JWJust_win
Captain18,570 posts
JWJust_winCaptain18,570 posts
23 Nov 2014, 10:26#2
Very average player ratings for an ABs side & this points to the fact that for 60 minutes they did not execute well - full credit to Wales for this.
23 Nov 2014, 10:58#3
The last 20 was the best I have seen Barratt in the black jersey. But maybe he has not developed enough yet to be the incumbant ten. Let's be honest Wales were great. But NZ mistakes kept them in the game. But we all know NZ are an 80 minute team. They are the fittest team on the planet, at their best no one can hang with them not even the Boks . But they haven't been at their best, not at all. So that makes the RWC an interesting prospect. I liken the Abs to Rafeal Nadal. When Nadal is 100% fully fit, he is almost unbeatable. Same with Abs, if they are anything less then their best, teams can match them. But lets spin this for a second. People are saying, NZ winning in tough situations is masking the problem. NZ are really declining, and its only a matter of time before they crumble. How about this. Teams are at their absoloute best, and cannot possibly get any better. NZ are no where near their best, and are holding back and still win convincingly in the end. Maybe 20 minutes should be added to make it 100 minutes haha, so teams can hang with them. But yeah ratings sound fair.
23 Nov 2014, 11:12#4
Luke another 20 minutes and we will need bodybags for the opposition !
CLclevermike
Coach57,555 posts
CLclevermikeCoach57,555 posts
23 Nov 2014, 11:32#5
I looked yesterday to see how Moneybill is playing and was very disappointed in his performance - nothing to write home about.
23 Nov 2014, 11:40#6
Have to agree Mike, big SBW fan but he had a poor game. To be expected only what his third test back. Maybe a super rugby season well do him well. I thought he was outstanding in the England game. But I guess he diddn't have a lot of ball to contend with. Not only sbw, but all abs players were being cut down, due to Wales fast line speed. So maybe it is unfair to single out SBW. When Slade went to flyhalf and Barratt at Fullback, and Smith on the wing. It changed alot, having Three Playmakers kinda confused Wales. Slade has been impressing the heck out of me, the comparisons to Donald are stupid, as Slade is the far better player. When Slade kicks for goal, you just have this reliable feeling, he is going to knock them over every single time.
JWJust_win
Captain18,570 posts
JWJust_winCaptain18,570 posts
23 Nov 2014, 11:54#7
I agree, right now Slade is really making a strong case for being on the squad. Not only has he played well at 10 and kicked well but he offers so much coverage of other positions. It will be hard to leave him out of the RWC squad.
In Super Rugby Carter will need time at 10, isn't Slade playing for Saders now? If so that will make for some interesting decision for the coach.
CLclevermike
Coach57,555 posts
CLclevermikeCoach57,555 posts
23 Nov 2014, 12:04#8
3ku1
There is alot of players that must s how their real worhth in Super 15- nit so much in the NZ teams - but more so in the SA teams.
In the case of NZ - I think aaside from Moneybill we will have too watch out for -
* Performance of their flyhalfs and especially of Carter but also the other three;* Props - they do not really have the best and it woill be worhtwhile to see whether others come through;* Hookers; and* NcCaw - despite all the hype he is not up to the standard he was two years ago - and the engatives are begining to come through - too many penalties - missd tackles. etc.
I know you would grill me about the last one.
In SA - we will have to look out for a much wider group of players:-
* Wings* Centers* Scrummies* At least one lock position* The props
I think we have a good idea about the prop situation - it really is not a worry - but Jannie is a problem. The locks the same - but Matfield is a problem.
I personally am not happy with the SA win g situation. Habana was scrappy and Pietersen has lost so much pace he is not suitable for selection as a wing - while Hendricks have been exposed as having serious defense deficiencies.
At center we have a serious problem with two no 12 centers and not a speciialized 13
At scrummie I think that Meyer will stick with Du Preez - even though he showed zero in the tests since last year nand Pienaar - but we will have to look out fr back-up. players. Am fairly ahppy with reinach - but Hougaard is iffy. Groom may also come into calculation.
23 Nov 2014, 12:11#9
Yes I disagree re Richie . I think he has been in the form of his life this season. Yes he gives away penalties e.t.c. But he always did, he plays till the letter of the law. But Warburton, was actually more offside then Richie beleive it or not. But everyone acts like Richie is the only 7 who does it, all the good 7's do. His work rate is second to none, his understanding of the laws in under rated, and under valued. He misses a few tackles, but the ones he makes are huge. His influence on the Abs this year cannot be under stated. He may not stand out, but it is the small things he is doing. Read stands out more these days, for all the big plays he pulls off. At Prop were okay, O Franks has so much potential but he just seems to doing his core role right now. Tony Woodcock is the best scrummager in the world imo, so we miss him.
We still dominated Scotland and Wales in the Scrum though. Lineout is an issue, although we stole a few. Our second rowers is strong. So is our loosies. Clearly their is depth at ten, which is an asset and a liability. Im kinda concerned about 12 and 13. Who do we go Nonu, Fekitoa, or SBW. I think if Nonu is fit, he well start with C Smith, who prooved his value and we cannot do without him, best out side centre in the world IMO (I know some well disagree with me their). Wings should be piatua and Savea to be honest. DAgg or B Smith at Fullback. Potential World Cup team
1. Woodcock 2. Coles 3. O Franks 4. Retilluck 5. S Whitelock 6. Kaino 7. Mccaw 8. Read 9. Smith 10. Carter 11. Savea 12. Sbw/Nonu 13. C Smith 14. Piatau 15. B Smith
CLclevermike
Coach57,555 posts
CLclevermikeCoach57,555 posts
23 Nov 2014, 12:24#10
You must be careful or NZ will fall into the same trap that prevented other teams from retiaining the WC - namely the age trap.
JWJust_win
Captain18,570 posts
JWJust_winCaptain18,570 posts
23 Nov 2014, 12:41#11
In 3ku1's starting line up there are no 38 year old "Matfield's", lol The average age is not bad at all.
