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RTS (Roger Tuivasa-Sheck) not released for Auckland.

I'd be ok with replacing Taylor if someone stood up and demanded selection but so far that hasn't happened.

I quite like the idea of these 3 hookers being given a chance to impress on the All Black XV and in pole position for next in line should one of the top 3 hookers be out of form or injured. I'm a fan of Aumua but i'm not sold carving up in NPC level translates to tests. If he can prove himself...

Yeah Zarn still hasn't returned from injury yet. Hodgman is weird - he's completely fallen out of favour - perhaps Ryan isn't a fan. A big fall from grace for Pita Gus Sowakula (assuming he is fit)

Pretty happy with this squad.

Probably the best 30 minutes i've ever seen the Wallaroos play to start the game. They were brilliant. I thought the officiating was poor both ways. Aside from the cards I thought the penalty shot at goal that hit the post was another big turning point.

I don't think both Sotutu and Akira would be dropped in that instance. A prop would have to be dropped for Moody, probably Bower. I'd say Lord would come in for Vaai.

There's a few players who have been in the AB squad this year who have had limited game time that could be used on the wing for the AB XV - Ennor, Leicester, perhaps RTS (Roger Tuivasa-Sheck)

I wonder what the deal is with Li? Is he hanging around the country for Super Rugby or back to Japan? I would imagine that will determine whether or not he travels.

Huge fan of Holland but he's only 19. Perhaps could be taken for the experience as non-playing apprentice (similar to that youngster Max Jorgensen in the Aus A team)? I'd like to see Lam taken as a centre/wing.

Will tell us a lot about who is in the frame for RWC. You'd be a bit worried if you weren't a) injured and/or b) young and missed out on being named in either of these squads.

I really don't think there's much between Aumua and Taylor. Both have lineout wobbles. Aumua at this stage of his career has the greater upside but Taylor has been there and done that before whereas Aumua has never really shone at test level in his limited chances. Aumua has had a very good...

*worth noting the Moana Pasifika game is at Eden Park not Mt Smart.

That's a lot of Friday games for the Tahs at Allianz - the Drua home game on the Saturday might be the best atmosphere of the regular season at Allianz.

Play Jordie at 12.

Well this worry didn't eventuate. Akira played tight and was good. Didn't miss a tackle (including a try saving tackle on Wilson). ABs have a lot of similar options at 6 without any standout - Barrett, Akira and Frizell. It's unfortunate that Leota is injured as for Wallabies i'd like to see...

ESPN stats can be found here: https://www.espn.com/rugby/playerstats?gameId=595492&league=244293

What a difference a week (or in this case 10 days) makes. I thought the Wallabies started well with the big Holloway run and then not conceding any points with the early yellow. From then on it all fell apart as it typically does for the Wallabies. I'm not really sure what the attacking game...

As I understand it Havili failed his HIA on the night so 12 day stand down so he's out of Eden Park. Cane meanwhile passed his HIA on the night so is still a chance.

Was a fascinating game to be at live. The atmosphere under the roof was excellent and gave it a big match feel - I think the Thursday experiment was an absolute winner - the near 50/50 crowd split really added to the occasion in that no matter which team had the momentum half the crowd was up...