SF1: Argentina v New Zealand 21/10/23 @ 0800 NZDT

[John S]

Happy with Gardiner doing it, though to be fair, I don't really have an opinion on refs, they all pretty good really. Only thing I has wanted was someone like this with plenty of experience, and so less likely to feel pressure.

In the same, just thought it was interesting to put in the thread. However you should see the furore over O'Keefe being given the other semi! Lots of people saying he shouldn't be there as it will affect who plays NZ in the final.

(I think some people are dumb)

 

[Dan54]

In the same, just thought it was interesting to put in the thread. However you should see the furore over O'Keefe being given the other semi! Lots of people saying he shouldn't be there as it will affect who plays NZ in the final.

(I think some people are dum

People do like a conspiracy etc. On O'Keefe I once heard him when as ked about do refs favour teams etc, his reply? When you out on the field reffing a test etc, everything is generally happening so fast, I have never met a ref who has got time to to think who he wants to win etc while deciding if someone is offside etc.

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

I'm surprised there's a Pom involved but not as surprised as th having 3 x kiwis doing Eng v SA, that's almost bound to result in one or probably more controversies.

 

[KevinO]

It's also quite amusing that Christie was preferred over Roigard for his defensive play, but was't brought on in a match that ended with 5 minues of tough defence.

Smith had the soft yellow, so I think that allowed them to play him through the game. If he hadn't been sent off I don't think he would have lasted the whole 80.

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

All Blacks: Beauden Barrett, Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, Jordie Barrett, Mark Telea, Richie Mo’unga, Aaron Smith; Ardie Savea, Sam Cane (capt), Shannon Frizell, Scott Barrett, Sam Whitelock, Tyrel Lomax, Codie Taylor, Ethan de Groot. Reserves: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Tamaiti Williams, Fletcher Newell, Brodie Retallick, Dalton Papalii, Finlay Christie, Damian McKenzie, Anton Lienert-Brown.

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

Argentina: 1 Thomas Gallo, 2 Julián Montoya (captain), 3 Francisco Gómez Kodela; 4 Guido Petti, 5 Tomas Lavanini; 6 Juan Martin Gonzalez, 7 Marcos Kremer, 8 Facundo Isa; 9 Gonzalo Bertranou, 10 Santiago Carreras; 11 Mateo Carreras, 12 Santiago Chocobares, 13 Lucio Cinti, 14 Emiliano Boffelli; 15 Juan Cruz Mallia Replacements: 16 Agustín Creevy, 17 Joel Sclavi, 18 Eduardo Bello, 19 Matias Alemanno, 20 Rodrigo Bruni; 21 Lautaro Bazan Velez, 22 Nicolas Sanchez, 23 Matías Moroni.

 

[Dan54]

Like the team named WOB. No real suprises though I wouldn't of been hugely shocked if some more front rowers had a run. I also wouldn't mind Roigard, but understand why they have stuck with Christie. So anyway we already to go now!

 

[zer0]

Play Roigard, you cowards.

 

[Yoda]

Play Roigard, you cowards.

I agree. Why don’t they? He’s very good and Imo better form than Christie?

 

[The Red Baron]

This is either going to be a nailbiter, or over at halftime. There is no in-between.

 

[cyclopath]

NZ by 25

 

[The Red Baron]

How's Taukei'aho's throwing been lately? Is there a chance the lineout will go to shit when he comes on?

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

How's Taukei'aho's throwing been lately?

A bit hit & miss.

Is there a chance the lineout will go to shit when he comes on?

... it's entirely possible.

 

[The Red Baron]

I do rate him, he's much more physical across the park, but his throwing is a definite issue. I wonder if the thought process is that they'll play him against the Argies and see how he goes with this throwing, with a view to having Coles on the bench in the final incase Taukei'aho can't get his throws right? Then I realised you lot have Fozzie, and he's likely pulling names out of a hat to select his squad.

The AB's could do with Taukei'aho's physicality, especially if they make the final. Just probably trying to figure out whether it's worth the trade in with his hit and miss throwing.

 

[Bullrush]

30mins in before the first scrum….wow

 

[zer0]

Bit of a scrappy half but doing enough. Apart from their back three, the Pumas attack is pretty mundane and, even though they've had to make ~120 tackles, it seems like the AB defence isn't having to over exert itself. The kicking has been underwhelming, though. Second half game management will be important...

 

[Bullrush]

Aaron Smith is easily the best half back in Aotearoa and at worst, 2nd best in the world. His energy and enthusiasm is another level.

 

[zer0]

Surely time to roll on the bench and protect the most important players...

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

^ was just saying exactly that to the huddle of staff around the work tv...

Even the three customers we've had this morning have apologized for dragging us away from the game

 

[Wilson]

This has been a clinical dissection. New Zealand rebuffed Argentina early with rock solid defence and they were broken and without answers by half time. Has been a (lightly) opposed training run since then.