[2015 RWC] Warm Up Match: New Zealand vs Australia (15/08/2015)

[Shaggy]

http://i.stuff.co.nz/sport/opinion/...k-fans-need-to-show-rivals-a-bit-more-respect

Quite appropriate for one or two AB fans on here after last week's loss.

... Quite appropriate to one or two fans on here, full stop

I wouldn't try to speak for any other New Zealand supporter, but from my point of view, I wasn't surprised that the All Blacks dropped a match (statistically they were due), but I expected that they'd drop the one in South Africa. The Wallabies deserved to win on the night, and I don't think either team played clinical, mistake free rugby, so I'm not going to say the Wallabies were great (because they weren't), but they were better than the All Blacks on the night, and that's all that counts.

I wasn't depressed after the game either (maybe it's because I've seen a few losses in my time); I was confident that the All Blacks would be motivated and put in a good performance at Eden park, and I recognise that the All Blacks (like all sides) are using these games to gel, with their eyes on the big prize later in the year.

That game was a good one in terms of the tension/closeness, but poor in terms of lack of execution of basic skills

As for the article, the public probably does hold high expectations of the All Blacks, and expect them to win, but I think it's a generalisation to say that we disrespecting the opposition as a nation; coping with losses (as with other disappointments in life) is really a maturity thing anyway.

 

[kesh]

For those who missed the game.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saSo-HWz5PI

I'd still take Savea. He got involved plenty of times and maybe didn't monster people like he usually does, but I don't believe or agree that he's spun out of form. Maybe he needs to get his fitness back up like Hansen was saying, maybe he needs to squeeze in a couple more games before the WC. He's another one with a good track record, understands the team strategies and compliments a more athletic/speed driven winger on the other side. There is still hope for him yet I say.

Wasn't really sure what to make of the approach to Savea that Hansen had applied leading up to these RC games, given that he was not too long ago New Zealand's stand out player. Thought it was just Hansen trying to get in his head a bit and shock him into readiness for the WC (as you would) and not following the AB environment too closely i didn't understand the comments Kiwi's were making. He was your best player and your considering not playing him? What?! Watching this though he has lost a few crucial mph's. Someone of that size in that position a few is enough. Totally understand Hansen's approach to this now.

 

[Mcfadden]

Savea's Super Rugby stats this year are actually pretty good (aside from the tackling) but even with the numbers in front of me, I still sensed he wasn't at his best this year. Maybe that's just me, but Hansen pretty much confirmed it. I doubt he'd go around telling players to improve on their fitness levels for no good reason. He did pretty well tonight. Australia slapped a couple of great tackles on him, so you have to be fair and give them credit. But I'm sure JS would love to beat the first up tackler a little more often. I think we can all agree he's got stuff to work on, but for me he still does enough and he provides a good contrast to other more athletic guys in the backline. I wouldn't be freaking out by any stretch.

 

[Shaggy]

Savea's Super Rugby stats this year are actually pretty good (aside from the tackling) but even with the numbers in front of me, I still sensed he wasn't at his best this year. Maybe that's just me, but Hansen pretty much confirmed it. I doubt he'd go around telling players to improve on their fitness levels for no good reason. He did pretty well tonight. Australia slapped a couple of great tackles on him, so you have to be fair and give them credit. But I'm sure JS would love to beat the first up tackler a little more often. I think we can all agree he's got stuff to work on, but for me he still does enough and he provides a good contrast to other more athletic guys in the backline. I wouldn't be freaking out by any stretch.

Yes, particularly with Naholo in doubt too; although they play on opposite wings, they are both players that they use to bust tackles one off from scrums, rucks etc ... I think they need Savea to balance the backline somewhat.

 

[Kiwi_]

First of, great bounce back and performance, expected at Eden Park though, but it's still satisfying and pleasing to get that result.

But.

I'm extremely disappointed with the team Cheika played, he had resigned the Bledisloe before the game had started and I'm not sure why he was asking questions that had already been answered, like the Cooper selection, he's just simply woeful. How stupid can you be to give this guy a game vs the All Blacks at Eden Park? Sometimes I'm speechless at Rugby coaches decisions.

Also not starting with Gits and Poey immediately relegates Australia to 2nd tier nation quality, these 2 are some of the best players in the world and you're starting them on the bench against the All Blacks at Eden Park? What ever mate. You've got to focus on getting out off your Pool let only savouring them through the knockout stages, so keep your combinations firing and keep them sharp and seasoned and what better place to do that than Eden Park.

Pleased with the breakdown efforts, but I don't want to go into our performance too much given how rubbish of a squad the Aussies put out there, but pleased to see Dan returning to some form, I can sleep a little easier at night.

Btw Nonu plays at 150%, SBW at 50%, scrap this pretender and poser. Enough said, the guys rubbish.

 

[Kiwi_]

Also what a garbage ref Barnes is. This guy is a cheat, end of story. He's so one eyed when he ref's an AB game, the breakdown was finally addressed lastnight, he should not be given All Black games because he clearly has an agenda against them, and it's not just a tin foil hat theory.

 

[The Jones Boy]

I wonder how Nonu would have gone in Sydney getting the kind of go backwards ball that SBW received.
Very different games.
I'm a Nonu fan and I don't SBW either but the games were very different because the pack was average in Sydney and stood up in Auckland.
Conrad Smith was quiet as a mouse in Sydney and a giant in Auckland.
DC was the same everyone was rubbishing him now he's a God.
If the pack provides a platform SBW will shine just like the others did in Auckland.
I'd rather choose Nonu over SBW and I'm not sure I would want to leave Fekitoa behind but SBW is not a rubbish player, not by a long shot. Put him behind a pack thats going forward and he'll turn on some magic just like he has in the past.
I don't like the way he jumps between League and Union but he sure can tackle and if he doesn't picked for the squad then we need him on standby in case of injuries. If we lose Nonu then SBW is the obvious replacement because as much as I really like Fekitoa he doesn't roll over the top of people the way that SBW can and he doesn't have the experience for the big occasion that SBW does have.

 

[Kiwi_]

That's wrong about Fekitoa, are you forgetting his try last year in Australia? Fekitoa is way more intense than SBW and comes into games with a burning passion and drive, SBW just swaggers in and fades in nearly every big game he's put into. Yeah sure he plays well against Argentina or a France at home, but where the fu*k is he on a big occasion? Couldn't express more how little he adds to the team and I'd take the underrated Fekitoa any day, people just look at Fekitoas mistakes more than anything looking for room to slot Money Bill into the team, also he's mates with Cooper and you're only as good as the company you keep.

Also a good player makes do with the ball they get. Nonu would have been fine, he's had worse ball in the past, to even attempt to sink him down to SBWs level and question what he could have done is silly.

 

[nzlizard]

Good win, certainly felt though this Aus side was not as strong as last weeks though.

Was pretty happy with the reduction in mistakes and the improved intensity and decision making.

Looking at the outcomes for a few AB's:

NMS has got a ticket on the plane, Dagg should be concerned for a spot and surely Jane will not go now.
Nonu has wrapped up 2nd five, SBW used as a utility/starte for the lesser matches
Vito was solid but still feel like our 6's has not done enough this year.
Whitelock and Retallick are the combo.
Still concerned about the starting props
Savea is interesting, it looks like his game has gone so backwards in the last year, although I get the feeling they are not playing towards him at all, he will go to the WC.

I still think we don't get enough turnovers and we lost a couple last night we should not have.

Nigel Owens is just a great ref, consistent, clear and controls the game in a great manner.

I think the selectors will be happy with what they have seen in terms of the build up of the WC squad, just be interesting to see the direction they take when it comes to a couple of the selections, eg cover at 6, Vito or Messam, utility back slots, midfield cover, we have a few options and it all depends on what mix they want.

 

[Kiwi_]

Daggs out off it, no chance he's going.

Savea is a huge disappointment, his games based on his size, youth/pace, so once that starts to go he's got a short life, he hasn't looked after his qualities or conditioned himself good enough to retain that high level of athleticism he had and did not work on the weakness in his game, which are glaring huge weaknesses.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

he clearly has an agenda against them, and it's not just a tin foil hat theory.

Yeah, about that....

 

[Kiwi_]

 

[austingtir]

Yeah, about that....

Thats BS. I dont see how anybody can say Barnes didnt effect last weeks game in favour of Australia if they watched that game then watched this game! It was like watching a totally different game this week with Nigel Owens reffing this one.

Im not saying Australia didnt deserve to win in the end but it should of been way way closer than it was.


And the people saying Australia put out a lesser team this week is pure BS aswell. That team was hugely competitive upto half time. Pocock came on and made no difference whatsoever. TWICE I BELIEVE, he may of even got a rest and then came out again and had no effect on the match.

Pococks performance is what won Australia the game last week. Its a simple fact he was not allowed to get away with what he did last week due to the AB's being onto it and the Ref not being a joke.

- - - Updated - - -

Good win, certainly felt though this Aus side was not as strong as last weeks though.

Was pretty happy with the reduction in mistakes and the improved intensity and decision making.

Looking at the outcomes for a few AB's:

NMS has got a ticket on the plane, Dagg should be concerned for a spot and surely Jane will not go now.
Nonu has wrapped up 2nd five, SBW used as a utility/starte for the lesser matches
Vito was solid but still feel like our 6's has not done enough this year.
Whitelock and Retallick are the combo.
Still concerned about the starting props
Savea is interesting, it looks like his game has gone so backwards in the last year, although I get the feeling they are not playing towards him at all, he will go to the WC.

I still think we don't get enough turnovers and we lost a couple last night we should not have.

Nigel Owens is just a great ref, consistent, clear and controls the game in a great manner.

I think the selectors will be happy with what they have seen in terms of the build up of the WC squad, just be interesting to see the direction they take when it comes to a couple of the selections, eg cover at 6, Vito or Messam, utility back slots, midfield cover, we have a few options and it all depends on what mix they want.

I agree that Savea should go but I certainly dont believe he should start any big games until he's proven he's there to play and use his brains. To me Hansen has to drop Dagg and Jane and take Osbourne. We dont need 10 fullbacks in the side its pretty simple stuff.

And anybody that thinks Money bill wont be there is on drugs. He's going end of story. And he'll play well.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Thats BS. I dont see how anybody can say Barnes didnt effect last weeks game in favour of Australia if they watched that game then watched this game! It was like watching a totally different game this week with Nigel Owens reffing this one.

Because they're two referees with two different styles. Games flow differently when you have a different ref calling the shots, this is hardly a new discovery.

Funny how literally no one who isn't a kiwi says Barnes was biased against the Kiwis.
Funny how it's about 1% of All Blacks, probably far fewer than that actually, that say Barnes was biased against the ABs.

 

[austingtir]

Because they're two referees with two different styles. Games flow differently when you have a different ref calling the shots, this is hardly a new discovery.

Funny how literally no one who isn't a kiwi says Barnes was biased against the Kiwis.
Funny how it's about 1% of All Blacks, probably far fewer than that actually, that say Barnes was biased against the ABs.

Funny how its always ponsy english posters like yourself with this type of attitude.

Instead of being a prat how about you explain to us how Barnes did not cock up that game last week? I can show you irrefutable video evidence of Pocock being rampantly illegal all night. And thats just Pocock there was a whole team of illegalitys going on in that game that were ignored.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

You can wheel out your footage of Aussie players breaking the laws and there'll be an equal amount of All Blacks doing the same.

Fact of the matter is that the All Blacks lost and it wasn't some great English/Wayne Barnes conspiracy to make it so.

 

[Kiwi_]

How can you think Sonny Bill is anygood? What's he given the black jersey apart from one ok game vs Argentina and just a bunch of stupid press and gossip, he's an unwanted distraction who's not good enough to hold down a regular spot. You're on drugs if you think this guy has anything constructive to offer. Also how can you say that Aussie selection is fine? Playing Cooper is borderline retardation, this guy is terrible and has an even worse record against the All Blacks, he was a disaster waiting to happen and his yellow card was almost scripted.

BTW Oly, Barnes is terrible reffing the All Blacks and the stats prove it. We haven't beaten a top side with him reffing which speaks for itself.

 

[austingtir]

You can wheel out your footage of Aussie players breaking the laws and there'll be an equal amount of All Blacks doing the same.

Fact of the matter is that the All Blacks lost and it wasn't some great English/Wayne Barnes conspiracy to make it so.

Thats your opinon which is fine but to me its blatantly obvious Barnes effected that game a great deal and im not the only one with that opinion.

I already posted the first half footage of pocock in last weeks match thread. If you want to prove me wrong go and look through the first half and find as many infringements by one AB player! I dare you!!


- - - Updated - - -

How can you think Sonny Bill is anygood? What's he given the black jersey apart from one ok game vs Argentina and just a bunch of stupid press and gossip, he's an unwanted distraction who's not good enough to hold down a regular spot. You're on drugs if you think this guy has anything constructive to offer. Also how can you say that Aussie selection is fine? Playing Cooper is borderline retardation, this guy is terrible and has an even worse record against the All Blacks, he was a disaster waiting to happen and his yellow card was almost scripted.

BTW Oly, Barnes is terrible reffing the All Blacks and the stats prove it. We haven't beaten a top side with him reffing which speaks for itself.

SBW monstered England at home. Watch the game its on the tube. Those guys in the end were **** scared of him. He has huge value defensively for us and in a crunch game he would be very valuable off the bench. Nobody is going to win a game with the **** ball we had last week NOBODY. Carter looked like absolute crap last week this week he's a god again. Its pretty simple stuff.

 

[Kiwi_]

That's last year and it's England, we had already previously beat them 3 times that year and South Africa beat them, I wouldn't put my chips on him based of that game, this year he's been a ghost and quite simply, poor. What ball he got last week he stupidly kicked away and strained his a$$ in the process, p*ssy, pretty simple stuff really.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

If Barnes is so terrible, and hates the All Blacks so much, why is one of the IRB's elite international refs, why is he allowed to referee important games and most importantly: Why is he allowed to ref the All Blacks?
If it was so blatantly obvious that he hated the ABs then why have none of the analysts noticed this?

Steve Walsh had a bloody fight with one of the England coaches, but no one cared that he reffed England afterwards, even if he was ****e. Sure there was "Oh God, Walsh again" but no global conspiracy to make us lose games.

Whole thing reeks of sore losers.