Bledisloe II @ Eden Park

[Dctarget]

Scrums late in the game should be pretty tasty. If Moody hasn't remembered how to play it could get messy for NZ. Laulala isn't really renowned for his scrummaging and then there's a huge step down on their bench with Tu'ungafasi and the reserve Waratah. Both NZ bench props are significantly taller, like a few inches, than their Wallaby counterparts with Ta'avao like 6 or 7 inches taller than Tupou.

We might actually win the ball back when Simmons inevitably knocks it on.

 

[zer0]

Scrums late in the game should be pretty tasty. If Moody hasn't remembered how to play it could get messy for NZ. Laulala isn't really renowned for his scrummaging and then there's a huge step down on their bench with Tu'ungafasi and the reserve Waratah. Both NZ bench props are significantly taller, like a few inches, than their Wallaby counterparts with Ta'avao like 6 or 7 inches taller than Tupou.

Sure you're not mixing him up with someone else? Laulala has typically been a strong scrummager, even with his backlog of injuries.

I agree about Ta'avao though. I'd have much preferred Moli ahead of him for this match, and am hoping that Tu'inukuafe is back for the RWC.

 

[Dctarget]

Sure you're not mixing him up with someone else? Laulala has typically been a strong scrummager, even with his backlog of injuries.

I agree about Ta'avao though. I'd have much preferred Moli ahead of him for this match, and am hoping that Tu'inukuafe is back for the RWC.

Your word is better than mine I'd imagine. But as a prop myself, I've never really rated his scrummaging. Also be interested to see the effect of Tuipulotu in the scrum. What's the NZ consensus on PT and Hemopo?

 

[KiwiM]

Your word is better than mine I'd imagine. But as a prop myself, I've never really rated his scrummaging. Also be interested to see the effect of Tuipulotu in the scrum. What's the NZ consensus on PT and Hemopo?

Hemopo is a bit short for an international lock but his workrate is exceptional - sort of a lock/6 tweener - good bench option. Tuipulotu has never really delivered on his promise - huge unit with great ability but has been inconsistent throughout his test career - his form with the Blues this year was pretty good though so it will be interesting.

 

[teach]

[quote="Dctarget, post: 1087739, member: 18568\\ What's the NZ consensus on PT and Hemopo?[/quote]
I wouldn't be upset to see Hemopo come in later in the game. He can pilfer. He's quick and a strong runner. If its a forwards contest you wouldn't be losing anything by bringing him on to shore up a scrum. There is not too much upset about having him in the squad.

 

[KOB1987]

GeeRob is reporting more in line with Wayne Smith than Panda, in that the only change will be the injury enforced ones of Coleman & Simmons

 

[zer0]

If anything Hemopo should've played much more than he has.

 

[Joe Blow]

Man, I hope they spring a surprise and we see Poey on the bench. Wright would be interesting. I would prefer TK to AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)

 

[Brumby Runner]

Reading that Fox article, and also the push from Gregan (who's helping with the coaching) to reward the victors from last week would imply that possibly the only change to the starting lineup would be Coleman for Arnold, which would no doubt bring BR's GOAT Rob Simmons onto the bench. They might tinker with the 22 and 23. I still wouldn't be surprised if TK comes back in at 13.

My worst nightmare KOB.

 

[Strewthcobber]

Man, I hope they spring a surprise and we see Poey on the bench. Wright would be interesting. I would prefer TK to AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)

Wayne Smith saying he definitely won't be playing as well

 

[Joe Blow]

Apparently there are other press saying no changes except maybe Coleman in for Arnold? Should be out soon.

 

[Brumby Runner]

Would have preferred Petaia over AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) on the bench, we know what AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) a can do, Petaia is the unknown with more potential.

Wright is an interesting selection as well, as a Reds fan I rate him, not sure if he is at test standard though.

AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) is a bit of being in the same boat as Ben Smith. Both getting older and slower and not in the form of their heydays. Only Smith has much more recent form than AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) and was a better player all round in any case. The ABs have seen the light and have replaced Smith but the Wallabies look like returning to the dark ages by selecting AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper).

I have no concerns about Liam Wright proving to be up to test standard. In my book, he was the standout No 7 in the Aussie Super conference this year.

 

[KOB1987]

Apparently there are other press saying no changes except maybe Coleman in for Arnold? Should be out soon.

correct, I put that up a few posts back. Thinking there might have been a bit of foxing going on . Let's see if Pocock is there or not.

 

[fatprop]

Man, I hope they spring a surprise and we see Poey on the bench. Wright would be interesting. I would prefer TK to AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)

I think Poey is looking for another delivery of gaffer tape.

Not sure on the thinking of Wright, Hooper will play 80 so Wright will come on at 6? I would guess to match the mobility of the ABs

AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)? dunno, he is closer to JOC (James O'Connor) in style, we seem to have shelved playing two big boppers in the centres - just dunno what the thinking is

 

[fatprop]

As to this games outcome? It is going to depend on whether Aus can deliver at the same level intensity for two weeks in a row and whether the ABs will allow them to play with the same level of freedom

 

[Tex]

I'm steeling myself for an absolute drubbing and am going to trust that the pub in Abbotsford will be far away from the regular Kiwi backpacker haunts to spare me from the inevitable blowback when the dark Orcs prevail.

 

[Dan54]

I'm steeling myself for an absolute drubbing and am going to trust that the pub in Abbotsford will be far away from the regular Kiwi backpacker haunts to spare me from the inevitable blowback when the dark Orcs prevail.

Tex, I fear you trying to hard to feed the Mocker gods, I don't really believe anyone thinks there will be a drubbing.

 

[Strewthcobber]

As to this games outcome? It is going to depend on whether Aus can deliver at the same level intensity for two weeks in a row and whether the ABs will allow them to play with the same level of freedom

Yep. We had an all time go forward performance from the tight five in combination with all time low in penalties including just one in our own half all game.

I doubt we will be able to match those two next week. But we possibly don't need to.
Big opportunity to do better on defence (missed >25% of tackles) especially turnovers/kickoffs.

 

[TSR]

I personally hope we move on from AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper). He deserves absolute respect for his career - but I don’t think he is the selection the Wallabies need for mine.

IMO the number one selection criteria for jersey 23 is the best possible wing reserve and I don’t feel that is AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper). If they don’t keep Banks, then my very strong preference would be Petaia.

And, sorry Michael, but I really see no logic in bringing AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) on for Kerevi unless he is injured. That would be madness IMO.

 

[Tex]

Tex, I fear you trying to hard to feed the Mocker gods, I don't really believe anyone thinks there will be a drubbing.

I think we have legitimate claims to underdog status, possibly in perpetuity!