NZ vs Oz second round.

New Zealand:
15 Israel Dagg, 14 Ben Smith, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Tom Taylor, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (capt), 6 Steven Luatua, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Tony Woodcock.

Replacements: 16 Dane Coles, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Charlie Faumuina, 19 Jeremy Thrush, 20 Sam Cane, 21 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 22 Colin Slade, 23 Charles Piutau.


Australia:
15 Jesse Mogg, 14 Israel Folau, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Christian Leali'ifano, 11 James O'Connor, 10 Matt Toomua, 9 Will Genia, 8 Ben Mowen, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Scott Fardy, 5 James Horwill (captain), 4 Rob Simmons, 3 Ben Alexander, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 James Slipper

Replacements: 16 Saia Fainga'a, 17 Scott Sio, 18 Sekope Kepu, 19 Kane Douglas, 20 Liam Gill, 21 Nic White, 22 Quade Cooper, 23 Tevita Kuridrani.

Date: Saturday, August 24
Venue: Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Kick-off: 19.35 (07.35 GMT)
Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Craig Joubert (South Africa), Lourens van der Merwe (South Africa)
TMO: Shaun Veldsman (South Africa)


Saturday's Test in Wellington will feature a debut, a centurion and in all likelihood an All Black victory. However, Ewen McKenzie's Wallabies will be hurting after their first Test performance and are eager to strike back.

New Zealand will be keen to win their first home match and in the process take an early position of strength in this year's Rugby Championship. Conversely, McKenzie's young charges are in desperate need of an improved performance that will validate their selection.

Both sets of coaching staff have shown faith in the combinations that did battle a week ago, which saw New Zealand sail to a convincing 47-29 victory. The only changes have been injury enforced, with New Zealand being more affected.

Scott Fardy will earn his first start for the Wallabies, replacing the injured Hugh McMeniman on the flank, in the only change made to the Australian starting XV. The slight reshuffle caused by the injury allows Kane Douglas to take his place on the bench.

It is a sign of faith shown my McKenzie who is backing his new-look team to deliver on the promises that he made during Robbie Deans' tenure.

McKenzie emphasised the point that he believes in his players by saying: "Right now, I'm more concerned with how each individual responds to the defeat. We need to fix aspects of our performance but we will get better the more time we spend together."

He did, however, say that players would not get more opportunities than they deserve. "You only get a finite number of chances at Test level so it's important that you don't let the moment pass. That's been made very clear this week as has the expectation of the level of improvement we need from each player within the squad," said McKenzie.

This last comment may refer to Matt Toomua in particular, who has been selected ahead of Quade Cooper, a long time favourite of McKenzie. This Test gives Toomua possibly his last chance to get the better of his opposite number before Cooper is given a start in the number ten jersey.
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has stuck to the theory of not 'fixing' anything that isn't broken. In line with this belief, only two enforced changes have been made to his starting XV that comprehensively defeated Australia a week ago.

Brodie Retallick comes into the second-row for Luke Romano who has injured his groin. The big change however is at fly-half where Tom Taylor will wear the number ten jersey on debut. The slightly more experienced Colin Slade offers cover from the bench, in the event that the injury curse of New Zealand fly-halves continues.

There are a number of changes on the bench, in what seems to be a rotational policy. Hooker Dane Coles, fit-again prop Wyatt Crockett, Jeremy Thrush and the exciting Charles Piutau all come into the match-day 23.
Hansen has a lot of faith in the depth of his squad and is expecting a polished debut from his young fly-half.
"We want to firstly congratulate Tom on his selection in the starting XV," said Hansen.
"He is mentally tough and plays the game with a lot of confidence and maturity.
"These factors, along with his assured goal-kicking under pressure, has made this an easy selection. We have every faith that he will handle the occasion with aplomb."
New Zealand's flashy backs often overshadow the hard work done by the big men up front. This Test will be Tony Woodcock's 100th, joining the exclusive club which currently only includes Kevin Mealamu, Mils Muliaina and Richie McCaw.

Woodcock is one of the finest loose-head props to have graced the game and his coach appreciates all that he brings to the squad.

"He (Woodcock) is a hugely respected player within the group who always puts the team first. It has been business as usual for him and the team this week, but we will enjoy acknowledging his achievement with him after the game," said Hansen.

The All Blacks will have a great deal of motivation to give their loosehead a result to celebrate. The momentum they carry into this encounter, coupled with it being the Test where New Zealand Rugby earns its fourth centurion suggests that it will also be the day that they retain the Bledisloe Cup.


Ones to watch:

For New Zealand: Richie McCaw had his first taste of international rugby in almost a year last time out. The run would have done him the world of good and it was clear to see the All Blacks captain getting used to the pace of Test rugby as the match progressed. This will be his first Test on home soil since lifting the World Cup. We're sure he will have a serious effect on this encounter and have his hands on another trophy at the end of the 80 minutes.
For Australia: If the Wallabies manage to restrict McCaw's influence at the breakdown and in the process get some quick ball, then their talented back-line will be able to show their skill. It will be up to the midfield to create opportunities for the likes of Israel Folau on the outside. Even if he is presented with a one-on-one, he will show why he is so highly rated as an incredible finisher.
Head-to-head: Matt Toomua vs Tom Taylor. In the Super Rugby final and again in the first Rugby Championship Test, the Australian fly-half Toomua was out-played by Aaron Cruden. The injury to Cruden as well as his usual back-up Beauden Barrett, means that Toomua will square off against Tom Taylor who will be making his Test debut. This will be Toomua's best chance of gaining some ascendancy over a Kiwi counterpart and could tilt the momentum is Australia's favour.


Recent results:

2013: New Zealand won 47-29 in Sydney
2012: 18-18 in Brisbane
2012: New Zealand won 22-0 in Auckland
2012: New Zealand won 27-19 in Sydney
2011: New Zealand won 20-6 in Auckland
2011: Australia won 25-20 in Brisbane
2011: New Zealand won 30-14 in Auckland
2010: Australia won 26-24 in Hong Kong
2010: New Zealand won 23-22 in Sydney
2010: New Zealand won 20-10 in Christchurch
2010: New Zealand won 49-28 in Melbourne
2009: New Zealand won 32-19 in Tokyo


Prediction: Australia will look to restore some pride and prove that they deserve to be in Ewan McKenzie's plans for the future, but New Zealand will be too good at home. New Zealand to win by 10.

Nice write up Maes.

I suspect the all Blacks will want to drive home the nail they placed so squarely in the shoulder blades of the Ozzies last weekend.

Biltong wrote:Nice write up Maes.

I suspect the all Blacks will want to drive home the nail they placed so squarely in the shoulder blades of the Ozzies last weekend.

Sounds like a roman tragedy Bill, though I think the pot will be a lot simpler...!

Fair play to the Aussies but the Blacks should expect another comfortable win.

Aussie fans just gavevto hope McKenzie saw the teams mistakes and managed to drill the squad this week.

I have a feeling it will be a closer game this week.

Not sure it will be closer, it may be that OZ will bring more to the table, but I think the winning margin will be close to last weekend.

New Zealand has too much skill and pace on the counter, they exploit every mistake you make on attack.

True, though of the coaches I think McKenzie will have learned much more than Hansen about his team and the opposition.

The only way is up for Australia right now.

Agree Australia can only improve from here, the question is how much though?

The All Blacks still have their set phases that needs to improve, if they do that, the dominance at set phase will only add to their attacking nous from first phase.

So it is much of a muchness in my view.

New Record for McCaw: most tests played against any single international opponent.

This will be the game when many fans will say "I first saw Tom Taylor..."

ABs by 20+

Nice write up by planet rugby for a change...

The Aussies have put their heads down in training this week. They're going to keep things simple and try to use the line out as a place to build pressure. It'll be no nonsense stuff but much like under Deans I think the ABs will have enough strike power to convert their chances when they have to. I expect the home town heros to have strong games including the prodigal son Nonu.

I think we've lost 8 times at home in the professional era. It'll probably come down to Taylor. I think the Aussies will try more of a kicking game (why pick a tall lineout if you aren't going to use it) and really look to put pressure on the first receiver.

I'm more iffy about this one to be honest. The Aussies seem really focused and they tend to play their best when a they have their backs to the wall and b they shut up. I reckon our tight five will really have to dominate here.

Hoping Luatua has a big game again and keeps Messam out. Hore is obviously their go to hooker when they come up against teams they perceive to be a threat at the breakdown. But his throwing will be under scrutiny especially in my beloved hometown's wind.

I'm sparing a thought for my old man who screwed his back up on Thursday and is missing the game as well as the function. Gutted. Even more so that I'm not there to take his tickets.

Hope he gets better Disney.

I'm expecting it to be a turn around in performance and with LLF they can accumulate points. Our defence was suspect and we need to hold them out. If they score an early try it'll build their confidence. We must shut them out and play in the right part of the field. Link talked about passion. McCaw emphasized being ruthless. Going to be a fascinating opening exchange of aggression and fury.

They do have some seriously good individuals particularly backs who can score from anywhere. Genia and Folau are particularly dangerous.

NZ by about 30.

Cyril wrote:NZ by about 30.

19.5

30 ! no i dont agree with that i ll say it be closer game this time New Zealand by 29

I'll say about 12-15 if Oz get it together. 20+ if not.

Oz have to harden up in this one. Can they?

I think we'll probably have a 5+ earthquake during the game and it'll be abandoned.

Weve had 30 5's last two weeks bc...its those 4 odd 6's that give me the jeebies...

Well lets hope for the best that tetonic activity doesn't have a resounding impact on the outcome.

This will be very interesting.

I mentioned certain players being thrown to the wolves last week, but this week hopefully those same players will emerge mauled but tougher for it.

I don't think Taylor will have much an effect on performance to be honest, Cruden is a superb player but he was in no way the difference last week, with such tried and tested units around him he merely needs to play sensibly. The key to Taylor being succesfull will be his mindset, and the prep that has been done by others around him. If he merely players an unselfish team game, works his phase play and doesn't go out to impress and dazzle he'll be fine.

There are still some very questionable players in the Australian team, Slipper, Fardy, Toomua, Lilo, Folau, Mogg and Conner on the wing havn't shown test qualities yet, let alone on a regular basis. All these players need a NH tour to settle into international rugby I think, or at least get a few victorious games under their belts. Thats part of the NZ success train, they generally allow players to settle embed and win with a team that is experienced when they are introduced.

Last week was as poor as I've ever seen Aus to be honest, attack wise they shuffled ball into wide channells, beckoning NZ pressure and were poor for it. NZ looked a little ring rusty defencively, but their job was made so easy.

Defencively Australia were very lethargic, a relaxed Brumbies style that proved awkward and not natural enough.

I like to see games as the coach and how I would look to win so;

NZ have to start strong, employ that pressure game early, and not go for the throat straight away. Look to work the safe phases, keep the ball in the right areas.

Australia need to get something from the set peice, tight 5 is in their favour individually, Moore, Alexander and Horwill are capable of outplaying their opposing numbers, but that said I would be looking at AAC as the key man. Last week Toomua, Lilo and Conner were happy to just shuffle ball along, with very few runners to get amongst the NZ defence let alone give them anything to think about. I'd use AAC early on down the Taylor channell, over and over. Have him highlighted as the key ball carrier, then use Folau outside of Lilo, Australia have some great evasive runners but no real muscle in the backline, someone has to stand up to Nonu and co.

I don't see where Australia are going to win this, and I fear Lilo, Toomua, Mogg and Conner are just going to kick the leather off the ball for territory and hope the lineout pays dividense.

I don't know I thought they improved on the 3rd Lions test in many ways. They had different problems due to the nature of the opposition.

butterfingers wrote:This will be very interesting.

I mentioned certain players being thrown to the wolves last week, but this week hopefully those same players will emerge mauled but tougher for it.

I don't think Taylor will have much an effect on performance to be honest, Cruden is a superb player but he was in no way the difference last week, with such tried and tested units around him he merely needs to play sensibly. The key to Taylor being succesfull will be his mindset, and the prep that has been done by others around him. If he merely players an unselfish team game, works his phase play and doesn't go out to impress and dazzle he'll be fine.

There are still some very questionable players in the Australian team, Slipper, Fardy, Toomua, Lilo, Folau, Mogg and Conner on the wing havn't shown test qualities yet, let alone on a regular basis. All these players need a NH tour to settle into international rugby I think, or at least get a few victorious games under their belts. Thats part of the NZ success train, they generally allow players to settle embed and win with a team that is experienced when they are introduced.

Last week was as poor as I've ever seen Aus to be honest, attack wise they shuffled ball into wide channells, beckoning NZ pressure and were poor for it. NZ looked a little ring rusty defencively, but their job was made so easy.

Defencively Australia were very lethargic, a relaxed Brumbies style that proved awkward and not natural enough.

I like to see games as the coach and how I would look to win so;

NZ have to start strong, employ that pressure game early, and not go for the throat straight away. Look to work the safe phases, keep the ball in the right areas.

Australia need to get something from the set peice, tight 5 is in their favour individually, Moore, Alexander and Horwill are capable of outplaying their opposing numbers, but that said I would be looking at AAC as the key man. Last week Toomua, Lilo and Conner were happy to just shuffle ball along, with very few runners to get amongst the NZ defence let alone give them anything to think about. I'd use AAC early on down the Taylor channell, over and over. Have him highlighted as the key ball carrier, then use Folau outside of Lilo, Australia have some great evasive runners but no real muscle in the backline, someone has to stand up to Nonu and co.

I don't see where Australia are going to win this, and I fear Lilo, Toomua, Mogg and Conner are just going to kick the leather off the ball for territory and hope the lineout pays dividends.

Some good observations there butterfingers.

Biltong wrote:

butterfingers wrote:This will be very interesting.

I mentioned certain players being thrown to the wolves last week, but this week hopefully those same players will emerge mauled but tougher for it.

I don't think Taylor will have much an effect on performance to be honest, Cruden is a superb player but he was in no way the difference last week, with such tried and tested units around him he merely needs to play sensibly. The key to Taylor being succesfull will be his mindset, and the prep that has been done by others around him. If he merely players an unselfish team game, works his phase play and doesn't go out to impress and dazzle he'll be fine.

There are still some very questionable players in the Australian team, Slipper, Fardy, Toomua, Lilo, Folau, Mogg and Conner on the wing havn't shown test qualities yet, let alone on a regular basis. All these players need a NH tour to settle into international rugby I think, or at least get a few victorious games under their belts. Thats part of the NZ success train, they generally allow players to settle embed and win with a team that is experienced when they are introduced.

Last week was as poor as I've ever seen Aus to be honest, attack wise they shuffled ball into wide channells, beckoning NZ pressure and were poor for it. NZ looked a little ring rusty defencively, but their job was made so easy.

Defencively Australia were very lethargic, a relaxed Brumbies style that proved awkward and not natural enough.

I like to see games as the coach and how I would look to win so;

NZ have to start strong, employ that pressure game early, and not go for the throat straight away. Look to work the safe phases, keep the ball in the right areas.

Australia need to get something from the set peice, tight 5 is in their favour individually, Moore, Alexander and Horwill are capable of outplaying their opposing numbers, but that said I would be looking at AAC as the key man. Last week Toomua, Lilo and Conner were happy to just shuffle ball along, with very few runners to get amongst the NZ defence let alone give them anything to think about. I'd use AAC early on down the Taylor channell, over and over. Have him highlighted as the key ball carrier, then use Folau outside of Lilo, Australia have some great evasive runners but no real muscle in the backline, someone has to stand up to Nonu and co.

I don't see where Australia are going to win this, and I fear Lilo, Toomua, Mogg and Conner are just going to kick the leather off the ball for territory and hope the lineout pays dividends.

Some good observations there butterfingers.

Aye

Aussie line out worked well last week but all other areas of forward play were sloppy. Masses can be done, even in just a week. The players looked individually talented, just didnt work as a unit.

They will improve.

I don't agree that Tom Taylor will have little impact on the team. A first five is a pretty important player and when we haven't had Carter in the past people have worried a bit.
If Carter had been playing and then gotten injured we would be worried about Tom Taylor playing. Well this is effectively what has happened now but since Cruden has been around we haven't worried so much but the gap between Carter and Taylor is huge.

I doubt Taylor will stuff up completely but to think he wont take a bit away from the performance of the ABs is crazy in my mind. He will be under intense pressure from Hooper etc from the start of the game.

Irony,Brumbies this year play has been of a more conservative nature,3 tactical kickers,field position,plus kick your goals,solid setpiece and defence.Mckenzie wanted his team to run the old AB`s around,both sides went high risk high speed route.
The AB`s will obviously try to fix there set piece Lineout especially,BUT food for thought.
Over the last 5 or so years how many games were AUS ahead half time and lost MOST of them.
How many games over that period v anyone would they have won with a consistent Goalkicker?

really looking forward to hooper v mccaw again. Hooper had the better of him last week imho, the boy is so quick and strong to he breakdown - pocock who?

nganboy wrote:I don't agree that Tom Taylor will have little impact on the team. A first five is a pretty important player and when we haven't had Carter in the past people have worried a bit.
If Carter had been playing and then gotten injured we would be worried about Tom Taylor playing. Well this is effectively what has happened now but since Cruden has been around we haven't worried so much but the gap between Carter and Taylor is huge.

I doubt Taylor will stuff up completely but to think he wont take a bit away from the performance of the ABs is crazy in my mind. He will be under intense pressure from Hooper etc from the start of the game.

Agree largely there in respect of Taylors impact on the game. He should be ok as long as he sticks to the basics because he's a very solid no nosense type of 10.

Of all 5 10's Cruden is by far the most attacking, front foot, take the line on whereas Taylor is just as clearly the least. So they'll need to replace that somehow- how do they use Taylors steady play and temperamentto the max yet keep the attack pedal on as much as possible.

Taylor shoudnt be expected to be doing offloads and solo snipes as its not his game and the more he ventures out of his range the more he'll flop.

So it could mean Nonu will need to take it up more or Aaron Harris will again take on more of a running role.

But my guess is theyve got Taylor skilled up on getting the pass to C Smith and launch mostly from there with Dagg and the wings coming in more.

Not having a constant attack from 10 puts pressure on our style of backplay out wider to produce results. Crudens, DC's and even Barret ans Slades abilities to run the ball shades Taylors and I just hope he doesnt try to be different...hes good at what he does...the basics.

Good thinking there Taylorman - may be we will see Dagg in first reciever a bit more tonight. Right better get dinner on then off to the game.

From PR.com


Christian Lealiifano kept the Wallabies in the hunt with four first-half penalties in the 29-47 defeat in the Rugby Championship opener in Sydney, but the hosts feel aggrieved over what they believe were deliberate infringements at the breakdown.
"All those penalties were in the same part of the field. As soon as we got in their half, it was a penalty," complained Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie.
"So you're having a shot at goal and then - guess what? - you're receiving a kick-off again and you're back playing in your own half.
"We didn't spend a lot of time playing much rugby. It was a penalty, bang, yeah we kicked it and we got three points for it, but we were never able to play much.
"You'd like to get a bit more momentum, but we didn't get that."
Australian captain James Horwill pleaded that referee Craig Joubert take sterner action and use his cards for repeat offences, but the South African didn't oblige.
"They were for the same thing in the same spot, so I was just letting him know that they were building up and that there was a bit of a pattern to it," Horwill said.
"When we got down there holding the ball, there were infringements made and that's for his call to be made."
McKenzie said such infringements have become tactical and officials need to consider using yellow cards more often.
"You miss the opportunity to attack and play in front of the goal posts," he said.
"If they give away penalties, then yellow cards come in because it becomes repeated infringements.
"It's one of those issues. It's been there all year. So it's up to the referees about when they make those decisions."

except they werent the same infringements. Thats been well documented. And each time the W's had the kick to the sideline option to use what was a dominant lineout to continue this so called deprived momentum.
Honestly, thats a new one. We deprived them by giving the 12 easy quick points... jeez...

mccaw leading the haka...not a lot he doesnt do...

That's a turn up for the books! Got the mana to do it though.

get this rain...hasnt looked like raining here all week...

Aussies looking really good here.

oz defence is all over the place..daggs gonna give them problems I think...

Taylorman wrote:oz defence is all over the place..daggs gonna give them problems I think...

Ja, just as I posted that Aus looks good NZ get two really good breaks. They are unlucky to come off with no points there

oz are contesting the breakdowns much more this week. This is going to take some sorting out, some big tackles out there...

oooh agree with that read should have been yellowed...

Try for NZ, almost from nothing

wooooah...ben smith carrying on from last week...

Needed that! Australia were looking ominous and that goes against the run of play. Points were needed before their confidence got on a roll.

ozzies arent liking this ref either...not getting the calls.

man the AB backs ignite with a sniff...second half hopefully it opens up a bit more.

Ben Smith again

woohoo...smith...luatua!

Luatua!!!!!!!

Messam will be nervous that his replacement is performing so well but this kid looks like he can do the business.

35 to 1 for Smith to repeat his hat trick and I can assure you TAB is the most nervous of all.

Jessie Mogg does not have the defence of an international fullback - JOC saved him a bit by taking down Luatua from the side

Aus defence in general needs to improve, and they need to stop the stupid penalties

I really hope Ben Smith gets another hat-trick

wanna see a big 40 from Luatua...