Tri Nations Test Argentina v NZ ‘Nero Fiddles’ thread.

[Dan54]

Kiwi boredies know better than Foster. Notice how we disagree violently on a lot of things, but are nearly unanimous that Foster is shit. That is because he is.

I a Kiwi bordie and calling bullshit on any bordie from any country knowing more tham professional coaches, if we did we would be out there earning a living from doing it , instead of pretending to be knowledgeable on boreds where we can just change whatever we want without having any proof of out decisions being any good.
I was keen on Joseph being AB coach, but if over the last few weeks if the likes of Kevin Mealamu and Wayne Smith say Foster knows the game well and is a pretty good coach. who's opinion should we believe?

[Guy Smiley]

Kiwi boredies know better than Foster. Notice how we disagree violently on a lot of things, but are nearly unanimous that Foster is shit. That is because he is.

I a Kiwi bordie and calling bullshit on any bordie from any country knowing more tham professional coaches, if we did we would be out there earning a living from doing it , instead of pretending to be knowledgeable on boreds where we can just change whatever we want without having any proof of out decisions being any good.
I was keen on Joseph being AB coach, but if over the last few weeks if the likes of Kevin Mealamu and Wayne Smith say Foster knows the game well and is a pretty good coach. who's opinion should we believe?

Pretty good?

That’s being praised with faint damn.

Rennie is a bloody good coach. Razor is a bloody good coach.

Fozzie? Oh, he’s pretty good.

[Ymx]

I expect Fozzie doesn’t have it in him to make selections.

I imagine one of the difficulties being a “good” coach is being able to be impartial with players they’ve worked with for years, and the stars of yesteryear. And therefore struggle to select the best team, especially when they’ve not earned the job and have no cred in the team.

[Dan54]

Kiwi boredies know better than Foster. Notice how we disagree violently on a lot of things, but are nearly unanimous that Foster is shit. That is because he is.

I a Kiwi bordie and calling bullshit on any bordie from any country knowing more tham professional coaches, if we did we would be out there earning a living from doing it , instead of pretending to be knowledgeable on boreds where we can just change whatever we want without having any proof of out decisions being any good.
I was keen on Joseph being AB coach, but if over the last few weeks if the likes of Kevin Mealamu and Wayne Smith say Foster knows the game well and is a pretty good coach. who's opinion should we believe?

Pretty good?

That’s being praised with faint damn.

Rennie is a bloody good coach. Razor is a bloody good coach.

Fozzie? Oh, he’s pretty good.

mate they didn't use the words pretty good or say anyone else was bloody good, and I not even arguing that, just saying I think they may know more than boredies that don't seem to be actually very involved in the game, or even show they know much about the game by their posts.

[Dan54]

I expect Fozzie doesn’t have it in him to make selections.

I imagine one of the difficulties being a “good” coach is being able to be impartial with players they’ve worked with for years, and the stars of yesteryear. And therefore to select the best team.

You could be well right to, I always thought that Robbie Deans seemed a good coach, but wasn't a very good selector in my opinion, something I had said to mates in Aus when he got appointed there. And you could well be right, Foster maybe same, we will find out.

[Ymx]

Plus, come on. Wayne Smith wouldn’t say otherwise.

However you may have forgotten what Henry thought when speaking honestly.

Either way, it’s a dull argument to say only certain people are allowed to give opinion and all others don’t qualify.

It doesn’t take a head coach to be able to read the score board after 80 minutes. Nor does it take an expert to note so many players playing out of their best position, seemingly to shoehorn in players.

[Gumboot]

He was certainly trying.

Frizell vs Argentina (80mins): 9 carries for 7m, 1 defender beaten, 4 tackles made, 1 missed, 1 turnover conceded, 1 penalty conceded
Ioane vs Australia (29mins): 3 carries for 15m, 2 defenders beaten, 5 tackles made, 0 missed, 0 turnovers/pens conceded

Fake news, he was replaced by Sotutu after 50 minutes.

[Carter's Choice]

So we've gone from Frizell playing 80 mins and Akira 15 mins, to Frizell playing 50 mins and Akira playing 30?

When will the lies and dishonesty from North Island based trolls cease?

And of course you cannot compare the workrate of two loose forwards unless you look at the work they did cleaning out breakdowns - an area where Akira Ioane is arguably the laziest loose forward in professional rugby.

[Trapper]

Is it still true that he’s lazy at the breakdown? This year especially I thought he’d been doing the hard graft, I’ve been watching him reasonably closely and I don’t think he’s been shirking in that department. You’ve said before that you were going to keep a close eye on him CC, is that really still your conclusion or are you just on the wind up?

[Gumboot]

Is it still true that he’s lazy at the breakdown? This year especially I thought he’d been doing the hard graft, I’ve been watching him reasonably closely and I don’t think he’s been shirking in that department. You’ve said before that you were going to keep a close eye on him CC, is that really still your conclusion or are you just on the wind up?

Yep, he's improved his fitness and attitude a lot this year and is becoming a much more rounded player. His breakdown work has been fine, and he has so much upside - I'm happy for him to get another chance tomorrow. Hope he grabs it.

[Carter's Choice]

Is it still true that he’s lazy at the breakdown? This year especially I thought he’d been doing the hard graft, I’ve been watching him reasonably closely and I don’t think he’s been shirking in that department. You’ve said before that you were going to keep a close eye on him CC, is that really still your conclusion or are you just on the wind up?

Prior to this year Akira Ioane didn't involve himself in cleaning out at all. He stood beside the breakdown, hoping to take a run or make a tackle and expecting others to do the work of cleaning. School boy prodigies don't need to bother themselves with such menial tasks.

This year he will execute a clean out, but he's hardly Richie McCaw or even Cullen Grace when it comes to workrate at the breakdown. I'd suggest we all try and watch him this weekend and then we report back to this thread?

[JM2K6]

He was certainly trying.

Frizell vs Argentina (80mins): 9 carries for 7m, 1 defender beaten, 4 tackles made, 1 missed, 1 turnover conceded, 1 penalty conceded
Ioane vs Australia (29mins): 3 carries for 15m, 2 defenders beaten, 5 tackles made, 0 missed, 0 turnovers/pens conceded

Fake news, he was replaced by Sotutu after 50 minutes.

Hmm, you're right - I misunderstood a popup on the stats site.

[Steve]

Foster should be sacked for merely selecting that team to be honest. Even if they win i've seen all i need to see now.

[Guy Smiley]

[Sandstorm]

[Wild Beef]

What are the massive issues with selection exactly? Jordie, Ioane, Savea, midfield. Is that the lot? Could probably just say the loose mix to include cane. Are we happy with the rest?

[Steve]

[Steve]

What are the massive issues with selection exactly? Jordie, Ioane, Savea, midfield. Is that the lot? Could probably just say the loose mix to include cane. Are we happy with the rest?

Jordie at 14 is sackable in and of itself.

[Grandpa]

Talking of selection... can we blame Grant Fox and Plumtree as well as fellow selectors? Wonder what happens at selection meetings? Do Plumtree and Fox just agree with Foster's picks... or are they equally responsible?

[Grandpa]

What are the massive issues with selection exactly? Jordie, Ioane, Savea, midfield. Is that the lot? Could probably just say the loose mix to include cane. Are we happy with the rest?

Jordie at 14 is sackable in and of itself.

And if Trump was PM... a firing squad offence from today.

[Carter's Choice]

Talking of selection... can we blame Grant Fox and Plumtree as well as fellow selectors? Wonder what happens at selection meetings? Do Plumtree and Fox just agree with Foster's picks... or are they equally responsible?

Fox was a selector for the entire 2015-2019 RWC cycle where we had an extremely poor selection record, and chopped and changed for changes sake. If he was against this policy but kept agreeing with it then he should have resigned years ago.

[Guy Smiley]

Talking of selection... can we blame Grant Fox and Plumtree as well as fellow selectors? Wonder what happens at selection meetings? Do Plumtree and Fox just agree with Foster's picks... or are they equally responsible?

Fox was a selector for the entire 2015-2019 RWC cycle where we had an extremely poor selection record, and chopped and changed for changes sake. If he was against this policy but kept agreeing with it then he should have resigned years ago.

I’m repeating myself here, sorry... but I think it’s time for a complete independent review of all NZR operations and appointments.

[Jambanja]

Am i the only one who thinks Brad Webber is a tad unlucky, the other two really haven't been playing that well

[Grandpa]

Talking of selection... can we blame Grant Fox and Plumtree as well as fellow selectors? Wonder what happens at selection meetings? Do Plumtree and Fox just agree with Foster's picks... or are they equally responsible?

Fox was a selector for the entire 2015-2019 RWC cycle where we had an extremely poor selection record, and chopped and changed for changes sake. If he was against this policy but kept agreeing with it then he should have resigned years ago.

I’m repeating myself here, sorry... but I think it’s time for a complete independent review of all NZR operations and appointments.

But who will instigate that? NZRU won't ask for an independent review of their own practices...

[Guy Smiley]

Am i the only one who thinks Brad Webber is a tad unlucky, the other two really haven't been playing that well

No, you’re not alone. He should be given a go.

[Grandpa]

Am i the only one who thinks Brad Webber is a tad unlucky, the other two really haven't been playing that well

I agree. TJ especially has been poor. But is Brad Weber the future? Would have been good to see the grooming of a youngster...

[Guy Smiley]

Fox was a selector for the entire 2015-2019 RWC cycle where we had an extremely poor selection record, and chopped and changed for changes sake. If he was against this policy but kept agreeing with it then he should have resigned years ago.

I’m repeating myself here, sorry... but I think it’s time for a complete independent review of all NZR operations and appointments.

But who will instigate that? NZRU won't ask for an independent review of their own practices...

I dunno. A comprehensive social media campaign run by a loose coalition of fans calling themselves the Morons, perhaps?

[Grandpa]

I’m repeating myself here, sorry... but I think it’s time for a complete independent review of all NZR operations and appointments.

But who will instigate that? NZRU won't ask for an independent review of their own practices...

I dunno. A comprehensive social media campaign run by a loose coalition of fans calling themselves the Morons, perhaps?

Majority Of Rugby Overlords Need Scrutiny. I had forgotten about them.

Henry maybe.... he started it by saying Rennie should have got the job...

[Guy Smiley]

Good acronym skillz


If such a review were to be conducted it should be done by an outside agency. The sort of high performance consultancy favoured by corporations before sacking thousands. Ultra high performance.

Top men.

[Gumboot]

Am i the only one who thinks Brad Webber is a tad unlucky, the other two really haven't been playing that well

I agree. TJ especially has been poor. But is Brad Weber the future? Would have been good to see the grooming of a youngster...

I'd be more than happy with Folau Fakatava at no.21 tomorrow.

[Wild Beef]

What are the massive issues with selection exactly? Jordie, Ioane, Savea, midfield. Is that the lot? Could probably just say the loose mix to include cane. Are we happy with the rest?

Jordie at 14 is sackable in and of itself.

He’s not a winger but I think he’s part of Foster’s long term plan. Like how Smith was introduced at wing before moving to fb once it became available. Whether you think he shouldn’t be part of that plan is a different debate but I suspect Foster is dreaming of a Jordan/JB/Clarke back 3.

That’s my take on Jordie. I personally back the selection but you all know I’m biased

[Wild Beef]

Am i the only one who thinks Brad Webber is a tad unlucky, the other two really haven't been playing that well

I don’t buy this. We ask for consistency and Smith/TJP are clearly our experienced half backs. Weber offers nothing in the forward planning department and he hardly set the world alight in super rugby.

Mo’unga needs time to develop a combination with smith too. They haven’t played together that much, don’t want to start mucking around with halfbacks on him when he hasn’t really established himself at test level yet.

[Ted.]

He was certainly trying.

Frizell vs Argentina (80mins): 9 carries for 7m, 1 defender beaten, 4 tackles made, 1 missed, 1 turnover conceded, 1 penalty conceded
Ioane vs Australia (29mins): 3 carries for 15m, 2 defenders beaten, 5 tackles made, 0 missed, 0 turnovers/pens conceded

This. Frizell was anonymous in the previous game. It's time to give Akira another shot, that's one decision that the coaching team have got correct. Frizell has been given his chance. He didn't take it. Come back in another year and see where he's at.

Goodhue at 12 I'm not fussed with either. If Razor is playing him there and that's where the combination with Richie is then the wails and moans about the fact he should be a 13 can be ignored.

As for the rest of it, I don't care if it's a win or a loss, but the ABs have to play well. There are zero excuses for a poor performance.

Agree re Frizell, but can't agree with the logic applied to Goodhue. If the combination with Mo was so critical, it ain't working that well and neither is Goodhue working that well at 12. Look for efficacy before combinations. An established combination can be used as a tie breaker, but it's not that close. Swap the midfield around.

[Guy Smiley]

Goodhue was playing 12 at the Saders this year to fill a gap and allow Ennor time at 13. It was a compromise at best that worked out ok...

So Fozzie and co have followed along and left him at 12.

Jordie Barrett played at 15 for the Canes all season and did so well there he was probably the form full back in SuperAoteroa.

Therefore, Fozzie and co are playing him at 14.

It makes perfect sense really, especially if you whang yourself around the head a few times with a sleeping harp seal while thinking about it.

[Jimmy Smallsteps]

Frizell has shone at Super rugby for a couple of seasons, but has been utterly toothless at international level. We might have to face the fact that he's a flat track bully.

For all his faults, when given his opportunity, Akira Ioane brushed the KFC from his unkempt beard, pulled on the black jersey and had a storming fifteen minutes till he had to come off through no fault of his own. He just might be the real deal.

Great colour.

[Dan54]

Am i the only one who thinks Brad Webber is a tad unlucky, the other two really haven't been playing that well

I agree. TJ especially has been poor. But is Brad Weber the future? Would have been good to see the grooming of a youngster...

I'd be more than happy with Folau Fakatava at no.21 tomorrow.

Amen That boy looks a bloody class player , and will be around for a good few years.

[Wild Beef]

Goodhue was playing 12 at the Saders this year to fill a gap and allow Ennor time at 13. It was a compromise at best that worked out ok...

So Fozzie and co have followed along and left him at 12.

Jordie Barrett played at 15 for the Canes all season and did so well there he was probably the form full back in SuperAoteroa.

Therefore, Fozzie and co are playing him at 14.

It makes perfect sense really, especially if you whang yourself around the head a few times with a sleeping harp seal while thinking about it.

I’ve posted what I think the logic is on Jordie. I agree on Goodhue though. Maybe they are trying to turn both Goodhue and ALB into utility kids who can play both positions as required? If so, I don’t like it much. Goodhue at 13 for me.

[Dan54]

Goodhue was playing 12 at the Saders this year to fill a gap and allow Ennor time at 13. It was a compromise at best that worked out ok...

So Fozzie and co have followed along and left him at 12.

Jordie Barrett played at 15 for the Canes all season and did so well there he was probably the form full back in SuperAoteroa.

Therefore, Fozzie and co are playing him at 14.

It makes perfect sense really, especially if you whang yourself around the head a few times with a sleeping harp seal while thinking about it.

I’ve posted what I think the logic is on Jordie. I agree on Goodhue though. Maybe they are trying to turn both Goodhue and ALB into utility kids who can play both positions as required? If so, I don’t like it much. Goodhue at 13 for me.

Yeah I always thought that, but not actually convinced he's got speed at 13. I always had ALB as a 12, my son always reckoned he a 13, and he has been good there, I tend to think a lot of us want him at 12 just so we can have Goodhue at 13.

[Dan54]

Plus, come on. Wayne Smith wouldn’t say otherwise.

However you may have forgotten what Henry thought when speaking honestly.

Either way, it’s a dull argument to say only certain people are allowed to give opinion and all others don’t qualify.

It doesn’t take a head coach to be able to read the score board after 80 minutes. Nor does it take an expert to note so many players playing out of their best position, seemingly to shoehorn in players.

You mean Henry who was one of the ones who appointed him? Everyone has an opinion, and certainly entitled to them, just the idea that suddenly it bad to shoehorn players in when it been done for so bloody long just shows how little time some have watched rugby.

[Guy Smiley]

Plus, come on. Wayne Smith wouldn’t say otherwise.

However you may have forgotten what Henry thought when speaking honestly.

Either way, it’s a dull argument to say only certain people are allowed to give opinion and all others don’t qualify.

It doesn’t take a head coach to be able to read the score board after 80 minutes. Nor does it take an expert to note so many players playing out of their best position, seemingly to shoehorn in players.

You mean Henry who was one of the ones who appointed him? Everyone has an opinion, and certainly entitled to them, just the idea that suddenly it bad to shoehorn players in when it been done for so bloody long just shows how little time some have watched rugby.

WUT