[2014 Mid-Year Tests] New Zealand vs England (1st Test)

[goodNumber10]

secretly watching it in work, looking ok.

NZ will push away in the second half though, i think there was enough demonstrated that if they get some cohesion they will score some trys.

 

[Mrs. Peter Quinn]

Michael Wilson has been a real momentum-killer whenever he receives the ball; just stands there with it and waits for the defenders to come to him...typical prop.

But yes, irritating about the drop-goal - I think we have a tendency to panic when we lose momentum and quick ball following a break. That drop was not on.

 

[The Jones Boy]

Poor kid, so much pressure on Barrett but I think you are right we need the spark from the base of the scrum and Aaron Smith has been quiet so Barrett will have to give it some from first five.

 

[Big Ewis]

England will lose this game ultimately most probably, as we all know the effect of a second half from a better team on paper...but hey, when you've got Tuilagi caring like Picamoles and with the pace of a winger, Mike Brown, some quick wingers and a balanced attack like we've seen, plus an advantage in the scrum with solid forwards and a hot FH (both in-game and from the boot), very organized defense...why not make it a tight game til the very end ?
But I do think Hansen will shake up his guys like crazy in the locker room and tell em "hey, this is a weakened England side guys, wtffffff here ?!!!" and they'll come out with fire.

 

[nickdnz]

A pretty rusty start from the All Blacks, I'd imagine some changes in the seconds half will boost the team a lot. We need more security at the breakdown, England have done well a number of times just to slow down Aaron Smith's ball.

That Michael fella for England is playing particularly well.

 

[The Jones Boy]

Kaino looks like he's not quite fit enough yet for test match rugby...

 

[nzlizard]

Great opening half by England, definitely looked the better of the 2 teams, the English forwards looking good and controlling the speed good and the backs looking dangerous.

Bad option with the drop goal at the end of the half, why would you?

Messam and Kaino looking good for the AB's forwards, Coles throwing has been good and Smith looking solid at centre.

 

[austingtir]

Poor kid, so much pressure on Barrett but I think you are right we need the spark from the base of the scrum and Aaron Smith has been quiet so Barrett will have to give it some from first five.

Thats a good point actually A Smith's done stuff all aswell. But then you've got a total novice on the bench.... So I cant see Hansen throwing Peranara in the deep end yet.

 

[Tony Manx]

England will lose this game ultimately most probably, as we all know the effect of a second half from a better team on paper...but hey, when you've got Tuilagi caring like Picamoles and with the pace of a winger, Mike Brown, some quick wingers and a balanced attack like we've seen, plus an advantage in the scrum with solid forwards and a hot FH (both in-game and from the boot), very organized defense...why not make it a tight game til the very end ?
But I do think Hansen will shake up his guys like crazy in the locker room and tell em "hey, this is a weakened England side guys, wtffffff here ?!!!" and they'll come out with fire.

I dream a dream of long ago.........................................

 

[Aristodemus]

Going pretty well so far, thought Owens has been harsh on us to be honest. Nonu should have gone for that and the May knock-on that cost 3points was nonsense. We went so close a couple of times, really need to take those chances if we want to win. Still expecting the AB's to fire into life at some point but hope remains!

 

[TheSaffycen]

So annoying that if Richie was called Michael then we would have had three more kicks at goal

 

[dasNdanger]

secretly watching it in work, looking ok.

NZ will push away in the second half though, i think there was enough demonstrated that if they get some cohesion they will score some trys.

So, you think NZ will pull the ol' bait n' switch? Play like shyyte the first half, lull England into thinking they have this thing in the bag and wait for them to let their guard down, then BAM! Run away with the game and leave England in the dust, scratching their heads trying to figure out what went wrong??

I like that idea.

However...I am not counting on it...


das

 

[nzlizard]

Going pretty well so far, thought Owens has been harsh on us to be honest. Nonu should have gone for that and the May knock-on that cost 3points was nonsense. We went so close a couple of times, really need to take those chances if we want to win. Still expecting the AB's to fire into life at some point but hope remains!

lol not sure if serious

 

[Mrs. Peter Quinn]

"Keep the discipline to the minimum"

 

[The Jones Boy]

Conrad Smith dropped the ball in the middle of a back line move, you just don't see that sort of thing from a well oiled machine, very disappointing to see the AB's struggling to get cohesion in their own moves and it makes the oppositions job so much easier to defend.
Schoolboy stuff.
The All Blacks have been ordinary, if this keeps up National are OUT at the next election.

 

[Big Ewis]

and btw, it's been quite some time now, the AB have really looked mediocre at scrum time. Maybe an issue when it really really counts in London next year. Marler was having an easy time containing Owen Franks.

 

[The Jones Boy]

I like the fact that England have put out pretty much a 'B' team.
IT's only fair after all thats all we ever send to Twickenham year in and year out.
;-)

 

[austingtir]

What a novice play by coles that was terrible!

 

[Peat]

Sorry to be in the minority but with it being half time and sooo many balls lost in situations like that is so many games, I think it was the correct decision to go for the drop with the way FB had taken his kicks.........

The percentage option is to move the ball back into the centre, win the breakdown, then give him the easier shot. That should be bread and butter.

Delighted to see Burns rocking it in general though.

 

[Big Ewis]

the FUCQ was May thinking ?!