New Zealand v Wallabies, Eden Park, Sat 22nd October

[Gnostic]

A bigger upset in the last 12 months: Australia's Daria Gavrilova thrashing world #1, Angelique Kerber, 6-3, 6-1 in the Quarter Final of the Hong Kong Open, last Friday!

Mate my only sport is Rugby. I recognise the scoring system as tennis but that's it. Of no interest...... and an individual sport cannot be compared to a truly team endeavour like Rugby.

 

[Braveheart81]

Scoey posted earlier about massive upsets in the last year or so about Japan beating South Africa at the RWC.

Based on the World Rugby Rankings that upset is only marginally more of an upset than the Wallabies beating the All Blacks this weekend.

If you adjusted for the fact that the Japan v South Africa game was at a neutral venue it probably makes it just about on par.

 

[Dan54]

I not getting into arguments whether this is best AB team ever, but from reaching back into my memory banks it the best one that I can personally remember, and I have only ever followed the All Blacks and probably haven't missed seeing more than one test either live or on TV since the the early 70s. Do I think the present opposition is weak (so was Graham Henry correct about Wallabies)? I do think so up to a point, I also thought that after the 87 WC, but I not sure the All Blacks haven't just made them look bad. I also think this is the best coached rugby team I can remember.
Do I believe the Wallabies can win on Saturday? Yes I do, because in any sport there are a lot of variables, can the All Blacks keep getting up mentally for these tests, maybe the Wallabies will show a lot more mental fortitude than they have displayed this year, because I think mentally is where the game will probably be won and lost. the only thing I will tell you now, if the All Blacks win or lose it will NOT be because of the referee etc etc.
All in all it's a test, and I have never assumed we win tests by right!

 

[Brumby Runner]

Funny you say that Scoey, because I actually thought the ABs would of gone better against the Boks with Cruden at 10, although in second half Barrett did run the show maybe because forwards got on top.

Dan, I'd have to vigorously disagree that Cruden would be better. My very definite impression this year is that the ABs have struggled to score after Cruden comes on to replace Barratt. Cruden is very good, but Barratt is simply outstanding.

 

[Dan54]

Not to say that I'm downgrading the quality of the current side, only a fool would do that, but do the previous streak(s) include 3 wins against the likes of Georgia, Namibia and Tonga?

Haven't really kept an eye who they played in other streaks, but I imagine Georgia, Namibia and Tonga were not a lot weaker than one or two other teams in the aforementioned streaks!

 

[Scrubber2050]

For a win we would have to play spectacularly and the Blacks dreadfully.

Is it possible ? Of course it is.

The Wallabies are about 8:1,

Odds are pretty short

 

[Dan54]

Dan, I'd have to vigorously disagree that Cruden would be better. My very definite impression this year is that the ABs have struggled to score after Cruden comes on to replace Barratt. Cruden is very good, but Barratt is simply outstanding.

Fair enough Brumby R, but watching the Bok test, in first half we really needed someone like AC to steer the ship, BB (who I a great fan of) struggled in first half I thought. I think the ABs scored more points with Sopoaga at 10 against the Boks, which I am sure you agree doesn't make him a better 10 than BB. Perhaps I thinking horses for courses and perhaps think Cruden has a lot to offer against a team with a good physical pack, much like I prefer Sam cane at 7 , which in no way diminishes the quality or ability of Ardie Savea.
But to add I am quite happy with any of them starting, as I still think the most influential player in the ABs is one A Smith at 9!

 

[Braveheart81]

 

[KOB1987]

User Actions
Following​

​

Jamie Pandaram‏@JamiePandaram​

Wallabies no longer expecting to announce their team today. Seems there is doubt around Pocock starting/reserves and midfield #Bledisloe

 

[KOB1987]

sorry BH, I hadn't refreshed the page before I posted that so I didn't see yours. FWIW, Wayne Smith's article in the Oz this morning was specking a Kerevi/Folau midfield so it does tie in with that theory.

 

[Phil]

I don't think you can say with any certainty that this is the best team of all time, not least because comparing teams from say the 90's to now makes little sense.

Their run of form has coincided with very large, swift downswings from their two closest rivals. They havn't been challenged enough to qualify as the best ever.

Agree very much with this.You only have to look at the crap form of both Oz and Bok(exception the Lions)Super rugby teams this year.And don't tell me it was only because the Kiwi teams were much better.Our teams played crap when they played each other!

 

[Braveheart81]

sorry BH, I hadn't refreshed the page before I posted that so I didn't see yours. FWIW, Wayne Smith's article in the Oz this morning was specking a Kerevi/Folau midfield so it does tie in with that theory.

Tom Decent posted a tweet saying that Hodge is being heavily considered at 12 which could see Foley back to 10 and Cooper to the bench.

I would be baffled if Cooper was dropped and Foley played 10 given current form of both. The forum (and front page particularly) would also turn into a dumpster fire.

 

[ACT Crusader]

Why can't they just admit that the extra time is really needed to decide which player will be the all important number 24....

 

[Wilson]

Tom Decent posted a tweet saying that Hodge is being heavily considered at 12 which could see Foley back to 10 and Cooper to the bench.

I would be baffled if Cooper was dropped and Foley played 10 given current form of both. The forum (and front page particularly) would also turn into a dumpster fire.

Hodge at 12 makes some sense, but dumping Cooper for Foley? I haven't seen anyone push for that and can't image what the reasoning would be. Crazy times if true.

 

[Hugh Jarse]

Tier 1 World record. Meh. Is it a World record or not?

Tier 1 world record is up there with the Fockers Wall of Fame ribbon for coming ninth in the egg and spoon race.

When NZ have the actual World Record (and they probably might just do so this time around) then I might get interested, until then "step right up folks, every child wins a prize". Watch the NZ Rugby Team win a certificate of participation for getting one step nearer to a World Record.

 

[Scrubber2050]

If Chek picks Foley at 10 and Hodge at 12 (although I have wanted that for ages) then that is just more of Chek's bewildering selections.

No doubt he has a plan !

 

[All Black Magic]

Tier 1 World record. Meh. Is it a World record or not?

Tier 1 world record is up there with the Fockers Wall of Fame ribbon for coming ninth in the egg and spoon race.

When NZ have the actual World Record (and they probably might just do so this time around) then I might get interested, until then "step right up folks, every child wins a prize". Watch the NZ Rugby Team win a certificate of participation for getting one step nearer to a World Record.

Don't be such a sad sack !

 

[Scrubber2050]

Don't be such a sad sack !

Mate, I'd rather see Georgia hold the record, or Kenya, or USA, or Mexuco or any other team

 

[John S]

http://www.rugby.com.au/news/2016/10/20/05/12/wallabies-backline-auckland

Just some more on the Hodge to 12 and Foley to 10

 

[All Black Magic]

Mate, I'd rather see Georgia hold the record, or Kenya, or USA, or Mexuco or any other team

Nothing wrong with a bit of trans Tasman
Rivalry ! rugby is the winner.
Is Quade available to play ?
He always adds a bit of humour to a game..