Geekzone Rugby (Union) Discussion Thread

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Networkn
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#3142741 4-Oct-2023 14:00

JPNZ:

heh.. You have to be ready to hear "Rieko Ioane with his speed" about 5 times per game as well

No "Reiko Ioane drops the ball cold" or "Reiko Ioane fires out of the defensive line to make a tackle and misses"? :)

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#3143034 5-Oct-2023 11:08

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby-world-cup-2023/133062508/scott-robertson-barred-from-all-blacks-rugby-world-cup-games-in-france-says-justin-marshall

I am with Foster on this, SR could potentially, unintentionally distract players. I guess though, extrapolating it further, whether he see's them in person or watches them on TV, he is mostly going to see the same thing.

networkn

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#3143548 6-Oct-2023 11:22

That was a very frustrating match to watch.

Accuracy and decision making were both lacking for much of the game. Blown opportunities aplenty.

DM has some magic and is less decision error riddled but is still fairly unpredictable in a bad way. His goal kicking has been much better.

Roigard was trying too hard this match, but his place as first choice Half Back at the retirement of Smith is all but set I imagine. Christine looks a long way back from there.

Clarke was anonymous again, compare him to Leister and it's chalk and cheese. What a shame Leister couldn't have been retained. Whilst not the fastest, he breaks tackles like Ardie.

Listening to Wayne Smith being interviewed on the radio, he seems to think the AB's are in pretty good position now. He thinks we are up for a competitive performance at the Quarters. He likes how we are attacking and feels that when required, the AB's have stood up.

I know it would take a miracle, but for obvious reasons, taking on Scotland instead of Ireland and SA would be highly advantageous to us. I'd have no issue with taking on England in a Semi if we get that far, I don't see them taking us down twice in that situation.

itxtme

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#3143555 6-Oct-2023 11:38

I have only watched the first half due to work, but I dont agree re Roiguard. His speed from the back is a breath of fresh air and he is clearly very talented. I actually cannot see how is first try was disallowed, and its something the AB's should push back to match officials, as while it had no effect on the game, it could in future. There was no daylight on any replay shown, yet that's exactly what the TMO said - wrong decision.

From the way the game was played I definitely get the feeling the job set out to the team was to throw it around, score the 4 tries and that is it. There is no benefit in showing set piece moves, or attacking patterns to what will likely be a very strong Ireland. IMO this match played out much how Foster would have wanted.

Roll on Sunday 8am next week

networkn

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#3143570 6-Oct-2023 12:11

itxtme:

But I dont agree re Roiguard. His speed from the back is a breath of fresh air and he is clearly very talented.

I wasn't clear enough, I wasn't being especially critical, I agree he is excellent, but he needs to not get overexcited, he has a very quick pass, but it needs to go to hand, and if the player isn't ready for it, the speed it arrives, isn't of benefit. He needs to pick his times to snipe around the ruck too. He has some excellent breaks, but it needs to be on.

No question that playing like he is, he is the future first choice halfback for the AB's.

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#3143583 6-Oct-2023 12:44

Samisoni Taukei’aho looks a shadow of himself of last year. I wonder what's up with that?

He isn't bad per se, but with last year fresh in mind, I guess it sets the expectation of better than where he is now.

Earbanean

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#3143593 6-Oct-2023 13:03

networkn:

Samisoni Taukei’aho looks a shadow of himself of last year. I wonder what's up with that?

He isn't bad per se, but with last year fresh in mind, I guess it sets the expectation of better than where he is now.

Yeah, I've been wondering the same thing for a while. In 1 year he's gone from first choice No. 2 to out of the match day 23. It reminds me of pita-Gus Sowakula a bit. Maybe the amount of minutes for the Chiefs was too much. However, they've had a pretty light workload since Super Rugby, so who knows. Having said that, Taylor has improved massively this year, after a pretty flat year in 2022, so really deserves the 2 jersey.

Halfback is going to be really interesting next year. Roigard has the inside running, but there are a few other really strong contenders. How will Fakatava go if he stays fit? Cortez Ratima is good and getting better. The dark horse that my spies tell me, is Noah Hotham. Watch out for him too.

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networkn

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#3143609 6-Oct-2023 14:03

Earbanean:

Yeah, I've been wondering the same thing for a while. In 1 year he's gone from first choice No. 2 to out of the match day 23. It reminds me of pita-Gus Sowakula a bit. Maybe the amount of minutes for the Chiefs was too much. However, they've had a pretty light workload since Super Rugby, so who knows. Having said that, Taylor has improved massively this year, after a pretty flat year in 2022, so really deserves the 2 jersey.

Halfback is going to be really interesting next year. Roigard has the inside running, but there are a few other really strong contenders. How will Fakatava go if he stays fit? Cortez Ratima is good and getting better. The dark horse that my spies tell me, is Noah Hotham. Watch out for him too.

We are in the best position we have been for quite a long time at half-back, finally.

Locks are going to be a problem next year I think. Once the two Kauri's leave, we will have only saplings in their place, with the exception of Barrett, assuming he can keep his body away from the heads of others. It's going to force players who have been forced to play second fiddle, to really make a decision on what they want their legacy with the AB's to be.

We are good in most other positions except 10. I can't recall the last time we had a serious lack of depth at 10.

BB and RM are gone. DM isn't really suited to 10. As I have said many times before, he is mercurial, but ideally needs more time and space than 10 gives him. He's not a bad option off the bench, but in my opinion, we need someone who can drive the game and set the frame for how we play.

There is talent in NZ, but it feels a fair way off either BB and RM.

2024 will be really interesting. I suspect we will struggle a bit under SR, not because he has or will do much wrong, but because he will be inheriting probably the weakest playing squad of recent memory. That isn't to disrespect our current players, but really a nod to just how incredible the players in the past have been.

Fans should set their expectations accordingly, but they won't unfortunately.

At least we won't have to hear from Chiefs 'fans' about Foster and his time in charge of them any more. Praise be for the fact everything in the world being blamed on Foster including the GFC, Covid and the wet weather!

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#3143648 6-Oct-2023 15:57

Was there an recognition ceremony for Sam Whitelocks 50th?

What a massive part of NZ Rugby he has been. An amazing athlete and leader.

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#3143691 6-Oct-2023 18:49

My Team to Face whomever at the Quarters would be identical to that picked by Richard Knowler

Beauden Barrett, Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, Jordie Barrett, Mark Telea, Richie Mo'unga, Aaron Smith, Ardie Savea, Sam Cane (captain), Shannon Frizell, Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Tyrel Lomax (if fit), Codie Taylor, Ethan de Groot.

My biggest uncertainty would be Leicester for Telea. Telea is probably faster and a little lighter on his feat, but what Leicester offers is tackle breaking, gain line, and ability to play like a loose forward. His defense is significantly better too.

Against SA I'd play Telea (Faster) and Ireland, Leicester (Stronger)

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#3143701 6-Oct-2023 19:40

Ive only watched last two games. But Italy have never been easy beats like that. WOW. But think they will bounce back a bit even if not finals bound.

Surprised by Uruguay just how good they were in pockets, then the total opposite, but seems potential is there.

Hope NZ keep the open play style. I like the blonde FB from Welli, exciting n seems good on defence.

networkn

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#3143821 6-Oct-2023 23:42

I believe Moody has been told to prepare to fly to France.

TeaLeaf

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#3143858 7-Oct-2023 08:19

networkn: I believe Moody has been told to prepare to fly to France.

Who will he fill?

Gorgeous "kick pass" as commentary call it, to the wing from the French.

This stadium is packed.

I had the sound off but saw a guy called "Ferrari" get honours to lead teams out. Cool name haha :-)

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#3143898 7-Oct-2023 11:07

TeaLeaf:

Who will he fill?

Lomax or Newall. It's not known yet how bad his injury was, but the problem with playing whilst injured, is you start favouring that part and or compensating putting extra strain on everything you do. You slightly hesitate and then your body may not react to contact the same way.

They should have scratched him at the start and given Moody more time in camp to prepare.

I understand he is a good player, and Moody has had his injury concerns, but....

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#3144272 8-Oct-2023 13:15

The news says Ireland vs ABs

Does anyone know if I will be able to watch the ABC match(es) live on free to air (legal, nz) as I don't have sky?

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