[2024 TRC] Australia vs New Zealand - 21/09/24

[Umaga's Witness]

we didnt score a try........

look i hope youre right....i just struggle with people like savea, tjp and BB seem to be untouchable, at most dropped to the bench when people like jordan, proctor, Perofeta etc get one game and even if they play well...back out of position at best and never seen again more often

the guys hes favouring are all on the way out and the ones with a long future are having their confidence knocked

that's a good point - no need to build combos if teh player is on teh way out. razor seems to love BB. he did like one or two good things when he came on against england in the first test and somehow that has excused all teh bad things he's done. I sort of get having him in there given our other back three players aren't great kickers, adn for covering ten, but...

 

[Umaga's Witness]

I'll get lambasted for this but I'll say Oz wins 31-29.

if you actually think that, then i hope you are putting money on it (sorry if i'm encouraging gambling to a religious non gambler or someone with a prior gambling addition, or you are a kid (from Chicago) - so tell me to f off if i'm being in appropriate). tehy're paying $5 with the NZ tab so prob more elsewhere

 

[Kiwiwomble]

that's a good point - no need to build combos if teh player is on teh way out. razor seems to love BB. he did like one or two good things when he came on against england in the first test and somehow that has excused all teh bad things he's done. I sort of get having him in there given our other back three players aren't great kickers, adn for covering ten, but...

but BB is famously not a great kicker (good compared to players in general, not for a 10/15)

 

[ChicagoKid]

if you actually think that, then i hope you are putting money on it (sorry if i'm encouraging gambling to a religious non gambler or someone with a prior gambling addition, or you are a kid (from Chicago) - so tell me to f off if i'm being in appropriate). tehy're paying $5 with the NZ tab so prob more elsewhere

I'm 34 and not against gambling per se, although it's gotten insane in the US how ubiquitous it's become.

My gut says Oz, but my head says ABs. Either way I think it's either a narrow Oz win or a convincing butt whooping from ABs.

A few points I'm considering:

1.) It's rare when the opposing coach understands the opposing team better than the incumbent, but I thoroughly believe that. And Razor's reluctance to make wholesale changes post-Fozzie is clear evidence that he is trying to figure out where to go with this team. The continual Sam Cane and TJ selection makes me irrationally angry.

2.) Both teams are coming off loses, but only one can claim humiliation. Being humiliated tends to generate a strong reaction — positive or negative — from people. At home, this should benefit OZ.

3.) Oz can match the ABs at scrum time as long as Bell and Tupou are on the pitch. If I'm Joe, Im praying they can last 45-50 minutes.