I remember Connor Murray ripping the ABs at Soldiers Field in Chicago…he was brilliant that day. Gibson-Park has never impressed in the same way individually. His contest with Aaron Smith will be pivotal…Smith is in terrific form and to me outplayed Dupont in the WC opener.
Gibson Park and James Lowe seemed to have bulked up. Should we test them for steroids? 
They have played well because of the clarity in their game plan. Everyone seemed to have bought in - same as the Boks and The French.
So looking forward to the Test.
Yes, James Lowe and Al Bundi Aki were also Joe Averages that slotted into a game plan, but appear to have lifted their games somewhat.
To be honest I so hate the way James Lowe celebrates and Aki. Almost over the top In Your Face Type Celebrations. Maybe it's just me being jealous and bitter being at the receiving end - Almost like rubbing it in. I mean no-one in NZ forced you to leave - You left on your own accord and your success is all up to you so enjoy but don't rub it in = be humble. Mind you our centre does swagger big time after he scores LOL Therefore I love going into this Test as underdogs - keeps us humble and grounded.
I think it takes the pressure of a little bit being the underdogs…Ireland and France are under immense pressure to win this thing, given the WC History
Now that you mention Lowe and Aki...and my dislike for Johnny, I'll probably cheer NZ in this match...although my heart goes out to the Irish supporters should the not make it.
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is in great form. He has been around for a while, but until more recently he seemed a bit of a Joe Average that justs blends into the game plan. Someone that was not good enough to make it for the All Blacks.
I thought Connor Murray was better, even at this later stage of his carrer- but Parks has been the form scrumhalf so far.