[2015 RWC] Pool C: New Zealand vs. Georgia (02/10/2015)

[Kiwi_]

Not when it's a 5 day turn around. Think about it, even at the best of times 5 days is tough, but with all due respect to Georgia, against the ABs, all they are going to be doing is running and tackling their hearts out. If the ABs are anything close to their best they will run Georgia into the ground. Far from ideal preparation for the biggest game of their tournament in 5 days time.

I get what you are saying though, if it were a 7 day + turn around then by all means.

Yeah, the best approach. Also another approach would be to keep the try count down on the scenario point differential comes into it by going on to lose to Namibia. But since Tonga got the BP try they will have to beat Namibia.

 

[Croket66]

1. Wyatt Crockett (42)
2. Dane Coles (31)
3. Charlie Faumuina (29)
4. Brodie Retallick (42)
5. Samuel Whitelock (68)
6. Jerome Kaino (62)
7. Richie McCaw â€" captain (144)
8. Kieran Read (79)
9. Aaron Smith (42)
10. Daniel Carter (107)
11. Julian Savea (37)
12. Sonny Bill Williams (28)
13. Conrad Smith (89)
14. Waisake Naholo (1)
15. Ben Smith (43)

Reserves
16. Keven Mealamu (127)
17. Tony Woodcock (116)
18. Owen Franks (73)
19. Victor Vito (30)
20. Sam Cane (26)
21. Tawera Kerr-Barlow (16)
22. TJ Perenara (16)
23. Malakai Fekitoa (12)


That's strong!

 

[nickdnz]

Interesting team.

Very close to (if not our best) starting XV. Ma'a Nonu for SBW, Owen Franks for Faumuina, and possibly NMS for Naholo would be the only changes I would expect from our finals team.

The bench is where it is interesting. If Daniel Carter got injured we have literally no one to fill in there (which may be forgivable against Georgia).

I'm starting to wonder if Victor Vito may seriously be seen as our best lock replacement from the bench. I don't think anyone genuinely sees him as a tight forward - but his strong lineout work and the energy he is bringing to games may put him in a surprising spot ahead of Romano. It also means you can have quality 8 cover - which you don't get with just Sam Cane. That said...we still haven't seen Messam yet, who is leaving it late to push for a spot.

I think we may see Fekitoa possibly used on the left wing later in the match, as Savea is still without a rest.

Anyway - those are my thoughts looking at the team.

 

[Mcfadden]

I'm starting to wonder if Victor Vito may seriously be seen as our best lock replacement from the bench. I don't think anyone genuinely sees him as a tight forward - but his strong lineout work and the energy he is bringing to games may put him in a surprising spot ahead of Romano. It also means you can have quality 8 cover - which you don't get with just Sam Cane. That said...we still haven't seen Messam yet, who is leaving it late to push for a spot.

I actually thought awhile back that Vito might have been paired up with Romano at lock for these smaller games. I think Messam's injury might have interfered with them trying that out. I would like to see Vito feature more prominently. I've said previously that I wouldn't mind him starting over Kaino in the KO games. Big call, but that's just how I feel. I know we concede Kaino's physicality and upper body strength in the tackle but what do the ABs lack more of at the moment? To me, in regards to the top side, it's speed and energy. Not always, but there have been periods of play this year where we have looked a few steps behind what we usually target.

As for the team - I'm happy with it. Some things I was right on, some things I wasn't. Faumuina deserves another start. Ok, he wasn't block busting and it was only Namibia, but the guy did a good job for someone coming back from injury. He got the reward. Owen Franks, I suspect, will be back for the Tongan game, but Franks should play like he's fighting for that number 3 jersey. Overall, that front row looks more energetic to me. Great to see Crockett back. Just hope he can be reasonably accurate in the scrums, because personally I'd like to see Crockett in the main side.

Actually kinda thought Slade might have a go on the wing to give Savea a rest. Also thought Romano might start to give Whitelock a rest, but I guess they want to get the key players together. The reality is we don't have the most competitive pool in the world, so we probably don't want to wrap guys up in cotton wool.

Am I reading that right though? Tawera Kerr-Barlow and TJ Perenara on the same bench? Have we ever done that before? Don't get me wrong, Kerr-Barlow will thrive in this type of match, because he's a physical dude, but I'm more worried about if Carter goes down. You could do a total rejig and put Ben Smith there, and Fekitoa at fullback? Or just put Perenara at 10. I guess we aren't taking any risks with Barrett or Slade. If Carter did have to go off, I wouldn't say we'd lose the match by any stretch. But it'd make things very awkward.

 

[Croket66]

10 changes in the georgian team :


1- Karlen Asieshvili (14)
2- Shalva Mamukashvili (33)
3- Levan Chilachava (26)
4- Levan Datunashvili (73)
5- Giorgi Chkhaidze (85)
6- Shalva Sutiashvili (51)
7- Mamuka Gorgodze – captain (63)
8- Lasha Lomidze (13)
9- Giorgi Begadze (38)
10- Lasha Malaguradze (60)
11- Sandro Todua (48)
12- Tamaz Mchedlidze (33)
13- Davit Kacharava (85)
14- Giorgi Aptsiauri (12)
15- Beka Tsiklauri (21)

16- Simon Maisuradze (32)
17- Mikheil Nariashvili (30)
18- Anton Peikrishvili (15)
19- Kote Mikautadze (38)
20- Viktor Kolelishvili (34)
21- Vasil Lobzhanidze (8)
22- Merab Sharikadze (38)
23- Muraz Giorgadze (8)

Only Gorgodze, Malaguradze, Aptsiauri, Kacharava and Mchedlidze still in the starting XV. Mchedlidze was on the right wing the first two games.
Zirakashvili, Bregvadze, Nemsadze, Tkhilaishvili and Kvirikashvili rested.
Nariashvili, Mikautadze, Kolelishvili, Lobzhanidze and Sharikadze named on the bench
First RWC teamsheet for Chkhaidze, Todua, Lomidze, Tsiklauri (all starters), Maisuradze and Peikrishvili (both on the bench)

 

[tompaton7]

I actually thought awhile back that Vito might have been paired up with Romano at lock for these smaller games. I think Messam's injury might have interfered with them trying that out. I would like to see Vito feature more prominently. I've said previously that I wouldn't mind him starting over Kaino in the KO games. Big call, but that's just how I feel. I know we concede Kaino's physicality and upper body strength in the tackle but what do the ABs lack more of at the moment? To me, in regards to the top side, it's speed and energy. Not always, but there have been periods of play this year where we have looked a few steps behind what we usually target.

As for the team - I'm happy with it. Some things I was right on, some things I wasn't. Faumuina deserves another start. Ok, he wasn't block busting and it was only Namibia, but the guy did a good job for someone coming back from injury. He got the reward. Owen Franks, I suspect, will be back for the Tongan game, but Franks should play like he's fighting for that number 3 jersey. Overall, that front row looks more energetic to me. Great to see Crockett back. Just hope he can be reasonably accurate in the scrums, because personally I'd like to see Crockett in the main side.

Actually kinda thought Slade might have a go on the wing to give Savea a rest. Also thought Romano might start to give Whitelock a rest, but I guess they want to get the key players together. The reality is we don't have the most competitive pool in the world, so we probably don't want to wrap guys up in cotton wool.

Am I reading that right though? Tawera Kerr-Barlow and TJ Perenara on the same bench? Have we ever done that before? Don't get me wrong, Kerr-Barlow will thrive in this type of match, because he's a physical dude, but I'm more worried about if Carter goes down. You could do a total rejig and put Ben Smith there, and Fekitoa at fullback? Or just put Perenara at 10. I guess we aren't taking any risks with Barrett or Slade. If Carter did have to go off, I wouldn't say we'd lose the match by any stretch. But it'd make things very awkward.

Barrett and Slade are carrying injuries and are not being risked. Perenara to cover fly half.

 

[Dirty Ape]

1. Wyatt Crockett (42)
2. Dane Coles (31)
3. Charlie Faumuina (29)
4. Brodie Retallick (42)
5. Samuel Whitelock (68)
6. Jerome Kaino (62)
7. Richie McCaw â€" captain (144)
8. Kieran Read (79)
9. Aaron Smith (42)
10. Daniel Carter (107)
11. Julian Savea (37)
12. Sonny Bill Williams (28)
13. Conrad Smith (89)
14. Waisake Naholo (1)
15. Ben Smith (43)

Reserves
16. Keven Mealamu (127)
17. Tony Woodcock (116)
18. Owen Franks (73)
19. Victor Vito (30)
20. Sam Cane (26)
21. Tawera Kerr-Barlow (16)
22. TJ Perenara (16)
23. Malakai Fekitoa (12)


That's strong!

TKB and TJP both on the bench?! That is not good - it suggests that both Slade and Barrett are still recovering. Ugh. Perenara to cover 10 I guess.

Otherwise this lineup does surprise me. I was pretty sure both Whitelock and Kaino would be rested for this one. Makes me wonder if Romano is injured. I know Messam's injury still hasn't come right. Sigh. Couldhave started Vito at 6 but obviously the coaches like him as an impact player. Getting worried about the wear and tear on Kaino and Whitelock.

The front row changes I can get on board with. Woodcock in particular probably needed a game off and Crockett will benefit from the start. Charlie deserves the start.

SBW in the midfield - again I can buy into that.

But I really thought the philosophy from here on out would be to pretty much put our starting 15 on the park each week. Not the case, obviously.

 

[Icemn]

dafuq!

whats up with nz and RWC Flyhalf curses ()

guess the no4 flyhalf in Lima Sapoaga will have to come win it again...

 

[SomeOke]

guess the no4 flyhalf in Lima Sapoaga will have to come win it again...

At least Sapoaga is a much better fourth choice than Stephen Donald.
Apart from the weird bench this is a very strong side. Hope Naholo is fit and firing! Perhaps the best wing in super rugby this year (him or Nadolo).

 

[Larksea]

its really interesting that this is basically a full strength side minus players with ****les and crockett & Charlie are starting. It shows the selectors are prepared to pick on form, sure its not a game we are in any risk of losing but the team needs to start seriously building some cohesion and continuity.Hopefully it will continue and more so I hope woody & franks take this on board and lift their effort/performance.

 

[ABs2011]

Am I reading that right though? Tawera Kerr-Barlow and TJ Perenara on the same bench? Have we ever done that before? Don't get me wrong, Kerr-Barlow will thrive in this type of match, because he's a physical dude, but I'm more worried about if Carter goes down. You could do a total rejig and put Ben Smith there, and Fekitoa at fullback? Or just put Perenara at 10. I guess we aren't taking any risks with Barrett or Slade. If Carter did have to go off, I wouldn't say we'd lose the match by any stretch. But it'd make things very awkward.

Yup TJP on the bench to cover 10 while Slade and Barrett are rested out of "precaution"

Don't think anyone has confirmed it yet on here but Nonu is being rested due to injury as well - hence SBW starting.

The most interesting thing for me is that Savea is starting which as per previous discussion presumably means he is now preferred over NMS, and its up to Naholo to prove he is fit enough to take the other wing spot.

The thing I am most nervous about is strategic both our locks. Not sure its worth the risk although they must have been monitoring Whitelocks efforts and be happy he doesn't need a rest.

I'm a little nervous about all the "injury ****les" I hope they are nothing too serious.

- - - Updated - - -

10 changes in the georgian team :


1- Karlen Asieshvili (14)
2- Shalva Mamukashvili (33)
3- Levan Chilachava (26)
4- Levan Datunashvili (73)
5- Giorgi Chkhaidze (85)
6- Shalva Sutiashvili (51)
7- Mamuka Gorgodze – captain (63)
8- Lasha Lomidze (13)
9- Giorgi Begadze (38)
10- Lasha Malaguradze (60)
11- Sandro Todua (48)
12- Tamaz Mchedlidze (33)
13- Davit Kacharava (85)
14- Giorgi Aptsiauri (12)
15- Beka Tsiklauri (21)

16- Simon Maisuradze (32)
17- Mikheil Nariashvili (30)
18- Anton Peikrishvili (15)
19- Kote Mikautadze (38)
20- Viktor Kolelishvili (34)
21- Vasil Lobzhanidze (8)
22- Merab Sharikadze (38)
23- Muraz Giorgadze (8)

Only Gorgodze, Malaguradze, Aptsiauri, Kacharava and Mchedlidze still in the starting XV. Mchedlidze was on the right wing the first two games.
Zirakashvili, Bregvadze, Nemsadze, Tkhilaishvili and Kvirikashvili rested.
Nariashvili, Mikautadze, Kolelishvili, Lobzhanidze and Sharikadze named on the bench
First RWC teamsheet for Chkhaidze, Todua, Lomidze, Tsiklauri (all starters), Maisuradze and Peikrishvili (both on the bench)

Excuse my ignorance as to who the 1st XV Georgian team would be, but is that their full strength team? or did they infect hold players back for the Namibia game? Cheers in advance!

- - - Updated - - -

dafuq!

whats up with nz and RWC Flyhalf curses ()

guess the no4 flyhalf in Lima Sapoaga will have to come win it again...

They have said both issues are "minor" - "Coach Steve Hansen said the injuries are minor and all the players were expected to be available next week."

That includes Nonu's shoulder injury as well.

 

[Croket66]

Excuse my ignorance as to who the 1st XV Georgian team would be, but is that their full strength team? or did they infect hold players back for the Namibia game? Cheers in advance!

1st XV would be something like this :

1-Mikheil Nariashvili (bench) 2-Zurab Zhvania (injured) 3-Davit Zirakashvili (rested)
4-Giorgi Nemsadze (rested) 5-Kote Mikautadze (bench)
6-Giga Tkhilaishvili (rested) 8-Mamuka Gorgodze 7-Vito Kolelishvili (bench)
9-Vasil Lobzhanidze (bench) 10-Lasha Khmaladze (injured)
11-Giorgi Aptsiauri 12-Merab Sharikadze (bench) 13-Davit Kacharava 14-Tamaz Mchedlidze (play #12 v NZL)
15-Merab Kvirikashvili (rested) // by default because he is a very poor defender
​

In bold players who will start against New Zealand

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Gorgodze was never going to miss this game, how many chances will he have left to play the All blacks really.

 

[Toko_11]

1st XV would be something like this :

1-Mikheil Nariashvili (bench) 2-Zurab Zhvania (injured) 3-Davit Zirakashvili (rested)
4-Giorgi Nemsadze (rested) 5-Kote Mikautadze (bench)
6-Giga Tkhilaishvili (rested) 8-Mamuka Gorgodze 7-Vito Kolelishvili (bench)
9-Vasil Lobzhanidze (bench) 10-Lasha Khmaladze (injured)
11-Giorgi Aptsiauri 12-Merab Sharikadze (bench) 13-Davit Kacharava 14-Tamaz Mchedlidze (play #12 v NZL)
15-Merab Kvirikashvili (rested) // by default because he is a very poor defender
​

In bold players who will start against New Zealand

hmm I wouldn't say Tkhilaishvili and Nemsadze are starters, even if they did perform well during the last two games.

I think Datunashvili, Gorgodze, Kacharava, Mchedlidze, Todua, Mamukashvili, Sutiashvili are starters, 3 of them are recent injury recoveries which is why our RWC squad was altered. and Tkhilaishvili was picked because of his defensive work vs Sutiashvili who was kept for more attacking games. Lomidze has become our main #8 but since we shifted Mamuka to #8 we didn't have place for him.

So basically 9 of our starters are in the lineup and 5 more on the bench. add to that Chilachava who is as much a starter as Zirakishivli but since there can only be 1 #3 we pick the one with the beard.

So basically out of the 23- 14 are starters 9 of whom will be starting and 5 will come off the bench.


honestly all of them are quality except the #9 and #15 which is who I'm most worried about, but I hope they prove me wrong and go on to have their finest hours.

 

[ABs2011]

1st XV would be something like this :

1-Mikheil Nariashvili (bench) 2-Zurab Zhvania (injured) 3-Davit Zirakashvili (rested)
4-Giorgi Nemsadze (rested) 5-Kote Mikautadze (bench)
6-Giga Tkhilaishvili (rested) 8-Mamuka Gorgodze 7-Vito Kolelishvili (bench)
9-Vasil Lobzhanidze (bench) 10-Lasha Khmaladze (injured)
11-Giorgi Aptsiauri 12-Merab Sharikadze (bench) 13-Davit Kacharava 14-Tamaz Mchedlidze (play #12 v NZL)
15-Merab Kvirikashvili (rested) // by default because he is a very poor defender
​

In bold players who will start against New Zealand

Definitely a smart move then! Good on them. They deserve to get automatic qualification so I hope they go well against Namibia!

 

[Kiwi_]

Interesting team.

Very close to (if not our best) starting XV. Ma'a Nonu for SBW, Owen Franks for Faumuina, and possibly NMS for Naholo would be the only changes I would expect from our finals team.

The bench is where it is interesting. If Daniel Carter got injured we have literally no one to fill in there (which may be forgivable against Georgia).

I'm starting to wonder if Victor Vito may seriously be seen as our best lock replacement from the bench. I don't think anyone genuinely sees him as a tight forward - but his strong lineout work and the energy he is bringing to games may put him in a surprising spot ahead of Romano. It also means you can have quality 8 cover - which you don't get with just Sam Cane. That said...we still haven't seen Messam yet, who is leaving it late to push for a spot.

I think we may see Fekitoa possibly used on the left wing later in the match, as Savea is still without a rest.

Anyway - those are my thoughts looking at the team.

On Vito - He has been seen as our 3rd best lock option since the Australian game and since he got the nod ahead of a 4th specialized lock. The Argentinian game cemented that as well.

I'm actually kind of concerned for injury here. Here's hoping we don't get any major injuries, or injuries at all. We will look rather silly if a few guys drop to Georgia. I think the indication of fielding a strong team is Hansen is a little worried about our form and lack of cohesion, so he's trying to get the combinations in sync. Let's pray to the Rugby gods we get no injuries! The SBW selection might mean he's thinking about him a head of Nonu.. interesting.

I can't wait to see Naholo!

 

[ABs2011]

On Vito - He has been seen as our 3rd best lock option since the Australian game and since he got the nod ahead of a 4th specialized lock. The Argentinian game cemented that as well.

I'm actually kind of concerned for injury here. Here's hoping we don't get any major injuries, or injuries at all. We will look rather silly if a few guys drop to Georgia. I think the indication of fielding a strong team is Hansen is a little worried about our form and lack of cohesion, so he's trying to get the combinations in sync. Let's pray to the Rugby gods we got no injuries!

What do you mean by "3rd best lock"? If he got the nod ahead of the "4th specialised lock" wouldn't that make him the 4th best lock in your opinion?

Anyway I'm a bit confused by both what you and Nick are saying. Read is the guy who has covered lock the last 2 times we have needed someone outside of the specialists in-game. It would seem pretty clear he is the locking cover should they not have Romano on the bench and if all else is well on the injury front. But are you guys talking about who would start lock if Whitelock or Retalick was injured? Even that seems like a no brainer to me though as Romano is the only other guy who has started there recently (or is my memory not serving me well?)

With all that said, IF Vito was the preferred locking cover don't you think he would have been given time there when they had the chance? Why start Romano? Why use Read?

As for fielding the strongest team from here on in Kiwi, think 2007 and I'd say that answers your question.

I'm with you in prayer though

 

[Kiwi_]

Read only covered it last game

- - - Updated - - -

Even so, Vito has definitely taken the bench spot over Romano, whether he comes on at 8 or lock.

 

[Croket66]

hmm I wouldn't say Tkhilaishvili and Nemsadze are starters, even if they did perform well during the last two games.

I think Datunashvili, Gorgodze, Kacharava, Mchedlidze, Todua, Mamukashvili, Sutiashvili are starters, 3 of them are recent injury recoveries which is why our RWC squad was altered. and Tkhilaishvili was picked because of his defensive work vs Sutiashvili who was kept for more attacking games. Lomidze has become our main #8 but since we shifted Mamuka to #8 we didn't have place for him.

So basically 9 of our starters are in the lineup and 5 more on the bench. add to that Chilachava who is as much a starter as Zirakishivli but since there can only be 1 #3 we pick the one with the beard.

So basically out of the 23- 14 are starters 9 of whom will be starting and 5 will come off the bench.


honestly all of them are quality except the #9 and #15 which is who I'm most worried about, but I hope they prove me wrong and go on to have their finest hours.

I'm worried about halfbacks and the back-three.

I'd definitively put Tkhilaishvili and Nemsadze as starters.
Nemso is a very strong defender (23 tackles against Tonga), always do the dirty job in the rucks, and often the first player to support his teammate's paces (remember his try against Ireland, or Kvirikashvili's pace against Tonga for Tkhilaishvili's try). BTW he is far more athletic than Datunashvili even if I like the leadership of this last one.

Tkhilaishvili is a tackling machine and improved a lot in attack (his try against Tonga prove it). Sutiashvili is an important player, a leader (who captained Georgia last 6 Nations B ), good in the lineout but my choice goes to Tkhilaishvili.
Todua is a bit limited, Aptsiauri and even Pruidze are more skilled IMO.
As for Mamukashvili... maybe in full fit
I like Lomidze but he is sometimes irregular, often starts games with a big heart and finished games being average... In any case, Gorgodze and Kolelishvili are too important and I put Tkhilaishvili as the third backrower
As for Chilachava, he improved a lot and is near to be the first choice but Zirakashvili looks a bit ahead IMO, but not for a longtime.

 

[Dirty Ape]

Read or Kaino would cover lock ahead of Vito surely. Vito's attributes are far more suited for the back row so in the event of a lock going down against Georgia it is much more likely to be Kaino that takes over and Vito covers 6. Read probably makes a better lock than Kaino but we lose the best 8 in the world if he is shifted.