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All Blacks first test

Started by Papamoa31 REPLIES432 VIEWS· 08 Jun 2014, 08:24
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PA
Papamoa
Club Pro683 posts
PA
PapamoaClub Pro683 posts
08 Jun 2014, 08:24
#1
08 Jun 2014, 08:24#1

All Blacks get off to a poor start. Did the AB deserve to win in my opinion NO! They didn't they were very weak. From 1-15. Their wasn't a lot to be positive about but putting more points on the board than the English. 


England on the other hand played extremely well they had a great strategy and game plan they knew were they could put pressure and be rewarded. Unfortunately they didn't score but they had the AB on the ropes and swinging for their lives. With probing breaks deep into AB territory and exceptional kicking game that had the AB reeling for majority of the test. Burns was a huge standout and a major weapon that the AB will have to turn the table on.


Captain Robshaw proved to be a great leader as he installed in the team a resilient belief that they can and will conquer the All Blacks. 


Lancaster also proving to be a great coach with a strategy to unravel the world champs. He is building for the RWC,  with his youthful side a new culture of strength and determination that should make the world stand up and take notice. 


If this is the capability and style they can bring in New Zealand you can only imagine how big a hurtle it will be at Twickenham,  even for the All Blacks.


The All Blacks lacked they're linking passes and direct running, combined with poor defense with 15 missed tackles to just 6 by the English. Nonu had a terrible test as did Dagg who couldn't create a exit strategy to relive the endless pressure. Ben Smith also had an unusually bad game with bad ball skills. Coles also getting hammered at the front and didn't deal well with the pressure. 


That is all credit to the Red Rose they came damn close to winning at Eden Park. For next week the All Blacks will look at the video and cringe at the pitiful test they displayed and one can only hope they resurrect the problems or they will be in for another stressful evening.


Dunedin is the next venue with a closed stadium and far dryer conditions this should be a place the All Blacks get back to their roots of attacking rugby,  pouncing on opposition mistakes and scoring tries,  a thing the All Blacks use to do very well.


Heres hoping.  

PE
poi-e
Pro1,044 posts
PE
poi-ePro1,044 posts
08 Jun 2014, 08:53
#2
08 Jun 2014, 08:53#2
 The smartest thing the English did was slow every facet of the game to their pace, the lineouts, scrums, restarts were all designed to take any momentum away from the ABs
3K
3ku1
Pro2,580 posts
3K
3ku1Pro2,580 posts
08 Jun 2014, 09:12
#3
08 Jun 2014, 09:12#3
 It's also best to remember this was NZ first test of the season, they are always historically rusty. The commentators even pointed out England slowing the pace of the game down suited their style, and it did not not suit the Abs, therefore having no real momentum. In the end though NZ showed more iniative, and proved their class and were more clinical in the end. Victor Vito was a standout, made a massive impact off the bench. NZ can only get better. It is disappointing to here buying a win from the ref, but I guess when NZ constantly win 15 wins in a row now, theirs no other possible outlet to fall back on. NZ just get as many bad calls, but apparently that does not matter. NZ did not win because of a yellow card, or buying the ref e.t.c. Accusing of match fixing is the worse I saw, is petty and pathetic. Im starting to wonder about some of trolls who call them self SA fans, they think they are being smart but they are being ignorant, and they are giving their country a bad name, regardless if their speculation on the refs and their decisions are justified or not, its just all about sensationalizing controversy to reinforce their agenda againgst the All Blacks, oh poor us. How about you score more points then NZ and you wont have to worry about the ref, hold on that didn't happen in 2011 haha so their you go. Like I said NZ can only get better, not sure how better England can get, thing to remember NZ didn't concede a try so that's something.
JW
Just_win
Captain18,570 posts
JW
Just_winCaptain18,570 posts
08 Jun 2014, 10:02
#4
08 Jun 2014, 10:02#4
Great posts guys!
Rather than repeat what you have said for me the main point is that as we know ABs get off to a slow start we should do something about it. Hansen needs to have the ABs in training longer or have some warm-up games. They also need to simulate the speed & level of physicality of tests (without killing each other). This would solve the lack of team work, coordination and also address the  high error rate.
As for Beeno & his "it's the ref's fault" Muppets, lol It is far easier to blame someone else than it is to face reality & fix your own problems. Sure there are ref calls that are wrong or that don't go you way in cases where it is 50/50. We all have to live with that. 
I am glad that Beeno has a sense of humor about it all & we can have some fun. Not so wild about a few of the posters who adopt an "if I am angry they will think I am a grownup" approach. But ok, it all adds to the richness of the board I guess.
So, IMO the performance yesterday was very disappointing but we just have to fix it as we have done  in prior years. Better to have a hard lesson now than closer to the RWC. I don't think there was anything that can't be fixed & it will be great to see this team evolve. They are nowhere near the level of last year! 
PA
Papamoa
Club Pro683 posts
PA
PapamoaClub Pro683 posts
08 Jun 2014, 10:59
#5
08 Jun 2014, 10:59#5
Yes,  it was disappointing but it's not the be all and end all of the matter, things can and will be fixed. If anything this open test gives the coaches clear areas to work on and address. Lancaster has done his homework its Hansen's turn this week and turn it around. The AB need to up their work loads,  ALL OF THEM!!! 
They need to be ball hungry and savage at the breakdowns. I don't believe its a fitness issue for some reason they start off at a crawl.
IH
Ihaki77
Newbie10 posts
IH
Ihaki77Newbie10 posts
08 Jun 2014, 11:29
#6
08 Jun 2014, 11:29#6
 It was extremely frustrating to watch.Papamoa you got it spot on with Nonu and Dagg.Both had terrible games.The boys looked tired as well.Whitelock was out on his feet in the second half.First game rustyness.
PE
poi-e
Pro1,044 posts
PE
poi-ePro1,044 posts
08 Jun 2014, 11:37
#7
08 Jun 2014, 11:37#7
That's a Maori name Ihaki, what's your Iwi?  
CL
clevermike
Coach57,555 posts
CL
clevermikeCoach57,555 posts
08 Jun 2014, 11:39
#8
08 Jun 2014, 11:39#8
 One has to admit that this was the AB's first test of the year and also the fatigue factor affecting some of the Super 15 players.   The other issue is that some of the players have in fact under-performed on Super 15 as well - and that raises some serious questions about their inclusion in the AB team.
On the other hand the English team lacked some of its best players becaue o the final of the Aviva competition a week earlier. 
Bearing in mind the latter issue - but more particularly the actual performances of players is really grounds for the serious review of performances if players.  n the negative  side - New Zealand do not have better players for tight 5 selection than those already in the team so they need to take measures to try and up the playing capacity  of those players.  
Another worrisome factor is that the loosies missed too many tackles and other than Kaino had very poor ball carrying capacity. 
In the backline it as evident that -
*   that Cruden did not perform on the level that would enhance the attacking capacity of the backline and that is not a good sign; and
*   Nonu showed very few signs of meeting the requirements normally expected from the no 12 center position. and
*   That Conrad Smith and Ben Smit had spotty performances and missed some tackles as well - with neither showing much in ball carrying.
There may be an improvement in the second test - but if there is no improvement, some real rethinking on issues by Hansen will be necessary and unlike the present scenario he should really review both performances on international level and in Super 15 and not only look at experience and reputation in selecting the team.   
CL
clevermike
Coach57,555 posts
CL
clevermikeCoach57,555 posts
08 Jun 2014, 11:39
#9
08 Jun 2014, 11:39#9
 Duplication
PE
poi-e
Pro1,044 posts
PE
poi-ePro1,044 posts
08 Jun 2014, 11:48
#10
08 Jun 2014, 11:48#10
 What a fucking dope, Kaino was one of the best players on the park.
3K
3ku1
Pro2,580 posts
3K
3ku1Pro2,580 posts
08 Jun 2014, 12:20
#11
08 Jun 2014, 12:20#11
 Yeh NZ tight five looked tired, but SA dont look any better, but both should improve. Few changes should be made, but keep same backline theyll be better for the run.
1. Woodcock 2. Coles 3. O Franks 4. Retilluck 5. S Whitelock 6. Messam 7. Mccaw (c) 8. Kaino 9. Smith 10. Cruden 11. Jane 12. Nonu 13. Smith 14. Smith 15. Barratt 
DB
DbDraad
Captain26,388 posts
DB
DbDraadCaptain26,388 posts
08 Jun 2014, 12:25
#12
08 Jun 2014, 12:25#12
 Poi-e he said other than Kaino.
3K
3ku1
Pro2,580 posts
3K
3ku1Pro2,580 posts
08 Jun 2014, 12:30
#13
08 Jun 2014, 12:30#13
 Player Ratings:
Woodcock 5/10
Coles 6/10
O Franks 5/10
Retilluck 7/10
S whitelock 5/10
Messam 5/10
Mccaw 5/10
Kaino 8/10
Smith 6/10
Cruden 3/10
Jane 7/10
Nonu 3/10
Smith 8/10
B Smith 5/10
Dagg 3/10
Faumauina 6/10
Mealamu 4/10
Vito 9/10
Peranara 5/10
Barratt 5/10
Fekitoa 4/10
Players like Messam, Nonu, Dagg havent being setting the world on fire, altho daggs finding some form lately. Fekiatoa may get a start so well baratt possibly vito.
PE
poi-e
Pro1,044 posts
PE
poi-ePro1,044 posts
08 Jun 2014, 13:06
#14
08 Jun 2014, 13:06#14
Holy shit he did too, then I made a fuck up and I apologise.
CL
clevermike
Coach57,555 posts
CL
clevermikeCoach57,555 posts
08 Jun 2014, 13:27
#16
08 Jun 2014, 13:27#16
 Just Win
The ratings of Rugby365 is normally one point too high.  I think that I said other than Kaino the loosies were very average and I differ in some respects from the backline ratings.
You should have seen what i said about the SA Tight 5 - they disintegrated completely and Meyer is unlikely to learn anything.  You cannot have locks who try and look good in line outs and open play and contributes zero in scrumming.   That - together with the poor showing of players like Jannie Du Plessis and Gurthro Steenkamp - caused the worst scrumming I have seen since starting to watch rugby many decades ago.  Du Plessis was poor in Super 15 as wll and is way past his sell by date.  Steenkamp is a fat arse that is not in Toulouse's starting line up.
The Under 20 scrum looked better than those lot did.  
3K
3ku1
Pro2,580 posts
3K
3ku1Pro2,580 posts
08 Jun 2014, 13:59
#17
08 Jun 2014, 13:59#17

I think it's good to note coaches shoulden't always base their selection policy based on whos scoring the most trys in super rugby level. Super Rugby and Test Rugby are two separate worlds. Look at Crusaders of 2002 they wan Super 12, the AB coach at the time made 14 of the starting line up all Saders, it was a disaster. Combinations and chemistry just seem to work better in different environments. So while I agree coaches should pick on form too, they need to find the right balance between Form, reputation, and experience. And I think Hanson is finding the right balance. Compared to the SA team, NZ have no where near the same amount of old players. For Bok front row I would pick Malhebe, Bismark, and Marcel Van der merwe. Locks Estebeth and Flip Van Der Merwe (Ithink they are injured but when they return). Loosies Brussow, Coetzee, Vermuluen. Scrumhalves Houggard Flyhalf Lambie Wings Hendricks, Habana Centres Du Jongh? JJ? Fullback Le Roux. As for ABS Woodcock, Coles, O Franks Locks Retilluck, S Whitelock Loosies Kaino, Mccaw, Vito Scrumhalve Smith Flyhalf Barratt Wings Jane/Savea, B Smith Centres Nonu, C Smith Fullback Dagg  

OI
oimatey
Pro1,870 posts
OI
oimateyPro1,870 posts
09 Jun 2014, 03:34
#18
09 Jun 2014, 03:34#18
Full credit to the AB's for finding a way to win when they were off their game - the great teams always do - and the saying you make your own luck is so true. Not surprised that Conrad Smith was the man that scored the winning try. Would that the Boks had such a gamer like him or AAC at 13. There is no doubt in my mind McCaw will get up to speed with more game time. Thought the Yarde yellow in slo-mo it appeared he actually had more of the possession of the ball than Retallick did but benefit of the doubt to the attacking team. Nigel Owens has definitely had better games. Mike Brown looked tired and less explosive than he was in the Six Nations - effects of a long season no doubt - he was desperately close to scoring. Tuilagi has to get the ball early and often . Robshaw has that move down where he looks to be part of the ruck, scoops the ball behind him and takes off - good awareness. Lancaster has his men playing good confident rugby and with some more frontline players will challenge NZ even when they are playing better.

JW
Just_win
Captain18,570 posts
JW
Just_winCaptain18,570 posts
09 Jun 2014, 08:02
#19
09 Jun 2014, 08:02#19
Good summary Oimatey, I can't disagree. 
Glad Poms are building & they do have depth with strong forwards and competent backs (that seem to be getting better). Yes, they will be a handful & at home during the RWC it will be a tough game for all of us. 
Good for rugby but the tension will build for us fans
WA
Wardad
Pro6,663 posts
WA
WardadPro6,663 posts
09 Jun 2014, 09:04
#20
09 Jun 2014, 09:04#20
 I reckon the poms gave our boys a better workout than France gave the Aussies ! What a waste of money that was ....Why the blimmin heck is Ben Smith not on the wing ? 
BE
Beeno1
Captain40,032 posts
BE
Beeno1Captain40,032 posts
09 Jun 2014, 09:55
#21
09 Jun 2014, 09:55#21
 Well well well what have we here the thread starts with a post by PAPA moaner (or some unacknowledged journo) which is realistci.Howver we then have s series of denials and excuses especially from 3 IQ. We are rusty having not played together bleats 3IQ. What about the Poms mate. This ab side has played many times togethjer it is an established team. The centrally contrated abs were tired!!!! What happened tto the system of managing the wee abs or is this just another excuse.The cards not given to trhe abs is of no account ou 3IQ stoiutly maintains. We are back in cuckooland!!   
JW says one must not blame the ref but score more points. It's all very well for him to say this once the ref has carded an English player but failed to card the abs on at least two occassions. The last try by the wee abs came when England were a man dowm. Getting a glimmer JW.


Poooooie complains bitterly about the Poms slowing the ball down. Cry me a river!! Pooooie what is YOUR Iwi?
I find the idea the abs can improve but the English missing most of their top players cant imoprove  
Mike of course tries to get the kbbs back on track. Good post Mike.
We then have 3 IQ trying his hand at selecting a Bok team!!!Malhebe, Bismark, and Marcel Van der merwe. Locks Estebeth and Flip Van Der Merwe (Ithink they are injured but when they return). Loosies Brussow, Coetzee, Vermuluen. Scrumhalves Houggard Flyhalf Lambie Wings Hendricks, Habana Centres Du Jongh? JJ? Fullback Le Roux
3 IQ not being too critical here or splitting hairs etc but really. De Jongh and JJ at centre!!! Coetzee!! He is so one dimensional its unreal.  Hougaard before Du preez or Reinach or Faf. Hougaard's mind doesn't work quick enough for scrummie. Faf looks avery good one to me.
Anyhow a great thread and most entertaining so thanks to all concerned. 
BE
Beeno1
Captain40,032 posts
BE
Beeno1Captain40,032 posts
09 Jun 2014, 09:56
#22
09 Jun 2014, 09:56#22
 Well well well what have we here the thread starts with a post by PAPA moaner (or some unacknowledged journo) which is realistci.Howver we then have s series of denials and excuses especially from 3 IQ. We are rusty having not played together bleats 3IQ. What about the Poms mate. This ab side has played many times togethjer it is an established team. The centrally contrated abs were tired!!!! What happened tto the system of managing the wee abs or is this just another excuse.The cards not given to trhe abs is of no account ou 3IQ stoiutly maintains. We are back in cuckooland!!   
JW says one must not blame the ref but score more points. It's all very well for him to say this once the ref has carded an English player but failed to card the abs on at least two occassions. The last try by the wee abs came when England were a man dowm. Getting a glimmer JW.


Poooooie complains bitterly about the Poms slowing the ball down. Cry me a river!! Pooooie what is YOUR Iwi?
I find the idea the abs can improve but the English missing most of their top players cant imoprove  
Mike of course tries to get the kbbs back on track. Good post Mike.
We then have 3 IQ trying his hand at selecting a Bok team!!!Malhebe, Bismark, and Marcel Van der merwe. Locks Estebeth and Flip Van Der Merwe (Ithink they are injured but when they return). Loosies Brussow, Coetzee, Vermuluen. Scrumhalves Houggard Flyhalf Lambie Wings Hendricks, Habana Centres Du Jongh? JJ? Fullback Le Roux
3 IQ not being too critical here or splitting hairs etc but really. De Jongh and JJ at centre!!! Coetzee!! He is so one dimensional its unreal.  Hougaard before Du preez or Reinach or Faf. Hougaard's mind doesn't work quick enough for scrummie. Faf looks avery good one to me.
Anyhow a great thread and most entertaining so thanks to all concerned. 
3K
3ku1
Pro2,580 posts
3K
3ku1Pro2,580 posts
09 Jun 2014, 10:04
#23
09 Jun 2014, 10:04#23
 Beeno you just have all the answers don't you if you notice I never said JJ and de jongh at centre, I offered choices at centre, not any specific position. For the record NZ didn't win because of the ref, they wan because NZ were more clinical.
BE
Beeno1
Captain40,032 posts
BE
Beeno1Captain40,032 posts
09 Jun 2014, 10:16
#24
09 Jun 2014, 10:16#24
 3 IQ, JJ and de Jongh at center are nightmares not choices!For the record they won because of ref errors no doubt about it. Clinical. Hahahhahahaha
Thanks
3K
3ku1
Pro2,580 posts
3K
3ku1Pro2,580 posts
09 Jun 2014, 10:27
#25
09 Jun 2014, 10:27#25
 IF you look at the penalty count its pretty even, England had some calls go their way did they win if they went on to win because of reffing errors? Of course not haha. Reffing always influences outcomes of games, but it's not the only variable. England has several oppurtunities to score and to be quite honest should of wan by 20, NZ really had one opportunity and they took it ala Conrad Smith Try, ala being more clinical.
CL
CleanCut
Pro9,905 posts
CL
CleanCutPro9,905 posts
09 Jun 2014, 10:33
#26
09 Jun 2014, 10:33#26
 
Well ... they were lucky to pull a win out the bag. A few dubious decisions went against the Poms but that's to be expected when the New Zealanders are involved.

Either way, if the same side of poms played against Meyer's Old Goats they would have beaten them comfortably.

Meyer can thank his lucky starts his pensioners played against a bunch of uninterested boys who came to entertain the crowd. 
BE
Beeno1
Captain40,032 posts
BE
Beeno1Captain40,032 posts
09 Jun 2014, 10:37
#27
09 Jun 2014, 10:37#27
 3 IQ well done mate. England should have won by 20. Would have too had the abs been given the yellows they deserved. Would the abs so lauded for thier last try have scored gainst 15 men. They say ayellow is worth 10 point? Probably not.
A guide for you. Always listen intently to the honest and knowledgeable Sir Justin Marshall. A rare bird in kiwi land. Some kiwis here dont like Justin but can thy match his credibility:

ustin Warren Marshall, MNZM (born 5 August 1973) is a former New Zealand rugby union player. He was born in Mataura and educated in Gore before settling in Christchurch. Marshall played 81 games for the New Zealand All Blacks between 1995 and 2005. He is now a Sky Sports commentator in New Zealand for most All Blacks games and other provincial level matches.

Contents

  [hide] 

Rugby union career[edit]

Marshall began his rugby union career with Southland and was then asked to join Christchurch by Canterbury coach Vance Stewart. It was whilst here that Marshall first made the break into the All Blacks side for the 1995 tour of Italy and France. Marshall was just 22 when he made his début against France in a 37–12 win.

In 1997 Marshall was made captain of New Zealand and led out his team in four tests in Great Britain, becoming the All Blacks' 54th Test Captain. In moving to Europe, Marshall retired from international rugby with the All Blacks in 2005. He made 81 appearances for the All Blacks, with a record of 61 wins, 1 draw and just 19 defeats. Marshall is the highest capped scrum half in All Blacks history. He has scored a record 24 Test tries for New Zealand, a tally that more than doubles the next best for an All Blacks scrum half, held bySid Going.

Marshall played for Canterbury in the National Provincial Championship,[1] the Crusaders in the Super 12 competition, and the All Blacks. However, his New Zealand contract ran out after the 2005 Lions tour,[2] and he signed to play the 2005–06 season for Leeds Tykes in the English Premiership.[3] However, following the relegation of Leeds from the Premiership, Marshall left the club at the end of the season. On 25 April 2006 it was announced he had signed for the Welsh regional side Ospreys on a two-year contract beginning in September 2006.[4] Before signing for Ospreys, Marshall indicated an interest in returning to New Zealand to once again be an All Black and play in the World Cup, even being prepared to play for Auckland.[5] On 16 July 2008 Ospreys announced that Marshall had been released from his contract early,[6] and he signed for Top 14 side Montpellier.[7] On 15 January 2009 he signed for Saracens on a contract to the end of the 2008–09 season.[8]

Throughout the 2009–10 season, whilst continuing to play for Saracens, Marshall was a pundit and commentator on BBC Walesrugby programme Scrum V.[9] At the end of that season, he announced the end of his playing career with a view to moving back to New Zealand to focus on his broadcasting career there.[10]

In April 2013, Marshall made an unexpected comeback, taking the field for club side Wakatipu, at the age of 39.[11]

Profile[edit]

  • NPC teams: Southland Stags (1992–1994), Canterbury(1995–2004)
  • NPC games: 75 games (60 Canterbury, 15 Southland)
  • NPC points: 450 points (60 tries, 50 drop-goals)
  • Ranfurly Shield games: 24 games (challenges/defenses)
  • Ranfurly Shield points: 62 points
  • Super 12 team: Canterbury Crusaders (1996–2005)
  • Super 12 games: 125 games
  • Super 12 points: 169 points (24 tries, 18 drop-goal)
  • English rugby team: Leeds Tykes (2005–2006)
  • Tykes games: 25 games (including Heineken European Cup appearances)
  • Tykes points: 21 (3 tries, 2 drop-goals)
  • Welsh rugby team: Ospreys (2006–)
  • Ospreys games: 27 games (all competitions)
  • Ospreys points: 40 (40 tries)
  • Heineken European Cup/Challenge Cup
    • games: 5 (Leeds Tykes) 6 (Ospreys)
    • points: 21 points (3 tries, 2 drop goals)
  • National team: New Zealand All Blacks
  • All Black debut: 25 October 1995 vs Italy A at Catania
  • International Test debut: 18 November 1995 vs France at Paris
  • All Black Number: 948
  • All Black matches: 88 games – 81 test matches (5 games/4 tests as Captain)
  • All Black points: 200 points (40 tries) – 200 test points (40 tries)
  • All Blacks win-loss record: 61 wins – 1 draw – 19 losses
  • Last Test: Saturday, 9 July 2005 vs British and Irish Lions at Auckland
  • Invitational teams:
    • British Barbarians (2 games)
    • French Barbarians (1 game)
    • World XV (3 games, 5 points)
    • Classic All Blacks (5 games, 5 points)

First-class record[edit]

  • Southland under-18 (1991)
  • New Zealand under-19 (1992)
  • Southland Stags (1992–1994)
  • New Zealand Divisional XV (1993)
  • New Zealand Development Team (1994)
  • New Zealand Colts (1993–1994)
  • Canterbury RFU (1995–2004)
  • NZRFU President's XV (1996)
  • Harlequins (1996)
  • Canterbury Crusaders (1996–2005)
  • New Zealand Barbarians (1996)
  • New Zealand A (1998)
  • New Zealand Trials (1996, 1997, 1998, 2004)
  • New Zealand All Blacks (1995–2005)
  • British Barbarians (2004–present)
  • Leeds Tykes (2005–2006)
  • French Barbarians (2005)
  • World XV (2006)
  • Ospreys (2006–2008)
  • Classic All Blacks (2007–2008)
  • Montpellier Hérault (2008–2009)
  • Saracens (2009–2010)

Awards and achievements[edit]

This section of a biography of a living person does not include any references or sources. Please help by adding reliable sources. Contentious material about living people that is unsourced or poorly sourced must be removed immediately. (June 2012)

Individual[edit]

  • 1996 New Zealand National Provincial Championship Division I Player of the Year
  • New Zealand All Blacks Captain (1997 – 5 games, 4 tests)
  • 2003 Rugby World Cup Best XV
  • SANZAR Super 12 XV (2005)
  • SANZAR Super 12 Rugby Centurion (100 Games for the Crusaders – 2005)
  • 2005 Crusaders Player of the Year Rebel Sports Trophy
  • 2005 Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for Excellence and Contributions in Rugby
  • 2005–2006 English Professional Rugby Players' Association Guinness Premiership Player of the Year Award nominee
  • 2005–2006 English Guinness Premiership Dream Team XV
  • British Barbarians Captain (2004)
  • French Barbarians Captain (2005)
  • World XV Captain (2006)

Team[edit]

Club and domestic

  • 1994 New Zealand National Provincial Championship Division II Champions
  • 1995–1996 Ranfurly Shield holders
  • 1997 New Zealand National Provincial Championship Division I Champions
  • 1998 Super 12 champions
  • 1998 New Zealand National Provincial Championship Division I Finalists
  • 1999 Super 12 champions
  • 2000 Super 12 champions
  • 2000–2003 Ranfurly Shield holders
  • 2000 New Zealand National Provincial Championship Division I Finalists
  • 2001 New Zealand National Provincial Championship Division I Champions
  • 2002 Super 12 champions
  • 2003 Super 12 finalists
  • 2004 Super 12 finalists
  • 2004 Ranfurly Shield holders
  • 2004 New Zealand National Provincial Championship Division I Champions
  • 2005 Super 12 champions
  • 2006–07 EDF Energy (Anglo-Welsh) Cup finalists
  • 2006–07 Celtic League champions
  • 2007–08 EDF Energy (Anglo-Welsh) Cup champions

International

  • 1996 Bledisloe Cup champions
  • 1996 Tri Nations champions
  • 1996 New Zealand Tour of South Africa Series Winner
  • 1997 Bledisloe Cup champions
  • 1997 Tri-Nations champions
  • 1999 Tri-Nations champions
  • 1999 Rugby World Cup Fourth Place
  • 2002 Tri-Nations champions
  • 2003 Bledisloe Cup champions
  • 2003 Tri-Nations champions
  • 2003 Rugby World Cup Third Place (bronze)
  • 2004 Bledisloe Cup champions
  • 2005 British and Irish Lions Tour of New Zealand series winner

Facts and records[edit]

This section of a biography of a living person does not include any references or sources. Please help by adding reliable sources. Contentious material about living people that is unsourced or poorly sourced must be removed immediately. (June 2012)
  • First ever Crusaders Centurion, second New Zealand Super 12 Centurion, and third Super 12 player ever to play 100 games (2005)
  • Most capped Crusaders halfback (105 games)
  • Most capped All Black halfback (87 games, 80 test matches), played as a first-five in 2002 New Zealand versus Fiji test
  • Most consecutive international test appearances by an All Black halfback (23 test matches) 1995–1997
  • Most tries scored by an All Black halfback (28 tries, 24 test tries)
  • Most capped All Black in the Tri-Nations Rugby (35 test matches) 1996–2004
  • Most capped All Black in the Bledisloe Cup Rugby (20 test matches) 1996–2004
  • Most number of games played against South Africa by an All Black (22 test matches) 1996–2004
  • Most number of test wins against South Africa by an All Black (16 test wins) 1996–2004
  • Second most capped player in Tri-Nations and Bledisloe Cup rugby history
  • Most Tri-Nations title by a player in the history (5 – 1996, 1997, 1999, 2002, 2003)
BE
Beeno1
Captain40,032 posts
BE
Beeno1Captain40,032 posts
09 Jun 2014, 10:44
#28
09 Jun 2014, 10:44#28
 A plea to all Kbbs. Justin for the most part gets it spot on. Please kbbs, listen to Sir Justin. You would then get a very good idea as to how the ref is shafting your opposition!!!! Not that will worry you of course. 
JW
Just_win
Captain18,570 posts
JW
Just_winCaptain18,570 posts
09 Jun 2014, 10:53
#29
09 Jun 2014, 10:53#29

Ha ha beeno, you crack me up, lol Stirring & trying to make something out of nothing as usual, lol

 

               Beeno: Master Stirrer:

 3 parts veggies to two parts fantasy= blissful & delusional

                            

He has to have something to sustain himself in this time of despair

 

 

All a distraction of course, what about the dilemma of who to pick for what positions in the Bok team. Weak forwards... this cannot be as this is always a major strength for the boks. Clevermike has some suggestions on how to address this fundamental flaw. I won't mention Matfield as that would be too cruel.

 

PS: you haven't changed your avatar

BE
Beeno1
Captain40,032 posts
BE
Beeno1Captain40,032 posts
09 Jun 2014, 11:08
#30
09 Jun 2014, 11:08#30
 Think nothing of it JW, its just years of experience. 
Jw my avatar actually suggest to you part of the solution. Away with wee matfiled and in with Etzebeth. Result = massive boost for Bok pack. 
Scrum needs fixing but can be fixed. First rest Sharks front row as I suggetsed well before the macth. If that advice had been heeded the Sharks front row would have been ready and fresh for Wales!!!Get in a decent lock pairing. Bakkies is okay so put in Lood at 125kg as opposed to wee matfiled's at 106kg - if we are lucky.I would actually lke to see M arcell getting a shot. However it's time Coenie was really tested. Some oaks, like snapster, still think Coenie is a scrumming wizard. Frankly he is not coping too well at tighthead. Test him against Wales for the first half or as long as he can last. Great pity as he does well outside the scrums. At 127 kg he should be strong enough perhaps its still poor technique?

JW
Just_win
Captain18,570 posts
JW
Just_winCaptain18,570 posts
09 Jun 2014, 11:13
#31
09 Jun 2014, 11:13#31

 Great ideas Beeno re how to fix matters. It is not done in desperation is it?

 

But seriously, the Welsh will be a great game for fine tuning the weee boks. You guys should win it easily so chest-thumping will reach a new decibel level this weekend.

CL
CleanCut
Pro9,905 posts
CL
CleanCutPro9,905 posts
09 Jun 2014, 12:00
#32
09 Jun 2014, 12:00#32
 
The Goats should easily beat an understrength Welsh side ... even with their pensioners.

You know your in trouble when you start celebrating a victory over mediocrity.
— END OF THREAD —

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