RWC 2011 SF2: Australia vs. New Zealand

[Richo]

Really, really, really don't like Simmons over Sharpe.

Otherwise, it's exactly what we expected, isn't it?

Carrying two hurt starting backs makes me nervous.

 

[08umema]

it was only a matter of time, but phunny:

http://video.news.com.au/2152702652/THE-ALL-BLACKS-DOWNFALL

Using Hitler was probably a bad idea...

 

[chasmac]

I wish I knew how fit McCabe is. Also KB (Kurtley Beale) and Horne.

Sharpe is better at lineouts than Simmons, I would have Sharpe.

4/3 bench is fair given that our backs ( including Digby ) are a bit busted.

AB's have a 4/3 bench.

 

[Ilie Tabua's Shadow]

That's a brilliant bit of work 08umema.

Full marks, deserving of GPA 7!

 

[dudebudstud]

What does Sharpe have to do to get a game? Really hope he manages to get 1 more for his ton.

No other surprises though and i think AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) is the right choice at FB should Beale be ruled out. Will be very surprised if he does play.

Couldn't agree more. Why does Deans keep going back to Simmons when Sharpe is consistently good. He might not have GREAT games every outing, but he almost never has a bad one. He has the experience that we need to win these big games.

Also, what is Deans' hard-on for Rob Horne. Horne has had several goes at a Wallaby jumper and has failed every time either through an unimpressive game or getting injured ALL THE TIME. Ant or Barnes are the way to go.

Obviously Deans is a well respected coach, and has greater insight than me, but c'mon! He's stubbornly ignoring form and sticking with a player's potentional form, that in the case of Horne hasn't developed.

Finally while McCabe is generally a wall in defense, he offers a very predictable attack of just running and bashing his opposite number. Why isn't Barnes in when he can settle Quade and offer good defense and an extra element in attack!

 

[08umema]

That's a brilliant bit of work 08umema.

Full marks, deserving of GPA 7!

As I watched more I was trying not to laugh as I am surrounded by people and have my headphones in.

'When you wikipedia the word 'chokers' it says 'see us'.

haha classic!

 

[Richo]

Dude, did you read the release? Horne is listed behind Ant Fainga'a and McCabe -- he'll only be selected if KB (Kurtley Beale) can't play and AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) has to move to 15, bringing Ant off the bench.

 

[Braveheart81]

Also, what is Deans' hard-on for Rob Horne. Horne has had several goes at a Wallaby jumper and has failed every time either through an unimpressive game or getting injured ALL THE TIME. Ant or Barnes are the way to go.

Obviously Deans is a well respected coach, and has greater insight than me, but c'mon! He's stubbornly ignoring form and sticking with a player's potentional form, that in the case of Horne hasn't developed.

Finally while McCabe is generally a wall in defense, he offers a very predictable attack of just running and bashing his opposite number. Why isn't Barnes in when he can settle Quade and offer good defense and an extra element in attack!

Horne is only bracketed to play if Beale is out. Fainga'a and Barnes are both definitely in the 22.

 

[Tangawizi]

Dropping Sharpie from his 100th Test is an absolute c#*t of a thing to do as far as I'm concerned.

I think he has performed better so far in the World Cup than Simmons and would have handled the big occasion pressure better too.

Robbie's "horses for courses" call is mind-boggling.

 

[chequebalance]

Can they inject a bit of KB (Kurtley Beale) blood into all players carrying an injury? It seems to work miracles.

 

[dudebudstud]

I know Horne is in there only if KB (Kurtley Beale) is out, I was ranting about Horne in general
And I know it's a bit late to bring this up again, but Giteau should have been in the squad instead of Horne.

 

[Boomer]

Two words unlikely to be heard in the same sentence again - Simmons and abrasive.

 

[Richo]

Dropping Sharpie from his 100th Test is an absolute c#*t of a thing to do as far as I'm concerned.

I think he has performed better so far in the World Cup than Simmons and would have handled the big occasion pressure better too.

Robbie's "horses for courses" call is mind-boggling.

Robbie does what he did before until it stops working. Simmons played against the ABs in Brisbane so he plays again on Sunday. It's a certain kind of logic, I'll grant him that. I guess the intervening 6 weeks in which Sharpe has played well and Simmons hasn't done much are irrelevant?

 

[Rob]

Sharpie Hard done by. Should be in starting lineup IMO. I would have put JOC (James O'Connor) back to full back and brought in Turner on wing. ALternative is Ashley Cooper to fulback and bring Horne in at outside centre. Having two non attacking centres is a concern. Fainga has consistently shown he has no skills. When he came on last week he missed a number of tackles - his main skill.

 

[vikingbrad]

Can't believe Deans is preferring Simmons on the bench over Sharpe. Simmons hasn't added anything from the bench.

Don't buy Dean 'horses for courses' with Simmons playing previous NZ tests. Need Sharpie's calming influence in final 20

 

[Ruggo]

Dropping Sharpie from his 100th Test is an absolute c#*t of a thing to do as far as I'm concerned.

I think he has performed better so far in the World Cup than Simmons and would have handled the big occasion pressure better too.

Robbie's "horses for courses" call is mind-boggling.

Rob Simmons has handled some big occaision moments this year already. The lack of Hodgeson on the bench is the concern.

It is what it is. Now it is time to get behind the boys.

GO WALLABIES.

 

[Athilnaur]

I'd have had Sharpie starting this game. Deans must see something we don't but buggered if I know. Maybe Kev reckons lineouts will be stronger. Granted Simmons can be in your face, but damn surprising.

 

[Braveheart81]

If we lose Pocock it's probably irrelevant whether we have Hodgson on the bench or not.

 

[Cardiffblue]

Press release is longer than some novels

 

[Blue]

Harsh on Sharpey to deny him his 100th test cap!

Secret Agent Robbie at work. Mwuhahaha.