Geekzone Rugby (Union) Discussion Thread

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Networkn
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#2953944 12-Aug-2022 16:41

artbloke:

Thought his performance was ok, as you say could have a bit to do with lack of match fitness... when he came on we were well & truly on the back foot anyway.

From memory he dropped the ball twice, missed 2 tackles and threw a couple of bad lineout throws. His job off the bench is to put the team on the front foot or at least contribute to that. I wouldn't say that happened.

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Handle9

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#2953997 12-Aug-2022 17:04

networkn:
I find some of the criticism of Foster a little difficult to fathom. Gregor Paul saying our midfield isn't sorted as yet. We have had injuries and illness that have prevented us starting any combination of midfielders for any period of time. Reiko is the only consistently available midfielder this season (and even he had a foot injury), though if ALB and Goodhue were fit, one wonders if and where he would fit? You can't play those who aren't available.

It's pretty hard to sort a great 6 when NZ doesn't have many 6's who consistently perform. I don't really feel that there were that many performances even at the super rugby level that made me feel like the choice was obvious.

It’s the coaches job to decide who the best players are and develop them where they have weaknesses.

A very good example of this is James Lowe. His defence was a total liability for 18 months. He would always bite in and be beaten on the outside, which cost Ireland some games. Farrell decided he wanted Lowe in the side for his strong points and has worked on him to develop his defence. He’s now playing at very high international level and was extremely influential. Aki was similar, he was extremely limited when he went to Ireland. Now he’s a high level international centre with a multidimensional skill set.

Who are the players who have developed their games in a significant way in the last 2 1/2 years? The list is very small.

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#2953998 12-Aug-2022 17:05

networkn:

artbloke:

Thought his performance was ok, as you say could have a bit to do with lack of match fitness... when he came on we were well & truly on the back foot anyway.

From memory he dropped the ball twice, missed 2 tackles and threw a couple of bad lineout throws. His job off the bench is to put the team on the front foot or at least contribute to that. I wouldn't say that happened.

True, didn't say he was great - but to be fair all our other players were making a heap of silly mistakes too... even if he had played well, one forward wasn't going to make much difference when we were completely outplayed in the forward pack.

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#2954006 12-Aug-2022 17:26

In the future wouldn't like to see both Goodhue & ALB play as a combo, both are very similar types of midfielders, they have good distribution skills, but lack a bit of gas & don't have much of a kicking game, want to see a midfield combo that offers variation... first bloke I'd select in the midfield is J.Barrett, with some of the others as options to partner him like, Goodhue, ALB, Umaga-Jensen brothers & Sullivan.

tdgeek

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#2954023 12-Aug-2022 18:05

artbloke:

Obviously the NZ rugby supporters don't get any actual say on how the ABs should be run - but it isn't rocket science mate, not difficult to see what's going wrong & where improvements need to be made... one part as mentioned is to execute a much smarter kicking game, especially when we're receiving slower ball.

I will concede I am not a rugby fanboy. So the details are more well known by the other fanboys here (meant in a positive way) So, while I enjoy AB international rugby, but not to the extent of detail as others here, I watch a LOT of sport. Skill, decision making, managing when you are in control, managing when you are under pressure. Bit of bad luck here bit of good luck there, how do you manage it?

It isnt rocket science (mate). But its also not you and I deciding the team and we win the next 10 games on the trot. Not being mean, but do you watch sport???

Sport at the elite level is many factors. But you seem to overly simplify it. Id like to put my perspective on it, but im not 110% invested in rugby so Im not qualified. But I am invested in sport, and the same principles apply....mate

tdgeek

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#2954030 12-Aug-2022 18:42

Is this a fait accompli?

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/300660797/big-changes-for-super-rugby-teams-if-scott-robertson-gets-all-blacks-job

To satisfy the fans, the media, and that if they take over, a few losses is acceptable as they rebuild (insurance), seems a no brainer. Not inferring I agree or disagree but these ducks line up to satisfy the media frenzy.

artbloke

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#2954095 13-Aug-2022 08:30

tdgeek:

artbloke:

Obviously the NZ rugby supporters don't get any actual say on how the ABs should be run - but it isn't rocket science mate, not difficult to see what's going wrong & where improvements need to be made... one part as mentioned is to execute a much smarter kicking game, especially when we're receiving slower ball.

I will concede I am not a rugby fanboy. So the details are more well known by the other fanboys here (meant in a positive way) So, while I enjoy AB international rugby, but not to the extent of detail as others here, I watch a LOT of sport. Skill, decision making, managing when you are in control, managing when you are under pressure. Bit of bad luck here bit of good luck there, how do you manage it?

It isnt rocket science (mate). But its also not you and I deciding the team and we win the next 10 games on the trot. Not being mean, but do you watch sport???

Sport at the elite level is many factors. But you seem to overly simplify it. Id like to put my perspective on it, but im not 110% invested in rugby so Im not qualified. But I am invested in sport, and the same principles apply....mate

Nah mate, don't watch sport, watch tiddlywinks instead 😃 ...of course I watch sport, have played plenty of rugby, soccer/football, cricket & tennis.

The same principle applies in any team sport, if each individual does their role well, you perform well as a team, then it comes down to good decision making & executing accurately under pressure, try to play in the oppositions half as much as possible, good discipline etc... at the highest level a player can have all the skills in his position, but if his mental toughness is poor he's not going to make it at international level.

artbloke

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#2954105 13-Aug-2022 09:01

Need to get our communication & technique right under the high ball... one of our players has to call for the ball early, so there's no confusion, then positively time the jump right, at the same time lifting one knee up as high as possible, which makes the opposition player think twice about an aerial challenge, as they don't want to collide into our players knee.

Handle9

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#2954386 14-Aug-2022 05:29

That was fun. I’m really pleased for all concerned, except for Mark Robinson.

tdgeek

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#2954398 14-Aug-2022 09:16

Great game. TBH I felt we were lucky to be holding on the first half and a bit beyond. We certainly were more solid but RSA didnt run the ball a lot, that is their strength, and when they did it was pretty lethal. For some reason they relied more on working up the middle. They always seemed to look more likely to score. However the score speaks for itself. Oddly the natives tired more than the visitors at altitude.

From here we will rack cup a few wins, ARG, WAL, SCO, that will keep the media away. Lets see how we go against AUS and ENG, that will be the tale of the tape.

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#2954423 14-Aug-2022 12:13

Far better all-round performance by the ABs - can really notice the influence Ryan is having with the forwards... our cleaning was much better on our own ball at the breakdown, so we got much quicker recycled ball, and with the pace the ABs play at the Bok forwards were really struggling

Rieko Ioane had a top game, that was mainly due to his extreme pace down the flanks though, he didn't offer much in the midfield role.

J.Barrett & Jordon showed excellent technique under the high ball.

Exiting from within our own 22 is still an ongoing problem - we should be kicking the ball well out over the side line, so they can't run the ball back at us straightaway or have quick throw in... we can organize our defence properly from an lineout, also have a chance of stealing their ball in the air.

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#2954430 14-Aug-2022 13:07

artbloke:Exiting from within our own 22 is still an ongoing problem - we should be kicking the ball well out over the side line, so they can't run the ball back at us straightaway or have quick throw in...

You have to forgo distance to put the ball well out over the sideline.

That happens and the 'fans' start crucifying the kicker as they're not clearing far enough down field.

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#2954437 14-Aug-2022 13:58

it was a contest until 70 mins when the Boks said goodnight then tucked themselves snugly into bed, like the good old days

networkn

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#2954461 14-Aug-2022 15:40

That was some game! I went in hoping for a win, expecting a loss. I had a good feeling in the first 15 minutes and by half time, I knew it wasn't going to be a blow out.

There was a lot to like, and yet still room for plenty of improvement. There is a lot of potential in this team and a great result for all those who have put in a lot of effort to put together that performance. I think even the most dour of fans would agree that constitutes 'something special'

It's quite obvious that the players care for, and respect Ian Foster. Those who say they are only saying that so they can get picked are being really silly, if you disagree with your coaches handling of the team you simply don't say anything. If you are coming out and praising him, that is something altogether different.

Reiko Ioane was easily man of the match, and his best performance in a black jersey. Both his attack and defense were excellent. If he could put together that performance week in and week out, I'd be happy for him to remain at centre. Credit where credit is due, that was a hell of a performance from him.

It was also probably the best overall performance from Mo'unga, who made some mistakes, including one that cost the AB's 7 points, but him and Havilli really caused some uncertainty for the Boks. He clearly had been given a license to do his thing.

The maul defense is for the second week running, quite excellent, and the accuracy and speed at the breakdown was a *huge* improvement. I thought the AB's did a fantastic job of nullifying Marx, and it will be interesting to see if Marx starts more in subsequent tests.

There were some interesting calls made by Pearce in that game but his communication was excellent throughout, he is better in that regard than even Barnes, though Barnes is still ahead overall.

Confidence is a huge thing, and so long as the AB's temper it and understand what it was that caused that result, I am hoping to see more of the same moving forward.

tdgeek

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#2954486 14-Aug-2022 17:31

Batman:

it was a contest until 70 mins when the Boks said goodnight then tucked themselves snugly into bed, like the good old days

Not sure what to say about that "post"

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