Bledisloe III: Wallabies vs All Blacks: MATCH THREAD: Sydney 31st Oct

[Thommo]

No Ardie is probably worth 10 points to the Wallabies.

He's the AB's best forward and has dominated the ruck in the last two tests.

[Gumboot]

The team I hope Fozzie & co name tomorrow:

15 B Barrett
14 J Barrett
13 ALB
12 Goodhue
11 Clarke
10 Mo'unga
9 Smith

8 Sotutu
7 Cane (c)
6 Frizell
5 Tuipulotu
4 Whitelock
3 Tuungafasi
2 Coles
1 Moody

16 Taylor, 17 Hodgman, 18 Laulala, 19 S Barrett, 20 Papalii, 21 Perenara, 22 Ioane, 23 Jordan

Was impressed with Hodgman in Auckland and hope he gets another crack. Big Karl misses out for mine.

[Jimmy Smallsteps]

The team I hope Fozzie & co name tomorrow:

15 B Barrett
14 J Barrett
13 ALB
12 Goodhue
11 Clarke
10 Mo'unga
9 Smith

8 Sotutu
7 Cane (c)
6 Frizell
5 Tuipulotu
4 Whitelock
3 Tuungafasi
2 Coles
1 Moody

16 Taylor, 17 Hodgman, 18 Laulala, 19 S Barrett, 20 Papalii, 21 Perenara, 22 Ioane, 23 Jordan

Was impressed with Hodgman in Auckland and hope he gets another crack. Big Karl misses out for mine.

+1 my Heartland Hombre. This is a good squad and I'd agree, big Karl can have some more time to hone his skills and fitness.

[Gumboot]

Forgot Laulala may still be on baby watch. If so, Lomax is a more than worthy replacement.

[FujiKiwi]

I like that 23, Gumboot, and might need to eat some humble pie about Sam Cane, who has been playing well, including a few good runs.

It can’t happen, but I’d start Jordan and have a 10, Josh Ioane, on the bench. I wouldn’t pick Jordie in any AB 23, for reasons that have been fought over endlessly on the bored this year.

[stemoc]

knowing foster, expecting a back 3 of Clarke, Reece and JB with BB at 10 (richie and Jordan off the bench), reece was only dumped due to baby watch, JB only started at 14 cause fozzie didn't want to risk ANOTHER newbie on the other wing.. fozzie wants to win the game in the first half and bring the impact later..

[mrbrownstone]

I still think Laulala is our best scrummaging tighthead prop and should start when available. Ofa also offers more impact off the bench.

[Carter's Choice]

I still think Laulala is our best scrummaging tighthead prop and should start when available. Ofa also offers more impact off the bench.

Agree with that.

[mrbrownstone]

All Blacks:

1. Karl Tu'inukuafe (14)
2. Dane Coles (71)
3. Ofa Tuungafasi (37)
4. Patrick Tuipulotu (32)
5. Samuel Whitelock (118)
6. Shannon Frizell (11)
7. Sam Cane (70) - captain
8. Hoskins Sotutu (2)
9. Aaron Smith (94)
10. Richie Mo'unga (19)
11. Caleb Clarke (2)
12. Jack Goodhue (15)
13. Anton Lienert-Brown (45)
14. Jordie Barrett (19)
15. Beauden Barrett (85)

16. Codie Taylor (52)
17. Alex Hodgman (1)
18. Tyrel Lomax (2)
19. Scott Barrett (37)
20. Dalton Papalii (3)
21. TJ Perenara (66)
22. Ngani Laumape (13)
23. Rieko Ioane (31)

Backline unchanged, Sotutu, Whitelock, and Tuinukuafe come in in the forwards.

[mrbrownstone]

The good

- While I don't agree with all the selections, I like that Foster is opting for continuity wherever possible, with the only changes to the starting side forced through injury (Moody), unavailability (Savea), or return from injury (Whitelock).

- Great to see Laumape back - I like the balance of pace and power those back replacements offer, and hope this means Reiko is being seen as an outside back replacement, not a midfield replacement.

- Sotutu gets a well deserved opportunity. Ardie is our best loose forward and we'll miss him, but I think this makes for a more balanced back row overall, and will be interested to see how this combination performs.

The bad

- I think with Moody and Laulala unavailable, our front row stocks look comparatively weak and inexperienced, and I expect the Wallabies to target this.

- I still think Jordie isn't a winger and the midfield is the wrong way around. Obviously barring a major stuff up, this isn't going to change though.

[Carter's Choice]

I'm really happy that Foster looks to have moved on from the flawed, heavily rotational selection process that defined Hansen's last four years in charge

[mrbrownstone]

I'm really happy that Foster looks to have moved on from the flawed, heavily rotational selection process that defined Hansen's last four years in charge

Yes, that's definitely the big positive.

We may not all agree with it, but barring a spot or two on the bench, it's very easy to know what Foster thinks our best 23 is. We couldn't say that 18 months ago.

[Gumboot]

Still no Will Jordan. And is Sevu Reece still on paternity leave, or has he slipped down the pecking order?

[wet-socks]

knowing foster, expecting a back 3 of Clarke, Reece and JB with BB at 10 (richie and Jordan off the bench), reece was only dumped due to baby watch, JB only started at 14 cause fozzie didn't want to risk ANOTHER newbie on the other wing.. fozzie wants to win the game in the first half and bring the impact later..

Jesus Christ..What bizzare line of thinking lead you to this conclusion after seeing the line-ups Foster named in game 1 & 2?

[Trapper]

Can't argue with that team, I hope they perform as well as it looks on paper. I may have to rethink my thoughts on Foster if they do in fact give the Wobbs a bit of touch up. Of course with the Wobbs having a new 10/12 combo should help the AB cause.

[Casey Ryback]

Wobs named. With Toomua and now JOC also out injured, we have a 10/12/13 with almost no test experience. Scary stuff.

WALLABIES TEAM TO PLAY NEW ZEALAND

1. James Slipper

2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa

3. Allan Alaalatoa

4. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto

5. Matt Philip

6. Ned Hanigan

7. Michael Hooper (c)

8. Harry Wilson

9. Nic White

10. Noah Lolesio*

11. Marika Koroibete

12. Irae Simone*

13. Jordan Petaia

14. Filipo Daugunu

15. Dane Haylett-Petty

Replacements

16. Jordan Uelese

17. Scott Sio

18. Taniela Tupou

19. Rob Simmons

20. Fraser McReight*

21. Tate McDermott*

22. Reece Hodge

23. Hunter Paisami

[stemoc]

that 6 and 19 for wobblies should be launched into space

[mrbrownstone]

Losing JOC with To'omua already out is a huge blow. The Wallabies are now running with basically a rookie 10/12/13 in addition to a rookie 9 on the bench, and I expect the ABs will try to target this relentlessly. I imagine this will mean Nic White has to step up and take on more of a 'general' role at 9 as the experienced head.

In fairness, Rennie didn't have many options. I think Lolesio is the right call, but having your debut start at 10 against the ABs in a must win Bledisloe at age 20 is a hell of a trial by fire. The one thing that might work in his favour is that Petaia, Koroibete, and Daugunu are all very dangerous runners on his outside, which should make his job simple - kick well and get the ball in their hands as often as possible.

I just hope he is given time to develop regardless of his performance on Saturday, as I think he looks very talented and could well be the Wallabies future at 10, although w eall know how well it worked out last time the Wallabies tried to play an Auckland born first-five against the All Blacks.

[Gumboot]

that 6 and 19 for wobblies should be launched into space

Really? I thought Hanigan was one of their best players in Auckland.

This will be a baptism of fire for their rookie 10 and 12.

[stemoc]

that 6 and 19 for wobblies should be launched into space

Really? I thought Hanigan was one of their best players in Auckland.

This will be a baptism of fire for their rookie 10 and 12.

he does one good thing, fucks up the next 3... as mentioned then, he was Schrodinger's Wallaby that day, he was simultaneously their best and worst player.

[wet-socks]

When's the last time we had this many Blues players named in an All Blacks line-up, 2003??

[Gumboot]

When's the last time we had this many Blues players named in an All Blacks line-up, 2003??

And half the starting pack, no less. 2020 has been a very strange year.

[Tussock]

Would've liked to see Jordan getting a run but expect he won't be seen until the Argies.

Mo'unga to the bench after 60-65mins then BB to 1st/5, JB to fullback and Ioane to wing. BB on the bench, Ioane on wing and Jordie to FB would be my preference and more balanced but dual pivot seem's to be default at the moment.

[Certain Navigator]

When's the last time we had this many Blues players named in an All Blacks line-up, 2003??

And half the starting pack, no less. 2020 has been a very strange year.

Especially when one considers they didn't even come close to winning, never mind dominating, either the pre- or post-covid comps. They're obviously dominating in the all-NI selection panel's thinking though. Anything less than a comprehensive victory in next years soup will be a catastrophic embarrassment.

[wet-socks]

Would've liked to see Jordan getting a run but expect he won't be seen until the Argies.

Mo'unga to the bench after 60-65mins then BB to 1st/5, JB to fullback and Ioane to wing. BB on the bench, Ioane on wing and Jordie to FB would be my preference and more balanced but dual pivot seem's to be default at the moment.

Clarke isn't the fittest winger around, he's explosive but doesn't last 80 minutes with that intensity. Reiko will replace him at 11.

Also, Clarke was cramping up at Eden Park and had to come off early.

Why would you sub your two most important & influential backs in Mo'unga and Barrett? They are the key leaders & guiders of the backline.

60 minutes: Ioane replaces Clarke at 11, Laumape replacing Goodhue at 12.

[Tussock]

Would've liked to see Jordan getting a run but expect he won't be seen until the Argies.

Mo'unga to the bench after 60-65mins then BB to 1st/5, JB to fullback and Ioane to wing. BB on the bench, Ioane on wing and Jordie to FB would be my preference and more balanced but dual pivot seem's to be default at the moment.

Clarke isn't the fittest winger around, he's explosive but doesn't last 80 minutes with that intensity. Reiko will replace him at 11.

Also, Clarke was cramping up at Eden Park and had to come off early.

Why would you sub your two most important & influential backs in Mo'unga and Barrett? They are the key leaders & guiders of the backline.

60 minutes: Ioane replaces Clarke at 11, Laumape replacing Goodhue at 12.

Why would you sub your two most important & influential backs in Mo'unga and Barrett? They are the key leaders & guiders of the backline.

Because Jordie shouldn't be on the wing.

[Not_Couch]

If the Aussie forwards gain ascendancy at set piece and play expansive against the bigger slower NZ pack they should be up to par with the ABs. Tackling and defence needs to tighten up though. Be interesting to see what Rennie has up his sleeves

[Monkey Magic]

In fairness, Rennie didn't have many options. I think Lolesio is the right call, but having your debut start at 10 against the ABs in a must win Bledisloe at age 20 is a hell of a trial by fire.

Sounds easy, and after 60min he gets to take down a fresh and firing laumape front on.

Will be big job for the all blacks loosies, if they can put a tonne of pressure in him throughout they'll go a long way to winning. But it's up to the wallaby forwards to go so hard that the all blacks are forced to man the decks up front and give the raw backline time.

Imagine hooper will be aiming to come out pretty quick in defence to stop the likes of Frizell and Clarke having a free run at him

[Ymx]

Still no Will Jordan. And is Sevu Reece still on paternity leave, or has he slipped down the pecking order?

The 2 I’d love to see in the match day squad.

Replace Jordie with Jordan
Replace Reiko with Reece

[stemoc]

if by some miracle australia win this week, expect those 2 in the lineup next time..

[Flockwitt]

AB team picked to target that 10-12 channel. It’ll be Caleb coming in from the set pieces and Lumpy route 1 for the last 20.

[Kiwias]

Still no Will Jordan. And is Sevu Reece still on paternity leave, or has he slipped down the pecking order?

The 2 I’d love to see in the match day squad.

Replace Jordie with Jordan
Replace Reiko with Reece

That is what I would prefer too.

[Carter's Choice]

Sounds terrible, but I'm glad that Damien McKenzie isn't in the team. There is zero need for him period, but especially with RM and BB in the starting backline.

[Gumboot]

Still no Will Jordan. And is Sevu Reece still on paternity leave, or has he slipped down the pecking order?

The 2 I’d love to see in the match day squad.

Replace Jordie with Jordan
Replace Reiko with Reece

That is what I would prefer too.

I'd still rather have Rieko in ahead of Reece, but like everyone else I'm keen to see what Jordan can do at the highest level.

[Tussock]

Luv to see Jordan given a shot, but while he covers wing I think he's a natural fullback so that's where I'd like him to play (for both the ABs & Saders).

[stemoc]

kinda wishing this was a sunday afternoon game, kinda hate Saturday night games.. ppl do other stuff on saturday night then sit at home and watch rugby....

[Kiwias]

Sounds terrible, but I'm glad that Damien McKenzie isn't in the team. There is zero need for him period, but especially with RM and BB in the starting backline.

Yep.

[Dan54]

Like the team. and although I a little surprised Lumpy om bench, I not in anyway disappointed, just thought they would want to leave him until Argies with no rugby.. I can the point of what a few have said getting Lumpy to come on when Wallabies start to tire , and slip Reiko onto wing. I sitting here in quarantine so I will be well looking forward to this one!

[Gumboot]

Like the team. and although I a little surprised Lumpy om bench, I not in anyway disappointed, just thought they would want to leave him until Argies with no rugby.. I can the point of what a few have said getting Lumpy to come on when Wallabies start to tire , and slip Reiko onto wing. I sitting here in quarantine so I will be well looking forward to this one!

Do you get free Sky Sports or will you have to sneak out to a nearby pub to watch the game?

[mrbrownstone]

Sounds terrible, but I'm glad that Damien McKenzie isn't in the team. There is zero need for him period, but especially with RM and BB in the starting backline.

Yep.

Tbf I can see the value of a fit and firing McKenzie on the bench to offer impact (his best role at international level) - I just don't think he's rediscovered anything like his best form since returning from an ACL this year.