Tri Nations: Wallabies vs All Blacks: MATCH THREAD: Sat 7th Nov

[mrbrownstone]

Not a bad team, but not a fan of all the rotation. Seems really unnecessasry when we only have 6 tests this year, combined with a poor recent record in Brisbane (perhaps slightly biased as I'll be at the game).

Dropping/resting Mo'unga after arguably his best test, as he was just starting to gain some real momentum at test level, seems extremely counterproductive. Likewise for Caleb Clarke & Shannon Frizell. I can understand rotating out experienced heads like Smith, Coles, and Goodhue, but these guys surely need momentum and time in the saddle.

Akira Ioane finally debuting will be very interesting. I imagine it's no coincidence Scott Barrett is starting too, to play a tighter role while Akira can swan around and lean on a a ruck or two. Hope I'm wrong there, but we'll see. I still don't think his tight work is test quality, and with two opensides already playing that seems like an unbalanced trio to me.

On the positive side, I really like that midfield, and am excited to see how it goes. Likewise the back three - we finally get what many of us have been calling for, Jordie in his best position, and Reece back on the wing.

The bench is also exciting with Jordan, Aumua, and Grace earning much deserved debuts.

Having said that, two fullbacks on the bench is just dumb. I suppose the contingency plan would be Ioane to the midfield, Jordie to the wing, or DMac to 10 if anything happened. If that's the case, we'd better just hope nothing happens to Beauden, as DMac is nowhere near a test quality 10.

[Kiwias]

Some exciting players to come off the bench but I think there are too many changes to the starting XV for players who need time playing. Also, why the fuck is DMac there along with Jordan?

[Kiwias]

Sam W gets his 100th start.

[Gumboot]

Some exciting players to come off the bench but I think there are too many changes to the starting XV for players who need time playing. Also, why the fuck is DMac there along with Jordan?

Is he not covering 10 more than 15?

Edit: agree with mrbrownstone about McKenzie not exactly inspiring confidence in that role.

[Dan54]

While being a little unsure of some of the picks, I quite excited by them. Ok I not a fan of Akira, but now is the time to see if he can handle it, not against Argentina where someone may look better than he is. Mounga I almost understand, as he has shown us how well it can work with the double playmaker, have to look at other possibilities against a reasonable opposition, and after last week's game a rest won't hurt him. Interesting to see Lumpy starting, and not overly concerned with outside backs. I take it DMac covering 10. Anyone can complain about rotating players, but now is time to do it, Bledisloe won, and let's have a peek at others for future needs,(remember 2011 WC).
Hope TJ doesn't cock it up and remembers how to pass to players!

[FujiKiwi]

Utter madness.

[Gumboot]

Ok I not a fan of Akira, but now is the time to see if he can handle it, not against Argentina where someone may look better than he is.

Good point.

[Jb1981]

Too much change for me and some of it potentially counter productive.

[Kiwias]

Some exciting players to come off the bench but I think there are too many changes to the starting XV for players who need time playing. Also, why the fuck is DMac there along with Jordan?

Is he not covering 10 more than 15?

Edit: agree with mrbrownstone about McKenzie not exactly inspiring confidence in that role.

If it is direct cover for 10, I would prefer Josh Ioane be there.

[Jimmy Smallsteps]

I'm fairly relaxed about all the changes.

I think the OP raises some valid points but it's still a fairly congested schedule and we need to blood some of the newer guys against quality opposition.

[Enzedder]

Ok I not a fan of Akira, but now is the time to see if he can handle it, not against Argentina where someone may look better than he is.

Good point.

I think that is what he is doing in a number of areas.

[mrbrownstone]

Wobs named

Tom Banks, Tom Wright, Jordan Petaia, Hunter Paisami, Marika Koroibete, Reece Hodge, Nic White, Harry Wilson, Michael Hooper (c), Lachie Swinton, Matt Philip, Rob Simmons, Allan Alaalatoa, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, James Slipper. Res: Folau Fainga'a, Angus Bell, Taniela Tupou, Ned Hanigan, Liam Wright, Tate McDermott, Noah Lolesio, Filipo Daugunu

Reece Hodge at 10 is...interesting. Is Hanigan covering lock? Can honestly say I don't know who Lachie Swinton is (look for him to have a blinder now). Also, whatever happened to the talk that Arnold/Kerevi/whatever two overseas players would be available for the Tri Nations?

Looking at that, I can't help but feel Rennie is using these first few games in charge to test out a few players/theories and get to know how everyone responds, as much as anything - while still trying to put his best foot forward and win obviously. Once he settles on a combination and clear style, I can see this team going from strength to strength.

Regardless, never discount the Wallabies at Suncorp, especially in a Bled dead rubber. Can see this one being decided one score.

[Kiwias]

JOC was meant to be fit and ready, wasn't he?

[Dan54]

By geez some of the Wallaby posters on other forums seem to be getting a little concerned about Rennie's selections. I can see his point in most of them ,and he obviously admitting he got it wrong dropping Banks. I not sure about playing Swinton at 6, what I saw of him in Super AU he was just a cheap shot artist with little else, maybe he will have a blinder and prove me wrong.

[Kiwias]

By geez some of the Wallaby posters on other forums seem to be getting a little concerned about Rennie's selections. I can see his point in most of them ,and he obviously admitting he got it wrong dropping Banks. I not sure about playing Swinton at 6, what I saw of him in Super AU he was just a cheap shot artist with little else, maybe he will have a blinder and prove me wrong.

Are you talking about Swinton or Akira?

[stemoc]

its sad that Jordie has played more games than Reece..

[the cursed]

By geez some of the Wallaby posters on other forums seem to be getting a little concerned about Rennie's selections. I can see his point in most of them ,and he obviously admitting he got it wrong dropping Banks. I not sure about playing Swinton at 6, what I saw of him in Super AU he was just a cheap shot artist with little else, maybe he will have a blinder and prove me wrong.

Are you talking about Swinton or Akira?

[stemoc]

oh god, Banks...

[Wild Beef]

Going for the 2x winger 1x fullback approach. Interesting.

[stemoc]

JOC was meant to be fit and ready, wasn't he?

dude Jsport is not showing this live .. wtf :/ they are my go to channel lol

[Gumboot]

can't watch this 2 shit teams play for a 4th week...

dude Jsport is not showing this live .. wtf :/ they are my go to channel lol

And so it came to pass.

[Kiwias]

JOC was meant to be fit and ready, wasn't he?

dude Jsport is not showing this live .. wtf :/ they are my go to channel lol

At present the schedule is for a delayed broadcast at 7:45PM but don't be surprised if they change to live coverage at the last minute. They did that with BC #2.

[Jb1981]

Reading a Stuff article I hope that these statements from Foster didn’t follow one after the other as appears from the reporting. If they did, Foster may be confused.

Talking about Mo’unga not playing:

You have just got to keep performing, but I am pretty sure Richie can sit back in the grandstand, or whatever he is doing, and be pretty satisfied with what he has done.

Makes sense, he has had a couple of good tests - very good in the last one in fact. Foster is right, Mo’unga should feel satisfied.

Next paragraph:

The minute you sit back and get satisfied, that is an omen of bad things to come. I don’t think anyone should feel safe, but he should be very proud of what he has done in the last test.

So Mo’unga can sit back and be pretty satisfied - but doing that would (somewhat ominously) be a bad omen of things to come and he shouldn’t feel safe. That’s dark. Hopefully the game plan holds together better than those two thoughts.

[Chilli]

Dear Aussie Fans,
Please enjoy being pumped again this weekend.
Regards

[stemoc]

JOC was meant to be fit and ready, wasn't he?

dude Jsport is not showing this live .. wtf :/ they are my go to channel lol

At present the schedule is for a delayed broadcast at 7:45PM but don't be surprised if they change to live coverage at the last minute. They did that with BC #2.

i like it cause they carry the NZ commentary and the japanese one, i just plug in my earphone and one side is English one is Japanese, drop the Japanese earphone lol

[stemoc]

can't watch this 2 shit teams play for a 4th week...

dude Jsport is not showing this live .. wtf :/ they are my go to channel lol

And so it came to pass.

go to, not the only option , i have sky sports main, arena, mix, Fox 505 and channel 10 as well in 1080p, the japan was the only one with "decent" commentary

[Jerome_Kaino]

The no dickhead policy is certainly a thing of the past.

[Trapper]

Side looks pretty decent, Akira has plenty of experience around him for his debut. Bench is pretty green but with some real excitement machines to come on. Looking forward to Aumua getting a run to see what he can do.

[Dan54]

By geez some of the Wallaby posters on other forums seem to be getting a little concerned about Rennie's selections. I can see his point in most of them ,and he obviously admitting he got it wrong dropping Banks. I not sure about playing Swinton at 6, what I saw of him in Super AU he was just a cheap shot artist with little else, maybe he will have a blinder and prove me wrong.

Are you talking about Swinton or Akira?

Yep maybe both mate, I hoping Akira grew out of it.

[Jerome_Kaino]

By geez some of the Wallaby posters on other forums seem to be getting a little concerned about Rennie's selections. I can see his point in most of them ,and he obviously admitting he got it wrong dropping Banks. I not sure about playing Swinton at 6, what I saw of him in Super AU he was just a cheap shot artist with little else, maybe he will have a blinder and prove me wrong.

Are you talking about Swinton or Akira?

Yep maybe both mate, I hoping Akira grew out of it.

https://i.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-b ... sting-slog

Akira had some help from the dorito boys, definitely over it.

[Ted.]

ABs team has just been named:

1. Karl Tu'inukuafe (15)
2. Codie Taylor (53)
3. Ofa Tuungafasi (38)
4. Scott Barrett (38)
5. Samuel Whitelock (119)
6. Akira Ioane *
7. Sam Cane (71) - captain
8. Ardie Savea (46)

9. TJ Perenara (67)
10. Beauden Barrett (85)
11. Rieko Ioane (31)
12. Ngani Laumape (14)
13. Anton Lienert-Brown (46)
14. Sevu Reece (7)
15. Jordie Barrett (20)

16. Asafo Aumua *
17. Alex Hodgman (2)
18. Tyrel Lomax (3)
19. Patrick Tuipulotu (33)
20. Cullen Grace *
21. Brad Weber (5)
22. Damian McKenzie (25)
23. Will Jordan *

I don't understand why these changes are being made now. The ABs haven't won at Suncorp since 2014 & even that was only by 2 points.

I mean this is the only 'must-win' game for us left in the Rugby Championship - NZ have an extremely patchy record at Suncorp (only won 1 of their last 4 games there) but certainly aren't going to lose to Argentina next week. This game is a potential banana skin for us being in Brisbane - why couldn't these changes been saved until the Argies?

Yeah, a couple too many changes for me, too.

[Kiwias]

Are you talking about Swinton or Akira?

Yep maybe both mate, I hoping Akira grew out of it.

https://i.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-b ... sting-slog

Akira had some help from the dorito boys, definitely over it.

Let's see if he can walk the walk. He has so much potential and would be a phenomenal asset if genuinely committed and playing well

[wet-socks]

ABs team has just been named:

1. Karl Tu'inukuafe (15)
2. Codie Taylor (53)
3. Ofa Tuungafasi (38)
4. Scott Barrett (38)
5. Samuel Whitelock (119)
6. Akira Ioane *
7. Sam Cane (71) - captain
8. Ardie Savea (46)

9. TJ Perenara (67)
10. Beauden Barrett (85)
11. Rieko Ioane (31)
12. Ngani Laumape (14)
13. Anton Lienert-Brown (46)
14. Sevu Reece (7)
15. Jordie Barrett (20)

16. Asafo Aumua *
17. Alex Hodgman (2)
18. Tyrel Lomax (3)
19. Patrick Tuipulotu (33)
20. Cullen Grace *
21. Brad Weber (5)
22. Damian McKenzie (25)
23. Will Jordan *

I don't understand why these changes are being made now. The ABs haven't won at Suncorp since 2014 & even that was only by 2 points.

I mean this is the only 'must-win' game for us left in the Rugby Championship - NZ have an extremely patchy record at Suncorp (only won 1 of their last 4 games there) but certainly aren't going to lose to Argentina next week. This game is a potential banana skin for us being in Brisbane - why couldn't these changes been saved until the Argies?

Yeah, a couple too many changes for me, too.

The one thing I was looking forward to most in the Foster-era post Hansen was less meaningless rotation. I could accept this team lining-up against Argentina, but if the All Blacks were ever going to lose a match in 2020, this is by far the most likely (being at Suncorp & Aussie hurting after 2 consecutive defeats). This 23 strips away all of those cohesive combinations that had bedded-in and become so effective for us, but now leaves us with an experimental muddled, cobbled together side. It's quite disrespectful to Australia IMO, especially when you consider our hand hasn't been forced, all our best players are fit & available - you can't say the same for Australia.

[Carter's Choice]

Very interesting team for the AB's. Very experimental. I worry when coaches make so many changes at once, because it's almost always going to result in a poor performance. And when this happens it's hard to know who to blame because of the high numbers of changes.

[the cursed]

seriously, we have almost 400 caps in the forwards with one new cap (Akira), and 270 caps in the backs and people think this is an experimental side?

the bench is where we lack experience, wiih only PT and Dmac with enough caps... Although inexperienced, that bench has the potential to be what our bench used to be like, providing that 5th gear when they came on in the latter stages enabling us to power away from sides.

Aust have very much an experimental side, and if all our experience in the starting side cant hold or better them in the first 60 mins or so then we should concede now.

ABs by at least 18.

[Trapper]

seriously, we have almost 400 caps in the forwards with one new cap (Akira), and 270 caps in the backs and people think this is an experimental side?

the bench is where we lack experience, wiih only PT and Dmac with enough caps... Although inexperienced, that bench has the potential to be what our bench used to be like, providing that 5th gear when they came on in the latter stages enabling us to power away from sides.

Aust have very much an experimental side, and if all our experience in the starting side cant hold or better them in the first 60 mins or so then we should concede now.

ABs by at least 18.

Yeah, I was thinking the same thing, plenty of experience there to lead this team. The other thing is that how long can you leave blokes on the sideline without game time? When did Aumua and Jordan last play any rugby? Would another week be too long to leave them out? I think timing might have a bit to do with selection regardless of the opposition. It just time.

[the cursed]

seriously, we have almost 400 caps in the forwards with one new cap (Akira), and 270 caps in the backs and people think this is an experimental side?

the bench is where we lack experience, wiih only PT and Dmac with enough caps... Although inexperienced, that bench has the potential to be what our bench used to be like, providing that 5th gear when they came on in the latter stages enabling us to power away from sides.

Aust have very much an experimental side, and if all our experience in the starting side cant hold or better them in the first 60 mins or so then we should concede now.

ABs by at least 18.

Yeah, I was thinking the same thing, plenty of experience there to lead this team. The other thing is that how long can you leave blokes on the sideline without game time? When did Aumua and Jordan last play any rugby? Would another week be too long to leave them out? I think timing might have a bit to do with selection regardless of the opposition. It just time.

exactly, these guys have been with the team the entire time, they should be fairly comfortable by now with the systems..

[Ted.]

seriously, we have almost 400 caps in the forwards with one new cap (Akira), and 270 caps in the backs and people think this is an experimental side?

the bench is where we lack experience, wiih only PT and Dmac with enough caps... Although inexperienced, that bench has the potential to be what our bench used to be like, providing that 5th gear when they came on in the latter stages enabling us to power away from sides.

Aust have very much an experimental side, and if all our experience in the starting side cant hold or better them in the first 60 mins or so then we should concede now.

ABs by at least 18.

Yeah, I was thinking the same thing, plenty of experience there to lead this team. The other thing is that how long can you leave blokes on the sideline without game time? When did Aumua and Jordan last play any rugby? Would another week be too long to leave them out? I think timing might have a bit to do with selection regardless of the opposition. It just time.

exactly, these guys have been with the team the entire time, they should be fairly comfortable by now with the systems..

For my liking, there are too many guys who have had little game time added to bedding in new combinations or making reacquaintances. There's also inadequate cover at 1st 5/8.

[Steve]

pace on both wings.

big boot at 15 .

ball carrier at 12.

nous at 13.

its what i want i want to see. Lets see if the personnel can take their chance.

[Steve]

Yeah, I was thinking the same thing, plenty of experience there to lead this team. The other thing is that how long can you leave blokes on the sideline without game time? When did Aumua and Jordan last play any rugby? Would another week be too long to leave them out? I think timing might have a bit to do with selection regardless of the opposition. It just time.

exactly, these guys have been with the team the entire time, they should be fairly comfortable by now with the systems..

For my liking, there are too many guys who have had little game time added to bedding in new combinations or making reacquaintances. There's also inadequate cover at 1st 5/8.

inadequate cover but to be fair its reece hodge and lolesio they are up against......... not ntamack, farrell, sexton, pollard et al.