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Lancaster set to make changes; Planet Rugby

Started by Just_win5 REPLIES346 VIEWS· 09 Jun 2014, 08:38
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JW
Just_winCaptain18,570 posts
09 Jun 2014, 08:38
#1
09 Jun 2014, 08:38#1

England boss Stuart Lancaster is planning to ring the changes for Saturday's second Test with New Zealand in Dunedin.

With several stalwarts, who arrived late from last weekend's Premiership Final, available for selection, or recovering from injury, Lancaster revealed that some of the players who shone in the 20-15 loss to the All Blacks in Auckland cane expect to be amongst the replacements in Dunedin.

"There were a lot of players who got opportunities who took them," he told Sky Sports News.

"The impact of the bench will be important in the second Test and perhaps the rotation that we put in between the second and third Tests might come into the equation as well."

Only nine or 10 players who impressed against the world champions in the first Test are expected to be in the starting line-up this weekend.

Owen Farrell, Courtney Lawes and Tom Wood are set to return to the run-on side while Danny Care and Billy Twelvetrees, who are recovering from injuries, may also come into contention.

"Danny's making good progress," added Lancaster.

"We are hopeful he will take a little part in skills, in Monday's training, and then Tuesday should be able to train (with) no contact and be fit to go come Thursday, so we're pretty optimistic about him.

"Billy Twelvetrees is good, he came through Saturday's training fine."

And Lancaster remains confident that his side can bounce back and come from behind to take the series.

"It's always been our goal to come here and win the series. We didn't quite nail the first game but we'll be confident but know we've got to improve in order to win the second."

JW
Just_winCaptain18,570 posts
09 Jun 2014, 08:41
#2
09 Jun 2014, 08:41#2
 Both teams are looking to improve their performance so it is building up to be a good contest. 
Poms are bringing in reinforcements, AB looking to smooth out some kinks & may bring in Savea and Reid if fit. We may also see Dagg given a bre ak due to knee problems.
3K
3ku1Pro2,580 posts
09 Jun 2014, 09:33
#3
09 Jun 2014, 09:33#3

 Maybe not the best idea for Lancaster to bring in to many changes, if he does it may dodge all momentum they had in that game. Difference in the game is that England were not clinical with their several oppurtunities, NZ got one and its all they needed when Conrad Smith scored in the corner. I expect Savea to return, Read probably won't with concussion which is smart.


1. Woodcock 2. Coles 3. O Franks 4. Retilluck 5. S Whitelock 6. Messam 7. Mccaw (c) 8. Kaino 9. Smith 10. Barratt 11. Savea 12. Nonu 13. Smith 14. Jane 15. B Smith


16. Mealamu 17. Famuaina 18. Tuiplotu 19. Vito 20. Peranara 21. Cruden 22. Fekiatoa

JW
Just_winCaptain18,570 posts
09 Jun 2014, 09:48
#4
09 Jun 2014, 09:48#4

 3ku1: Cruden on the bench and Barrett starting - big call mate ! I would be surprised if Hansen does this unless Cruden is injured. I think Hansen will see Cruden as having done a decent enough job & give him at least one more game to get his A game back.

 

We will see.

CL
CleanCutPro9,905 posts
09 Jun 2014, 12:44
#5
09 Jun 2014, 12:44#5
 
Barrett is your best 10. Cruden falls short in every aspect of 10 play. In fact I would go as far as to say that I would replace Cruden on the bench with Slade.

I'll be surprised to see Kieran play this weekend. He should be given the entire test series off to recover properly. Too valuable a player to mess with. 

McCaw is old. He is by a LONG shot not what he used to be. Time to hang up the boots me thinks. It's a shame to see him like this.

Matt Todd should be a good replacement. I personally prefer Brad Shields to Todd. Not sure if he's injured though.

Vito looked on fire when he came on. Reckon he should be given a start as well.

Jane didn't impress at all. Maybe another shot at it would help him find his mojo.

Dagg has been rather poor these last few seasons. Don't know what it is but he's not what he once was. 




3K
3ku1Pro2,580 posts
09 Jun 2014, 13:02
#6
09 Jun 2014, 13:02#6
 Its age it happens to all rugby players, while Richie does not possess the same ball carrying skills he used to have, he still have the same vigor he used too. He is still a great defender, I woulden't make a judgement on his test career right now see how he goes in the second test, if hes just as bad yeah maybe a consideration. Even Richie said pick me based on form. Problem is do NZ have another 7 of the calibre of Richie, Matt Todd just returning from injury, Canes been in pretty poor form as of late. Brad Sheilds is an up and coming player, he returned off the bench againgst the Cheifs or Blues I think it was, he's primarily a 6 or a 8 though, could chuck him at 7 and see how he goes. Yeah Barratt big call but other then that initive that ultimately wan them the game, Cruden was pretty average. Barratt coulden't do any worser.
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