June International Test: New Zealand vs. Wales [2nd Test] (18/06/2016)

[Bluemoon]

How many teams have scored on NZ within 5 minutes of half time? Not very many id think.... MANY more have leaked a try in the period.

True. Wales had a lot of possession I thought, but struggled to break the NZ defence down. In saying that, it's been a game of defences at the moment.

NZ always keep their rugby in the tank for the last 20. To beat NZ you've either got to match that intensity for the whole game, or be enough ahead to defend for your life haha.

 

[AzaMatt]

Our ball is so slow at the breakdown, we have nowhere to go as the NZ defence is set. When we get quick ball we are looking good, it's just rare at the moment. Loving patchell on the field it's like having two of Liam Williams, reliable in the air and eager to play what's in front of him

 

[austingtir]

Very deserved and well worked try! Justifiable level at half time and AB's really under pressure not looking invincible......



Barnes was idling up the line and talking to the ref calling his attention to the pass back! If he had not, he would have been running a tad faster to the line out Mark!

Maybe Barnes is getting some of his own medicine then. The other Refs will just ignore him if he's going to ignore them when they state some thing was wrong. LOL.

 

[GoTheNaki]

How many teams have scored on NZ within 5 minutes of half time? Not very many id think.... MANY more have leaked a try in the period.

- - - Updated - - -

Something about NZ looks flat. I feel Fekitoa should maybe of stayed off after his knock..... Issy Dagg.... Good punting but not much else. Ben Smith is a total waste on the wing.

Agreed. They do look flat. Not sure whether that is the AB's fault or Wales. I just... I think the bench will sort this game out. Tuipolutu, Savea.

 

[Bluemoon]

It'll be interesting to see how Ellis Jenkins fairs at the breakdown when he has to come on. Him and Sam should technically be very quick at the breakdown, if Ellis can bring his form to this level.

 

[Tony Manx]

Naholo and Williams must both be sent off for being reckless!

 

[austingtir]

Liam williams massive hollywood!!!! He clearly fakes that on the way down you can see him look at the ground and do a massive flop.

Naholo was reckless but.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

If that was a Welsh player he'd probably get a red card going off of last weeks shenanigans in South Africa

 

[Bluemoon]

Naholo definitely tackled the man in the air.

 

[Every Time Ref]

The breakdown and tight defence by NZ has been excellent. It seems like every time a Welsh players is tackled it's on if not behind the gainline, and the resultant ruck takes forever while the ABs reorganise their defence.

Getting a bit of return in the wife channels though. Not sure I can see it lasting, I hope so though. Winning this week would be even more incredible than winning last week would have been.

 

[Thingimubob]

Well done from the ref. Probably no need for a yellow, but he's not got anywhere near the ball so its definitely a penalty. Daft from Naholo considering they had advantage!

 

[Tony Manx]

I have been watching Warburton closely and really not seen him do very much at all? A bit of Harinorduqouy of last few seasons without the theatrics .....

Haha - and then he intercepts just like Imanol!!!

 

[austingtir]

Naholo definitely tackled the man in the air.

Im not sure about that. I think in the end the right call was made. They were both attempting contest for the ball.... Naholo was clearly a bit late but I think he genuinely committed to catching the ball. Slow mo just makes it look way worse than it is.

 

[TommiG88]

Some woeful defending there

 

[austingtir]

Sorta could of been 7 points for either side in that segment of play. Honestly Wales is playing really well... Can they keep it up though coming into their usual drop off the pace time of the game.

 

[Bluemoon]

I have been watching Warburton closely and really not seen him do very much at all? A bit of Harinorduqouy of last few seasons without the theatrics .....

Haha - and then he intercepts just like Imanol!!!

The problem you have is that Sam is a jackler and NZ are lightning fast to the breakdown. Sam's made one or two quick turnovers and in a game like this that's impressive in itself.

This is where NZ are dangerous now. They are having a purple patch.

 

[austingtir]

Now thats a try!!!

Im not a barrett fan at all at 10 but he's been good in this game.

 

[GoTheNaki]

I hesitated when I went to blame the lack of whatever we were lacking on the number 10 position... Then Barrett come on.... Hmm...

 

[Tony Manx]

The problem you have is that Sam is a jackler and NZ are lightning fast to the breakdown. Sam's made one or two quick turnovers and in a game like this that's impressive in itself.

This is where NZ are dangerous now. They are having a purple patch.

But he has not been at any of the breakdowns in the second half?

 

[Thingimubob]

As good and clinical as that try was, bit frustrating he didn't pick up Read being in front of the kicker.

Plus not completely convinced it was the Welsh front row that stood up first in that scrum, seemed like AB's did...

Also, just a general notice, Piper doesn't seem bothered with the new "use it" rule at the back of the scrum