Set piece magic
John Solomon (38)
Yes I agree we have a chance and if we win this will go pretty close to being #1 on all time favourite memories but its Eden Park.
Everything so Gloom and Doom about going to Eden Park. I'm expecting the wallabies to do something special over there.
Link won't change the team bar any injuries.
It has already been denied.What better venue at which to deny the All Blacks their record number of wins?!
I'd be surprised if McKenzie makes any changes apart from bringing back TPN if he's fit.
Would probably bring in McCalman over Higgers if he's not seen as essential as the backup lineout caller.
Halfway through the replay now. My opinion at the game was that Higgers didn't have a huge impact but also fairly drunk by that point.i agree with the first part, but McCalman over Higgers?! Higgers made real impact when he came on. i see no reason he should be dropped for McCalman, who doesn't have a great reputation for impact off the bench at test level
I would think Messam will come in for Kaino, which is an outstanding replacement and Conrad returns next week so a 12/13 of Fekitoa/Smith will still be strong. Despite the quality of the reinforcements, we will probably benefit from having those player out. Nonu in particular is always a stand out for the All Blacks at Eden Park, so breaking up his partnership is useful.
Halfway through the replay now. My opinion at the game was that Higgers didn't have a huge impact but also fairly drunk by that point.
Will possibly change my opinion in 40 minutes time
If TPN is fit next week, our team will match up very well.
This is the nub of it, I think. If impact is required, I would stick with Higginbotham too.i rewatched this morning. I thought Higgers gave just what we wanted from him in the final 15 minutes. Dynamic with ball in hand, moved the ball quickly, got over the advantage line in all of his runs, pushed like a demon in the scrums.
McCalman is arguably still a better starting option due to his work rate, but he's not really an impact player imo
I didn't think Fekitoa was very convincing.
Is there someone they can play in their traditional 2nd 5/8 role at 12?
Yeah, Higgers was fine. Had a few decent involvements. He should retain his bench spot.i agree with the first part, but McCalman over Higgers?! Higgers made real impact when he came on. i see no reason he should be dropped for McCalman, who doesn't have a great reputation for impact off the bench at test level
I reckon they will pick Crotty.
isn't Carter due back?
now i understand your comments u missed the game last night!What better venue at which to deny the All Blacks their record number of wins?!
No, the record was for wins, nothing else. I don't think anyone tallies a "non-losses" record.So Cyclo, is it a record number of "non-losses", against a top-tier team then?