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Rugby Union
The Rugby Championship 2023
Bledisloe Cup: Match 2 - New Zealand vs. Australia (17/08/2019)
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<blockquote data-quote="Radsy" data-source="post: 952727" data-attributes="member: 74902"><p>Very nice ABs lineup. Ben Smith isn't back to strength with his hamstring. He went from his usual class and error-free ways in Super Rugby until that ugly clash with Jacobsen late in the season. Playing in the Black 14 jersey was never a concern for him until this Rugby Championship. He can't catch a high ball or beat anyone, and looks like he doesn't trust himself. I still expect him to get back to vintage form and be in Japan.</p><p></p><p>Owen Franks' shoulder is a similar problem. His trademark low tackles and cleanouts are a second behind because of the layoff. Nepo Laulala has been sluggish this year, but can be an absolute animal when locked in.</p><p></p><p>I personally like the duel player maker look. It hasn't shown its full value yet. Mo'unga's ability to step and read threatening linespeed is a class above Beauden's, even if that hasn't been in black yet. </p><p></p><p>I don't expect Reece to let go of this grip on #14. Bridge needs a breakout game in black (v Japan last fall doesn't count). Ioane and Ennor will be chomping for the #11 now. </p><p></p><p>Also love this backrow, and expect it to stick. Ardie needs to be better than he was last weekend, even if there's no threats left to keep him out of the starting lineup. </p><p></p><p>Last chance for Tuipulotu. Despite their disappointment with Hemopo's decision to leave NZ at years end, I think he's likely to start a game before the World Cup. </p><p></p><p>This game will be a great watch no matter what.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Radsy, post: 952727, member: 74902"] Very nice ABs lineup. Ben Smith isn’t back to strength with his hamstring. He went from his usual class and error-free ways in Super Rugby until that ugly clash with Jacobsen late in the season. Playing in the Black 14 jersey was never a concern for him until this Rugby Championship. He can’t catch a high ball or beat anyone, and looks like he doesn’t trust himself. I still expect him to get back to vintage form and be in Japan. Owen Franks’ shoulder is a similar problem. His trademark low tackles and cleanouts are a second behind because of the layoff. Nepo Laulala has been sluggish this year, but can be an absolute animal when locked in. I personally like the duel player maker look. It hasn’t shown its full value yet. Mo’unga’s ability to step and read threatening linespeed is a class above Beauden’s, even if that hasn’t been in black yet. I don’t expect Reece to let go of this grip on #14. Bridge needs a breakout game in black (v Japan last fall doesn’t count). Ioane and Ennor will be chomping for the #11 now. Also love this backrow, and expect it to stick. Ardie needs to be better than he was last weekend, even if there’s no threats left to keep him out of the starting lineup. Last chance for Tuipulotu. Despite their disappointment with Hemopo’s decision to leave NZ at years end, I think he’s likely to start a game before the World Cup. This game will be a great watch no matter what. [/QUOTE]
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Bledisloe Cup: Match 2 - New Zealand vs. Australia (17/08/2019)
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