NPR

Posted: **Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:19 pm**

While I would quite like France to win the whole thing I am a bit shook. Not sure I know what to believe in any more.

Posted: **Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:20 pm**

Guy Smiley wrote: ↑Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:17 pm
Ymx wrote: ↑Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:16 pm And a new record for Foster, first loss in a pool match.

He can still get two more. First loss to Italy. Not make the QFs.
I reckon he can do it.

Will's going to have to be told to take the man when he lands. Can't afford to have a man go off against Italy.

Posted: **Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:20 pm**

Much better second half. I wonder where our defense went though.

Hope Marchand is OK. Moefana was excellent.

Posted: **Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:20 pm**

Sandstorm wrote: ↑Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:15 pm
Snooze wrote: ↑Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:13 pm
Gumboot wrote: ↑Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:10 pm Well played, France. Completely dominated the second half.

Very disappointing from the ABs after an encouraging first forty. Terrible discipline and mostly pinned down inside our 22. Predictably dire.
This. France the better team but doesn't make them unbeatable. ABs were poor, bordering on very poor at times. Hopefully that's the worst from us.
Two Tests in a row now. I think this AB team is sub-par and has no chance of a semi-final.

Semi final. Fark me. Getting out of the group is the best we can hope for at this stage.

Posted: **Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:20 pm**

Ymx wrote: ↑Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:16 pm And a new record for Foster, first loss in a pool match.

He can still get two more. First loss to Italy. Not make the QFs.

Record RWC defeat too?

Posted: **Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:20 pm**

Lady P wrote: ↑Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:19 pm While I would quite like France to win the whole thing I am a bit shook. Not sure I know what to believe in any more.

Wait till the heat kicks in for some of the other teams. There's going to be a lot of scrappy rugby played this weekend.

Posted: **Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:20 pm**

laurent wrote: ↑Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:20 pm Much better second half. I wonder where our defense went though.

Hope Marchand is OK. Moefana was excellent.

{EDIT} I hope you meant Mauvaka.

Posted: **Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:24 pm**

Sards wrote: ↑Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:12 pm
JM2K6 wrote: ↑Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:11 pm
Sards wrote: ↑Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:10 pm ABs can still win it from here
Game's over, granddad
The tournament dude.

Not a chance they get past the 1/4s unless somehow Sco screw up either SA or Ire.

Posted: **Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:26 pm**

Torquemada 1420 wrote: ↑Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:24 pm
Sards wrote: ↑Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:12 pm
JM2K6 wrote: ↑Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:11 pm

Game's over, granddad
The tournament dude.
Not a chance they get past the 1/4s unless somehow Sco screw up either SA or Ire.

Yep, it's all over. Italy will be licking their lips after today.

Posted: **Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:27 pm**

Gumboot wrote: ↑Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:26 pm
Torquemada 1420 wrote: ↑Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:24 pm
Sards wrote: ↑Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:12 pm

The tournament dude.
Not a chance they get past the 1/4s unless somehow Sco screw up either SA or Ire.
Yep, it's all over. Italy will be licking their lips after today.

It would take both SB and Jordan to go full on retard in the same game for any chance of that.

Posted: **Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:27 pm**

Flockwitt wrote: ↑Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:20 pm
Guy Smiley wrote: ↑Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:17 pm
Ymx wrote: ↑Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:16 pm And a new record for Foster, first loss in a pool match.

He can still get two more. First loss to Italy. Not make the QFs.
I reckon he can do it.
Will's going to have to be told to take the man when he lands. Can't afford to have a man go off against Italy.

It's the one glaring flaw in his game... his timing is shit. He can contest the high ball with the best of them once he's in the air but he fucks it up too often.

Posted: **Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:28 pm**

Torquemada 1420 wrote: ↑Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:27 pm
Gumboot wrote: ↑Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:26 pm
Torquemada 1420 wrote: ↑Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:24 pm

Not a chance they get past the 1/4s unless somehow Sco screw up either SA or Ire.
Yep, it's all over. Italy will be licking their lips after today.
It would take both SB and Jordan to go full on retard in the same game for any chance of that.

This isn't a thing. Jordan fucked up once and got tripped the second time. He's a class player.

Posted: **Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:28 pm**

Torquemada 1420 wrote: ↑Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:27 pm
Gumboot wrote: ↑Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:26 pm
Torquemada 1420 wrote: ↑Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:24 pm

Not a chance they get past the 1/4s unless somehow Sco screw up either SA or Ire.
Yep, it's all over. Italy will be licking their lips after today.
It would take both SB and Jordan to go full on retard in the same game for any chance of that.

It's on the cards, pardon the pun. The game plan leaves too much room for individual players to assume the pressure of needing to act.

Posted: **Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:30 pm**

JM2K6 wrote: ↑Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:28 pm
Torquemada 1420 wrote: ↑Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:27 pm
Gumboot wrote: ↑Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:26 pm

Yep, it's all over. Italy will be licking their lips after today.
It would take both SB and Jordan to go full on retard in the same game for any chance of that.
This isn't a thing. Jordan fucked up once and got tripped the second time. He's a class player.

I didn't say it was a thing for him. Just that it would take 2 reds for Italy to have any chance. Basically, as I pointed out several times, this result actually doesn't matter because it's 95% either SA or Ire for either side.

Posted: **Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:33 pm**

I just had to endure that game with 2 Irish men, 1 English guy, a South African and a Scottish dude.

I hope we don't make it out of the group - cause I can't handle the knockouts with this shite team.

Posted: **Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:33 pm**

It's so fucking frustrating. We started the year with 4 straight tests without a single card, which now feels like it counts for nought.

Posted: **Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:34 pm**

Torquemada 1420 wrote: ↑Fri Sep 08, 2023 8:59 pm Is Jordan a bit retarded?

I suspect JM is also referring to this post where you did …

Posted: **Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:37 pm**

Thor Sedan wrote: ↑Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:33 pm I just had to endure that game with 2 Irish men, 1 English guy, a South African and a Scottish dude.

I hope we don't make it out of the group - cause I can't handle the knockouts with this shite team.

I had options to watch it with a SA and an Irish. Elected to watch by myself which was sensible.

The other option was my daughter wanted me to watch the little mermaid movie with her on the projector. I wrongly chose the game.

Posted: **Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:40 pm**

We badly missed the much-maligned (on here) Jordie B and Cane.
And there's still Roigard to utilize.

ABs not done for yet.

Posted: **Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:41 pm**

Baffles me how Leicester isn't your backup 12 tbh. But it was the pack wot lost it.

Edit: well, the game plan as well. Obviously. But you can win with that game plan if your pack is up to the task.

Posted: **Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:42 pm**

This was all more fun with the dominant All Blacks of the past. I miss them.

Posted: **Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:42 pm**

convoluted wrote: ↑Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:40 pm We badly missed the much-maligned (on here) Jordie B and Cane.
And there's still Roigard to utilize.

ABs not done for yet.

Agree we missed Jordie, but we didn’t miss the slug Cane.

And yes, Roigard off the bench, not the ginger twat.

Posted: **Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:44 pm**

France about where I thought they would be. I was on the edge of my seat going into the final quarter with France 3 up, wondering if France could close it out. Then Jordan decided to make everything much easier for France, so a lot of that pressure went off. Jordan cost the ABs a lot in this match.

All Blacks were slightly worse than I thought they would be. They tried the kick and chase didn't really get anywhere, never got any carrying and offloading through the phases going, then went a bit headless chicken at the end. They're going to have to fix their discipline before they fix anything else. After that's done the major concern for them is their scrum has been a weakness two matches running now.

Posted: **Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:46 pm**

It seemed to be a tactic to bomb after bomb.

But our chase was not remotely coordinated. It’s actually our biggest weakness, and has been for some years. We put zero pressure on them, except the odd risky collision.

So why did we boot it, in place of hitting the line hard, but with quick ruck security.

We kicked it, and when we didn’t, we simply did not throw enough bodies in to the tackle when in our own half.

Posted: **Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:49 pm**

Ymx wrote: ↑Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:46 pm It seemed to be a tactic to bomb after bomb.

But our chase was not remotely coordinated. It’s actually our biggest weakness, and has been for some years. We put zero pressure on them, except the odd risky collision.

So why did we boot it, in place of hitting the line hard, but with quick ruck security.

We kicked it, and when we didn’t, we simply did not throw enough bodies in to the tackle when in our own half.

Not when we had D-Mac chasing. Select a team for the tactics. It's not rocket science.

Posted: **Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:52 pm**

Snooze wrote: ↑Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:49 pm
Ymx wrote: ↑Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:46 pm It seemed to be a tactic to bomb after bomb.

But our chase was not remotely coordinated. It’s actually our biggest weakness, and has been for some years. We put zero pressure on them, except the odd risky collision.

So why did we boot it, in place of hitting the line hard, but with quick ruck security.

We kicked it, and when we didn’t, we simply did not throw enough bodies in to the tackle when in our own half.
Not when we had D-Mac chasing. Select a team for the tactics. It's not rocket science.

I don't think DMac would have made a difference. When you're struggling for possession and territory, holding onto the thing for a few phases is the sort of crazy ass idea that might just work... but we kick it away.

Every fucking time.

Posted: **Fri Sep 08, 2023 10:03 pm**

Guy Smiley wrote: ↑Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:52 pm
Snooze wrote: ↑Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:49 pm
Ymx wrote: ↑Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:46 pm It seemed to be a tactic to bomb after bomb.

But our chase was not remotely coordinated. It’s actually our biggest weakness, and has been for some years. We put zero pressure on them, except the odd risky collision.

So why did we boot it, in place of hitting the line hard, but with quick ruck security.

We kicked it, and when we didn’t, we simply did not throw enough bodies in to the tackle when in our own half.
Not when we had D-Mac chasing. Select a team for the tactics. It's not rocket science.
I don't think DMac would have made a difference. When you're struggling for possession and territory, holding onto the thing for a few phases is the sort of crazy ass idea that might just work... but we kick it away.

Every fucking time.

I hate that game too. We thrive on running rugby. But I'm sure D-Macs chase game wouldn't have drawn 3 penalties and a card.

Posted: **Fri Sep 08, 2023 10:04 pm**

Ymx wrote: ↑Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:37 pm
Thor Sedan wrote: ↑Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:33 pm I just had to endure that game with 2 Irish men, 1 English guy, a South African and a Scottish dude.

I hope we don't make it out of the group - cause I can't handle the knockouts with this shite team.
I had options to watch it with a SA and an Irish. Elected to watch by myself which was sensible.

The other option was my daughter wanted me to watch the little mermaid movie with her on the projector. I wrongly chose the game.

In fairness - it wasn't even a particularly good game. Very cagey and a crap AB's side held up until.the 70th minute. But Foster couldn't come.up with a plan B if his life depended on it. The aimless kicking, Roigard left out, BB at fullback (worst kicking performance since The Donald).

With Foster there we have no chance. I actually feel better now as I have no.expectation beyond this point.

Posted: **Fri Sep 08, 2023 10:10 pm**

Steve borthwick was watching with a knowing look about the amount of kicking

France lost the emotion and physical battle in the first half, they lost the skill battle all day. The All backs were tactically excellent for most of the first half but seem to have convinced themselves that they are underdogs who have to play from deep. And the second half they did lose the physical battle

Posted: **Fri Sep 08, 2023 10:17 pm**

Guy Smiley wrote: ↑Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:52 pm When you're struggling for possession and territory, holding onto the thing for a few phases is the sort of crazy ass idea that might just work... but we kick it away.

Every fucking time.

It's an odd one, it was clearly the game plan the coaches decided on. But where did that choice come from, Ireland's performances against France maybe? They could've got a totally different possession based game plan from the Scotland matches against France, it's not like no side has done anything against France holding the ball.

I wasn't expecting the ABs to kick it all match, I don't really associate this AB team with a kicking strategy. I associate this ABs team more with a possession based game that's rip shit or bust, could hit the jackpot could not.

The question for the coaches is do they persist with perfecting the kicking based game through the rest of the pool stage then roll it out in the quarters. A really strong kicking game is still hard for any side to stop, because of how it generates momentum in a way that's difficult to oppose.

Posted: **Fri Sep 08, 2023 10:30 pm**

This must be what it feels like to be Wales. Tried but not really good enough to beat the top teams.

Posted: **Fri Sep 08, 2023 10:32 pm**

_Os_ wrote: ↑Fri Sep 08, 2023 10:17 pm
Guy Smiley wrote: ↑Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:52 pm When you're struggling for possession and territory, holding onto the thing for a few phases is the sort of crazy ass idea that might just work... but we kick it away.

Every fucking time.
It's an odd one, it was clearly the game plan the coaches decided on. But where did that choice come from, Ireland's performances against France maybe? They could've got a totally different possession based game plan from the Scotland matches against France, it's not like no side has done anything against France holding the ball.

I wasn't expecting the ABs to kick it all match, I don't really associate this AB team with a kicking strategy. I associate this ABs team more with a possession based game that's rip shit or bust, could hit the jackpot could not.

The question for the coaches is do they persist with perfecting the kicking based game through the rest of the pool stage then roll it out in the quarters. A really strong kicking game is still hard for any side to stop, because of how it generates momentum in a way that's difficult to oppose.

My perception is that the ABs have been playing a similar game style for the last few years. The ball comes out and we kick it. When we do run the thing it seems to be more on counter attack. It's an opportunist way of playing with no real structure. The early tests this year saw that hold and run style which came as a pleasant surprise... as if we'd turned a corner and developed. Now it looks like we've reverted to type. Back to Fozball.

Posted: **Fri Sep 08, 2023 10:46 pm**

ABs have to think of another way through high, flat defences. Going high no longer an option because contesting the ball in the air is too risky and no longer an option.

When you lose players like Carter and the Smiths, Ben and Conrad, who can create space and replace them with inferior models you are left with players trying to push high risk passes in traffic. Works sometimes but not enough of the time. It c makes for a lot of handling errors, something which is beginning to define this ABs team.

Posted: **Fri Sep 08, 2023 11:13 pm**

For my money, the die was cast at kick off with BB taking the ball. That said to me that he was going to be playing a prominent role for the team…. And it never works. You could see it as the game unfolded… Mo’unga dropping back, fielding the ball and passing to BB who took it up and kicked it.

This AB team fires when Mo’unga has control and BB stays out of it. Sure, BB played well and I’m not saying he’s a bad player… he obviously executed well today. I’m saying it’s the wrong way to go and by now we all know that.

Posted: **Fri Sep 08, 2023 11:18 pm**

Ymx wrote: ↑Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:42 pm
convoluted wrote: ↑Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:40 pm We badly missed the much-maligned (on here) Jordie B and Cane.
And there's still Roigard to utilize.

ABs not done for yet.
Agree we missed Jordie, but we didn’t miss the slug Cane.

And yes, Roigard off the bench, not the ginger twat.

I thought Papalii had a big first half... but the tactics, especially second half of kicking all procession away was non-sensical... and didn't help the NZ forwards at all. just forced them to defend more and more...

Posted: **Sat Sep 09, 2023 1:14 am**

Guy Smiley wrote: ↑Fri Sep 08, 2023 11:13 pm For my money, the die was cast at kick off with BB taking the ball. That said to me that he was going to be playing a prominent role for the team…. And it never works. You could see it as the game unfolded… Mo’unga dropping back, fielding the ball and passing to BB who took it up and kicked it.

This AB team fires when Mo’unga has control and BB stays out of it. Sure, BB played well and I’m not saying he’s a bad player… he obviously executed well today. I’m saying it’s the wrong way to go and by now we all know that.

Exactly my thoughts. Despite that, I reckon RMo had a reasonably decent game. He is a real threat with the ball in hand, not to mention his defense.

Posted: **Sat Sep 09, 2023 4:24 am**

_Os_ wrote: ↑Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:44 pm France about where I thought they would be. I was on the edge of my seat going into the final quarter with France 3 up, wondering if France could close it out. Then Jordan decided to make everything much easier for France, so a lot of that pressure went off. Jordan cost the ABs a lot in this match.

All Blacks were slightly worse than I thought they would be. They tried the kick and chase didn't really get anywhere, never got any carrying and offloading through the phases going, then went a bit headless chicken at the end. They're going to have to fix their discipline before they fix anything else. After that's done the major concern for them is their scrum has been a weakness two matches running now.

That was the worst I have seen the ABs. I am still trying to understand how we got beaten in the RC by this team. Something is not right. You could argue the bounce of the ball. Injuries. The ref. The hiding the ABs took against the boks. The occasion.
Nah. That was purely a kak gameplan. Look. I know that BB is a very talented player. He can be the man for the big occasion. But it was like BB played to a tune different to that of his team mates. And where have you seen an AB team kick so much. It felt like I was watching the boks pre Manie.
I am bitterly disappointed in the effort put in by the ABs.
I do however believe the ABs are not done yet.

Posted: **Sat Sep 09, 2023 5:07 am**

The All Blacks played the Bok gameplan of endless aimless box and high kick and chase. Sad to see them play like this. de Groot is such a big useless scrumager. You can disrespect possession but then you need two ultra packs of forwards specially in the heat.

Posted: **Sat Sep 09, 2023 5:12 am**

France kicking was also kak specially in the first half.

Posted: **Sat Sep 09, 2023 5:27 am**

OomStruisbaai wrote: ↑Sat Sep 09, 2023 5:12 am France kicking was also kak specially in the first half.

We were starting to gain territorial ascendency in that first half game of force back. Beauden was getting good distance with his spiral touch-finders. Our exit play was looking better than it has in ages. Then in the second half we switched to kicking higher and shorter, but our accuracy and chasing was mostly poor. Jordan had his worst test by far. Shit chasing, weak defence, and offered little on attack - a truly Clarke-esque performance. Not even gonna start on the pack. We are sooo fucked. Roll on 2024!

NPR

RWCR1 France vs All Blacks

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