Bledisloe II: All Blacks vs Wallabies: MATCH THREAD: Sunday 18th Oct

[Tussock]

I wish we would swap ALB and Goodhue around, it wasn’t that long ago we thought Goodhue was going to be a 100 Test All Black in the 13 jersey, what happened?

Fozzie

I think apart from Laumape (whose in and out of the side or coming back from injury) there's no other specialist 12. I'd prefer Goodhue at 13 but there's no other 2nd/5 stepping up.

[Guy Smiley]

I wish we would swap ALB and Goodhue around, it wasn’t that long ago we thought Goodhue was going to be a 100 Test All Black in the 13 jersey, what happened?

Fozzie

I think apart from Laumape (whose in and out of the side or coming back from injury) there's no other specialist 12. I'd prefer Goodhue at 13 but there's no other 2nd/5 stepping up.

Apart from ALB, of course.

[Tussock]

Fozzie

I think apart from Laumape (whose in and out of the side or coming back from injury) there's no other specialist 12. I'd prefer Goodhue at 13 but there's no other 2nd/5 stepping up.

Apart from ALB, of course.

Yep, but for the ABs he's started more at 13 than 12... what's he mostly play for the chiefs?

[Jimmy Smallsteps]

Fozzie

I think apart from Laumape (whose in and out of the side or coming back from injury) there's no other specialist 12. I'd prefer Goodhue at 13 but there's no other 2nd/5 stepping up.

Apart from ALB, of course.

[Trapper]

How far away is Lumpy? He produced the best game I have seen from a 12 during SRA. We definitely need a bloke that can truck it up the guts for some go forward and he is the man to do that for mine. I know he has some work ons but boy, he’s hard to stop.

[Tussock]

How far away is Lumpy? He produced the best game I have seen from a 12 during SRA. We definitely need a bloke that can truck it up the guts for some go forward and he is the man to do that for mine. I know he has some work ons but boy, he’s hard to stop.

I'd have lumpy starting if he was fit.

[Trapper]

How far away is Lumpy? He produced the best game I have seen from a 12 during SRA. We definitely need a bloke that can truck it up the guts for some go forward and he is the man to do that for mine. I know he has some work ons but boy, he’s hard to stop.

I'd have lumpy starting if he was fit.

Yep, I remember the Wallabies hated playing against Ma’a because of his strength in the carry and that is what Lumpy brings to the table.

[Not_Couch]

Best thing about Lumpy is he straightens up the attack and keeps defense's honest on the inside, also he attracts 2-3 people every carry also.

[Jimmy Smallsteps]

I'd have Laumape on the bench.

He doesn't offer versatility but with ALB and Goodhue able to switch, we don't really need it.

What he does bring is a point of difference.

[Not_Couch]

I'd have Laumape on the bench.

He doesn't offer versatility but with ALB and Goodhue able to switch, we don't really need it.

What he does bring is a point of difference.

Why would you have him on the bench when he only plays one position and the other 2 play two?

[Jb1981]

I'd have Laumape on the bench.

He doesn't offer versatility but with ALB and Goodhue able to switch, we don't really need it.

What he does bring is a point of difference.

Why would you have him on the bench when he only plays one position and the other 2 play two?

So long as across them we have good coverage for both positions, Laumape only covering one wouldn’t mean he’d be more beneficial starting (not based purely on where he could play, his form/capability may be judged to mean he should).

[Jimmy Smallsteps]

I'd have Laumape on the bench.

He doesn't offer versatility but with ALB and Goodhue able to switch, we don't really need it.

What he does bring is a point of difference.

Why would you have him on the bench when he only plays one position and the other 2 play two?

Late game impact.

[Ted.]

Fozzie

Didn't Robertson have him at 12 all year?

Which player in the Crusaders squad would you have played at 12 over Goodhue? Roberston did the best he could with the squad he had.

Which is pretty much what I said. Goodhue was adequate, but was also exposed at times. He is clearly our best centre though.

[Ted.]

Gonna need those international stats. Super Rugby is a very different beast.

There's a mix of both international and domestic/club stats in there. If you want to support you unfounded assertions further, I suggest you look yourself. I do however recall a similar exercise s year or so back, with similar results re breakdown stats.

There are a few things wrong with this All Blacks side. Captain Sam Cane playing 7 is not one of them.

It most certainly is. If you wanted a genuine, in form 7 in the AB you would have Ardie Savea, Lachlan Boshier and that bloke Dillon Hunt in there before Sam Cane. Sam Cane has had one game where he led from the front i crackling stats but arguably fell down in his role as captain.

Your stance is untenable. Despite that, I hope he has an amazing game this Sunday and we spank the Wobblies all over the park.

[Jimmy Smallsteps]

There's a mix of both international and domestic/club stats in there. If you want to support you unfounded assertions further, I suggest you look yourself. I do however recall a similar exercise s year or so back, with similar results re breakdown stats.

There are a few things wrong with this All Blacks side. Captain Sam Cane playing 7 is not one of them.

It most certainly is. If you wanted a genuine, in form 7 in the AB you would have Ardie Savea, Lachlan Boshier and that bloke Dillon Hunt in there before Sam Cane. Sam Cane has had one game where he led from the front i crackling stats but arguably fell down in his role as captain.

Your stance is untenable. Despite that, I hope he has an amazing game this Sunday and we spank the Wobblies all over the park.

Absolute horseshit, Ted.

Not only is there a storied history of players with ordinary Super form stepping up for the All Blacks, we ACTUALLY saw it last weekend with Sam Cane being the All Blacks' best player, leading from the front.

This is just strange form from you, quite frankly. Are you feeling unwell?

[Turbster]

I'm only pissed that JB is still on the wing. But now that the team is named, I'll support them by hook or by crook! Looking forward to the pack playing with more certainty than last week, giving RMo a bit more of a chance to steer the ship. Hopefully the weather will play its part too!

[OomStruisbaai]

All Blacks by 50

[el camino]

There are a few things wrong with this All Blacks side. Captain Sam Cane playing 7 is not one of them.

It most certainly is. If you wanted a genuine, in form 7 in the AB you would have Ardie Savea, Lachlan Boshier and that bloke Dillon Hunt in there before Sam Cane. Sam Cane has had one game where he led from the front i crackling stats but arguably fell down in his role as captain.

Your stance is untenable. Despite that, I hope he has an amazing game this Sunday and we spank the Wobblies all over the park.

Absolute horseshit, Ted.

Not only is there a storied history of players with ordinary Super form stepping up for the All Blacks, we ACTUALLY saw it last weekend with Sam Cane being the All Blacks' best player, leading from the front.

This is just strange form from you, quite frankly. Are you feeling unwell?

He played better than he did in soup but it was hardly a vintage performance for an All Black 7 and it doesn’t hide the fact he plays the game more like a 6.

The All Blacks are the best team in the world off turnover ball and our 7 barely registers one a game.

[Dan54]

It most certainly is. If you wanted a genuine, in form 7 in the AB you would have Ardie Savea, Lachlan Boshier and that bloke Dillon Hunt in there before Sam Cane. Sam Cane has had one game where he led from the front i crackling stats but arguably fell down in his role as captain.

Your stance is untenable. Despite that, I hope he has an amazing game this Sunday and we spank the Wobblies all over the park.

Absolute horseshit, Ted.

Not only is there a storied history of players with ordinary Super form stepping up for the All Blacks, we ACTUALLY saw it last weekend with Sam Cane being the All Blacks' best player, leading from the front.

This is just strange form from you, quite frankly. Are you feeling unwell?

He played better than he did in soup but it was hardly a vintage performance for an All Black 7 and it doesn’t hide the fact he plays the game more like a 6.

The All Blacks are the best team in the world off turnover ball and our 7 barely registers one a game.

I believe Cane (a bit like Richie was) is an International 7 more than a super 7. Super rugby tends to be played harum scarum so you want a genuine fetcher only almost , where Test rugby is played a shit more physical and needs someone to absorb and make hits at 7. A hell of a lot of Aussies say Hooper is not a 7 too, and remember when Richie was playing especially the last few years when posters were wanting him dropped or moved to 8 etc , because so and so outplayed him in a super game.

[Carter's Choice]

The big change i am looking for is an improved kicking game. I don't want Aaron Smith taking all the clearly kicks in our own half and handing possession and territory meekly back to the Wallabies. Hopefully we enjoy better territory so Mo'unga can use his peerless attacking kicking game and I also hope we use JB's long boot when we are near our own line.

[Trapper]

I would like to see us put pressure on White and O’Conner this time around, for me White was MOTM, both were given to much time and space to work their magic. Watching White just stroll around the ruck whilst everyone just stood there and watched him was infuriating. He’s not a guy that passes off the deck he’s in the typical Aussie halfback mould of picking it up running a few steps having a gander and then picking a target. That has got to stop. Smash the little bugger and Force him to make his decisions quicker.

[Carter's Choice]

I would like to see us put pressure on White and O’Conner this time around, for me White was MOTM, both were given to much time and space to work their magic. Watching White just stroll around the ruck whilst everyone just stood there and watched him was infuriating. He’s not a guy that passes off the deck he’s in the typical Aussie halfback mould of picking it up running a few steps having a gander and then picking a target. That has got to stop. Smash the little bugger and Force him to make his decisions quicker.

Why do you think NZR is pretty much the last and only major nation not to at least try and implement a rush defensive system?

[Guy Smiley]

I would like to see us put pressure on White and O’Conner this time around, for me White was MOTM, both were given to much time and space to work their magic. Watching White just stroll around the ruck whilst everyone just stood there and watched him was infuriating. He’s not a guy that passes off the deck he’s in the typical Aussie halfback mould of picking it up running a few steps having a gander and then picking a target. That has got to stop. Smash the little bugger and Force him to make his decisions quicker.

He ran rings around Smith last weekend.

But criticising Smith is a no no. So... uh, yeah. Anyway, how good is the weather right now.

[Gumboot]

He ran rings around Smith last weekend.

But criticising Smith is a no no. So... uh, yeah. Anyway, how good is the weather right now.

C'mon Guy, that's complete bollocks and you know it.

[Kiwias]

I would like to see us put pressure on White and O’Conner this time around, for me White was MOTM, both were given to much time and space to work their magic. Watching White just stroll around the ruck whilst everyone just stood there and watched him was infuriating. He’s not a guy that passes off the deck he’s in the typical Aussie halfback mould of picking it up running a few steps having a gander and then picking a target. That has got to stop. Smash the little bugger and Force him to make his decisions quicker.

He ran rings around Smith last weekend.

But criticising Smith is a no no. So... uh, yeah. Anyway, how good is the weather right now.

Even Smith was criticising Smith after that game.

[Guy Smiley]

He ran rings around Smith last weekend.

But criticising Smith is a no no. So... uh, yeah. Anyway, how good is the weather right now.

C'mon Guy, that's complete bollocks and you know it.

Do it mate. Criticise Smith but make sure your door is locked and your windows boarded up first because the pitchfork crowd will be camping on your front lawn with their cheap takeaway food and their shitting Shar Peis within minutes if you do.

Mark my words... it happened to me just a few days ago.

[Carter's Choice]

He ran rings around Smith last weekend.

But criticising Smith is a no no. So... uh, yeah. Anyway, how good is the weather right now.

C'mon Guy, that's complete bollocks and you know it.

Guys isn't far off. Aaron Smith enjoys almost Beaudan Barrett like support from AB fans. Like BB, when Smith plays badly its always excused because someone else didn't do their job properly.

[Carter's Choice]

The Untouchables
*Players who cannot be criticised unless you want hell to be unleashed upon you by enraged AB fans

Beaudan Barrett
Aaron Smith
Sam Cane

Ma'a Nonu was top of this list before he retired

[Guy Smiley]

The Untouchables
*Players who cannot be criticised unless you want hell to be unleashed upon you by enraged AB fans

Beaudan Barrett
Aaron Smith
Sam Cane

Ma'a Nonu was top of this list before he retired

[Carter's Choice]

Slightly off topic, but I wonder if Tupou Vaa'i has impostor syndrome?

[Gumboot]

According to Grant Nisbett, Peter Umaga-Jensen is joining the ABs in Auckland and may be on the bench tomorrow. Surely that means one of the named midfielders is injured??

[Carter's Choice]

According to Grant Nisbett, Peter Umaga-Jensen is joining the ABs in Auckland and may be on the bench tomorrow. Surely that means one of the named midfielders is injured??

Lots of injuries at training this week. Not sure if that's a good or a bad thing?

[Jb1981]

According to Grant Nisbett, Peter Umaga-Jensen is joining the ABs in Auckland and may be on the bench tomorrow. Surely that means one of the named midfielders is injured??

Lots of injuries at training this week. Not sure if that's a good or a bad thing?

A few more injuries and the Springboks might feel it’s safe to come back.

[Wild Beef]

The Untouchables
*Players who cannot be criticised unless you want hell to be unleashed upon you by enraged AB fans

Beaudan Barrett
Aaron Smith
Sam Cane

Ma'a Nonu was top of this list before he retired

No crusader players?

[Jb1981]

The Untouchables
*Players who cannot be criticised unless you want hell to be unleashed upon you by enraged AB fans

Beaudan Barrett
Aaron Smith
Sam Cane

Ma'a Nonu was top of this list before he retired

No crusader players?

As a completely impartial Crusader’s fan (as Crusader fans tend to be), the difference is that when we defend our players it is often asking that they be judged on an even playing field.

Mo’unga vs Barrett is a great case study. Beauden Barrett has a massive PR department him encompassing everything from All Black management, Women’s magazines and Herald fluff pieces to fans living in his glories from 2016/17. Against this we have hard working Richie with nothing but his talent, good looks and successes to speak for him. We see him succeed and hear this belittled and talked down. Naturally we call for objectivity, as any rational follower would.

[Carter's Choice]

Who is the little fella standing between Aaron Smith and Ardie Savea? A reserve halfback?

[Gumboot]

Who is the little fella standing between Aaron Smith and Ardie Savea? A reserve halfback?

You mean Laumape?

[Carter's Choice]

Who is the little fella standing between Aaron Smith and Ardie Savea? A reserve halfback?

You mean Laumape?

[el camino]

Who is the little fella standing between Aaron Smith and Ardie Savea? A reserve halfback?

You mean Laumape?

lol Laumape is fuelled by the haters tho. I don't know if its a Napoleon Complex but he is an angry mf

[Carter's Choice]

lol Laumape is fuelled by the haters tho. I don't know if its a Napoleon Complex but he is an angry mf

Just the way some people go on about him, I thought he'd be a bit bigger. he's tiny. Although tbf he's a least a couple of cm taller than Aaron Smith, so I guess that counts for something?