France v New Zealand - 16/11/2024 (20.10)

[Kiwiwomble]

No, what I was trying to say was that I believe Jordan will be a better fit than him for the right wing, in the absence of Telea.

personally i feel BB is the past, barely sneaking onto my bench and would rather Jordan keep working on his fullback game

 

[Alex Anghel]

 

[Reiser99]

Barrett back at 10 is a surprise.

 

[OllyM97]

This is going to be some game!!.

 

[miccloarch]

Barrett back at 10 is a surprise.

Maybe not. Despite Dmac's performance, Barrett gives us a different option: more control and experience. Great to have two first choice options at 10.

 

[Which Tyler]

This is going to be some game!!.

Should be THE match of the AIs

 

[Reiser99]

Maybe not. Despite Dmac's performance, Barrett gives us a different option: more control and experience. Great to have two first choice options at 10.

I get that, but Dmac was first choice most of the year, NZ improved against England when he came on and he was excellent against Ireland. In terms of keeping the shirt, what else does he need to do? Also it's not like Barrett has been amazing either to keep him on his toes. Yes Barrett is a great player, but form must count as well.

 

[miccloarch]

I get that, but Dmac was first choice most of the year, NZ improved against England when he came on and he was excellent against Ireland. In terms of keeping the shirt, what else does he need to do? Also it's not like Barrett has been amazing either to keep him on his toes. Yes Barrett is a great player, but form must count as well.

Barrett has been brilliant actually imo. Understated but brilliant. He's basically our Sexton (with more speed and less ego).

Dmac was first choice by default until the Aussie games. Dropping him to the bench gave him the kick in the pants he needed.

For this game I think it's just AB policy: you don't lose your place because of injury. I think Barrett needs to put in a blinder now though to justify that.

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

NZ might get as much change out of the box kick as last week with two small wings, Penaud is a huge loss (for France and fans). Still fancy Dupont to be the difference.

 

[IT157]

Ramos at 10. Don't rate that. He's like a worse Pollard imo. Primarily there for kicking. At least Pollard is physical.

New Zealand for the win. The demise of the All Blacks has been overstated. Beauden Barrett underrated it seems. Similar with WLR for South Africa.

 

[big ginger 8]

Flament and Meafou are some contrast in the row.

 

[miccloarch]

Ramos at 10. Don't rate that. He's like a worse Pollard imo. Primarily there for kicking. At least Pollard is physical.

Jalibert is better but the real loss is Ntamack who is absolutely world class. I hope for rugby's sake he's back soon.

 

[pagliaccio_euforico]

Are you saying eye gouging and coward punches arent physical.

France down to third choice fly half who is actually a fullback isn't great but this should be the game of the window.

 

[OllyM97]

I keep changing my mind constantly about this game. I think as a collective the ABs maybe edge it but France have some unbelievable individual talent that can turn a game against the run of play - and I do like France's bench far better than Ireland's last week. As poor as the Irish were in that game, more impact from the bench could have still got them home.

As has been mentioned above, I sincerely hope Romain Ntamack is back for the Six Nations - on his day he's unplayable and he's one of my absolute favourite players to watch. There's a big drop off between Ntamack and the rest in that position in my opinion. He's a world class 10.