At least she'll let you come first
Ioane was devastating, tied defenders into knots
Ioane was devastating, tied defenders into knots. it seemed like the gaps were out wide, in the middle channels players like Crotty, SBW and McKenzie couldn't find space but out wide there were gaps everywhere. I was concerned of the balance of the back 3 without Dagg but in the end they were never really under pressure outside the first 15min so it didn't matter.
When the AB's start the razzle dazzle and the passes stick no one can go with them, and the passes stuck esp in first half on Saturday.
However, the Boks looked weak in parts they are usually so strong. Lineouts, forward rumbles and the midfield. Did you ever think you'd see an All Black bump off a Bok midfielder like LB did. That should never happen. I remember those Bok midfielders from the 70's. They were big strong and smashed AB midfielders.
kind of a bizarre game and it seems like I'm not the only one who felt a bit hollow after the game. We shouldn't beat SA like that and we really need their rivalry. I expected and looked forward to a tight contest and I didn't get to see it.
However I dont think this game was a true representation of where the sides were at. The crazy thing is this AB's side is only really starting to gel. New front row, new blindside and a new back 3 while we are still trying to find out best midfield combination. I still predict that we are not going to see the best from this team till he end of year tour.
The way this game went, the boks started very strong and looked very good. But when they gave a couple of small chances an the ABs started racking up points it looked like the boks quickly lost belief. Some aspects of their game were a disaster, the scrum and lineout was unbelievable. To beat the AB's the boks need to hold their own in the scrums and get the better of the AB's in the lineouts. However the AB's lineout is starting to hum right now. With whitelock, retalick and Read with coles throwing this current lineout may be the best we have ever had.
The AB's scrum has been great too, just like he did in 2015 Laulala has come in and been brilliant, he really thrives in test rugby and the AB environment. Hames did a solid job too and they were both brutal around the middle on defense.
Squire was brilliant for 25minutes or so and it was a shame to lose him but Scott Barrett was excellent filling in at 6. It looked to me like he really added to the scrum as well?!? and that try he scored was a classic, pretty impressive for a lock to get back turn around and get through such a small space.
Ioane was devastating, tied defenders into knots. it seemed like the gaps were out wide, in the middle channels players like Crotty, SBW and McKenzie couldn't find space but out wide there were gaps everywhere. I was concerned of the balance of the back 3 without Dagg but in the end they were never really under pressure outside the first 15min so it didn't matter.
I must say I dont know SA players and selections that well but I know Rhule is one of the worst defenders in super rugby. You can't hide players like that against the AB's. His selection didn't make sense to me and it was exposed.
I think this was a great performance from the AB's back to front. not complete by any means but I think some credit goes to the boks defense in the midfield. At least that was strong.
Cane was mind blowing good and created chaos at the rucks. he went off then Perenara came up with some key turnovers. AB's bench was huge Ofa's best performance in black so far. Maybe Barretts best test so far this year.
I'm not sure what is so confusing about Rhule's selection? I'm confused that you're unaware of the racial quota system in SA Rugby?