M
Muttonbird
Guest
Well, it's test match day here in NZ.
I heard on the wireless that ground conditions in Hamilton are excellent but showers are forecast throughout the day and some rain into the night.
The All Blacks have shown they are interested in pursuing the high-tempo game by re-introducing ball-running tight-head Charlie Faumuina and electric, but risky, Francis Saili. The inclusion of Saili means Hansen's picked Smith to reduce the risk but imo Smith needs a rest from games like this. Smith rates his opposite, Marcelo Bosch, as the key to the Pumas' backline.
The Pumas don't travel well and this trip will be no different. During the week, ex-Pumas coach Grizz Wylie said the players suffered from home-sickness while touring and while many now play in the NH and are used to being away from home, it's probably still a factor. I'm picking the All Blacks' speed in decision-making will unravel the Pumas in rapid time.
All Blacks: Tony Woodcock, Andrew Hore, Charlie Faumuina, Brodie Retallick, Samuel Whitelock, Steven Luatua, Richie McCaw (c), Kieran Read, Aaron Smith, Daniel Carter, Julian Savea, Francis Saili, Conrad Smith, Ben Smith, Israel Dagg. Reserves: Dane Coles, Wyatt Crockett, Ben Franks, Jeremy Thrush, Sam Cane, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Beauden Barrett, Charles Piutau.
Argentina: Juan Martin Hernandez; Gonsalo Camacho, Marcelo Bosch, Santiago Fernandez, Horacio Agulla; Nicolas Sanchez, Martin Landajo; Juan Manuel Leguizamon, Pablo Matera, Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe (capitan); Julio Farias Cabello, Manuel Carizza; Juan Figallo, Eusebio Guiazu, Marcos Ayerza. Reserves: Agustin Creevy, Nahuel Lobo, Juan Pablo Orlandi, Mariano Galarza, Benjamin Macome, Tomas Cubelli, Felipe Contepomi, Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino.
And finally, one for GGR:
I heard on the wireless that ground conditions in Hamilton are excellent but showers are forecast throughout the day and some rain into the night.
The All Blacks have shown they are interested in pursuing the high-tempo game by re-introducing ball-running tight-head Charlie Faumuina and electric, but risky, Francis Saili. The inclusion of Saili means Hansen's picked Smith to reduce the risk but imo Smith needs a rest from games like this. Smith rates his opposite, Marcelo Bosch, as the key to the Pumas' backline.
The Pumas don't travel well and this trip will be no different. During the week, ex-Pumas coach Grizz Wylie said the players suffered from home-sickness while touring and while many now play in the NH and are used to being away from home, it's probably still a factor. I'm picking the All Blacks' speed in decision-making will unravel the Pumas in rapid time.
All Blacks: Tony Woodcock, Andrew Hore, Charlie Faumuina, Brodie Retallick, Samuel Whitelock, Steven Luatua, Richie McCaw (c), Kieran Read, Aaron Smith, Daniel Carter, Julian Savea, Francis Saili, Conrad Smith, Ben Smith, Israel Dagg. Reserves: Dane Coles, Wyatt Crockett, Ben Franks, Jeremy Thrush, Sam Cane, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Beauden Barrett, Charles Piutau.
Argentina: Juan Martin Hernandez; Gonsalo Camacho, Marcelo Bosch, Santiago Fernandez, Horacio Agulla; Nicolas Sanchez, Martin Landajo; Juan Manuel Leguizamon, Pablo Matera, Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe (capitan); Julio Farias Cabello, Manuel Carizza; Juan Figallo, Eusebio Guiazu, Marcos Ayerza. Reserves: Agustin Creevy, Nahuel Lobo, Juan Pablo Orlandi, Mariano Galarza, Benjamin Macome, Tomas Cubelli, Felipe Contepomi, Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino.
And finally, one for GGR:
