Samoa v All Blacks: Apia, 8/07/15

[Shelts89]

Shame it is in the middle of the night for me... Here is hoping it's not a cricket score and Samoa put in a good showing! I bet more teams would travel there if they give the AB's a good game. I'd hope so anyway.

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

Big turnout at Apia airport for AB's arrival:

& AB's look suitably happy to be there:

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/...assionate-apia-welcome-from-samoan-supporters

Then there's this:

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/...uzz-as-samoa-prepares-for-the-all-blacks-test

 

[the sabanator]

For those degenerate gamblers on here, I thought it was interesting the line is only set at 24.5. That's still a damn good AB side and that just seems way too short to me.

 

[HighPlainsDrifter]

The above posts ...What a great ad for Rugby ! Good luck to all .

 

[ChargerWA]

Don't forget to set your IQ's lads.

12pm EST tomorrow.

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ The haka v siva tau alone should be epic - this from 2008, last time they met:

God I hope this is the start of French clubs practice of buying-off players to retire from Test rugby being exposed & stamped out:

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/...-shocks-french-club-by-playing-the-all-blacks

I'm usually a "contract is a contract" kinda guy but not when there's secret clauses such as those in the ones PI players are allegedly offered from time to time................

EDIT: I'm wondering how the AB & Samoans will acknowledge & remember Jerry Collins who was born in Samoa & as I understand it very involved in Porirua's expat-Samoan community. A moment's silence would seem to be the minimum.

 

[Highlander35]

The white boy who's not a kiwi needs to get over himself. Name escapes me.

 

[teach]

All Blacks 6 Samoa 3
23 minutes in.

 

[qwerty51]

This ground is too small. Can't see too many more games here until it gets up to standard.

 

[Highlander35]

Offside is the biggest problem for Samoa, otherwise playing reasonably well after taking 15 minutes to settle.

 

[teach]

Yeah, they are going to get a word from Sir soon.

 

[qwerty51]

Some poor quality footy out there, not helped by the small dimensions giving them no room. Samoa physical but not getting back onside often and racing up eager to shut the space. ABs going far too lateral early without going forward.

 

[Hugh Jarse]

Oranges: NZL 12 (4pg) - SAM 3 (1pg)

 

[Highlander35]

Few Noirs playing themselves out of WC jerseys. Mealamu and Crotty in particular, but maybe a couple of others too.

 

[aeneas]

Few Noirs playing themselves out of WC jerseys. Mealamu and Crotty in particular, but maybe a couple of others too.

Mealamu was only ever the emergency backup at this stage in his career.

 

[qwerty51]

Few Noirs playing themselves out of WC jerseys. Mealamu and Crotty in particular, but maybe a couple of others too.

I'd put Woodcock and Ellis in the mix too.

Don't forget Dagg.

 

[aeneas]

I'd put Woodcock there too.

Woodcock and Dagg have basically played no rugby for 6 - 8 weeks apparently Hansen is attempting to get them back into form by playing for NZ!

Still its a bit difficult without the Canes and Landers players.

 

[Antony]

I'd put Woodcock and Ellis in the mix too.

You think Woodcock has been that bad? He's won a couple of scrum penalties, and has generally been reasonably active.

 

[Highlander35]

Carter has been somewhat uninspiring. Slade should come on in the next 5 minutes or so.

 

[qwerty51]

I remember one charge by Woodcock where he walked into the Samoan D line. Backline certainly looks less impressive without the Smiths.