Geekzone Rugby (Union) Discussion Thread

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Networkn
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#1875670 1-Oct-2017 20:17

Naholo despite scoring one good try, is still not test material for my money. He still makes far too many errors and average to poor decisions. Same with DM. Despite some astounding skill, I'd prefer someone a little less occasionally spectacular and someone more ... Dependable. Not saying he isn't a good player, but for me, he hasn't really improved much in 5 games with his decision making and passing. We didn't miss Naholo when he wasn't in the AB's I don't think.

To be fair I think most the AB's had pretty average games, it was almost painful to watch the second half. I guess they are a fairly inexperienced side comparatively but they had quite a few days to get some combinations working a bit better. If not for a fairly poor start in the first half, the Argies might have got a lot closer than the scoreline at the end indicated.

The Springboks and Wallabies drawing again defied belief.

networkn

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#1875977 2-Oct-2017 10:54

So it seems pundits disagree with me. Apparently, DM had a near perfect game according to Chris Rattue, and Naholo was back to his magic best according to someone else.

Maybe my expectations are too high!

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#1875981 2-Oct-2017 10:56

Who cares what Rattue thinks? He just writes drama BS.

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#1876023 2-Oct-2017 11:43

The Wallabies-Springboks game was really enjoyable to watch mainly because there was some excellent play and neither team could gain ascendancy. I'm glad that I watched it.

I read the Rattue article. I thought that there is one main reason why he ignores McKenzie's weaknesses and mistakes: he's making the case for McKenzie to be one of NZ's "most amazing playmaking wizards". He'd hardly help his argument by including the worst plays made by McKenzie. He says Carlos Spencer is one of those wizards so 'flawed genius' may be what he means by "wizard".

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#1876032 2-Oct-2017 11:53

Hammerer:

The Wallabies-Springboks game was really enjoyable to watch mainly because there was some excellent play and neither team could gain ascendancy. I'm glad that I watched it.

I read the Rattue article. I thought that there is one main reason why he ignores McKenzie's weaknesses and mistakes: he's making the case for McKenzie to be one of NZ's "most amazing playmaking wizards". He'd hardly help his argument by including the worst plays made by McKenzie. He says Carlos Spencer is one of those wizards so 'flawed genius' may be what he means by "wizard".

Right now I put DM in with Quade Cooper and Carlos Spencer as well. Capable of Genius, but flawed.

I was impressed with his regather of the ball, in the second half. I was also unsurprised when he was picked up and manhandled at least once by the forward from Argentina. I wonder if he has been told to bulk up?

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#1876040 2-Oct-2017 12:06

networkn:

I was also unsurprised when he was picked up and manhandled at least once by the forward from Argentina. I wonder if he has been told to bulk up?

Crikey, he's only 80kgs. Of course he'd be easy to manhandle when caught by nearly anyone on the paddock, but you have to catch him first.

He had his best game in an All Black jersey, and it's only early days.

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#1876047 2-Oct-2017 12:17

umm it's their B team, i'm not sure why all the criticism. it's not like he was picked to start in the RWC.

he's there because he lit up the super competition. he earned it. those who don't do well in the super competition are not there.

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#1876288 2-Oct-2017 18:03

In the NZHerald McKenzie was rated a 9 out of 10, despite making the same number of mistakes (dropped balls) as the previous game where he was scored either a 6 or 7. The difference may have been that he continued while others fell away in the second half, and that he had a hand in all but Havili's try. McKenzie reminds me more of Cristian Cullen than the others mentioned above. The ABs have been so well served for so long by Ben Smith and Israel Dagg, and even Mils Muliaina, that it is hard to remember what they were like in their first few tests. He deserved plaudits for some of his play in the weekend but not the 'walks on water' commentary.
Articles have also commented about Lienert-Brown and Williams having quiet games, but both were massive on defence and as usual, SBW got more than his fair share of attention from the Argentinian defenders thus freeing up other backs.
No shock and awe from Laumape or Fifita this week, and Cody Taylor did himself no favours. The props and locks can pat themselves on the back, clearly besting their opposition.
Nice to see Havili get a try. First of many in the AB jersey I think. Once again, a man for the future.

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networkn

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#1877154 4-Oct-2017 11:58

Batman:

umm it's their B team, i'm not sure why all the criticism. it's not like he was picked to start in the RWC.

he's there because he lit up the super competition. he earned it. those who don't do well in the super competition are not there.

Umm, anyone who plays for the AB's is potentially going to be present in a RWC.

Plenty of players have been previously picked who played badly during SR. They are best at test.

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#1878733 6-Oct-2017 23:56

What a stunning come back from Taranaki tonight. Traditional wisdom would have had Canterbury finishing in the same emphatic way they started. Gutting to see as a C fan, but to give Taranaki their due, they really came out and earned the win!

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#1878797 7-Oct-2017 08:41

Problem with Canterbury is that they are a bit one dimensional and used to winning after getting a good start then usually having the opposition give up.

Only three teams have really fought against them this year - Otago, Wellington and Taranaki - and Wellington and Taranaki have shown them up a bit.

Last night they panicked and it was clear to see they were lost when the pressure went on, especially once Taranaki leveled up. Their systems and composure went out the window.

In saying that they would still be odds on favourite to win the whole thing, but Delaney has a lot of work to do with them to deal with the psychological side of last nights result, on top of the Wellington result. That's 115 points they've leaked in two games.

The key to beating Canterbury is not to let them get away early, force mistakes and let them implode.

Personally I thought the Taranaki would struggle to come back from 31-7 down but they proved me wrong.

And the lazy tenner I put on them to win returned me $45...

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linw

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#1879121 7-Oct-2017 16:12

My wife's family's Canterbury rugby fans have been strangely silent lately!!

But, yeah, coming back from 31-7 down took skill, guts and determination.

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#1879155 7-Oct-2017 17:25

tukapa1:

Problem with Canterbury is that they are a bit one dimensional and used to winning after getting a good start then usually having the opposition give up.

Only three teams have really fought against them this year - Otago, Wellington and Taranaki - and Wellington and Taranaki have shown them up a bit.

Last night they panicked and it was clear to see they were lost when the pressure went on, especially once Taranaki leveled up. Their systems and composure went out the window.

In saying that they would still be odds on favourite to win the whole thing, but Delaney has a lot of work to do with them to deal with the psychological side of last nights result, on top of the Wellington result. That's 115 points they've leaked in two games.

The key to beating Canterbury is not to let them get away early, force mistakes and let them implode.

Personally I thought the Taranaki would struggle to come back from 31-7 down but they proved me wrong.

And the lazy tenner I put on them to win returned me $45...

I don't think Wellington was a fair comparison. 3 Games in a week is stupid. Two of those were 78+ point games, enough to exhaust even the fittest players.

This year in all Canterbury Rugby I have seen the attack that many have thought was missing prior years, it's nice to see the backline click. Canterbury Rugby future looks pretty good.

The Taranaki #7 was immense. I mean, stupendous. When Ngatai came on, it also helped straighten the ship.

Place kicking masterclass last night, Marty McKenzie kicking from hand wasn't so good. Place kicking was awesome under the conditions by both kickers.

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#1879324 8-Oct-2017 11:35

That was a thoroughly entertaining test match, a real old school battle. While the red card was to the letter of the law I think that the IRB have gone too far with the red cards. There was no intent in the late tackle and these types of red cards are ruining the spectacle.

The development of the All Blacks depth in the rugby championship has been excellent. The emergence of Mackenzie, Laulala, Hames, Scott Barrett, Squire and Ioane has given us a good platform for 2019.

Mackenzie made a real step up today, with the tackle and then straight up to reclaim the ball being the best example. He's still got a way to go but the extended run of playing time has done a lot for his development. Give him 2 more years and he'll be a strike weapon off the bench in the same mould as Barrett in the last world cup.

Laulala has also been a revelation. His scrummaging is excellent but he is now starting to carry the ball with real purpose. He puts pressure on Owen Franks which can only be a good thing. I was very concerned about the All Blacks props when we lost Moody, Franks and Faumuina but Mike Cron has done exceptional work again to develop the next level down.

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#1879360 8-Oct-2017 13:13

Maybe they should just implant a chip in the head and their arms to see if any sanction is warranted.

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