All Blacks vs. Italianos
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Newb
Trevor Allan (34)
PaarlBok said:Do you want the All Blacks to lose?Newb said:... but i'd LOVE to see this backfire
i suppose everyone selects a weaker squad in italy, but i'd love for the IT's to read that, get pissed off at the 2nd rate quality, get up for it, and surprise the AB's.
so in short, yes. rare that i ever root for them.
Ash
Michael Lynagh (62)
cheezel said:
Good question. From the BoP, generally overlooked by the Chiefs (no doubt BoP supporters pointing to Waikato bias there).
Played for the Highlanders in the S14 last year after they nabbed him from the draft (if I recall correctly). The Chiefs took him back this year, and he was the deputy for the Duck but also got some time at fullback.
His selection? It shows the huge gap in decent flyhalves in NZ rugby. They may have the best one around right now (Carter), but behind him they are struggling a bit.
Scarfman
Knitter of the Scarf
http://www.rugbyheaven.com.au/news/...-italian-models/2009/11/12/1257615115484.html
Some priceless stuff there of the ABs cooking with Italian models. Ma'a looks like he knows his way around an Italian model. The Pakeha boys looked a bit shy.
Some priceless stuff there of the ABs cooking with Italian models. Ma'a looks like he knows his way around an Italian model. The Pakeha boys looked a bit shy.
Thomond78
Colin Windon (37)
The big problem last year for the Azzuri was the maul ELV. They couldn't buy a try, because that's their traditional method of doing so. If God ever sends them a set of backs, watch out, because as you saw on their tour and this time last year, they're not half bad up front.
Parisse is world-class. Their front-row is magnificent, if undermined by Castrogiovanni's very wobbly temperament when he doesn't get his own way. Bergamasco's very good.
This will be tight enough until the AB bench cavalry ride in to finish the Italians off.
Parisse is world-class. Their front-row is magnificent, if undermined by Castrogiovanni's very wobbly temperament when he doesn't get his own way. Bergamasco's very good.
This will be tight enough until the AB bench cavalry ride in to finish the Italians off.
M
Mojoman
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Mike Delaney is the BOP first five, a bit of late bloomer. He was the form First Five of the AirNZCup and the selectors rewarded him with a spot. He's got a great running game and good kicking game. Difference between Delaney and some of our younger First Fives is his ability to steer his team around the park and run the backline well. Probably because he's more mature/experienced (26 or 27). He's been selected along with Stephen Donald as the Chief's First Fives for next years S14. Word is he will start with Donald as 2nd Five/Inside Centre.
Stephen Brett has been terrific for Canterbury in this years AirNZCup but shaded by Delaney. The thinking is the selectors know what he can do after his stints in the AB squad and Jnr AB's. He suffers from being a bit "flakey" and inconsistent. For instance he had a fantastic AirNZCup final but absolute shocker in Canterbury's Ranfurly Shield loss to Southland. He's on the move to my home franchise, the Blues in next years S14.
AB team vs Italy is predictable, very similar in terms of development to the one that played Munster last year and barely won. Selectors have put the heavy artillery on the bench incase anything goes wrong.
Wouldn't that be a bitch if Italy upset us.
Stephen Brett has been terrific for Canterbury in this years AirNZCup but shaded by Delaney. The thinking is the selectors know what he can do after his stints in the AB squad and Jnr AB's. He suffers from being a bit "flakey" and inconsistent. For instance he had a fantastic AirNZCup final but absolute shocker in Canterbury's Ranfurly Shield loss to Southland. He's on the move to my home franchise, the Blues in next years S14.
AB team vs Italy is predictable, very similar in terms of development to the one that played Munster last year and barely won. Selectors have put the heavy artillery on the bench incase anything goes wrong.
Wouldn't that be a bitch if Italy upset us.
Mojoman is spot on. All I'll add is that Latimer, So'oialo and Messam - more so the latter two - are in a bit of the "last chance saloon" scenario, in that without a strong performance from each the AB coaches will look elsewhere for loose forward bench options moving into 2010 and the RWC year. Rodders has been quiet for long time and is now behind Read as preferred Test 8 againt tier 1 opposition.
C
chief
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In front of 80,000 fans for the Italians to beat the All Blacks would be fantastic for Italian rugby. To even come close would be fantastic. I don't think they can do it, but I think they can come close.
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