Ireland v New Zealand

First topic message reminder :

Right what's done is done regarding Aus. Time to move on and look forward to the ABs. This could be one to watch from behind the couch.

I don't expect any major changes in the team. Murray for Redden being the only obvious change, possibly at tighthead, possibly in the second row. Sexton is doubtful, maybe Earls is available.

My only expectation for this game is for an improved performance as the required level of aggressiveness was just non existent last Saturday. Otherwise we are looking at some hammering.

Without stating the obvious...I would like to see our players try to copy the All Blacks in certain aspects of the game. Namely
1. Passing the ball to another Irish player who is moving forwards and preferably in space
2. When running with the ball try to avoid the opposition players as much as possible instead of seeking out contact.
that is all.

Suas an bothair agus ar aghaidh an tarbh.

Updated with Teams
All Blacks
15 Dagg,14 jane, 13 B Smith, 12 Nonu, 11 Savea, 10 Cruden, 9 A Smith
8 Read, 7 McCaw, 6 Luatua, 5 Whitelock, , 4 Romano, 3 Faumoina, 2 Hore , 1 Crockett

Ireland
R Kearney; T Bowe, B O’Driscoll, G D’Arcy, D Kearney; J Sexton, C Murray; C Healy, R Best, M Ross, D Toner, P O’Connell, P O’Mahony, S O’Brien, J Heaslip.
Replacements: S Cronin, J McGrath, D Fitzpatrick, M McCarthy, K McLaughlin, I Boss, I Madigan, L Fitzgerald.

Golden wrote:Why everyone so slow to play scrum half

totally agree. NZ scrum taking ages to distribute

BOD pished off cause he's "exhibiting signs of concussion" and won't be allowed back on. You have to mind your health, Brian...  

Cari wrote:Does Cronin secretly want to be a winger?

Cronin and his cheeky sidestep deserves at least 10 minutes of an international match at centre.

yappysnap wrote:Def a no arm tackle from Nonu there

did u just have a birthday yappy? happy birthday if so!

nothing wrong with that tackle

Well there you have it....Nigel demonstrating good use of the TMO, and it looks like it's just as well he checked it.

oops. take that back

Good decision from Owens to double check

Stupid call.

C'mon Leinster!

only thing is, if the ball is low why did he jump? good tactic if under pressure actually.

The ball had bounced twice on the ground before he decides to jump. How is that in the air.? Stupid call.

quinsforever wrote:only thing is, if the ball is low why did he jump? good tactic if under pressure actually.

Forcing an error maybe?

Anyway, a penalty was given correctly so.

Kiwis could get a try here...

Poopie

try nz

Try time. One more and home boys!

thought Sexton has been immense today

Try without a doubt. That's good work by the All Blacks.

Feck

Never mind Taylorman, the Kiwis have got a try so no advantage was gained from it. They should convert this too,

You can Just see Mccaw dragging his team by the scruff of the neck . he's everywhere

quinsforever wrote:only thing is, if the ball is low why did he jump? good tactic if under pressure actually.

You could end up having your neck broken doing something like that.

Ireland need some possession and any kind of points! Remember England had to weather a storm and score more tries to beat the ABs last year. Don't stop yet Ireland!

Taylorman wrote:The ball had bounced twice on the ground before he decides to jump. How is that in the air.? Stupid call.

will be a good qn to discuss afterwards. i have to say i agree if the ball has bounced, how is the tackler supposed to know the defender is going to jump when it bobbles. tricky one. am sure there is a rule on that one. in not there should be.

Got to start playing here again lads. They look full of fear. Do what you did in the first half and kick some points.

Savea would have been a good shout for POTY. He's one of the ABs most improved players. Any time NZ have been on the back-foot he's still played exceptionally well. I'm not sure even Ben Smith could claim to have done that.

Barrets on. Has scored every time at crucial moments this year.

what a fantastic match

Brilliant driving maul....keep going Ireland!

That crossfield kick was never on...

Ireland were too slow there, and that kick for Tommy was too far, the Kiwis had good opportunity to intercept it.

FFS Sexton. Poor, poor play.

Can't see NZ not scoring here. Barrett and McCaw have been the difference.

Just as I finish typing, Abs get turned over.

Beauden Barrett the savior for the ABs as usual . Such a gamebreaker

We need points. Go for broke.

Ireland giving everything. Falling like flies.

Arghhhhhhhh, this game is just so exciting!!!!!!!!!

barrett looks amazing. what a replacement.

Never should have kicked it away there

Nice to hear Fields of Athenry again.

about time that came on!
knock on 30 yards gained!

Arrrrgh no support! At least they have advantage.

Is Kieran Read playing?

Ireland stuffed and slowing at down. Bad sign. Nine to go. Ireland need to hang on to make history.

As BM catch and drive it!

Thought that would have been a pen for NZ, rather than a scrum. Player taken out without the ball

GunsGerms wrote:Is Kieran Read playing?

He is unless he's been subbed.

Good tactics there Ireland.

I'm getting excited now....COME ON IRELAND!

HEAVVEEEEEEEE! HEEEAVVVEEEEEEE!
PENALTY!

Right, this is going to be a massive kick for Sexton.

Can't see how that is a penalty to Ireland tbh.