Rugby Championship Match Thread - Sat 2nd - SA v NZ / Arg v Aus

[Grandpa]

Whitelock on target for final match against the Boks

Samuel Whitelock will be the first of the players on paternity leave to return to camp in Australia and is prepared for a challenge during quarantine to prepare himself for a shot at playing the second Fortinet Rugby Championship Test against South Africa.
He expects to complete his quarantine on the day of the first Test against the Springboks and is undertaking intensive personal training to make himself available for selection.

Whitelock said the Level 4 lockdown meant he was with his wife Hannah during the whole birthing process. They had been able to have more time together after the birth of Penelope on August 29 than his playing requirements allowed during the birth of their first two children Fred, (four and a half years) and Iris (two and a half years).

The couple had received help from neighbours around the birth and will have ongoing support from their parents and in-laws in Whitelock's absence with the All Blacks.

He flies to Brisbane on Friday to go into two weeks quarantine. He will complete that on the day of the first Test against South Africa.

It would be a challenge to train in a hotel room, but he said All Blacks trainer Nick Gill had been 'flogging him' in preparation for his departure and had organised a programme when in MIQ.

Would you start Whitelock in those circumstances? Two weeks in a hotel room with limited facilities.. he'll be undercooked surely. Maybe a bench option at best?

[OomStruisbaai]

Yep Piet Snor in 2008, Jake White 2004, Nick Mallet 2000. Markgraaf 1996

But you shouldn't see the odd win against NZ as an achievement... The Boks are the Boks... they shouldn't be happy with scraps... I'd like to see results between SA and NZ to be pretty even... a true rivalry....

Looking at our youth teams and school players, we certainly have the cattle coming through to be very competitive. We do however have a great need to improve the depth and quality of our coaching. The administration of the game is what holds us back the most. Our domestic unions are struggling with poor management and in some cases clear corruption. Its a poison in the SA rugby world.

I am worried about the impact Covid lockdowns have on our schoolboy structures. Two years no rugby make a hole in our young talents.

[Gumboot]

Would you start Whitelock in those circumstances? Two weeks in a hotel room with limited facilities.. he'll be undercooked surely. Maybe a bench option at best?

Nah, even that would be way too much of a stretch for mine. We should play the locks who are already in the squad and training hard out for 4 tests on 4 consecutive weekends starting Sunday.

[Sards]

But you shouldn't see the odd win against NZ as an achievement... The Boks are the Boks... they shouldn't be happy with scraps... I'd like to see results between SA and NZ to be pretty even... a true rivalry....

Looking at our youth teams and school players, we certainly have the cattle coming through to be very competitive. We do however have a great need to improve the depth and quality of our coaching. The administration of the game is what holds us back the most. Our domestic unions are struggling with poor management and in some cases clear corruption. Its a poison in the SA rugby world.

I am worried about the impact Covid lockdowns have on our schoolboy structures. Two years no rugby make a hole in our young talents.

The kids are out of shape. No doubt. But they are super competitive so no worries. The kids in final year lose out on school colors . That's the biggest tragedy..

It's summer now so rugby is done. My son said only 6 kids pitched for the first cricket practice at school. But a lot of kids haven't attended because of assessments. Apparently that's where the biggest issue is. Academic.

[OomStruisbaai]

Would you start Whitelock in those circumstances? Two weeks in a hotel room with limited facilities.. he'll be undercooked surely. Maybe a bench option at best?

Nah, even that would be way too much of a stretch for mine. We should play the locks who are already in the squad and training hard out for 4 tests on 4 consecutive weekends starting Sunday.

One loss to the Pumas and you all claim Fossie's head.

[Gumboot]

Would you start Whitelock in those circumstances? Two weeks in a hotel room with limited facilities.. he'll be undercooked surely. Maybe a bench option at best?

Nah, even that would be way too much of a stretch for mine. We should play the locks who are already in the squad and training hard out for 4 tests on 4 consecutive weekends starting Sunday.

One loss to the Pumas and you all claim Fossie's head.

Sorry, what?

[Gumboot]

Anyway, I hope they stick close to the first xv they've been playing. Maybe Jacobson in for Savea if he's still not right, but steady as she goes otherwise...hooker's shaping as an area of some concern, though.

[Ymx]

Whitelock on target for final match against the Boks

Samuel Whitelock will be the first of the players on paternity leave to return to camp in Australia and is prepared for a challenge during quarantine to prepare himself for a shot at playing the second Fortinet Rugby Championship Test against South Africa.
He expects to complete his quarantine on the day of the first Test against the Springboks and is undertaking intensive personal training to make himself available for selection.

Whitelock said the Level 4 lockdown meant he was with his wife Hannah during the whole birthing process. They had been able to have more time together after the birth of Penelope on August 29 than his playing requirements allowed during the birth of their first two children Fred, (four and a half years) and Iris (two and a half years).

The couple had received help from neighbours around the birth and will have ongoing support from their parents and in-laws in Whitelock's absence with the All Blacks.

He flies to Brisbane on Friday to go into two weeks quarantine. He will complete that on the day of the first Test against South Africa.

It would be a challenge to train in a hotel room, but he said All Blacks trainer Nick Gill had been 'flogging him' in preparation for his departure and had organised a programme when in MIQ.

Would you start Whitelock in those circumstances? Two weeks in a hotel room with limited facilities.. he'll be undercooked surely. Maybe a bench option at best?

Hell yes, he will be fine. Bored in to doing extra fitness. He’s match hardened. We need our cap for that test

[Gumboot]

Hell yes, he will be fine. Bored in to doing extra fitness. He’s match hardened. We need our cap for that test

He won't be training hardened, let alone match hardened. And what message would that send to the other locks in the squad? Not sure pulling rank would be the right move in the circumstances.

[Ymx]

Hell yes, he will be fine. Bored in to doing extra fitness. He’s match hardened. We need our cap for that test

He won't be training hardened, let alone match hardened. And what message would that send to the other locks in the squad? Not sure pulling rank would be the right move in the circumstances.

He’s already match hardened from all the matches he’s already played. I trust the fitness coach will have him pretty sorted. And like I say he will be bored and he won’t do any shortage of fitness in sure.

Pulling rank? message? Eh? It’s simply that he is first choice lock and the captain. I’m not aware that this is not very clear to everyone.

I’d also hardly see the point in him making the journey to Aus and quarantined to only not play a match.

We shall see …

[Gumboot]

Whitelock is not captain for the Rugby Championship; Ardie Savea is. Nor is Whitelock our number one lock; Retallick is. Sam's not getting any younger. This is a great chance to give Scott Barrett and Vaa'i extended game time imo.

[Ymx]

Whitelock is not captain for the Rugby Championship; Ardie Savea is. Nor is Whitelock our number one lock; Retallick is. Sam's not getting any younger. This is a great chance to give Scott Barrett and Vaa'i extended game time imo.

Now I’m not sure if you’re being pendantic, but I will be. You need 2 starting locks in the starting XV. (Forget Chicago). Sam W is our first choice starting lock as is Brodie #4 and #5.

If Sam W starts he will be resume his captaincy.

The only thing the Barrett’s need more time with is being on the bench!

[Grandpa]

Whitelock is not captain for the Rugby Championship; Ardie Savea is. Nor is Whitelock our number one lock; Retallick is. Sam's not getting any younger. This is a great chance to give Scott Barrett and Vaa'i extended game time imo.

I have to agree. Whitelock won't have played in weeks... and those quarantined hotels don't come with much in the way of facilities.. my friend was in one and was not allowed to use the gym. They only get out for an hour a day to walk in a small space. How many shuttles can you do between the bed and bathroom...

He'll need time on the pitch training with the lads.. possible maybe to be involved in the second Bok test... then the USA and Europe...

and YMX IS Sam Whitelock, so we need to be polite...

[OomStruisbaai]

When will the NPC start again?

[Grandpa]

When will the NPC start again?

17th September

[OomStruisbaai]

When will the NPC start again?

17th September

Auckland also?

[FalseBayFC]

Whitelock is not captain for the Rugby Championship; Ardie Savea is. Nor is Whitelock our number one lock; Retallick is. Sam's not getting any younger. This is a great chance to give Scott Barrett and Vaa'i extended game time imo.

I have to agree. Whitelock won't have played in weeks... and those quarantined hotels don't come with much in the way of facilities.. my friend was in one and was not allowed to use the gym. They only get out for an hour a day to walk in a small space. How many shuttles can you do between the bed and bathroom...

He'll need time on the pitch training with the lads.. possible maybe to be involved in the second Bok test... then the USA and Europe...

and YMX IS Sam Whitelock, so we need to be polite...

NZ have always struck me as being a little short on lock depth. But then they also always seem to have 2 unbreakable first choice picks who are absolute world class. Pari Pari seems to be the heir apparent. Is he playing NPC right now and how is he going? He looks the real deal.

[OomStruisbaai]

Must be frustrating for the real NZ rugby supporters. We are so use to this.

[Gumboot]

Whitelock is not captain for the Rugby Championship; Ardie Savea is. Nor is Whitelock our number one lock; Retallick is. Sam's not getting any younger. This is a great chance to give Scott Barrett and Vaa'i extended game time imo.

I have to agree. Whitelock won't have played in weeks... and those quarantined hotels don't come with much in the way of facilities.. my friend was in one and was not allowed to use the gym. They only get out for an hour a day to walk in a small space. How many shuttles can you do between the bed and bathroom...

Yep, he last played on 14 August, so he's missed four weeks of rugby already.

Must be frustrating for the real NZ rugby supporters. We are so use to this.

We still have 3 test-ready locks available...plus Tuipulotu.

[Grandpa]

When will the NPC start again?

17th September

Auckland also?

They are hoping... but uncertain times....

[Grandpa]

Whitelock is not captain for the Rugby Championship; Ardie Savea is. Nor is Whitelock our number one lock; Retallick is. Sam's not getting any younger. This is a great chance to give Scott Barrett and Vaa'i extended game time imo.

I have to agree. Whitelock won't have played in weeks... and those quarantined hotels don't come with much in the way of facilities.. my friend was in one and was not allowed to use the gym. They only get out for an hour a day to walk in a small space. How many shuttles can you do between the bed and bathroom...

He'll need time on the pitch training with the lads.. possible maybe to be involved in the second Bok test... then the USA and Europe...

and YMX IS Sam Whitelock, so we need to be polite...

NZ have always struck me as being a little short on lock depth. But then they also always seem to have 2 unbreakable first choice picks who are absolute world class. Pari Pari seems to be the heir apparent. Is he playing NPC right now and how is he going? He looks the real deal.

And Pari Pari isn't even in the All Blacks squad (he should be ahead of Patrick Tuipulotu) instead of sitting at home waiting for the NPC to re-start... Tupou Vaa'i I'd like to see get more game time...

[Grandpa]

Whitelock is not captain for the Rugby Championship; Ardie Savea is. Nor is Whitelock our number one lock; Retallick is. Sam's not getting any younger. This is a great chance to give Scott Barrett and Vaa'i extended game time imo.

I have to agree. Whitelock won't have played in weeks... and those quarantined hotels don't come with much in the way of facilities.. my friend was in one and was not allowed to use the gym. They only get out for an hour a day to walk in a small space. How many shuttles can you do between the bed and bathroom...

Yep, he last played on 14 August, so he's missed four weeks of rugby already.

Even Sam says he is aiming for the last Bok test only...

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all ... iq-mission

[Grandpa]

The matchday 23 is (Test caps in brackets):

1. Karl Tu’inukuafe (20)
2. Asafo Aumua (2)
3. Nepo Laulala (34)
4. Brodie Retallick – captain (86)
5. Scott Barrett (44)
6. Akira Ioane (7)
7. Dalton Papalii (8)
8. Luke Jacobson (7)
9. TJ Perenara (71)
10. Beauden Barrett (94)
11. George Bridge (13)
12. David Havili (8)
13. Anton Lienert-Brown (52)
14. Sevu Reece (12)
15. Jordie Barrett (28)


16. Samisoni Taukei’aho (4)
17. Joe Moody (50)
18. Tyrel Lomax (8)
19. Tupou Vaa’i (5)
20. Ethan Blackadder (3)
21. Brad Weber (11)
22. Damian McKenzie (33)
23. Rieko Ioane (40)

30-year-old lock Brodie Retallick will captain the team in Ardie Savea’s absence, becoming the 71st All Blacks Test captain. Retallick has started 71 of his 86 Tests to date and will be playing his 14th Test against Argentina

[Gumboot]

Congrats to BBBR. I'm sure he'll make a fine replacement captain for our injured stand-in skipper who replaced our first replacement captain of the year.

Great to see Moody back, but was hoping de Groot would've gotten another run by now. Happy with Vaa'i on the bench again ahead of Tuipulotu. Thought Blackadder was good value when he came on early last week - Sotutu's star has really faded.

As an aside, have to say mummy and daddy Whitelock have excellent taste in baby names.

[Kiwias]

I am glad he is remaining consistent in the backrow and mid-field, and that he has Vaa'i on the bench over Japan-bound Tuipolotu. Changing both wings was a bit of a surprise.

[Flockwitt]

Changing both wings was a bit of a surprise.

Good for tour morale I think. Long haul like this want to give players a run when you can.

[Kiwias]

Changing both wings was a bit of a surprise.

Good for tour morale I think. Long haul like this want to give players a run when you can.

I get the logic but I expected to see one change at a time.

[OomStruisbaai]

Australia: 15 Tom Banks, 14 Andrew Kellaway, 13 Len Ikitau, 12 Samu Kerevi, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Tate McDermott, 8 Rob Valetini, 7 Michael Hooper (c), 6 Lachlan Swinton, 5 Matt Philip, 4 Izack Rodda, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 Folau Fainga’a, 1 Angus Bell.
Replacements: 16 Feleti Kaitu’u, 17 James Slipper, 18 Taniela Tupou, 19 Rob Leota, 20 Pete Samu, 21 Nic White, 22 Reece Hodge, 23 Jordan Petaia

[OomStruisbaai]

Very good Wallabies team. Vokken Cooper again. Going to be a tough test.

[Chilli]

Australia: 15 Tom Banks, 14 Andrew Kellaway, 13 Len Ikitau, 12 Samu Kerevi, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Tate McDermott, 8 Rob Valetini, 7 Michael Hooper (c), 6 Lachlan Swinton, 5 Matt Philip, 4 Izack Rodda, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 Folau Fainga’a, 1 Angus Bell.
Replacements: 16 Feleti Kaitu’u, 17 James Slipper, 18 Taniela Tupou, 19 Rob Leota, 20 Pete Samu, 21 Nic White, 22 Reece Hodge, 23 Jordan Petaia

Looks week.
Aussies by 12

[assfly]

Cooper at 10

Now things are interesting!

[OomStruisbaai]

Cooper at 10

Now things are interesting!

Yep he and McDermott are world class. Will test our rush defense. The Wallaby team is pack with Maoris, will pass our ANC requirements.

[Gumboot]

Cooper at 10

Now things are interesting!

Yep he and McDermott are world class. Will test our rush defense. The Wallaby team is pack with Maoris, will pass our ANC requirements.

Quade's "world class" despite not having played a test in over 4 years? Okayyy...

[assfly]

Quade's "world class" despite not having played a test in over 4 years? Okayyy...

The guy is immensely talented, I've got very good memories of him playing with Genia at the Reds.

But yes, he will be rusty. But I think this will add to the unpredictability of his game.

[OomStruisbaai]

Cooper at 10

Now things are interesting!

Yep he and McDermott are world class. Will test our rush defense. The Wallaby team is pack with Maoris, will pass our ANC requirements.

Quade's "world class" despite not having played a test in over 4 years? Okayyy...

He played RL.

[Ymx]

Congrats to BBBR. I'm sure he'll make a fine replacement captain for our injured stand-in skipper who replaced our first replacement captain of the year.

Great to see Moody back, but was hoping de Groot would've gotten another run by now. Happy with Vaa'i on the bench again ahead of Tuipulotu. Thought Blackadder was good value when he came on early last week - Sotutu's star has really faded.

As an aside, have to say mummy and daddy Whitelock have excellent taste in baby names.

I never picked you as a Penelope, Gumboot

[Ymx]

Reformatted

Wallabies team to play the Springboks

1. Angus Bell
2. Folau Fainga’a
3. Allan Alaalatoa
4. Izack Rodda
5. Matt Philip
6. Lachlan Swinton
7. Michael Hooper (c)
8. Rob Valetini
9. Tate McDermott
10. Quade Cooper
11. Marika Koroibete
12. Samu Kerevi
13. Len Ikitau
14. Andrew Kellaway
15. Tom Banks

Reserves:

16. Feleti Kaitu’u*
17. James Slipper
18. Taniela Tupou
19. Rob Leota*
20. Pete Samu
21. Nic White
22. Reece Hodge
23. Jordan Petaia

[Ymx]

Los Pumas team to play the All Blacks

1. Facundo Gigena
2. Julian Montoya (c)
3. Santiago Medrano
4. Guido Petti
5. Matias Alemanno
6. Pablo Matera
7. Marcos Kremer
8. Rodrigo Bruni
9. Gonzalo Bertranou
10. Nicolas Sanchez
11. Santiago Cordero
12. Jeronimo de la Fuente
13. Matias Moroni
14. Bautista Delguy
15. Juan Cruz Mallia

Reserves:

16. Facundo Bosch
17. Carloe Muzzio*
18. Enrique Pieretto
19. Tomas Lavanini
20. Juan Martin Gonzalez Samso
21. Gonzalo Garcia
22. Santiago Chocobares
23. Emiliano Boffelli

[Ymx]

I have to agree. Whitelock won't have played in weeks... and those quarantined hotels don't come with much in the way of facilities.. my friend was in one and was not allowed to use the gym. They only get out for an hour a day to walk in a small space. How many shuttles can you do between the bed and bathroom...

Yep, he last played on 14 August, so he's missed four weeks of rugby already.

Even Sam says he is aiming for the last Bok test only...

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all ... iq-mission

No one said otherwise. That’s the only one he can make.

[Ymx]

OP updated with all teams (post links).

Though, I am still missing the names for the water boys.