Come on you ABs! 16pts+ will do nicely.

by Portnoy's Complaint Wed 14 Aug 2013, 4:20 pm

Just enough to put a NH team in the top three ranked nations in the World and to continue Oz's sporting summer of gloom.

by The Saint Wed 14 Aug 2013, 6:49 pm

You know England have the most delusional fans when they think a win for NZ makes their team third best in the world rugby...
picard

by Portnoy's Complaint Wed 14 Aug 2013, 6:52 pm

Still be third though St thumbsup

by The Saint Wed 14 Aug 2013, 6:54 pm

Though that isn't third best in WORLD RUGBY... Just to break it to you Port. And seeing as the RWC draw has already taken place, what is there to jump for joy over may I politely ask?

by Portnoy's Complaint Wed 14 Aug 2013, 6:59 pm

Bragging rights. That is the only function of the rankings outside RWC+1.
Smile

by The Saint Wed 14 Aug 2013, 7:00 pm

Riiighttt. Have the teams been announced yet? Personally, I don't think Aus will be over the Lions hangover until mid-way through the RC.

by aucklandlaurie Wed 14 Aug 2013, 9:33 pm

The New Zealand team was announced earlier this morning.

by nganboy Thu 15 Aug 2013, 1:48 am

Crikey have to hope for a close one then. Might be a good reason to let our criminal cousins have a win.

by Guest Thu 15 Aug 2013, 2:58 am

Nah, lets crush them and keep em from getting any confidence in their new regime. I never wish for a close game against the convicts. I pray for a cricket score but I can't see that happening.

by Guest Thu 15 Aug 2013, 3:09 am

I'm liking Shag more and more as the days pass...

In response to Mckenzie's foxing with his delay on who will be the first five, Shag comments:

"I actually think the better question would be, is he mentally challenged that he doesn't know which five-eighth he wants to pick?''

Nice one Shag

Anyone heard any delusional ramblings from Bob Dwyer? He's usually good value for some funny business.

by aucklandlaurie Thu 15 Aug 2013, 4:46 am

Bob only gets off the chain once a year, He let go a big spray at the start of the Lions tour.

by Icu Thu 15 Aug 2013, 6:44 am

Wallaby side for 1st Bledisloe:
1. James Slipper (Queensland Reds)
2. Stephen Moore (ACT Brumbies)
3. Ben Alexander (ACT Brumbies)
4. Rob Simmons (Queensland Reds)
5. James Horwill (c) (Queensland Reds)
6. Hugh McMeniman (Western Force)
7. Michael Hooper (NSW Waratahs)
8. Ben Mowen (ACT Brumbies)
9. Will Genia (vc – Queensland Reds)
10. Matt Toomua (ACT Brumbies)*
11. James O’Connor (Melbourne Rebels)
12. Christian Leali’ifano (ACT Brumbies)
13. Adam Ashley-Cooper (NSW Waratahs)
14. Israel Folau (NSW Waratahs)
15. Jesse Mogg (ACT Brumbies)
Bench
16. Saia Fainga’a (Queensland Reds)
17. Scott Sio (ACT Brumbies)*
18. Sekope Kepu (NSW Waratahs)
19. Scott Fardy (ACT Brumbies)*
20. Liam Gill (Queensland Reds)
21. Nic White (ACT Brumbies)*
22. Quade Cooper (Queensland Reds)
23. Tevita Kuridrani (ACT Brumbies)*
*uncapped

Good to see Ewen McKenzie rewarding form. Heard Messam is out for the AIG's.

by aucklandlaurie Thu 15 Aug 2013, 7:08 am

ABs:
1.Tony Woodcock.
2. Andrew Hore.
3.Owen franks.
4.Luke Romano.
5.sam Whitelock.
6.Steven Luatua.
7.Richie McCaw.(C).
8.Kieren Read.
9.Aaron Smith
10.Aaron cruden.
11.Julien savea
12.Maa Nonu.
13.Conrad Smith.
14.Ben Smith.
15.Israel Dagg.

16.Kevin Mealamu.
17.Ben Franks.
18.Charlie faumuina.
19.Brodie Rettalick.
20.Sam Cane.
21.Tawera Kerr-Barlow.
22.Beauden Barrett.
23.Ryan Crotty.

by Guest Thu 15 Aug 2013, 7:11 am

Huh, Quade on the bench? Good looking side actually, thanks for posting Icu. Oz can always rustle up a strong first XV. Can't wait for this. I'm sick of the media trying to tell us that 'we're' bored with playing Oz and SA (now Arg). Not me, I look foward to this time of year, every year. Come on boys, lets get down to business!

by kiakahaaotearoa Thu 15 Aug 2013, 7:51 am

Luata playing. Must say that's pleasing to see. Nonu cleared but Crotty playing is insurance. No impact player like Ranger so the back three will have to do their job.

A few tweaks for Oz with form rewarded. Lets bring it on like Donkey Kong.

by yappysnap Thu 15 Aug 2013, 8:16 am

That Oz team looks good. A lot more balance about it especially in the backs. Looking forward to watching JOC in his best position.

by maestegmafia Thu 15 Aug 2013, 9:59 am

Interesting to see Mowen at eight...! Didnt think Palu was a poor selection in the lions tests.

Going to be some tough competition In the back three now that James O'Conner FH experiment seems over.

by yappysnap Thu 15 Aug 2013, 10:10 am

JOC, Falou and Beale is the way to go in my opinion. Digby just doesn't offer enough and Beale is a magician.

by boomeranga Thu 15 Aug 2013, 10:27 am

Palu is injured mm, but i thiink he may be back later in the tournament. Beale had a shoulder reconstruction straight after the Lions so he won't be back until next year. I think Ioane is injured enough that we won't see him for the Wallabies again. There is no talk of him seeing him anyway and he leaves for France at some stage.

by GunsGerms Thu 15 Aug 2013, 1:10 pm

So didnt everyone expect Ewan McKensie to pick his boy Cooper at 10? Maybe just maybe Cooper isnt actually as good as some think. He hasnt played much international rugby at all since the world cup. Question is though, how good is Matt Toomua? Its his debut isnt it?

by Jenifer McLadyboy Thu 15 Aug 2013, 1:28 pm

Didn't realise Din Caahder was out. Chink of light for Linebreaker, the big link and me brudder?

by boomeranga Thu 15 Aug 2013, 1:31 pm

Yeah, we did expect Cooper Guns. McKenzie was very public in the last days of Deans and now you have to assume it was just all politics. I assumed it was a fete accomplice he'd be selected.

Qld aside, we're happy though, and qlders own more foil than kiwi's. Toomua seems destined to be pretty sound and is stil quite talenetd if not quite so much as Quade. He hits hard is the funny part. From nothing to lots. It may take a while but I think it is a good pick.

by GunsGerms Thu 15 Aug 2013, 1:54 pm

Nice one thanks. I expect Cooper to feature at some point. McKensie is probably trying to manage the situation. Give Cooper a carrot (the bench) and let him earn the jersey by showing he can be professional and be a positive influence on the squad.

by maestegmafia Thu 15 Aug 2013, 3:50 pm

An argentina win would shake the apple cart too...

Whats the points sway if that happens? I dont have a calculator handy...

by Portnoy's Complaint Thu 15 Aug 2013, 3:59 pm

One step at a time maes. Everything goes on a one game at a time basis otherwise there would be 50 possible sets (not all mutually exclusive) of ranking outcomes in round 2.

Or 25 just for Oz.

by Taylorman Fri 16 Aug 2013, 9:48 pm

First up in Sydney isnt easy at all and we always struggle to put Oz away there- 5 each or something like that for the last 10. Looking forward to seeing Luatua starting and comparing his presence to Messams- Crudens far more accomplished than when he last played there and I think he'll be seeing this as his chance to starting pushing DC into retirement a bit earlier than he would have liked.

Expect a win, but probably a tight finish. AB's by 6.

by Hound of Harrow Fri 16 Aug 2013, 10:16 pm

GunsGerms wrote:So didnt everyone expect Ewan McKensie to pick his boy Cooper at 10? Maybe just maybe Cooper isnt actually as good as some think. He hasnt played much international rugby at all since the world cup. Question is though, how good is Matt Toomua? Its his debut isnt it?

QC being eased back into the squad I reckon. Toomua will be more decisive in the attacking phases than O'Connor was against the Lions.

I'll be watching this at my Ealing haunt. Up a bit earlier than usual for a Sat (about an hour to get there)l, but I hope it will be worth it

thumbsup

by blackcanelion Sat 17 Aug 2013, 7:36 am

Aussies look interesting. I'm guessing they'll kick a bit. 5-6 backs can kick. Mogg has a particularly long kick. Carter's not in. They have a tall lineout to put pressure on the AB's. They have a genuine spoiler at the breakdown and scrums may be a lottery. Folau is without peer in the air.

I think it's probably a better team than played the Lions. I also think Folau may have made big improvements. I think he looked lost at times on offense and defense in June. That's not surprising given he'd only played the game for a few months. His individual skill set is superb. If he can get the nuances of positional play the Wallabies will be a lot stronger.

by maestegmafia Sat 17 Aug 2013, 7:48 am

Toomua at flyhalf is a good call, familiarity with Lealiifano and Genia to give him an easier ride could for m a strong axis, with power, pace and guile outside...

The ABs have the better forwards by a mile though.

by blackcanelion Sat 17 Aug 2013, 8:41 am

maestegmafia wrote:Toomua at flyhalf is a good call, familiarity with Lealiifano and Genia to give him an easier ride could for m a strong axis, with power, pace and guile outside...

The ABs have the better forwards by a mile though.

Maybe. But we have historically struggled when sides compete at the scrum and breakdown and dominate us in the lineout.

by maestegmafia Sat 17 Aug 2013, 8:43 am

blackcanelion wrote:
maestegmafia wrote:Toomua at flyhalf is a good call, familiarity with Lealiifano and Genia to give him an easier ride could for m a strong axis, with power, pace and guile outside...

The ABs have the better forwards by a mile though.
Maybe. But we have historically struggled when sides compete at the scrum and breakdown and dominate us in the lineout.

The Breakdown will be interesting but Aus weren't strong at the breakdown during the Lions series... Lineout is a very strong point for them though.

by Portnoy's Complaint Sat 17 Aug 2013, 1:01 pm

by BamBam Sat 17 Aug 2013, 1:11 pm

The Saint wrote:You know England have the most delusional fans when they think a win for NZ makes their team third best in the world rugby...

Wonder if someone needs to go and check on Saint

by **Biltong** Sat 17 Aug 2013, 1:20 pm

Portnoy must be wetting himself by now. Laugh

by Portnoy's Complaint Sat 17 Aug 2013, 1:26 pm

Biltong wrote:Portnoy must be wetting himself by now.

totally sodden:

by **Biltong** Sat 17 Aug 2013, 1:29 pm

by Knowsit17 Sat 17 Aug 2013, 1:43 pm

So an 18-pt loss following a 25-pt loss and Aus facing losing 4 of their last 5 come next weekend barring quite an upset. Where does this leave them rankings-wise?

by Portnoy's Complaint Sat 17 Aug 2013, 1:44 pm

We need to wait for SAvArg game, Ki

by Knowsit17 Sat 17 Aug 2013, 1:51 pm

My bad, just caught up on the rankings thread. Funny how if the Argies somehow pull off a shock England will be up to 2nd (I believe?) without having played.

by blackcanelion Sat 17 Aug 2013, 2:04 pm

Thoughts on Australia:
I thought they made some significant improvements on June, but are still a work in progress.

by maestegmafia Sat 17 Aug 2013, 2:40 pm

Knowsit17 wrote:My bad, just caught up on the rankings thread. Funny how if the Argies somehow pull off a shock England will be up to 2nd (I believe?) without having played.

Maybe for a week or two, but when SA, Aus and Arg start playing each other the rankings will change and the NH teams will likely drop down the rankings until the Autumn.

by Cyril Sat 17 Aug 2013, 3:10 pm

Well done England Smile

by kiakahaaotearoa Sat 17 Aug 2013, 5:17 pm

More like well done NZ. Bloody ingrate! Hug

by Cyril Sat 17 Aug 2013, 5:19 pm

kiakahaaotearoa wrote:More like well done NZ. Bloody ingrate!

Ok, well done NZ too.

by The Saint Sat 17 Aug 2013, 5:27 pm

BamBam wrote:
The Saint wrote:You know England have the most delusional fans when they think a win for NZ makes their team third best in the world rugby...

Wonder if someone needs to go and check on Saint

I'm well thank you. I made another trip to England yesterday and survived. Well done England, you really played well and have earned your place in the IRB rankings....

by Cyril Sat 17 Aug 2013, 5:29 pm

England's inexorable rise to the top of the rankings gathers pace.

The natural order is being restored.

by The Saint Sat 17 Aug 2013, 5:31 pm

God help us all.

by GloriousEmpire Sun 18 Aug 2013, 1:07 am

U

blackcanelion wrote:Thoughts on Australia:
I thought they made some significant improvements on June, but are still a work in progress.

Australia, definitely 50% improved on their Lions performance in the second test I agree. Makes you realise just how much Gatlands men were in the right place at the right time doesn't it?

by yappysnap Sun 18 Aug 2013, 8:48 am

If you repeat yourself enough do you think it makes it true?

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