• Help Support The Rugby Forum :

[2015 RWC] Pool C: New Zealand vs. Tonga (09/10/2015)

New Zealand, Australian, South African, Argentinian, Irish, Welsh fans cheering their teams on while English fans watch babestation.

Sums things up nicely.
 
I just think Tonga has made a mistake by taking those kicks , there was a sustained period end of first half beginning of second half where they had NZ under pressure and were dominating the set piece , I just didn't understand the decision to take the 3 because they needed the maximum , its not like they had the chance of qualifying they are out anyway , they knew every time NZ attacked that they were gonna score and they did every time , good game, all black's clinical IN THE END especially when they put the game to bed bit there was just a period there when they looked under pressure and maybe a better team would of come away with a lot more points than Tonga did
 
The ref was terrible, so was our first half, but man we looked so good in the 2nd half, encouraging, maybe that's that gear we've been so coy about, definitely encouraging, we scored some tries of the tournament.

Naholo clearly hasn't had enough rugby, Savea and NMS definitely our starters.

Really pleased to see Dan prove me wrong, happy to be proven wrong, he looked a different player tonight, made one or two mistakes, like not finding touch, but he's not the sort of guy to do that in a knock out game. His place kicking was nothing short of outstanding and I was gutted he didn't get the 100% kick at the end, he deserved it.

Kaino was better tonight, definitely an improvement, he was a bit invisible in the 1st half, but still physical.

Read is having a pretty bad tournament, if he wasn't such a mainstay and a leader, I would be saying start Vito.. I can't see him having another howler, he's too good of a player, best to put in those performances before a knock out game.

What will it take for Woodcock to be dropped? He did one or two nice things, the try being one and also holding his own at the end of the 1st half where we had a man down in the scrum, but overall he can't put pressure on the opposition and he often angles in, buckles or just collapses, also he's just so slow around the park and crowds the backline upsetting it.. we need our props coming off the ruck, not clogging the backline.

The bench is so good, we're so lucky to have the depth, it's going to be key to winning the tournament, I was happy with the defense tonight as well, encouraging we didn't let in any tries.

- - - Updated - - -

Also Nonu was great on his 100th cap, such a strong straight runner.. always makes the advantage line, I think Conrad Smiths days are up though, he still has his uses, but definitely is the sluggish of the 4 centres now, just doesn't do much on attack, still solid on D though, but his impact is becoming minimal these days.
 
Kiwi_ said:
The ref was terrible, so was our first half, but man we looked so good in the 2nd half, encouraging, maybe that's that gear we've been so coy about, definitely encouraging, we scored some tries of the tournament.

Naholo clearly hasn't had enough rugby, Savea and NMS definitely our starters.

Really pleased to see Dan prove me wrong, happy to be proven wrong, he looked a different player tonight, made one or two mistakes, like not finding touch, but he's not the sort of guy to do that in a knock out game. His place kicking was nothing short of outstanding and I was gutted he didn't get the 100% kick at the end, he deserved it.

Kaino was better tonight, definitely an improvement, he was a bit invisible in the 1st half, but still physical.

Read is having a pretty bad tournament, if he wasn't such a mainstay and a leader, I would be saying start Vito.. I can't see him having another howler, he's too good of a player, best to put in those performances before a knock out game.

What will it take for Woodcock to be dropped? He did one or two nice things, the try being one and also holding his own at the end of the 1st half where we had a man down in the scrum, but overall he can't put pressure on the opposition and he often angles in, buckles or just collapses, also he's just so slow around the park and crowds the backline upsetting it.. we need our props coming off the ruck, not clogging the backline.

The bench is so good, we're so lucky to have the depth, it's going to be key to winning the tournament, I was happy with the defense tonight as well, encouraging we didn't let in any tries.
Click to expand...

Really good post mate, pretty much exactly what I was going to say!

DC was really good tonight and nice to hear someone who had previously been critical of him congratulate a good performance. His missed touch is at least the 3rd I've seen this year and I'm pretty sure all have been to the right corner. He is too good a player not to both recognise and fix that, but it is a mistake he cant afford to make from now on. Right from the start though he was brilliant. He covered up two potentially dangerous situations for the ABs within the first 5 minutes, and from that point on he hit the line well, was good in support play, a couple nice off-loads, tackled well, and of course his goal kicking was near perfect. Without a shadow of a doubt he is the man to lead us into the finals - tonight showed that.

Sadly Naholo is done for this tournament. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but it seems he was just not ready. NMS is a star, and Savea has done enough to get the other spot. I'm actually really excited about that pairing.

Again, I agree regarding Read, he is the biggest individual concern for this team. He still gets around the park well, and does his core jobs by the looks, but that X-factor he once had with his ball skills both in the air and on the ground sem to have completely deserted him and as a result I suspect his confidence is lacking. No more time to turn it around, he will just have to step up come finals time. I'll still back him though.

Ben Smith was outstanding tonight as well and Nonu was pretty sharp.

And the other two guys that people were starting t oget a little crictical of: C. Smith and Kaino both stepped up tonight.

In terms of team stuff, a clear change in tactics including much more in game kicking and a noticable increase in the use of ball running forwards in tight meant that the performance overall was much more polished and a significant step up from the last two games. The goal line D was impeccable and probably the biggest plus. The scrums are really the only concern.

Overall I'm pretty happy with that as our last hit out before the QF. Hansen will be hailed an absolute genious if we win this tournament. His unique pool play strategy actually make sense, so if we can win this then he will deserve every ounce of credit. It's all about execution now though!!
 
Last edited:
bazz said:
the ref was a joke
Click to expand...
I was a little torn on him. On the plus side the way he reffed permitted a game with a really nice flow.
On thh other hand he missed a lot of things (knock-ons, and stuff in the ruck), and IMO he really should have awarded either a penalty try or a second yellow card at the end of the first half when Tonga had us under the pump.
 
Apparently Woodcock has suffered a serious hamstring injury, so I guess Moody will be his replacement?
 
Kiwi_ said:
Apparently Woodcock has suffered a serious hamstring injury, so I guess Moody will be his replacement?
Click to expand...
Oh, that's a real shame for him. Never a good way to end a career - and he has been an outstnding All Black.
 
Moody should be there in the first place I felt. I guess they felt they could use Woodcocks experience, Moodys verstaility up front should have got the nod though, he can play loose and tighthead, should definitely have made the cut ahead of Tony.

- - - Updated - - -

ABs2011 said:
Oh, that's a real shame for him. Never a good way to end a career - and he has been an outstnding All Black.
Click to expand...

True! I've been harsh on him, he's been a great servant, have to appreciate that. Glad he got a try in his last outing.


I've got a decent source for you as well this time around mate, haha.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/...ng-and-expected-to-miss-rest-of-the-World-Cup
 
Kiwi_ said:
Moody should be there in the first place I felt. I guess they felt they could use Woodcocks experience, Moodys verstaility up front should have got the nod though, he can play loose and tighthead, should definitely have made the cut ahead of Tony.

- - - Updated - - -



True! I've been harsh on him, he's been a great servant, have to appreciate that. Glad he got a try in his last outing.


I've got a decent source for you as well this time around mate, haha.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/...ng-and-expected-to-miss-rest-of-the-World-Cup
Click to expand...

Haha, yeah, I just read that article too! So I wonder what that means for our starting front row? Both Franks boys? Faumuina to start? I can't imagine whoever they pick to replace Woodcock (should his tournament be over) would be anything other than bench cover at best.

- - - Updated - - -

It was funny reading this thread after the game. You can tell when the ABs turned things around cause the bitter English guy stopped moaning about the All Blacks and moved on to old lesbians.
 
ABs2011 said:
Haha, yeah, I just read that article too! So I wonder what that means for our starting front row? Both Franks boys? Faumuina to start? I can't imagine whoever they pick to replace Woodcock (should his tournament be over) would be anything other than bench cover at best.
Click to expand...

I guess starting Crockett - O.Franks at #1 and #3. But maybe he doesn't like that combination, so it could be Crockett, Charlie, but I still don't think Charlie is 100%

Not sure why he never plays Crockett and Franks together, I guess he feels they're both prone to being penalized..

- - - Updated - - -

ABs2011 said:
Haha, yeah, I just read that article too! So I wonder what that means for our starting front row? Both Franks boys? Faumuina to start? I can't imagine whoever they pick to replace Woodcock (should his tournament be over) would be anything other than bench cover at best.

- - - Updated - - -

It was funny reading this thread after the game. You can tell when the ABs turned things around cause the bitter English guy stopped moaning about the All Blacks and moved on to old lesbians.
Click to expand...

I to had a laugh, I stay away from the threads now, until the games finished, it's too easy to get caught in the moments rather than the big picture and the comments end up pointless and only specific to one point in the match.
 
All Blacks flattered by the overall score. Tonga came to play and gave a good account of themselves.
That should be a wake up call for NZ. No good going to sleep for 60 mins against France or Australia.
Skudder is my player of the tournament so far. A great find and a future great.
 
So Nepo Laulala is the replacement for Tony. He's more of a tighthead, but I think he's being playing at loosehead as Moody wanted to give tighthead a shot. Haven't been following Canterbury much, but I know they've been really strong up front. Anyone know of his recent form?

I actually feel sorry for Moody, he switched to tighthead in hopes of gaining AB selection, now a spot opens up in loosehead and he loses out to a natural tighty.. poor bugger.

Nepo Laulala really impressed me though in the RC and I thought he was one of the unlucky ones not to make the squad. Awesome replacement.
 
Well if Woodcock's world cup is indeed over that's a sad end to his career. At least he got a good try in his final game.

He's had an excellent career in the All Blacks and Blues jerseys though. Legend.
 
Well, I think our scrum just got that much better boys. Pity we don't get a run out with the new look front row, but I have big faith in Laulala, stood up in SA and is a strong ball carrier.

As I said earlier, congrats to Tony for his longevity and service, been a top All Black, definitely past his best of late, but definitely a legend.
 

Similar threads

TRF_heineken
[2015 RWC] Pool C: Tonga vs. Namibia (29/09/2015)
Replies
10
Views
2K
amz
amz
TRF_heineken
[2015 RWC] Pool C: Argentina vs. Tonga (04/10/2015)
2 3
Replies
52
Views
8K
Xapi
X
TRF_heineken
[2015 RWC] Pool C: New Zealand vs. Georgia (02/10/2015)
16 17 18
Replies
356
Views
33K
ABs2011
ABs2011
TRF_heineken
[2015 RWC] Pool C: Tonga vs. Georgia (19/09/2015)
5 6 7
Replies
120
Views
10K
sigesige00
sigesige00
TRF_heineken
[2015 RWC] Pool C: New Zealand vs. Namibia (24/09/2015)
8 9 10
Replies
191
Views
21K
ABs2011
ABs2011

Latest posts

Top