Bledisloe #2 - AUS v NZL, Eden Park, Auckland, August 15th
- Thread starter Hugh Jarse
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Joe Blow
Peter Sullivan (51)
I'm guessing he's pretty fit considering he has been selected to play a Bled cup game in two days.
jollyswagman
Ron Walden (29)
You'd think he'd be good for 20 minutes even if he wasn't at peak fitness......he's a big bopper that's for sure!
Owens.
We've had a couple of pages to have our say about both the Coaches selections.
Time to put your family jewels on the table. Who is going to win and by how much?
This could also serve as an opportunity to impose a jinx if that is what rocks your boat.
I see The Darkness prevailing over the Men in Gold by 15 points, although the Good Guys will score first and only be two points behind at Oranges.
The Darkness have a huge amount resting on this game. They will want to make this a memorable match for Sir Richie GOAT, and Dan Carter. RWC positions are on the line for them as well. It is Eden Park, and they have a myth to protect. This is a Bledisloe Cup decider. The loss at Homebush would have been under all sorts of media, and pub, club, kitchen and lounge room scrutiny across the Shaky Isles.
Meanwhile TGC Is simply tinkering with his team with a view to getting things right for the RWC.
Time to put your family jewels on the table. Who is going to win and by how much?
This could also serve as an opportunity to impose a jinx if that is what rocks your boat.
I see The Darkness prevailing over the Men in Gold by 15 points, although the Good Guys will score first and only be two points behind at Oranges.
The Darkness have a huge amount resting on this game. They will want to make this a memorable match for Sir Richie GOAT, and Dan Carter. RWC positions are on the line for them as well. It is Eden Park, and they have a myth to protect. This is a Bledisloe Cup decider. The loss at Homebush would have been under all sorts of media, and pub, club, kitchen and lounge room scrutiny across the Shaky Isles.
Meanwhile TGC Is simply tinkering with his team with a view to getting things right for the RWC.
Elfster
Dave Cowper (27)
Thanks
jollyswagman
Ron Walden (29)
Australia by 12
BDA
Peter Johnson (47)
I reckon this game will be won and lost in the first half.
Im guessing the Wallabies are going all out attack in the first half. The inclusion of Cooper and Speight give us probably our most dangerous attacking backline and the Cheika has chosen a pack designed to give us front foot ball and also to wear out the opposition.
If we can go into half time within 7 points I'd actually be quietly confident that we have the reserves to turn the game in the second half. We can bring on a fresh tight five and finish the game with Pooper domination. The All Blacks reserve front row isn't as strong IMO, and they have no reserve locks, so I can see our tight five having the ascendency in the final 30 minutes. That's the plan I guess.
My concern though is similar to Bairdy is that the All Blacks will come out and try to play end to end rugby and run around the likes of Palu and Skelton. If they do it like only NZ can, its possible we go into half time behind by 20 and then its game over. But as I said, conversely if we can hang with them for the first 40, our big bodies should tire their tight 5 to an extent and we might wish the stronger of the two sides.
fascinating stuff.
Im guessing the Wallabies are going all out attack in the first half. The inclusion of Cooper and Speight give us probably our most dangerous attacking backline and the Cheika has chosen a pack designed to give us front foot ball and also to wear out the opposition.
If we can go into half time within 7 points I'd actually be quietly confident that we have the reserves to turn the game in the second half. We can bring on a fresh tight five and finish the game with Pooper domination. The All Blacks reserve front row isn't as strong IMO, and they have no reserve locks, so I can see our tight five having the ascendency in the final 30 minutes. That's the plan I guess.
My concern though is similar to Bairdy is that the All Blacks will come out and try to play end to end rugby and run around the likes of Palu and Skelton. If they do it like only NZ can, its possible we go into half time behind by 20 and then its game over. But as I said, conversely if we can hang with them for the first 40, our big bodies should tire their tight 5 to an extent and we might wish the stronger of the two sides.
fascinating stuff.
qwerty51
Stirling Mortlock (74)
Hmm I disagree there BDA. I think the Wallabies will play tight in the first half and be direct. Similar to how 2012 and 2013 matches started. Lots of pick and drives. Win the collisions early on, Skelton and Palu instructed to bash and bash until half time when Mumm and Pocock are brought on and then we up the tempo.
jollyswagman
Ron Walden (29)
jollyswagman
Ron Walden (29)
I think the AB's are going to come out swinging, keeping it very tight and doing there best to bash the Wallabies into submission early. If we can weather the storm, hold onto the ball when we have it and not make silly errors then we are in with a shot. If it is still tight with 20 minutes to go I think our younger legs will get us home.
Viking
Mark Ella (57)
Essentially the first half is going to be "Tah-ball" in my opinion. Whether Skelton and Palu will have the same impact at Test level that they do at super xv is my biggest concern, but I'm optimistic as Cheika has already proved us wrong about players like Mumm and Horwill.
jollyswagman
Ron Walden (29)
Wouldn't be surprised if both teams have a very similar game plan / attacking strategy. Definitely sounds like a classic test match with both teams looking for field position and trying to apply pressure across the park.
BDA
Peter Johnson (47)
The hostile environment could take its toll. The All Blacks chants will be deafening when they get a roll on. A lot different to last week where we had the majority of fans helping us lift.
Man the players must be nervous. I'm not playing and I feel like I need to take the day off for stress leave.
Man the players must be nervous. I'm not playing and I feel like I need to take the day off for stress leave.
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