AI Matches W3: Sat 12; Ire v Fij - Eng v Jap - Wal v Arg : Sun; Sco v NZ

[Ymx]

Teams tbc

Ireland
v
Fiji

England
v
Japan

Wales
v
Argentina

Scotland
v
New Zealand



Dedicated threads

Italy v Aus

France v SA

[Ymx]

Ireland (vs Fiji, Saturday)
15. Jimmy O’Brien (Leinster/Naas) 1 cap
14. Robert Baloucoune (Ulster/Enniskillen) 3 caps
13. Robbie Henshaw (Leinster/Buccaneers) 60 caps
12. Stuart McCloskey (Ulster/Bangor) 7 caps
11. Mack Hansen (Connacht/Corinthians) 7 caps
10. Joey Carbery (Munster/Clontarf) 36 caps
9. Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster) 21 caps
1. Jeremy Loughman (Munster/Garryowen)*
2. Rob Herring (Ulster/Ballynahinch) 29 caps
3. Tadhg Furlong (Leinster/Clontarf) 61 caps CAPTAIN
4. Kieran Treadwell (Ulster/Ballymena) 9 caps
5. Tadhg Beirne (Munster/Lansdowne) 34 caps
6. Caelan Doris (Leinster/St Mary’s College) 21 caps
7. Nick Timoney (Ulster/Banbridge) 2 caps
8. Jack Conan (Leinster/Old Belvedere) 31 caps

Replacements:
16. Dan Sheehan (Leinster/Lansdowne) 11 caps
17. Cian Healy (Leinster/Clontarf) 119 caps
18. Tom O’Toole (Ulster/Ballynahinch) 3 caps
19. Cian Prendergast (Connacht/Galwegians)*
20. Max Deegan (Leinster/Lansdowne) 1 cap
21. Craig Casey (Munster/Shannon) 5 caps
22. Jack Crowley (Munster/Cork Constitution)*
23. Garry Ringrose (Leinster/UCD) 45 caps

[Ymx]

Wales (vs Argentina, Saturday)
15. Louis Rees-Zammit (Gloucester Rugby – 20 caps)
14. Alex Cuthbert (Ospreys – 52 caps)
13. George North (Ospreys – 106 caps)
12. Nick Tompkins (Saracens – 24 caps)
11. Rio Dyer (Dragons – 1 cap)
10. Gareth Anscombe (Ospreys – 33 caps)
9. Tomos Williams (Cardiff Rugby – 37 caps)
1. Gareth Thomas (Ospreys – 14 caps)
2. Ken Owens (Scarlets – 83 caps)
3. Dillon Lewis (Cardiff Rugby – 42 caps)
4. Will Rowlands (Dragons – 22 caps)
5. Adam Beard (Ospreys – 38 caps)
6. Dan Lydiate (Ospreys – 68 caps)
7. Justin Tipuric (Ospreys – 86 caps) captain
8. Taulupe Faletau (Cardiff Rugby – 92 caps)

Replacements
16. Ryan Elias (Scarlets – 31 caps)
17. Rhodri Jones (Dragons – 21 caps)
18. Sam Wainwright (Saracens – 2 caps)
19. Ben Carter (Dragons – 6 caps)
20. Jac Morgan (Ospreys – 3 caps)
21. Kieran Hardy (Scarlets – 15 caps)
22. Rhys Priestland (Cardiff Rugby – 53 caps)
23. Owen Watkin (Ospreys – 34 caps)

[Ymx]

England (vs Japan, Saturday)


15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 14 caps)
14. Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs, 43 caps)
13. Guy Porter (Leicester Tigers, 2 caps)
12. Owen Farrell (C) (Saracens, 98 caps)
11. Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby, 69 caps)
10. Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 14 caps)
9. Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers, 4 caps)
1. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 40 caps)
2. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs, 38 caps)
3. Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears, 53 caps)
4. David Ribbans (Northampton Saints, uncapped)
5. Jonny Hill (Sale Sharks, 16 caps)
6. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 59 caps)
7. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 42 caps)
8. Sam Simmonds (Exeter Chiefs, 15 caps)

Replacements:
16. Jamie George (Saracens, 69 caps)
17. Mako Vunipola (Saracens, 71 caps)
18. Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers, 6 caps)
19. Alex Coles (Northampton Saints, 1 cap)
20. Billy Vunipola (Saracens, 65 caps)
21. Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 118 caps)
22. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 49 caps)
23. Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks, 47 caps)

[Ymx]

[sockwithaticket]

Japan

[Slick]

Actually really looking forward to Italy v Australia- we will see if the Italians really have made progress. Hope so

[Ymx]

Added links above to the dedicated match threads.

[Grandpa]

Beaudan is back...

[Kiwias]

The first chance to play what should be our top mid-field of JB at 12 and ALB at centre and what does Foster do? Fuck he is a moron. I won't even discuss putting BB at 10.

In the forwards, our top two hookers should be Taukei'aho and Aumua but Aumua is not even on the bench. At least we have a decent locking pair and a backrow that on paper looks very strong.

What does Clarke have to do to be dropped?

[Grandpa]

The first chance to play what should be our top mid-field of JB at 12 and ALB at centre and what does Foster do? Fuck he is a moron. I won't even discuss putting BB at 10.

In the forwards, our top two hookers should be Taukei'aho and Aumua but Aumua is not even on the bench. At least we have a decent locking pair and a backrow that on paper looks very strong.

What does Clarke have to do to be dropped?

I'd like to see Leicester or Stevenson given a go.. but they persist with Clarke. I guess they think he has that point of difference in being able to break the line... but he needs to catch and tackle as well...

[OomStruisbaai]

Added links above to the dedicated match threads.

Boet you are a star.

Look for the Skotte.

[Ymx]

SCOTLAND TEAM VS NEW ZEALAND:


15. Stuart Hogg
14. Darcy Graham
13. Chris Harris
12. Sione Tuipulotu
11. Duhan van der Merwe
10. Finn Russell
9. Ali Price
1. Pierre Schoeman
2. Fraser Brown
3. Zander Fagerson
4. Richie Gray
5. Grant Gilchrist
6. Jamie Ritchie
7. Hamish Watson
8. Matt Fagerson

REPLACEMENTS:
16. Ewan Ashman
17. Rory Sutherland
18. WP Nel
19. Jonny Gray
20. Jack Dempsey
21. Ben White
22. Blair Kinghorn
23. Mark Bennett

[Ymx]

Fiji team:

S Tuicuvu; J Wainiqolo, W Nayacalevu, K Ravouvou, V Habosi; T Tela, F Lomani; E Mawi, S Matavesi, M Saulo, I Nasilasila, R L Rotuisolia, A Tuisue, L Botia, V Mata.

Replacements: M Dolokoto, L Natave, L Atalifo, A Ratuniyarawa, J Dyer, S Kuruvoli, B Volavola, A Cocagi.

[OomStruisbaai]

SCOTLAND TEAM VS NEW ZEALAND:


15. Stuart Hogg
14. Darcy Graham
13. Chris Harris
12. Sione Tuipulotu
11. Duhan van der Merwe
10. Finn Russell
9. Ali Price
1. Pierre Schoeman
2. Fraser Brown
3. Zander Fagerson
4. Richie Gray
5. Grant Gilchrist
6. Jamie Ritchie
7. Hamish Watson
8. Matt Fagerson

REPLACEMENTS:
16. Ewan Ashman
17. Rory Sutherland
18. WP Nel
19. Jonny Gray
20. Jack Dempsey
21. Ben White
22. Blair Kinghorn
23. Mark Bennett

That's a pretty good team. All Blacks shouldn't underestimate them.

[Ymx]

Beaudan is back...

That’s quite a switch in the back line ! Not feeling it at all.

9 and 10 combo is dreadful.

Jordie was actually looking ok at 12.

They’ve kept the worst in the back line which is Clarke.

Fvcking Foster, twat !

[Certain Navigator]

The first chance to play what should be our top mid-field of JB at 12 and ALB at centre and what does Foster do? Fuck he is a moron. I won't even discuss putting BB at 10.

In the forwards, our top two hookers should be Taukei'aho and Aumua but Aumua is not even on the bench. At least we have a decent locking pair and a backrow that on paper looks very strong.

What does Clarke have to do to be dropped?

If the last few matches have shown anything, it's that Taylor is still the best AB hooker, and by a comfortable margin.

'very strong' is an optimistic way to describe a backrow that includes Ioane.

Havilli was the 1st-choice 12 before he got injured, so deserves a chance to re-establish his place. Especially as, despite all the hype, Barrett has had (i) a poor 60 minutes, (ii) a good 80 minutes, and (iii) an anonymous 80 minutes (if only because the ABs played 9-man rugby) in three goes at 12, so can hardly be said to have established an irresistible claim.

[S/Lt_Phillips]

Beaudan is back...

That’s quite a switch in the back line ! Not feeling it at all.

9 and 10 combo is dreadful.

Jordie was actually looking ok at 12.

They’ve kept the worst in the back line which is Clarke.

Fvcking Foster, twat !

Savea will probably take us to the cleaners all on his own. He was pretty dynamic against Wales.

Hoping Scotland can keep it close, but realistically with our centres I don't think there'll be enough creativity to really trouble the ABs. Would love to be wrong though!

[Ymx]

This (by the looks) resting of players is arrogant and could massively backfire.

[Gumboot]

If the last few matches have shown anything, it's that Taylor is still the best AB hooker, and by a comfortable margin.

Disagree, he's been woefully inconsistent this year. It wasn't so long ago that his errant lineout throwing was a major issue, and I think it's far too early to say he's come back into consistently good form. There's no way he's ahead of Tauke'aho "by a comfortable margin" imho.

[Jock42]

This (by the looks) resting of players is arrogant and could massively backfire.

Nah you're safe.

[Kiwias]

SCOTLAND TEAM VS NEW ZEALAND:


15. Stuart Hogg
14. Darcy Graham
13. Chris Harris
12. Sione Tuipulotu
11. Duhan van der Merwe
10. Finn Russell
9. Ali Price
1. Pierre Schoeman
2. Fraser Brown
3. Zander Fagerson
4. Richie Gray
5. Grant Gilchrist
6. Jamie Ritchie
7. Hamish Watson
8. Matt Fagerson

REPLACEMENTS:
16. Ewan Ashman
17. Rory Sutherland
18. WP Nel
19. Jonny Gray
20. Jack Dempsey
21. Ben White
22. Blair Kinghorn
23. Mark Bennett

That's a pretty good team. All Blacks shouldn't underestimate them.

Someone should have told Foster.

[C T]

Any Kiwi fans genuinely worried about this one?

Personally I think Scotland have improved over the years but I'm expecting a very stern reminder of how far we've got to go.

[Kiwias]

Any Kiwi fans genuinely worried about this one?

Personally I think Scotland have improved over the years but I'm expecting a very stern reminder of how far we've got to go.

I am worried. We put out a mishmash of a team against Japan and were bloody lucky to escape with the win. You guys have a decent chance of breaking the curse.

[Jock42]

Any Kiwi fans genuinely worried about this one?

Personally I think Scotland have improved over the years but I'm expecting a very stern reminder of how far we've got to go.

The problem is they've regressed over the last season or 2. They've conceded 25 penalties (according to ESPN) in the series so far. No matter how "shite" a team the All Blacks have put out giving them 12 penalties is rugby suicide.

[sockwithaticket]

Any Kiwi fans genuinely worried about this one?

Personally I think Scotland have improved over the years but I'm expecting a very stern reminder of how far we've got to go.

I am worried. We put out a mishmash of a team against Japan and were bloody lucky to escape with the win. You guys have a decent chance of breaking the curse.

All things are possible, but not all are probable.

I'll be amazed if the All Blacks lose this.

[SaintK]

Any Kiwi fans genuinely worried about this one?

Personally I think Scotland have improved over the years but I'm expecting a very stern reminder of how far we've got to go.

I am worried. We put out a mishmash of a team against Japan and were bloody lucky to escape with the win. You guys have a decent chance of breaking the curse.

All things are possible, but not all are probable.

I'll be amazed if the All Blacks lose this.

I think a bigger upset at Twickenham is more likely. AB's by 19

[Blackmac]

Surprised at how poor the crowd is in Dublin.

[Ymx]

What a start !!

Go Fiji !

[Tichtheid]

Gwan Fiji

[Blackmac]

That's a yellow every day.

[Tichtheid]

That's a yellow every day.

Ridiculous non-decision

[Kiwias]

No lovers of kangaroos and pasta?

Italy up 17 - 3 after 26’

[Ymx]

No lovers of kangaroos and pasta?

Italy up 17 - 3 after 26’

Other thread

[Lobby]

No lovers of kangaroos and pasta?

Italy up 17 - 3 after 26’

There’s a dedicated thread for that match,

[Blackmac]

I actually struggle to believe the TMO is suggesting a double movement there. Does he even know the laws.

[Ymx]

I actually struggle to believe the TMO is suggesting a double movement there. Does he even know the laws.

It was defo worth checking. Not sure why there is fuss it’s been checked when a player hit goes down then crawls forward. A pretty standard thing to check.

[Blackmac]

I actually struggle to believe the TMO is suggesting a double movement there. Does he even know the laws.

It was defo worth checking. Not sure why there is fuss it’s been checked when a player hit goes down then crawls forward. A pretty standard thing to check.

But he will already have reviewed it quickly before bringing it to the refs attention. The ref was much like the rest of us, straight away saying he wasn't tackled.

[Blackmac]

A very lacklustre performance from Fuji compared with last week. Not a lot of interest being showed by some.

[Ymx]

Oh, I missed that the TMO was the one who put it forward.

Though perhaps he was judging it based on real time, else otherwise it would have been converted before he could bring it up.