All Blacks v Wallabies, Dunedin, 19th October 2013

[nugget]

Their recent record in so-called dead rubbers is much worse than their overall record, which suggests something is different in those games. The obvious answer is that they take their foot off the gas.

yes, like the Oz cricket team of the late 90's early 2000's. Greatest team ever, but always seemed to lose dead rubbers. We can only hope.

 

[RoffsChoice]

Well, I guess Cory Jane decided we weren't getting through 2013 without him scoring against us at least once.

 

[Braveheart81]

Their recent record in so-called dead rubbers is much worse than their overall record, which suggests something is different in those games. The obvious answer is that they take their foot off the gas.

Or maybe the Wallabies just lose their stage fright and play closer to their potential when the pressure is off.

 

[Scrubber2050]

Excellent. Betham and Folau both have the ability to break any defence.

Of course Betham needs to catch it first.

Agree BUT they have to do it

 

[Scrubber2050]

I reckon that the next 6, 7 and/or 8 that sticks his friggin head up should be dragged, hooked and crucified on a wooden cross.

Our scrum will always be under huge pressure when seagulls are looking for chips.

 

[RoffsChoice]

Seems the 8 has been instructed to retrieve the ball for the 9 in the last 6 games. Can't punish him for doing as told.

 

[FrankLind]

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.

 

[Mark Sads]

Not an excuse. However, the amount of games the Wallabies play is killing us. We just can't sustain a top notch international team with the amount of injuries we pick up. I am sure the Wallabies will give the All Blacks a great match. However, expect a 10 - 15 point loss.

 

[Scrubber2050]

Seems the 8 has been instructed to retrieve the ball for the 9 in the last 6 games. Can't punish him for doing as told.

Don't have a problem with that but he still needs to push to make sure we win the ball and eyes down to pick the pill up.

on their feed push push and push.

 

[Braveheart81]

Don't have a problem with that but he still needs to push to make sure we win the ball and eyes down to pick the pill up.

on their feed push push and push.

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 runs past them to score a try.

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

 

[Braveheart81]

Wallabies:

Slipper
Moore
Alexander
Simmons
Horwill (c)
Mowen
Hooper
McCalman
Genia
Cooper
Betham
To'omua
Kuridrani
Ashley-Cooper
Folau

Robinson, Kepu, Fainga'a, Timani, Dennis, White, Harris, Foley

 

[vidiot]

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.

 

[kiap]

Fatcat should be starting. Would have liked to have seen Timani at 5 but his status still seems a bit of a mystery.

Hopefully Betham crashes over for some meat.

 

[RoffsChoice]

Why the hell is Robinson not our LHP?

 

[flat_eric]

Just an observation.

Last week and again this week we have had different backlines with 6/7 starters being of colour. AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) being the only typical anglo-celtic Australian. For those more knowledgable about the history of the game than myself, would this be new territory for a Wallabies side? I for one see it as a great thing for the game and the multiculturalism of our country, so please don't consider my interest to be anything more than just that.

 

[Jagman]

They've telegraphed defensive weakness by putting Betham out of position on the left wing (what is he going to do with his killer right foot step?) and putting AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) on the right wing (to tackle Savea?). Expect a lot of ball to Jane and a few tries for him too.

 

[Slim 293]

Betham played on the left wing for the Tahs..........

 

[Tiger]

Interesting that Mowen is VC rather than Genia.

 

[Jagman]

Betham played on the left wing for the Tahs....

Played most games off the bench (from memory) but pretty sure he scored most of his sensational tries on the right side of the field and they all involved him stepping in off that right foot like that pearler against the Brumbies. Similar story in ITM cup last year though he started as right wing.

 

[Lindommer]

IIRC Betham played mostly on the right off the bench but left when picked to run on.