Geekzone Rugby (Union) Discussion Thread

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#2070283 8-Aug-2018 21:02

networkn:

Hammerer:

Solely selected on "stats" and not "form".

Well, yes I did read this, but it did say they analysed every movement of every player in every game. Presumably, this means the forward passes, intercept passes etc as well. The guy is really talented but would be so much better IMO if he just took less risks.

I think that this has been discussed before: how the stats are simple counts of a limited set of activities and how those counts don't reflect many of the characteristics that we would consider contribute to "form". Plus you have to be playing to build up stats whereas good form is obvious after a few games.

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#2070472 9-Aug-2018 09:58

Why do the NZH keep posting articles on Keith Murdoch? I get it was sort of a scandal, but it's been on the front page about 8 times in the past 3 months?

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#2071586 10-Aug-2018 23:41

And it's still going.. The story is obviously very interesting to someone. Just not me. It was the featured article twice this week and caused a "breaking news" alert twice.

The game of three halves was interesting. Couldn't watch it, watched the live tickertape. Apparently the AB's played Ioane at 13! I really freaking hope that's a one off. Surely we have enough quality midfielders without resorting to that? In recent memory I can't recall the last time a particular player experiment went that well. They tried Ben Smith at Center, it was rubbish, they have tried various fullbacks at centre, also poor. If RI is as good as he is on the wing, why would you restrict his time and space by putting him in the middle.

I guess the AB's want pace above everything else, not sure I see this as the plan to beat SA/AU this year. Both sides are much improved from what I have seen, esp SA.

I wonder if it's more to do with the games in the Northern Hemisphere later in the season?

Edit : Steve Hansen interview indicates they just wanted everyone on the field. TJP got a run on the wing (at his request seemingly).

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#2074562 16-Aug-2018 16:57

The Wallabies have put forward a reasonably strong team for this weekend. Doubt they can win against the AB's but I expect it to be a little closer than most people would expect perhaps.

I will be watching with interest as Goodhue makes his starting debut at Centre. He is good defensively which is what I think they want.

I think the start will be key. I expect Australia to throw everything at the AB's in the first 20.

There is talk in the Wallabies camp of keeping the AB's scoreless. That would be some feat.

My biggest concern is the AB's throwing passes which can be intercepted. If we can nullify Pocock and Genia & Folau we should be ok.

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#2074567 16-Aug-2018 17:11

The wallabies usually lose because of poor execution in the last few phases. They usually have no problems getting past the first couple of AB lines. But then for some reason when they are in the AB 22 they fail to convert, leave with nothing or 3 points. Then when the ABs attack they score.

Usual story. Also ABs usually find a way to nullify their opponents in the last 5 mins of the first half, last 20 minutes of the second.

That 25 minute period will usual settle the scores. If not, then expect the referee to make a wrong call on favour of the ABs.

History repeats itself.

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#2074726 17-Aug-2018 09:46

Sam Whitelock in his 100th test, amazing accomplishment. What a great and consistent player he has been for the All Blacks and Crusaders. I hope we can earn a win to help make it an even more special moment to remember.

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#2074727 17-Aug-2018 09:54

Having a look at the last 3 Aussie Kiwi games, it's been eye opening I think.

We lost one, we were lucky to win one on NZ Soil and we were comfortably ahead and leaked 45 unanswered points. I don't see the AB's being happy with those results, esp the last one.

I don't think the daylight that was previously existed between NZ and Australian Rugby exists as much right now. It's interesting to see Hodge moved to Centre for the Wallabies (Yes Michael Cheika I will call them Wallabies, and you should call us the All Blacks instead of being a prig about it).

I wonder if they will target Goodhue, it could be a big test for him in lots of ways.

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#2075192 18-Aug-2018 09:53

I enjoyed this article, was very funny.

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=12108904

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#2075206 18-Aug-2018 10:31

I'm hoping for an aussie win because to be honest as I am getting a little bored with the All Black winning all the time.

Dont feel there is as much drama and interest as in the past when the results were more in doubt.

While all work places are different, I havent heard _anyone_ talking about this game or the up coming series.

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#2075239 18-Aug-2018 10:52

afe66:
I'm hoping for an aussie win because to be honest as I am getting a little bored with the All Black winning all the time.

Dont feel there is as much drama and interest as in the past when the results were more in doubt.

While all work places are different, I havent heard _anyone_ talking about this game or the up coming series.

What I see is that the other top tier teams have not had a strong side for a long time. Eng looked right on it, then not. I’d like an in form AB vs top in form Eng, Aus, and SA. A game against a not string not in form side isn’t a great watch

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#2075246 18-Aug-2018 11:25

Everything in my being prevents me from wishing that a team other than the AB's win.

I understand it might be better for Rugby (though I have my doubts), but I'll never bet against them.

I don't mind if we beat them by 100 points tonight, so long as WE play well.

I suspect that Australia are an improved side and it's likely to be closeish.

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#2075249 18-Aug-2018 11:47

I've heard a lot of people who don't normally watch rugby talking about it. They know when the game is on and they know that the All Blacks lost last time.

I don't really care who wins: I'm happy if the All Blacks maintain their dominance which means the potential for a shocking loss is always there; I'm happy too if a Wallaby win introduces more excitement and tension for future games. I clearly remember how George Gregan used to fire us up every game in the 2000s. For that reason he's one of my favourite players. He still has the most wins against the All Blacks of any Wallaby: 12 from 27 Bledisloe Cup games.

Yes, I hope both teams play to their potential so we get an amazing game. But I'd pick the Wallabies to be much more vulnerable psychologically despite having the physical ability to win. Two shocks to their self-confidence - like failing to breach the defence close to the line or a successful All Black 90-100m counterattack - should be enough to demoralise the less than confident fans and the team will fold more easily if the fans give up first.

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#2075259 18-Aug-2018 12:01

Kick off is now 9.45 NZ time, 20min earlier than advertised earlier.

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#2075588 19-Aug-2018 00:24

I kinda suck at predictions. First half was as close as I expected. Second half the Wallabies lost thier self belief and were off their feet.

Ended up being a hiding in the end.

You could give Man of the Match to Brodie Retallick or Jack Goodhue, who played out of his skin.

I am deeply worried for Crotty's health if he keeps banging his head.

One would think it's pretty unlikely for the Wallabies to win in Eden Park. Even if they fix their Lineout, and Scrum, they are pretty likely to still really struggle in fitness.

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#2075589 19-Aug-2018 00:32

Watching Sam Whitelock beside his wife, I just kept thinking about the size difference. You'd need scaffolding!

What an outstanding player for the AB's he has been. Youngest to ever do it.

The Black Ferns were great to watch as well. Some of the tackles from our forwards looked more like a freight train hitting a fly than Rugby Collisions!

I don't want to be indelicate, however, how do they protect their .. chest area in a full contact sport?

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