Bledisloe #2 - AUS v NZL, Eden Park, Auckland, August 15th

[Groucho]

Its the Bled, and its up for grabs.
Cheika needs to put out the side with the best possible chance of winning it.

It doesn't get any bigger than this!....ever

Damn right. Giving up the Bled for the RWC is like giving up a shag to pursue a slightly better shag, when by playing your cards right, you have the chance of shagging both.

 

[Slim 293]

Yep, we only have to win one game for the Bled..........

That's where the focus should be.

 

[jollyswagman]

What's more, we can even get away with a draw.

 

[Bairdy]

Behold, the ABs lineup for this weekend:

1. Woodcock
2. Coles
3. Franks
4. Retallick
5. Whitelock
6. Vito
7. McCaw
8. Read
9. Smith
10. Carter
11. Savea
12. Nonu
13. Smith
14. NM-S
15. Smith

Reserves: Mealamu, Crockett, Laulala, Kaino, Cane, Perenara, Slade, Fekitoa.

 

[qwerty51]

Well I'm shocked, given Woodcock a last chance perhaps? McCaw and Carter were never going to be dropped for their the last Test in NZ. I really expected Cane to come in for Kaino rather than Vito however. Clearly don't rate our lineout with no 3rd lock which is a smart move. They'll probably end the game with Kaino in the row.

 

[Dan54]

Pretty close to AB team I suspected would be named. Vito getting a shot at 6 a slight surprise (mainly because I think he a better 8), but can understand Shag's thoughts, as if he goes alright, maybe he will go to WC ahead of Messam. Would not be surprised to see Kaino get a bit of time at lock, and can see if that goes ok , ABs may go to WC with 3 locks and Kaino to cover. Maybe Cron has seen something in scrums that can be fixed with Woodcock still there, though I would be happier to see him and Franks to get out of the way in midfield. Is NMS going to push Piutau out of right wing spot,or is it Dagg who has gone?? Most interesting and things to ponder on until test time for me. Mind you I got ITM cup to watch too so how much time have I got fot pondering?

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

Astonished that Woodcock & Franks both survived, felt sure one would be gone. Can only hope they've got the message & our scrum doesn't turn to shit again.

@Dan, I rather suspect Dagg is gone from RWC contention, unless NM-S has a total 'mare on Saturday which seems unlikely after how well he went in Sydney.

On the ITM front, Jane & Broadhurst have been released to Wellington & 'naki respectively, Todd & Osborne to Canterbury.

 

[TOCC]

Rumours from Wayne Smith of a White-Cooper halves paring


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[Pfitzy]

"Rumours from Queenslander Wayne Smith That Queenslander Favoured"

 

[No4918]

Would expect a lot of To'omua slipping into 10 if it happens. Still going to be surprised if it does.

 

[KOB1987]

Rumours from Wayne Smith of a White-Cooper halves paring


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..with To'omua at 12.

well we know the 10-12 combo works..

 

[pjm]

Kiwi's are too scared to make the changes. Vito will add something but Whitelock is as ineffective as Romano. I'd say they're planning on playing their locks the whole game and subbing out Vito and Read.

 

[Pfitzy]

Kiwi's are too scared to make the changes. Vito will add something but Whitelock is as ineffective as Romano. I'd say they're planning on playing their locks the whole game and subbing out Vito and Read.

Whitelock and Retallick happen to be the most balanced lock pairing they've had in the last 4 years. Whitelock is going to make our lineout ball unsteady, that's for sure.

I rate Whitelock's skinny, bearded carcass higher than Romano, that's for sure. It also means Retallick will move to TH lock and their scrum will improve because of it.

 

[jollyswagman]

Anyone know when we can expect the team to be announced?

 

[jollyswagman]

My guess is that we are going to see Skelton starting this week with Hooper on the bench.

I am hoping to see the rumoured starting lineup of White-Cooper-To'omua and if we do, I am going to go out on limb and say Australia by 12

 

[KOB1987]

My guess is that we are going to see Skelton starting this week with Hooper on the bench - Pocock at #8. Horwill starting with Mumm on the bench.

I am hoping to see the rumoured starting lineup of White-Cooper-To'omua and if we do, I am going to go out on limb and say Australia by 12

Skelton at 7?

 

[jollyswagman]

Skelton at 7?

Sorry...I just realized what I did there.....edited now.

 

[jollyswagman]

Skelton at 7?

Was overthinking that......wondering if we won't see Pocock starting at 7 and Palu starting at #8. Skelton & Pala then subbed early in the 2nd half with the Hooper and Mumm coming on (Pocock to #8)

I think Cheika is going to won't some big boppers out there early to take the big hits that are coming our way, and to dish it right back at them. They are going to start hard and fast.......would hate to in Poey's position right now

 

[tigerland12]

Wow Woodcock named. I get Franks staying, because he is generally a strong performer. Woodcock though, jeez must be his last chance.

Aside from the obvious Read, McCaw and Retallick, that pack has some holes that we can exploit.

 

[the sabanator]

Touch wood, but I really like how we match up with their forwards.

Shutting down Nonu will be our key to the game.