Geekzone Rugby (Union) Discussion Thread

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Networkn
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#2284802 28-Jul-2019 12:45

Brodie suffered no fracture or structural damage and somewhat likely for the world cup. That's fantastic news both for the AB's and Rettalick personally.

Hatch

Trade NZ and US shares and funds with Hatch (affiliate link).

networkn

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#2285060 29-Jul-2019 09:57

One wonders if they pull someone like Romano out if Retallick doesn't require in time. Some of the younger guys are probably faster, but he would have the most experience and that would probably count a lot in SH's book if we are in the finals part of the tournament.

I am not sure he could go 80 minutes though.

trig42

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#2285064 29-Jul-2019 10:08

It was a typical July Test. Ball handling is their main 'work on' I think from that.

The game was hard. The Boks slowed the ball every time they had possession and the ABs were noticeably trying to speed it up.

Certainly, the two halves were completely different, and the Boks will have been disappointed going to the sheds one point down at half-time. Defense from both teams was great.

I would not be surprised if both those teams went very deep (as in to the final) of the World Cup.

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#2285066 29-Jul-2019 10:12

My question over the Boks will be if they can be consistent and play different types of teams well.

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#2285126 29-Jul-2019 12:10

There was a LOT of knock ons and handling errors by pretty much every international side this weekend. There was like eleventy billion in the AU/ARG game too.

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#2285586 30-Jul-2019 10:18

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/114603885/all-blacks-goal-kicker-beauden-barrett-caught-moving-ball-behind-refs-back

This is grim by BB.

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#2286262 31-Jul-2019 10:17

Steve Hansen has cut Asafo Aumua, Josh Ioane, Dalton Papali'i, Karl Tu'inukuafe and Shannon Frizell from the All Blacks squad in preparation for the two-test Bledisloe Cup series.

I am pretty surprised Karl got the cut. The others aren't as surprising to me.

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#2287066 1-Aug-2019 12:00

Reading between the lines it would appear that he didn't get for enough for what they were looking to achieve, particularly on defense.

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#2287077 1-Aug-2019 12:14

Handle9: Reading between the lines it would appear that he didn't get for enough for what they were looking to achieve, particularly on defense.

Yeah, I see some other comments around fitness (back to play at lower levels). 2 Injuries would be required for him to be considered for RWC by the looks. Hopefully, that doesn't happen.

Reece vs Bridge is the next interesting one, as only 1 can go I think.

Reece is probably stronger, will likely break more tackles and is probably on par for footwork, speed and slightly better as a finisher near the line. Reece weaker on defense. Bridge can play either wing, fullback, and at a pinch centres, defensively better.

Ioane didn't seem to be his best so far. He had a couple of really good outings for the Blues early in the season, but has been a bit less "seen" in recent times, including during the test. Perhaps play didn't go his way, but I couldn't really recall him being mentioned against SA. He's pretty much guaranteed a spot though one imagines.

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#2292209 8-Aug-2019 11:42

So, this weekend looks to another interesting match up. Wallabies are apparently full of confidence (has anyone ever heard anything different lol). I'd like to see RM get a bit more protection as any team worth their salt will take the fact he is inexperienced and put pressure on him. Given what's at stake, I wonder if they will continue with the 10/15 combo or take RM off the bench. SH made pretty clear he wants the Bledisloe and a win Saturday ensures it.

trig42

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#2292238 8-Aug-2019 12:30

networkn:

So, this weekend looks to another interesting match up. Wallabies are apparently full of confidence (has anyone ever heard anything different lol). I'd like to see RM get a bit more protection as any team worth their salt will take the fact he is inexperienced and put pressure on him. Given what's at stake, I wonder if they will continue with the 10/15 combo or take RM off the bench. SH made pretty clear he wants the Bledisloe and a win Saturday ensures it.

Pretty good team IMO, still going with BB and RM at 15/10. Savea Cane and Read the loosies and COles and Smith back into the starting line up.

Hopefully they don't drop the ball as often.

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#2292240 8-Aug-2019 12:37

Hard to believe they could drop the ball as much as that again!

Interesting to see Coles start, and Ardie at 6. Great to see Scott Barrett back, hopefully he's in good nick.

I know many others feel differently, but I really feel so much better seeing Ben Smith at Wing for the All Blacks. He is a good fullback, but they are better with him on the wing and this ensures he is on the field.

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#2292752 9-Aug-2019 08:21

Spark/TVNZ have announced their commentary line-up for RWC.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/rugby-world-cup/114859172/sparktvnz-unveils-sir-graham-henry-as-part-of-star-lineup-for-rugby-world-cup

Fronted by Scotty Stevenson, which I find pleasing, and it was all going along swimmingly until I read that they're also bringing Anika Moa to provide 'a different angle'. That woman really gets on my nerves, my finger will be hovering over the mute button, ready to pounce the moment she appears.

Thanks for explaining "plethora".

It means a lot.

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#2292770 9-Aug-2019 08:48

Anika Moa!? Are you kidding me?! Ugh.

Scotty Stevenson isn't too bad (Though personally I prefer him in small doses), but I'd personally rather have Tony Johnson or Grant Nisbett.

I'll never forget the winning try in the 2015 RWC with GN screaming "Beauden Barrett" as he streaked away and scored under the posts.

floydbloke

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#2292797 9-Aug-2019 09:59

networkn:

Anika Moa!? Are you kidding me?! Ugh.

...

I'm considering applying for a refund under the CGA...not fit for purpose and all that...

Thanks for explaining "plethora".

It means a lot.

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