RWC: All Blacks - France (24-09-2011, 15:30)

[Surefire]

France just needs to recover well from their loss and stayed focused on that cup.

Your post gave me hope until that last line. Focus has never been something the France team were famous for!!

 

[smartcooky]

My understanding is that the new haka was created to amp us up in the way the boks seem to amp up with Nelson Mandela present. New haka was devised and now used in special occasions as a way to inspire great performances. And I'm pretty sure the ABs don't give a damn if teams want to face up to the haka nose to nose, pretty common occurance all throughout NZ rugby really. IRB are the ones who are precious and bring it stupid things like the 10m rule. I love it when people want to get in our faces during the haka, doesn't happen enough.

Like this...




And this



Kiwis love this sort of thing when it happens. Only problem is, most never had the balls to do it, and now the PC wimps at the IRB have made everyone stand back... tossers!

 

[Mr.cyclopede]

My understanding is that the new haka was created to amp us up in the way the boks seem to amp up with Nelson Mandela present. New haka was devised and now used in special occasions as a way to inspire great performances. And I'm pretty sure the ABs don't give a damn if teams want to face up to the haka nose to nose, pretty common occurance all throughout NZ rugby really. IRB are the ones who are precious and bring it stupid things like the 10m rule. I love it when people want to get in our faces during the haka, doesn't happen enough.

Fully agree, that's precisely what I meant.
I don't think Kiwis need a Papamobile for the Haka, whatever the version might be.

 

[smartcooky]

There are numerous example of players misbalanced in the air and able to recover and play/run/pass the ball after landing, that's called skills.

All the skills in the world will not help you if your FEET ARE OFF THE GROUND and you are rotating and falling.

All the skills in the world will not help you if you land on your head and break you neck!!!

 

[Mr.cyclopede]

Time to go to bed, but will take time to give you some YouTube links to help, promise !

 

[Sneaki]

What a great performance from the AB's. The best part I think was that almost every player seemed to have a good game, especially in the backline which I think was confirmed from 9-15 as our top backline assuming no injuries.

The extent of the injuries that did occur should be interesting, hopefully the injury to Dagg isn't too serious (he stayed on the field for a while which is a good sign even if he was limping) but I suspect they might rest him next week and give Mils a run if he's even slightly borderline. Jane I don't think was too bad, the head knock and sore wrist must have both been considered in taking him off, and I would imagine that the coaches were keen to give SBW some time against a top team anyway. And Thomson didn't look too flash, but with Read back next week and Vito available we should be ok there, it would be great if he comes good in time for the quarters though because we are treading on thin ice with our loosies at the moment as it is .

 

[austingtir]

Kaino imo has been our outstanding player so far this WC if he stays uninjured and read comes back with the good form he had previously, richie is getting better with every game. Man its looking good. I hope argentina gets though for the quarter so we can see our forwards really tested though.

The way Kaino seems to get hit in tackles and just keep going is just ridiculous.

 

[Larksea]

great game, well done both teams. French really meant business in the first 10min but as soon as the AB's got the ball they struck. The finishing was very good. The All Blacks back three were super impressive. Dagg was deadly and importantly very secure under the high ball. Have to eat my hat a little when it comes to dagg, I would rather Mills had played but Dagg really didn't put a foot wrong - he's improved each test he's had and did some great work under pressure. I still dont think there is much between him and Mills. Was only a month ago Mills setup 3 trys for the AB's against the Boks and it was only last season he dragged off almost the entire Aussie team to setup a try. Maybe dagg does demand selection but I dont believe Mills has lost his speed or ability as people say. All he's missing right now is a chance to prove himself.

Kahui too who had to take a number of kicks and was faltless, though Kahui didn't cross the line he had another big game and came up with some fantastic work in support and link play and some powerful runs through the advantage line. Jane was ok but he nailed his one chance. That french 11 must have a magnet in his face that attracts janes left hand is that the 3rd time now that Jane has palmed off that same player with a fend to the face to score or setup trys against france?

SBW was impressive again - I have no issues with him playing wing for the AB's, even starting. He's in good form and he has all the skills - AB's will be stronger with him on the field. Though Janes try awas good, I think SBW outplayed Jane again this week.

Carter was brilliant, good step up from weepu as well.

Sam Whitelock was good, very good in the lineout and busy around the field, some good kick charge downs - his best test for the AB's this season by lightyears... Ali Williams was impressive when he came on off the bench. A lot of people hating on Ali but he's a big game player, he did a lot of good things and got the ball going forward for the AB's. If anything Thorn has been pretty quiet.

two main work-on's for me (apart from the intercept pass, I hope that was Dan's one for this world cup!):

biggest issue is that McCaw was not secure at #8. He should not be used there to accomidate Thomsom. Not sure about thompsons game either gave away at least one silly penalty and that try of his is pretty typocal, why an earth Thomson was standing on the wing basically right in front of Kahui instead of being infield as a dummy runner/support player ready to be the first at the breakdown if it comes. he gets through a huge amount of work for sure but I still dont think the quality makes up for the penalties and showboating. Vito would be a better idea, Yes messam too. because if Read isn't right it's pretty obvious that we need someone who can actually control the ball at the scrum.

The penalties against woodcock are a worry.

Finding it hard to understand all the hate in NZ in this thread, so conrad smith pulled an angry face and kaino put a soft arm out (great dive though, that french player looks like he has some football experience). The AB's played an attractive brand of running rugby, good advertisment for the game. Hate to admit it but I even enjoy watching the Aussies when they do the same.

Go the warriors! Into the NRL grand final!!!!! great day to be a kiwi.

 

[shtove]

The bitter comments about the haka sound the same as 4 years ago. I prefer the old style, when it went hackity whackity thackity hack - I could dance along to that in my living room, doing the throat-slit thing and sticking out the tongue.

Any views on the reffing of the breakdown? France clearly didn't commit enough men, so turnovers had to happen. But I think the Aus/US game had no - ZERO - turnovers, so I wonder if the ABs will have a different experience with a different ref.

ps. No idea why people are getting upset about the Traille-Jane thing. Clearly a contest for the ball, rather than a tackle. Landing on the back from a height was nasty for both players, and I guess it led to Jane going off later on. Very disappointed with Traille overall.

 

[Jake Heke]

Good game, frenchies played harteh at the start man thought the game would've been closer.

 

[lance2010]

Hurry Kieran Read come back....Richie your a mean flanker but you suck at the back of the srcum.
Sonny Bill fits in nice out on the wing.

 

[Darwin]

A really enjoyable game from an AB's fan perspective. The AB's certainly deserved the win, and scored some really good tries too. The injuries to Jane, Kahui, Dagg, and Thomson were a bit of a worry, but last I heard all should be available next week vs Canada (if required) apart from Kahui who has a (minor) hamstring injury.

Franks and Mealamu had strong games up front, and I was impressed with Woodcock work-rate around the park, which seems to be improving every week. The fact Woodcock gave away three scrum penalities (for the second week in a row) remains a bit of a worry. Sam Whitelock had a huge game, confirming himself as Thorn's locking partner for the big matches. Ali Williams again had a strong game from the bench. I thought the loose-forward trio again worked well. Kaino had his third brilliant game in a row, while McCaw's work-rate around the field was huge (though as others have mentioned he struggled clearing the ball at the base of the scrum as times). I thought Thomson had a pretty strong game - he didn't carry the ball that much, but he did some good work at the breakdown, and his defense was very impressive.

Weepu played pretty well, and I was impressed with his work-rate on defense too. Carter was Carter. The midfield was pretty effective, though I thought Nonu kicked a couple of times when he would have been better keeping it in had. Kahui was quieter this week, but he did look threatening with the ball in hand. It sounds like he is out next week versus Canada (more as a precaution than anything) but he will certainly be in the number 11 jersey come quarter-final time. Jane didn't get many chances, but took his try brilliantly, while I thought SBW looked good again off the bench. Though I'm still not 100% convinced he is the right man for the bench, he may well have done enough to have the number 22 jersey secured for the quarters (and hopefully beyond!). I was incredibly impressed with Israel Dagg - it was probably the best game I've seen him play. He was dangerous with the ball in hand (as always), but more importantly he didn't make a single error, and his decision making was brilliant.

I thought Szarzewski was poor: he missed a huge number of tackles, and he struggled at scrum time. Servat made a huge impact when he came on; not only did the scrum improve, but he looked dangerous with ball in hand. I was quiet impressed with Pape - I was surprised he was selected initially, but his work-rate was very impressive. I thought Picamoles had a strong game for France with the ball in hand, but his lack of mobility (particularly in defense) is a bit of a liability at times. Bonnaire and Dusautoir worked hard, but it is hard to dominate when you constantly on the back-foot. I didn't think there were many standouts in the French backs. The halves were solid, and Mermoz made a couple of good runs, but the backline in general just didn't get enough quality ball to work with. Medard looked dangerous at times with ball in hand, but he is a liability in defense: Cory Jane must relish the opportunity to match up with him!

 

[jawmalawm24]

Awesome game All Blacks too bad about that sneaky try from the French but that's the only way they knew they could score. Good that the All Blacks hit back straight away so happy with the end result.

Just some criticizms (spelling?) anyway what the hell are they thinking putting Slade on the left wing? maybe Zac will play there against the Canadians next match it'll be good to see him get a run. Biggest criticizm was the cap they gave to Richie McCaw, they look crap

 

[Darwin]

Awesome game All Blacks too bad about that sneaky try from the French but that's the only way they knew they could score. Good that the All Blacks hit back straight away so happy with the end result.

Just some criticizms (spelling?) anyway what the hell are they thinking putting Slade on the left wing? maybe Zac will play there against the Canadians next match it'll be good to see him get a run. Biggest criticizm was the cap they gave to Richie McCaw, they look crap

Kahui and Jane both went off injured, so they had no option but to bring Slade on. They could have put Slade at fullback and moved Dagg to the wing, but Slade has had plenty of experience on the wing in any case.

 

[Black Heart]

Awesome game All Blacks too bad about that sneaky try from the French but that's the only way they knew they could score. Good that the All Blacks hit back straight away so happy with the end result.

Just some criticizms (spelling?) anyway what the hell are they thinking putting Slade on the left wing? maybe Zac will play there against the Canadians next match it'll be good to see him get a run. Biggest criticizm was the cap they gave to Richie McCaw, they look crap

We're in a recession, what did you expect him to get?

I agree. It looked stupid.

 

[donmcdazzle]

I'm starting to really dislike NZ as players

It's annoying as they play incredibly good rugby, but sometimes when I watch them play I'm just thinking "Someone shoe him" "Kick him" etc.

Jerome Kaino, for example, used to be one of my favourite players, can't stand him now, seems like a proper d***head on the pitch

This from the guy who defends Ashton and his try celebrations?! Also, I'm assuming you ignore the fact Steve Thompson plays for England? He seems like the biggest w*nker in world rugby. That whole Kaino/YAchvili thing surely paints Yachvili as the bad guy? Kaino obstructed him (which by they way would happen about 30 times per game) and he goes down like he got punched in the face? What a tosser. I actually quite liked the French team before that game, can't stand them now after that nancy boy diving like he got shot and Mermoz celebrating like he scored the winning try while they were getting hammered.

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

We're in a recession, what did you expect him to get?

I agree. It looked stupid.

It's supposed to look traditional - all 'caps' in rugby look like that.

 

[ranger]

You're right about the new haka. It was created for SA because they often stood up to the haka and walked towards them - not at all infringing on the 'performance' itself, just closing the distance. France have also walked towards it, I seem to remember Chabal doing it... anyway, the IRB have made a 10m rule - nobody is allowed within 10m of the song and dance!

I can imagine someone at Nz rugby union writing to their mates at the IRB like the parents of spoilt school children writing to their school, complaining that their little darlings had to do cross country in the drizzle and now they have the sniffles.

So if we want to be rugby supporters I guess we have to humour the kiwis, let them win 'their' world cup so they don't throw their toys out of the pram again. If SA have the 'honour and the privilege' of being NZ's opposition at 'their world cup' I hope they walk towards it. If they are impudent enough to go on and beat the All Blacks, no doubt the haka encroachment will go down with the food poisoning and Jauzion forward pass yarns the kiwis like to wheel out!

Honestly?

No. Just.... Just no. To this. To literally everything you have said in this thread.

 

[james5000]

great game, well done both teams. French really meant business in the first 10min but as soon as the AB's got the ball they struck. The finishing was very good. The All Blacks back three were super impressive. Dagg was deadly and importantly very secure under the high ball. Have to eat my hat a little when it comes to dagg, I would rather Mills had played but Dagg really didn't put a foot wrong - he's improved each test he's had and did some great work under pressure. I still dont think there is much between him and Mills. Was only a month ago Mills setup 3 trys for the AB's against the Boks and it was only last season he dragged off almost the entire Aussie team to setup a try. Maybe dagg does demand selection but I dont believe Mills has lost his speed or ability as people say. All he's missing right now is a chance to prove himself.

Kahui too who had to take a number of kicks and was faltless, though Kahui didn't cross the line he had another big game and came up with some fantastic work in support and link play and some powerful runs through the advantage line. Jane was ok but he nailed his one chance. That french 11 must have a magnet in his face that attracts janes left hand is that the 3rd time now that Jane has palmed off that same player with a fend to the face to score or setup trys against france?

SBW was impressive again - I have no issues with him playing wing for the AB's, even starting. He's in good form and he has all the skills - AB's will be stronger with him on the field. Though Janes try awas good, I think SBW outplayed Jane again this week.

Carter was brilliant, good step up from weepu as well.

Sam Whitelock was good, very good in the lineout and busy around the field, some good kick charge downs - his best test for the AB's this season by lightyears... Ali Williams was impressive when he came on off the bench. A lot of people hating on Ali but he's a big game player, he did a lot of good things and got the ball going forward for the AB's. If anything Thorn has been pretty quiet.

two main work-on's for me (apart from the intercept pass, I hope that was Dan's one for this world cup!):

biggest issue is that McCaw was not secure at #8. He should not be used there to accomidate Thomsom. Not sure about thompsons game either gave away at least one silly penalty and that try of his is pretty typocal, why an earth Thomson was standing on the wing basically right in front of Kahui instead of being infield as a dummy runner/support player ready to be the first at the breakdown if it comes. he gets through a huge amount of work for sure but I still dont think the quality makes up for the penalties and showboating. Vito would be a better idea, Yes messam too. because if Read isn't right it's pretty obvious that we need someone who can actually control the ball at the scrum.

The penalties against woodcock are a worry.

Finding it hard to understand all the hate in NZ in this thread, so conrad smith pulled an angry face and kaino put a soft arm out (great dive though, that french player looks like he has some football experience). The AB's played an attractive brand of running rugby, good advertisment for the game. Hate to admit it but I even enjoy watching the Aussies when they do the same.

Go the warriors! Into the NRL grand final!!!!! great day to be a kiwi.

Come on be honest, Mills is a few steps slower than he ever was (Which never was quick), he's not in the same league as Dagg.

Mills only knows how to lose world cups any way, forget about the old boy, you might as well replace your Mills pyjama's too they're out dated.

 

[Seaton]

All this talk of the Haka and how to respond to it, Im wondering if the Scottish players wearing kilts and flashing is our appropriate form of response

Was a decent game, nice to see a player earning his hundredth cap be on the winning side.