but looking at the AB 23 I think it's obvious we intend playing with far more width. Negating the rush D obviously key but provided the tight-5 can win even 40% possession & the handling accuracy is good I'm thinking AB by 12-18.
 

JRoss

Stan Wickham (3)
Taylor as the starter is the right call. He'll take the hard punishment early on then bring the quicker slippery coles on as fresh legs.

Brodie will be interesting and while lacking gameplay, he has the biggest engine in WR (World Rugby). Scott B is more than an adequate replacement when needed.

SBW off the bench is another 'later in the game' asset, as is Todd, and his experience (Todd) in the final quarter could well be paramount.

ALB and JG should go well and don't underestimate the training boot-camp these fellows have endured the last 2 weeks. Had JG looked anything less than 100%, he'd be a bencher.

The AB's bench is strong, imposing and very experienced. AB's just have to absorb the early Irish charge then they 'should outgun them in all facets in the second half. Discipline will be the most essential aspect of both teams. Any reds for the AB's and all bets are off and I'm sure the wise men have hammered that idea in hard.

Lastly, the AB's are, in all fairness, a far more dangerous proposition than the Irish, ask any other team who'd they prefer to play against. What a weekend ahead!
 
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