waiopehu oldboy
George Smith (75)
Other than Lurch for ScoBar I can't see the XV differing from SA match & other than ScoBar for PT it's hard to see the subs being any different either.
Other than Lurch for ScoBar I can't see the XV differing from SA match & other than ScoBar for PT it's hard to see the subs being any different either.
Team named.
Happy to see ALB at second-five. I think he was under-used against the Boks when he was at centre. The more involvements he has the better IMO. Surprised that they went with Goodhue ahead of Crotty at centre, so he'll have to step up following his return from injury. ALB/Goodhue does look like the next long-term midfield though.
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Unless of course they swap Taylor for Coles, biff Goodhue in at 13, shift ALB to 12 & put JBar on the bench instead of Bender .
yeah me too. suddenly that Irish side have a bit of an experienced professional assassin look compared to our slightly motley ragtag lot. NZ tight 5 look a bit iffy, whether they can answer the bell will settle it. wouldnt be overly surprised to see NZ dumped out. they look short of 3 or so experienced heads to adapt if the match gets dragged into The Irish Way.I'm not sure that this will go well for NZ.
So just aside from when they demolished the second best team in the comp!I'm not sure that this will go well for NZ. Aside from the SA game NZ have looked patchy throughout the tournament to date. That back line looks very inexperienced when compared to their Irish counterparts. Brodie can't possibly last 60 minutes either.
So just aside from when they demolished the second best team in the comp!
This won't be close. Kiwis in a canter.
DPs desperate attempt to gain underdog status is a typically hilarious satire
I see that that NZ tab has AB +12.5. So maybe my pessimism is misplaced.
No, you are just a NZ rugby fan with an awareness of World Cup history. ANYTHING can happen once you reach a knockout game.
These finals have a new legitimate variable too, send-offs. Anyone copping a red card in the first half is done for.
NZ looked patchy during 2015 pool stage as well and then turned up the heat come K/O games.I'm not sure that this will go well for NZ. Aside from the SA game NZ have looked patchy throughout the tournament to date. That back line looks very inexperienced when compared to their Irish counterparts. Brodie can't possibly last 60 minutes either.
100% Ireland are in for it.NZ looked patchy during 2015 pool stage as well and then turned up the heat come K/O games.
They will be fine.
Ireland have a huge monkey on their back and I don't imagine they will shake it against the reigning champs, especially not after their indifferent form this year and the knock their confidence would have taken with the loss to Japan.
NZ will have a bit of a score to settle as well.