Good to see some of the players who have been injured named: Lomaz. S. Barret, Frizell and Retallick. Also good to see the bench has Roigard, Mckenzie on it as this will give us impact off the bench and a different style of play.
Who would have thought we would have to treat Italy so seriously in a RWC but we do and hopefully we can get some of our mojo back. Good luck boys, let's show how the game should be played!
A strong team. I want to see how Retalick goes and if he can get back into top form for the quarters against Ireland.
Yes, we've named what must be our best team given that some are returning from injury and need game time before the knockout stage. It's a shame we can't find room for Fainga'anuku as he's a real talent and another potential game changer.
To beat Ireland, the All Blacks need their tight 5 giving them quality possession, and Retalick is essential here.
I Thank God for healing for the injured boys.
Good to hear McKenzie in the mix.
I pray for no injuries or yellow cards or red cards for this Test and the rest of the Tournament.
Would rather see LF on the bench instead of ALB, gives us more go forward power and he can play multiple positions.
Ofa Tu’ungafasi
Nepo Laulala
Dalton Papali’i
Beauden Barrett
Are a real concern to me,
They are as weak as pig shit I am afraid.
If Barrett is off his game it spells disaster.
And if Codie Taylor does not get the lineouts right – it is going to be a very long night.
These All Blacks are making costly mistakes a normal pattern.
The normal standard is becoming very poor.
We can guarantee that we will be down to 14 players at some stage -This is becoming the normal for the Ab's.
There is something missing from this AB SQUAD AND IT HAS BEEN MISSING SINCE 2017 AGAINST THE LIONS.
The mental ability of this side is very weak and we can guarantee that the AB's will be headless chickens at some stage during the game and keep Italy in the game.
Alot of Kiwis have noticed it and little wonder that there is not much motivation for this world cup back home.
Lets get real - The Kiwi public never wanted Foster as coach because they knew we would end up in this position - NO DIFFERENT TO WHEN HE WAS COACHING THE CHIEFS - AS SOON AS RENNIE TOOK OVER - THEY WON SUPER RUGBY.
Foster is trying the same old shit and expecting different results - We just need him to DISAPPEAR..
No I am not being negative - Analysis just proves all of the above.
Good luck ABs hope you come off injury free.
Thanks @Denny
Hacked Waugh you can relax the wee abs will blow Italy away.
I think you also have a fair chance to beat an over hyped Ireland. Our game with Ireland showed they are definitely beatable.
I like the look of your team and predict a big win over Italy.
All the vitriol against the Boks by fake Bok supporters and their lauding of Ireland to the heavens has made me hope NZ sets the record straight in the quarters. You guys are in with a shout for sure.
Yep I'm tipping an AB win over Ireland....too easy as well.
18,568 posts
1. Ofa Tu’ungafasi (55)
2. Codie Taylor (80)
3. Nepo Laulala (51)
4. Brodie Retallick (105)
5. Scott Barrett (64)
6. Shannon Frizell (28)
7. Dalton Papali’i (28)
8. Ardie Savea (captain) (77)
9. Aaron Smith (121)
10. Richie Mo’unga (51)
11. Mark Tele’a (6)
12. Jordie Barrett (52)
13. Rieko Ioane (65)
14. Will Jordan (26)
15. Beauden Barrett (118)
16. Dane Coles (88)
17. Tamaiti Williams (3)
18. Tyrel Lomax (27)
19. Samuel Whitelock (148)
20. Sam Cane (90)
21. Cam Roigard (3)
22. Damian McKenzie (43)
23. Anton Lienert-Brown (65)