Australia vs New Zealand: Match thread, pondering and pontificating.

[kiakahaaotearoa]

First topic message reminder :

It's almost upon us. Two teams geared up for this one. It's finally here.

Good luck to both sides and here's hoping for a cracker.

[Pal Joey]

Congrats all my Kiwi buddies on winning yet another Bled Cup.   

It was a superb display by NZ. Australia were lucky not to lose by more. I am now struggling to see how they can win any game this year. Argentina will cause problems and SA should be far too strong as well.

Pretty shocking weekend actually - except for Oz beating the US in both the Men's and Women's 4 x 100m relay at the Pan Pacs... but who the hell really cares about that?   

[Taylorman]

I think the hype on Fekitoa has died down and I'm willing to admit that Crotty has impressed me more this year at test level and should be centre cover next year. Not saying the kid won't make it like the failed Saili experiment but he's too green like Ardie Savea to bring in now for the RWC. I still think he should get game time because you never know if he'll be needed but with all centres available and SBW fit to return I'd still have Crotty behind Nonu and Smith.

It'd be nice to have Romano back. Luatua at lock is risky. Retallick is fast becoming a great combination with Whitelock. Dane Coles has grown this year and the Lineout is immaculate and the scrum seems more solid. Will be interesting to see how it goes against Argentina.

In the second half, it fell away for a while. There were injury changes and substitutions. For me it was more the concentration rather than the shape and that was very pleasing. We had Barrett to the wing and first receiver, Fekitoa to 12, Perenara on the wing, Luatua to lock and it didn't fall apart. That speaks to what Rugby Fan alluded to: this squad is malleable to fit different styles and positions and everyone is aware of what the other is doing and what is required of each player.

It was a very satisfying win after last week's very unsatisfying draw. NZ aren't as good as they were made to look today and not as bad as what they were made to look last week. But one thing's for sure. You need to play at your best to beat this NZ side and the same can't be said about NZ for them to win. I guess that's encouraging but it also speaks to the power of motivation and how you can't artificially create hunger in players week in week out. We fell away after the Ellis Park test. Let's see how they perform now against Argentina. That's the challenge to maintain consistency and seek improvement. NZ very rarely put in poor back to back performances. It's very hard though to put in consecutive dominant displays like we saw today.

Said all along Fekitoa shouldnt be at centre so young in his All Black career. Should have started on the wing if anything.

His age and style doesnt suit the international level where spatial awareness around you is required- Smith is the epitomy of this and Crotty is of a similar mould. Fekitoa is a 'get the ball and run' type centre that doesnt keep his options open till the last second as Smith does, much like AAC except he's more fluid a runner. He'll need a lot of experience before hes anywhere near the position but his AB career should have started on the wing to exploit his running ability more and build his confidence that way, then move him in later.

Sure wish theyd listened to me earlier!   

But great to see the vulnerable positions- hooker, lock and 12 getting some more substance a year out.

[Taylorman]

Congrats all my Kiwi buddies on winning yet another Bled Cup.   

It was a superb display by NZ. Australia were lucky not to lose by more. I am now struggling to see how they can win any game this year. Argentina will cause problems and SA should be far too strong as well.

Pretty shocking weekend actually - except for Oz beating the US in both the Men's and Women's 4 x 100m relay at the Pan Pacs... but who the hell really cares about that?   

did they? thats impressive actually...might have a look at that...

[emack2]

Having just watched the match excellent performance by the Ref strict but fair there were
some obvious penalties missed.
Both sides knew where they stood all round an excellent game ABs usually are a bit sluggish
after a break last week it showed.
Both sides have injury problems but in the case of NZ have more depth,the squad has
adapted well.
The second half clearing of the bench to cover injuries was impressive but it helps
when you`re so far ahead.
Discipline needs tightening another 2 Yellows today,and Argentina and SA are the last
sides you want to face with 7 forwards.
Did Skelton play today?after the hype was hardly mentioned at least didn't notice him.
next 3 games will decide RC.
Argentina proving no easy beats this year and don`t write off OZ yet.

[aucklandlaurie]

Having just watched the match excellent performance by the Ref strict but fair there were
some obvious penalties missed.
Both sides knew where they stood all round an excellent game ABs usually are a bit sluggish
after a break last week it showed.
Both sides have injury problems but in the case of NZ have more depth,the squad has
adapted well.
The second half clearing of the bench to cover injuries was impressive but it helps
when you`re so far ahead.
Discipline needs tightening another 2 Yellows today,and Argentina and SA are the last
sides you want to face with 7 forwards.
Did Skelton play today?after the hype was hardly mentioned at least didn't notice him.
next 3 games will decide RC.
Argentina proving no easy beats this year and don`t write off OZ yet.

He came on with about ten or fifteen minutes to go, personally I thought he was pretty mediocre.

[aucklandlaurie]

Congrats all my Kiwi buddies on winning yet another Bled Cup.   

It was a superb display by NZ. Australia were lucky not to lose by more. I am now struggling to see how they can win any game this year. Argentina will cause problems and SA should be far too strong as well.

Pretty shocking weekend actually - except for Oz beating the US in both the Men's and Women's 4 x 100m relay at the Pan Pacs... but who the hell really cares about that?   

Cheers LB,

I thought the shocking event in Sydney this weekend was North Queensland beating South Sydney.

[Pal Joey]

That was great mate. More of it needed.

[Guest]

When is a good time to have a discussion about gaps?

[kiakahaaotearoa]

Yep Tman like the 3rd test this year you picked it like a dirty nose. The more I think about it the more we should be investing in Piutau as the utility back option. he's proven he can play an impact role and covers more positions. Since his injury he hasn't had any time at test level.

I wouldn't get too despondent LD. For all the talk of depth, you're unlucky with the frontline front row and winger injuries at the same time. They'll definitely be hurting after yesterday but with a game against SA looming, they can keep their heads down at training and put everything into that crunch match.

[nganboy]

You guys are nuts. Take a specialist 13 and turn him into a winger so he can later become a better 13. Sure Fekitoa is not as good as Smith but Smith wasn't as good as Smith when he started too. Just give him time to develop his game that's all. And partner him with a more all rounded player. So Nonu / Fekitoa is not a great combination but Crotty / Fekitoa might be better balanced. (not exactly a Crotty fan myself.)

BTW a great win for the ABs but we are still vulnerable in the tight five for next year. I would like to see Sam Whitelock given a little rest when possible.

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