Bledisloe I: All Blacks vs Wallabies: MATCH THREAD: Oct 11

[JPNZ]

Australia:
Tom Banks,
Filipo Daugunu,
Hunter Paisami,
Matt To'omua,
Marika Koroibete,
James O'Connor,
Nic White,
Harry Wilson,
Michael Hooper (c),
Pete Samu,
Matt Philip,
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto,
Taniela Tupou,
Folau Fainga'a,
James Slipper.

Reserves: Jordan Uelese, Scott Sio, Allan Alaalatoa, Rob Simmons, Rob Valetini, Jake Gordon Noah Lolesio, Reece Hodge.

[Trapper]

I’m thinking that maybe Jordy is there because the Wobbs have two relative midgets on the wing, well that and his magnificent boot.

[Wild Beef]

A more accurate question is whether Jordie is one of our top 3 outside backs. The All Blacks have never really valued specialist wingers, dumping all kinds of players there over the years. It’s almost an “I want you on the field but you don’t fit” position sometimes.

[FujiKiwi]

A more accurate question is whether Jordie is one of our top 3 outside backs. The All Blacks have never really valued specialist wingers, dumping all kinds of players there over the years. It’s almost an “I want you on the field but you don’t fit” position sometimes.

Yes. Exactly what it is in this case.

I’m still intrigued by it and can see the reasoning behind it. He’s such an interesting player. He’ll never have a quiet game.

[Carter's Choice]

Suspect there is a bit of game plan in all that. Expect plenty of kicking from both Richie and BB, up and across.

Mo'unga's pin point cross kicks to JB could be almost unstoppable. And will also ensure that the Wallabies backline stays spread, which creates space in the midfield.

[mrbrownstone]

Thinking about it more, I would have rather seen:

11. Reiko/Bridge/Clarke
12. ALB
13. Goodhue
14. Jordan
15. Barrett

22. Jordie
23. Reiko/Bridge/Clarke

Jordan strikes me as a more natural winger, and Jordie is the perfect bench player, covering midfield, wing, fullback, and 10 at a pinch, with a towering boot to bring on for long range penalties if the game is tight.

TBH it may not be long before we see some combination of Jordan fullback and Jordie wing as the incumbent selection - or vice versa - which is exciting.

It would have been a harsh call to bench Jordie given his form, but there was always going to be a harsh call somewhere in the back three (case in point: leaving Reece and Jordan out entirely).

Still, the team has been selected now, and I hope they all play the game of their lives.

[Ted.]

A more accurate question is whether Jordie is one of our top 3 outside backs. The All Blacks have never really valued specialist wingers, dumping all kinds of players there over the years. It’s almost an “I want you on the field but you don’t fit” position sometimes.

Yes. Exactly what it is in this case.

I’m still intrigued by it and can see the reasoning behind it. He’s such an interesting player. He’ll never have a quiet game.

As I mentioned on the previous page, Jordy and Jordan are arguably the form fullbacks running around at the moment. So, I think it has far more to do with fitting BB into the team, than choosing Jordy as a winger - something I don't agree with as a philosophy unless the player you are displacing to another position is equally adept, or close to it, in that other position, or, is not in turn displacing another far better player in that position (the domino effect, or unintended adverse consequences). As a winger, Jordy is patently not better than any of the incumbents or other specialists in the mix.

In this instance, I think Foster has gone with the latter portion of philosophy, displacing a better player in two positions to fit one in, which is either something Foster has not fully thought through or is willing to live with as he doesn't rate the other wingers. If it turns to custard, bear in mind the Aussies lads are no slouches, he has a rookie as a backup, which is placing undue pressure on Clarke IMO.

Personally, I think they should have started Jordy at the back, Reiko on the wing, ALB at 12 with BB on the bench. Goodhue moves out one. If we persist with Reiko at centre, then ALB comes in at 12 with Goodhue on the bench and Rees on the wing.

[stemoc]

JB is there for the high balls, as i predicted they would name him there to counter the tiny Koroibete ..lets just hope marika doesn't win one of those battles cause i doubt JB has the speed to catch him..

[Kiwias]

Not overly worried about the forwards but find it hard to believe that JB is one of the two best wingers in the country.

Yeah, nothing frightening in the forwards, except the best 7 isn't playing and arguably, the best 8. We should still get by.

As for Jordy, no he's not anywhere near the best or 2nd best wing in the country. He's arguably the form fullback, along with Jordan.

Not sure about Reiko at centre either. IMO, we'd have been better off with Goodhue there with ALB at 12, which is categorically not Goodhue's better position.

I did not say I thought the forward selections are ideal but the front row and second row are our best players. The back row is restricted by Cane being the skipper but I am glad that Savea and Frizzell are there. I agree with your call for Goodhue/Alb at 12/13.

[Ted.]

Not overly worried about the forwards but find it hard to believe that JB is one of the two best wingers in the country.

Yeah, nothing frightening in the forwards, except the best 7 isn't playing and arguably, the best 8. We should still get by.

As for Jordy, no he's not anywhere near the best or 2nd best wing in the country. He's arguably the form fullback, along with Jordan.

Not sure about Reiko at centre either. IMO, we'd have been better off with Goodhue there with ALB at 12, which is categorically not Goodhue's better position.

I did not say I thought the forward selections are ideal but the front row and second row are our best players. The back row is restricted by Cane being the skipper but I am glad that Savea and Frizzell are there. I agree with your call for Goodhue/Alb at 12/13.

I feel dirty, but here goes........

[Trapper]

Thinking about it more, I would have rather seen:

11. Reiko/Bridge/Clarke
12. ALB
13. Goodhue
14. Jordan
15. Barrett

22. Jordie
23. Reiko/Bridge/Clarke

Jordan strikes me as a more natural winger, and Jordie is the perfect bench player, covering midfield, wing, fullback, and 10 at a pinch, with a towering boot to bring on for long range penalties if the game is tight.

TBH it may not be long before we see some combination of Jordan fullback and Jordie wing as the incumbent selection - or vice versa - which is exciting.

It would have been a harsh call to bench Jordie given his form, but there was always going to be a harsh call somewhere in the back three (case in point: leaving Reece and Jordan out entirely).

Still, the team has been selected now, and I hope they all play the game of their lives.

This is probably next weeks backline, I mean the options are endless...

[Jimmy Smallsteps]

TAB odds of Reiko Ioane embarrassing us all with his dickhead antics: $1.07

[Carter's Choice]

I think back to Mitch Hunt absolutely skinning Jordie Barrett for pace down the sideline during Super Rugby Aotearoa and I worry about JB starting a test match on the wing. Dave Rennie won't have missed his lack of pace, especially off the mark.

[Jimmy Smallsteps]

I think back to Mitch Hunt absolutely skinning Jordie Barrett for pace down the sideline during Super Rugby Aotearoa and I worry about JB starting a test match on the wing. Dave Rennie won't have missed his lack of pace, especially off the mark.

Yes, that's a scary memory alright. J Baz didn't get close.

[Certain Navigator]

Not overly worried about the forwards but find it hard to believe that JB is one of the two best wingers in the country.

Yeah, nothing frightening in the forwards, except the best 7 isn't playing and arguably, the best 8. We should still get by.

As for Jordy, no he's not anywhere near the best or 2nd best wing in the country. He's arguably the form fullback, along with Jordan.

Not sure about Reiko at centre either. IMO, we'd have been better off with Goodhue there with ALB at 12, which is categorically not Goodhue's better position.

Totally agree on all points. With that back-3, Hansen's game plan is obviously not of the spin-it-wide variety. It'll be 'kick-it-high-Pierre' all night. Potentially effective given the makeup of the Aussie back-3, but not particularly enthralling — like league without the hit-ups. Still, I'll be the first to congratulate him if it's a spectacular success.

[Monkey Magic]

How often does the cross kick have to come off for it to negate all the bad effects of the shuffle. And given the high risk of the play how many times are they eschewing spinning it wide?

Unless as another poster mentioned it keeps the wallabies wide on defence cant see it as worth it. Would keep jordie around for his boot but play him at 15.

Really hoping Tuipulotu and Frizell have massive games. If they are smashing bodies on both sides of the ball and in the rucks we'll go long way to winning

[Carter's Choice]

I enjoy nothing more than trolling Ian Foster, but this is close to the least controversial 23 he could have picked. The only even slightly controversial selection is Jordie Barrett at 14. But JB has been arguably the form 15 in NZ this year, and was always going to be somewhere in the XXIII. Foster has gone for a great mix of experience and youth, and has capped three new players to start the new RWC cycle. Realistically that's as many new caps as you'd ever want to see in a test team.

[the cursed]

Fozzie out!!

we have experimented with players out of position since who knows when..

will this madness ever stop?????

[Ymx]

Thinking about it more, I would have rather seen:

11. Reiko/Bridge/Clarke
12. ALB
13. Goodhue
14. Jordan
15. Barrett

22. Jordie
23. Reiko/Bridge/Clarke

Jordan strikes me as a more natural winger, and Jordie is the perfect bench player, covering midfield, wing, fullback, and 10 at a pinch, with a towering boot to bring on for long range penalties if the game is tight.

TBH it may not be long before we see some combination of Jordan fullback and Jordie wing as the incumbent selection - or vice versa - which is exciting.

It would have been a harsh call to bench Jordie given his form, but there was always going to be a harsh call somewhere in the back three (case in point: leaving Reece and Jordan out entirely).

Still, the team has been selected now, and I hope they all play the game of their lives.

This is probably next weeks backline, I mean the options are endless...

They are endless but the back 3 proposed by Mr B is a hell of a lot better in my books.

Another way of looking at it is, I can’t believe they shoe horned in 2 Barrett’s, with both out of position. Soon to be the trifecta with Scooter in at 6.

Fozzie the Shoe Horner. Trying to keep the old guard happy, and desperate to keep the team behind him.

[Not_Couch]

Foster is kidding himself by having 2 Barrett's out there.

You either bench one and keep one or bench one and start none or bench none and start one.

Foster Out!

[Flockwitt]

Foster is kidding himself by having 2 Barrett's out there.

You either bench one and keep one or bench one and start none or bench none and start one.

Foster Out!

[Magpie26]

I think back to Mitch Hunt absolutely skinning Jordie Barrett for pace down the sideline during Super Rugby Aotearoa and I worry about JB starting a test match on the wing. Dave Rennie won't have missed his lack of pace, especially off the mark.

I remember Mo'unga running down Kolbe from behind in the RWC and yet most people would be looking at having Kolbe in their team if they could.
Its more about what JB can bring and we know his height is a definite threat, he is a big boy who can get over the gainline, big kick and defensively pretty sound.

Would have preferred him at 15 but its pretty clear Fozzie wants to bring something to the game the Ozzy back 3 will need to worry about.

[Dan54]

I think back to Mitch Hunt absolutely skinning Jordie Barrett for pace down the sideline during Super Rugby Aotearoa and I worry about JB starting a test match on the wing. Dave Rennie won't have missed his lack of pace, especially off the mark.

I remember Mo'unga running down Kolbe from behind in the RWC and yet most people would be looking at having Kolbe in their team if they could.
Its more about what JB can bring and we know his height is a definite threat, he is a big boy who can get over the gainline, big kick and defensively pretty sound.

Would have preferred him at 15 but its pretty clear Fozzie wants to bring something to the game the Ozzy back 3 will need to worry about.

This! Hell no wonder I looking at moving to Hawkes Bay wit this level of posting

[Carter's Choice]

Fozzie out!!

we have experimented with players out of position since who knows when..

will this madness ever stop?????

I don't think there are any mad selections in this team. Sure JB has been playing at 15 this year but he is more than capable of playing wing.

[Jimmy Smallsteps]

Fozzie out!!

we have experimented with players out of position since who knows when..

will this madness ever stop?????

I don't think there are any mad selections in this team. Sure JB has been playing at 15 this year but he is more than capable of playing wing.

I agree, but I bet we both hope he isn't caught on the inside of either of the Wobs' little Fijian flyers.

[Ata Rangi]

Anyone know what channel this will be on in the US?

ESPN+?
NBC?
Will Rugby pass carry it?

Its on rugbypass

Not in the US, the US isn’t one of the Zone 1 and gets very basic content. If you are trying to watch on Rugby Pass in the States you will need a VPN.

[stemoc]

ESPN+ will be showing it, i think one of the TSN ones in canada as well..Jsports4 in japan, fox 505 in australia and Super sports rugby in safferland adn sky sports main event and mix in UK..

[Kiwias]

J-Sports in Japan have switched and will now be broadcasting both BC tests live.

[Ata Rangi]

ESPN+ will be showing it,

It isn’t on their schedule. They are often late with rugby updates but this is a stretch.

[Not_Couch]

Fozzie out!!

we have experimented with players out of position since who knows when..

will this madness ever stop?????

I don't think there are any mad selections in this team. Sure JB has been playing at 15 this year but he is more than capable of playing wing.

Capable of getting beaten on the outside maybe

[Flockwitt]

At least there is a clear game plan. By going with a back trio all of whom are taller than the Oz back 3 (and good in the air regardless) Foster's obviously targeting a perceived weakness in the Wallaby squad. Space to run round the opposition is hard to generate at test level, whereas kicks are every other play these days. Can't really fault the logic.

[Steve]

I think the wallabies are going to get their arseholes caved in . The NZ players have been playing a higher standard of domestic footie during lockdown by a wide margin.

I could see the score getting away from the Aussies and with JOC at 10 i think it could get pretty aimless and ragged.

No Beale,Kerevi or Folau as a point of difference. No Petaia.

It looks very vanilla to me.

[Jimmy Smallsteps]

I think the wallabies are going to get their arseholes caved in . The NZ players have been playing a higher standard of domestic footie during lockdown by a wide margin.

I could see the score getting away from the Aussies and with JOC at 10 i think it could get pretty aimless and ragged.

No Beale,Kerevi or Folau as a point of difference. No Petaia.

It looks very vanilla to me.

I suspect you haven't been watching much Super Rugby AU, Steve.

O'Connor has matured into a very sound 10 who plays the percentages well, while vanilla is not a term I would use to describe the Fijian flyers on both wings.

[Carter's Choice]

What makes this match more exciting is that the teams won't be very familiar with each other. Typically come the Bledisloe Cup, we'd have just finished a normal Super Rugby season and the players would all have played each other in inter-conference matches. But that's not the case this year and there is definitely more of an unknown factor. Many people believe that Super Rugby Aotearoa was a higher standard than Super Rugby AU, but again we don't actually know that. And both comps finished months ago anyway.

What's also exciting is that historically the 1st Bledisloe Cup test is not the first test of the season. Both NZ and Aust usually play meaningless June/July tests against tired & disinterested NH nothing-teams. Not this year, they are going into serious test match Rugby with no warm ups to fine tune game plans and combinations.

[stemoc]

its on Espn+

[Ata Rangi]

Just coming back to post the same thing. Better late than never.

[Carter's Choice]

I'll be watching this test regardless, but I'd have loved if it was being played tonight.

[JPNZ]

Beauden Barrett ruled out with an Achilles injury.

Expect Jordie to 15

[Who_ate_all_the_pies]

Weirdly Stuff says McKenzie to start.

Hopefully its Jordie to fullback and Jordan to wing.

[Enzedder]

Beauden Barrett ruled out with an Achilles injury.

Expect Jordie to 15

Nope - back to what the RWC was planned to be with DMac at 15.