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Oh my god you guys... What did I say about oh if we lose this game having played our best side back to back that puts us under a LOT of pressure... bringing in some guys who haven't played much, or having to expect some of our guys who have put in mammoth efforts already to back up and go all...
It's hardly throwing the game, but you know you've got to throw out a few other guys at some point be it game 2 or 3, then why not do that in game 2 where you might learn something and you aren't asking those 'next guys' to take on that pressure of a must win game.
And @Tex We were forced to...
So you are completely happy to sacrifice any chance at winning game 3?
I totally agree 2 games in 6 days is tight but fine, but that's not the full situation, because after those two games in 6 days, they then have ANOTHER game in 4 days. I would rather we at least move a few guys to the bench...
I'm advocating giving yourself the best chance to win the series, and to win all 3 games. I think ZERO load management is dumb. I'm not saying play all those guys I listed, but acknowledge taking the same team into 3 games in 11 days is going to risk injury to your players, and will leave all...
Really shocked so many people are overlooking To'omua's massive lack of form. He was pretty awful in the first game, didn't really make any real positive contributions. Then add to this his major decline across first Super Rugby AU and then Super Rugby TT. He's not had a good game in months. He...
Given I'll think we won't want play our guys too hard in game 2 (in case we need them for game 3).
My predicted team for game 3.
1 Bell
2 BPA
3 Tupou
4 Phillip
5 Timani
6 Leota
7 McReight
8 Naisarani
9 McDermott
10 JOC (James O'Connor) (if fit)
11 Daugunu
12 Paisami
13 Ikitau/Hodge
14 Kellaway
15 Hodge/Banks...
So observations
Front row:
Slipper was actually pretty quiet outside of the scrum, but he's cooked and will need a rest for game 2.
BPA was exceptional 9/9 tackles, rock solid at scrum time and very good in the lineout bar one overthrow (I felt like maybe tired lifers), and a nice rumble over...
@Braveheart Yeah, I think we will see O'Connor used more and more off the bench to keep him fresh for the World Cup. But I'm not sure that Lol'o will necessarily be the next best flyhalf option with a number of guys who will be hot on his heels.
Yeah, I do worry Lol'o is gone to be one of those awesome Super Rugby but average Test Rugby players. I do really hope he steps up and torches the French, but I think JOC (James O'Connor) is just so composed and so steady and is big enough to bully a lot of other flyhalves. I do think it's not impossible that...
I think it's tough for old Hodgy, because it's not like he gets many easy ones, and I'd agree his percentage probably doesn't quite represent his kicking ability. Having said that frankly his accuracy does probably need to improve a little bit.
I would have preferred him in the 23 given he...
The annoying thing with Hodge is he's not match fit, but also not in the 23.
I think (hope) we'll have JOC (James O'Connor) & Tate starting game 2.
I expect it'll be Wilson who goes pedal to the metal, as he normally doesn't go the full 80, but Rob does sometimes disappear so could go either way.
Willson or Valetini. Likely Wilson he tends to come off for the Reds, but with a big lack of locks and a glut of back rowers, I think there is a non-zero chance both Isi and Swain play lock (or Wilson/Valetini move up into the second row).
Dam Rennie must SERIOUSLY HATE McDermott! He's been pretty clearly 1&2 with Nic White all Super Rugby. Had a killer season last year, clearly worked on his kicking game a lot this year, and STILL gets left out in the cold. I'm predicting (as normal) he'll get basically no time off the bench...
Yeah, I don't think even just going to conferences isn't going to be enough, it'll still be a situation where the Aussie teams are still just making up the numbers even if guaranteed one or two semi-finals.
Frankly anything short of two separate competitions will really be a negative for...
Yeah. I think you're really not understanding everything that's involved with a test match. You've got a tone of crew for the facility, 50 odd people for the cameras minimum, plus the broadcast crew. A heap of officials - at least 10. Plus the players 50 odd, team coaching & medical staff. We're...
As for 'just moving it', there are a lot of logistics involved. You can't 'just move a test match' let alone move it in a few days, heck even a few weeks was a massive task.