Spamnoodle
Bob Loudon (25)
That's okay, the new Wallabies thrive in shitty weather.
2025 Bledisloe Cup Series
- Thread starter Dismal Pillock
- Start date
Spamnoodle
Bob Loudon (25)
Did you miss the last B&I Lions test?
TSR
Simon Poidevin (60)
Good team. A few necessary changes but a lot of consistency with selection too. Even the bits I don’t love I am okay with.
Would’ve been great to have Valetini in there but in his absence Salakia-Loto gets a chance to make a claim on one of the locking jerseys. And Hooper has been very good so his retention is a plus.
I never thought I’d have said this 2 months ago - but I wish Nic White was hanging around for 2 more games. I think his energy would have been great in this game. But I personally think Tate has plenty to offer as a starter and I like Lonergan finally getting his chance. Probably would’ve preferred a softer intro for him, but the guy has well and truly done his apprenticeship at Super level and I’m sure he’s up for it.
Losing Tom Wright has been a real blow. Kellaway has been fine - but Tom Wright really has progressed from being hot and cold to a quality performer in our backline. But I think there is something special about Jorgenson. I understand why people don’t want him shifted from the wing but I think his move to fullback is a good one for the longer term. And I think Potter was very good this year in super so I’m not disappointed to see him get another shot. I also feel like Toole will be better for this game. The Argies really did a job on him but, for me, it wasn’t him doing much wrong it was just them being right on point.
The other thing I like is the return or O’Connor and the impending return of Skelton. Not just because of their impact as players - that’s really important - but suddenly it seems like players are really pushing to be part of the Wallabies every chance they can. That didn’t seem to be the case previously.
Having said all that I am concerned the AIGs are going to burst our bubble on Saturday. Possibly in a big way. They’ll really want to make a statement after the SA game. Not that I don’t have any optimism - I do. From my perspective there is an enormous chance for the Wallabies to make a statement of their own. It is just such a tough gig to beat them at Eden Park. No - it’s not the same thing at all as beating the Blues - although I agree it doesn’t hurt that the Brumbies did.
Really hope for a Wallaby win but, if things don’t go to plan, just hope that the responses can be measured.
Would’ve been great to have Valetini in there but in his absence Salakia-Loto gets a chance to make a claim on one of the locking jerseys. And Hooper has been very good so his retention is a plus.
I never thought I’d have said this 2 months ago - but I wish Nic White was hanging around for 2 more games. I think his energy would have been great in this game. But I personally think Tate has plenty to offer as a starter and I like Lonergan finally getting his chance. Probably would’ve preferred a softer intro for him, but the guy has well and truly done his apprenticeship at Super level and I’m sure he’s up for it.
Losing Tom Wright has been a real blow. Kellaway has been fine - but Tom Wright really has progressed from being hot and cold to a quality performer in our backline. But I think there is something special about Jorgenson. I understand why people don’t want him shifted from the wing but I think his move to fullback is a good one for the longer term. And I think Potter was very good this year in super so I’m not disappointed to see him get another shot. I also feel like Toole will be better for this game. The Argies really did a job on him but, for me, it wasn’t him doing much wrong it was just them being right on point.
The other thing I like is the return or O’Connor and the impending return of Skelton. Not just because of their impact as players - that’s really important - but suddenly it seems like players are really pushing to be part of the Wallabies every chance they can. That didn’t seem to be the case previously.
Having said all that I am concerned the AIGs are going to burst our bubble on Saturday. Possibly in a big way. They’ll really want to make a statement after the SA game. Not that I don’t have any optimism - I do. From my perspective there is an enormous chance for the Wallabies to make a statement of their own. It is just such a tough gig to beat them at Eden Park. No - it’s not the same thing at all as beating the Blues - although I agree it doesn’t hurt that the Brumbies did.
Really hope for a Wallaby win but, if things don’t go to plan, just hope that the responses can be measured.
Congratulations All Blacks
Wilson
Tim Horan (67)
That I need to pack a raincoat
rugbyAU
Ken Catchpole (46)
ABs are much better than the Lions
griffins
Bob Loudon (25)
Bit of a hedge starting Tate and OConnor, going away from the strategy he's stuck with pretty rigidly (to understandably protect Lonergan in part I suspect). I don't mind it, if we can sneak into a lead there will be a bit of head noise in the AB camp.
On the other hand, if the usual thing happens and we're down by 20 after 20 mins I'm not sure we've got a stirring coneback in us. Almost should have gone all in and just started Bell?
On the other hand, if the usual thing happens and we're down by 20 after 20 mins I'm not sure we've got a stirring coneback in us. Almost should have gone all in and just started Bell?
Spamnoodle
Bob Loudon (25)
My point is, we play pretty well in inclement weather also these days. It isn't an instant advantage to Northerners or New Zealanders any longer.
Backintheolddays
Bob Loudon (25)
Finishing forward pack for Wobs is noice.
Hawko
Tony Shaw (54)
Just watched Joe Schmidt's pre-game interview on You Tube. He showed a welcome lack of hubris, a clear idea of how he wanted to play this week without detailing his plans and a totally clear-eyed view of how good the new Zealand team were, despite their loss to South Africa last game and how sometimes teams can put a bag of points on you even though you were still close at 60 minutes. Clear eyed, no nonsense thinking.
His ability to describe a game between Ireland and New Zealand, including the move that lost Ireland the game, showed the level of detail in his memory. It was one of Beauden Barratt's first games - that's how long ago it was and yet he could name almost all the players in the move in the order of receiving and passing the ball. When it comes to discussing legendary Australian coaches he will be right up there; and you know which coaches won't be.
We will miss his contribution to reviving the game in Australia terribly.
His ability to describe a game between Ireland and New Zealand, including the move that lost Ireland the game, showed the level of detail in his memory. It was one of Beauden Barratt's first games - that's how long ago it was and yet he could name almost all the players in the move in the order of receiving and passing the ball. When it comes to discussing legendary Australian coaches he will be right up there; and you know which coaches won't be.
We will miss his contribution to reviving the game in Australia terribly.
Tomthumb
Jim Lenehan (48)
Based on what exactly?
rugbyAU
Ken Catchpole (46)
history and Lions performances this year, I think this weekend will prove it too
Tomthumb
Jim Lenehan (48)
What history? Razor's history includes multiple losses to Argentina including the first in Argentina, biggest loss in All Blacks history, 25% win record vs South Africa and barley surviving vs the French D Team
This is not the 2015 All Blacks, this is the 2025 All Blacks that just got whooped belt to ass 43-10
Sir Arthur Higgins
Bob Davidson (42)
Is kickoff really 30 mins into AFL grand final?
There’s a lot of qld and nsw eyes that would otherwise watch both
There’s a lot of qld and nsw eyes that would otherwise watch both
Rugby Head
Tom Lawton (22)
Whoever was in charge of the scheduling really stuffed up.
Could have easily been moved to a 7:15PM NZ time kick off, this wouldn't impede with any NRL or AFL. Shouldn't be making fans pick and choose which sport they should be watching.
There is literally 2 NRL Games and 1 AFL game to work around and they somehow landed this on the AFL grand final time/ date...
Red Runner
Jimmy Flynn (14)
You think NZL Rugby care about what's happening in Australia? They've proven time and again they couldn't give a stuff about us.