Pretty good game,
for the AB's I thought the top performers were the forwards in particular numbers 4 through 7 all basically 8-9/10 performances. Read missed an uncharacteristic number of tackles but was pretty good otherwise
As pointed out by Justin Marshal at the time the gap between the two sides was most clear when you compare the catch and Pass Owen Franks made in the lead up to Messams try to a similar situation later in the game when a welsh prop had to do the same and totally stuffed it up. Franks Pass was not just a basic shovel on it was a long accurate pass any inside center would be happy with. His opposite in the same situation never looked like he could do it.
Cruden was very solid, his goal kicking has been pretty special this year, he does lack a bit of range only just sneaking one over from 44m but I don't remember seeing a kicker so accurate within his range, Even Dan Carter misses the odd one you would expect to get in his range, I think I can only remember 1 kick this year Cruden has missed that I expected him to get, he's such a smart and cool headed player. Definitely worthy of note, his kicking around the field was also accurate. Defense and running game was a bit below par for him but he is carrying an injury.
Nonu had a better running game and Smith was good as always. Dagg accurate with one moment of absolute epic brilliance when he beat ~4 defenders and offloaded to start a movement that ended in a try, Savea very good, a couple of blunders on defense but otherwise exceptional. Not such a good game for Cory Jane.
I see a pattern emerging with the AB's where for long periods in games it's quiet even but the AB's will dominate 15-30min of a game and that will be the difference, and it's not always the last 15-30min of the game, this is the 2nd game this year where it's been the first half.
for the AB's I thought the top performers were the forwards in particular numbers 4 through 7 all basically 8-9/10 performances. Read missed an uncharacteristic number of tackles but was pretty good otherwise
As pointed out by Justin Marshal at the time the gap between the two sides was most clear when you compare the catch and Pass Owen Franks made in the lead up to Messams try to a similar situation later in the game when a welsh prop had to do the same and totally stuffed it up. Franks Pass was not just a basic shovel on it was a long accurate pass any inside center would be happy with. His opposite in the same situation never looked like he could do it.
Cruden was very solid, his goal kicking has been pretty special this year, he does lack a bit of range only just sneaking one over from 44m but I don't remember seeing a kicker so accurate within his range, Even Dan Carter misses the odd one you would expect to get in his range, I think I can only remember 1 kick this year Cruden has missed that I expected him to get, he's such a smart and cool headed player. Definitely worthy of note, his kicking around the field was also accurate. Defense and running game was a bit below par for him but he is carrying an injury.
Nonu had a better running game and Smith was good as always. Dagg accurate with one moment of absolute epic brilliance when he beat ~4 defenders and offloaded to start a movement that ended in a try, Savea very good, a couple of blunders on defense but otherwise exceptional. Not such a good game for Cory Jane.
I see a pattern emerging with the AB's where for long periods in games it's quiet even but the AB's will dominate 15-30min of a game and that will be the difference, and it's not always the last 15-30min of the game, this is the 2nd game this year where it's been the first half.
I've been happy with Coles performances in his limited game-time for the AB's thus far - he could well be starting against England next week with Hore almost certainly gone and Mealamu in doubt. I still have concerns about Coles's discipline, but hopefully he has sorted that out.
