All Blacks v Wallabies, Dunedin, 19th October 2013

[Braveheart81]

 

[emuarse]

This criticism has been levelled at some of our defensive scrums, particularly those close to our try line.

Whilst it is essential for backrow to be pushing effectively, they have to balance being aware of what the other side is doing.

It's no good having your 6 put on a massive shove with their head down in the scrum whilst the opposition 8 7 runs past them to score a try.

This is one of the big advantages the attacking scrum has in these situations.

You mean a bit like Hooper running past the Argies scrum , & picking up the ball after numerous scrums on our 5 metre line

 

[Braveheart81]

You mean a bit like Hooper running past the Argies scrum , & picking up the ball after numerous scrums on our 5 metre line

Exactly. He was aware of what was going on and swooped on the error and got us out of trouble.

Pushing in the scrum is far from his only role come scrumtime.

 

[emuarse]

Exactly. He was aware of what was going on and swooped on the error and got us out of trouble.

Pushing in the scrum is far from his only role come scrumtime.

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[No4918]

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[Richo]

I guess now, finally, after a scrummaging YC in Rosario to cap off 6 straight games of embarrassment, this week -- in Dunedin, against the All Blacks -- will be the week that this front row finally get it together.

If not -- don't worry, there's plenty more chances with a Grand Slam tour coming up.

(Insert obligatory recognition of the importance of whole pack, etc. etc.)

 

[Scotty]

No surprises there. Congrats to Betham - the right choice.

I look forward to seeing Robinson on the field for a significant part of the game. And Harris - less so.

I'd love to see Harris on the field if we are down by 1-2 points with a few minutes to go.

 

[Muttonbird]

I don't like that Corey Jane has come straight back in. Piutau should have been given the start with Jane off the bench.
Thrush at lock weakens us, but Retallick has had a very long season with the Chiefs and ABs.
Aside from that, the side looks alright.

Jane is the senior player who has come back from injury. Hansen thinks he's prepared well enough to walk straight back into the team. With Smith's move to centre I'd want Jane's experience over Piutau's potential for this one.

 

[The_Brown_Hornet]

Massively up against it this weekend, but I'm hopeful the boys can make a good account of themselves and maybe burgle a win. Not counting on it though.

 

[light]

The return of Corey Jane sucks for us, big time.

Not feeling as optimistic now but still believe if our forwards step up we are in with half a chance of an upset.

Genia and Folau will need to have blinders.

One more day!

 

[Zander]

The return of Corey Jane sucks for us, big time.

Very strange comment. He has been average for Wellington. He's coming back from an ACL injury only done in February. He's played 1 and a half ITM Cup games and you think he's ready to dominate at Test level? He will be exposed. Much less threatening than having the Smiths out there.

 

[FilthRugby]

I just hope the Wallabies have a go like they did last year in Brisbane, 18 all draw, absolutely gave it their all.

Good luck to Peter Betham, definitely deserves a spot and has played well for the Tahs and the Students.

 

[fatprop]

Very strange comment. He has been average for Wellington. He's coming back from an ACL injury only done in February. He's played 1 and a half ITM Cup games and you think he's ready to dominate at Test level? He will be exposed. Much less threatening than having the Smiths out there.

The thing Jane adds is even more ability in the air.

I expect that the ABs will be peppering the wobs with high balls and leverage our perennial dropped kick receipts.

The wobs are shit in the air and don't work hard enough to give the receiver support

Betham will be in for a torrid night

 

[Brumby Jack]

McCaw and Jane are in doubt.

A decision will be made at the Captain's run

 

[emuarse]

i was trying to get my faces into the shape of forward scrum, with the one different face subtly representing Hooper. But unfortunately the faces kept moving over to the sideline, losing their scrum shape.

Actually a bit like the Wob pack does! Heh heh.

 

[Brumby Jack]

 

[Muttonbird]

Wallabies by 10.

 

[RoffsChoice]

Sam Cane and Charles Piutau to slot in, have best game of their lives, score 40 points between them.

Wallabies by 3.

 

[Braveheart81]

So the All Blacks now have three specialist fullbacks in their starting backline.

 

[BDA]

Just Read an article on Fox Sports, written by David Barbeler. Barbeler writes the following:-

Betham's break comes courtesy of James O'Connor, Digby Ioane, Henry Speight, Dom Shipperley, Nick Cummins, Rod Davies and Cam Crawford all being unavailable.​

Wait a second...Rod Davies?! is he even in consideration these days?

Good luck to Betham tomorrow. I hope he really shines. He definitely needs to because with the amount of outside-backs talent we have waiting in the wings(Tomane, Speight, Morahan, O'Connor, Cummins, Beale) he might only get 1 or 2 chances over the next few years to show us what he's made of. Go get em!

Looking forward to this game as it seems that our last game against the All Blacks each year is usually the game where we perform the best (BDA death knell). It has been a pretty horrible year for the wobs but one plus from my pov has been the likes of Tamoa, Kurandrani and Lilo who look to be establishing themselves as our core backline players over the next 2 years (along with Folau obviously). I like the idea of the Tamoa - Kurandrani centre pairing this week as they are both guys that can make an impact in defence.

Also it would be really nice if the Kiwis didn't act like a bunch of savages and boo Cooper for the full 80 minutes. Cooper has paid for his mistakes and done his time. Anybody who is booing him at this point is out of line imo