RWC - The A Games with Shaggy (New Zealand vs France

[Getofmeland]

The A games with Shaggy – New Zealand V France, Saturday 24th September, Eden Park, Auckland

It's finally here, the battle of the heavy weights in pool A. France and New Zealand finally get a chance to measure themselves against first tier opposition, in a match that, barring a major upset in their respective last matches, will determine the qualifying positions for the quarter finals.I'd expect that both teams will field their top line ups for this match, although there's still some doubt and conjecture as to what the best All Black line up is – hopefully; this is one of the questions that will be answered in this match.

The Ireland win over Australia in pool C, has raised the prospect of the loser of this match, perhaps getting an easier ride through the knock out stages of the tournament, and that perhaps France or New Zealand should either throw this match, or name a weakened line up for it.

I think that would be a great mistake if either team decided to do either of the above.

For me, momentum, a winning mentality, and game time for the playing personnel that are likely to take part in the business end of the tournament, are way more important than any perceived advantages from any results that may or may not occur in the other pools.

As an All Blacks supporter, I'd be disgusted if the All Blacks threw a game, and appears that the French coach, Marc Lievremont, was equally disgusted when it was suggested that it would be beneficial for his side to throw the match.

This stuff article reports that he left the press conference when that suggestion was made by French reporters (http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/a...eat-ABs-France )

This is great news for the tournament, as the last thing world rugby needs while it's trying to grow the game, are its show piece sides throwing games.

As for the actual playing 22's that will face off in this match, at the time of writing, they hadn't been named.

For the All Blacks, all of the top players, with the exception of Keiran Read, are available for the match.

We will undoubtedly see the return of Ritchie McCaw to the open side flank, and Dan Carter, to the number 10 jersey (barring any more training field accidents).

I'd expect the mid field will be Nonu and Smith, with perhaps Sonny-Bill Williams making an impact from the bench, and Jerome Kaino to retain the blindside-flanker role, but other than those players, I can't predict who would make up the rest with any certainty.

If a full strength French team is named, it's likely to resemble the side that beat Japan in it's opening match, rather than the one that recently defeated Canada.

My opinion is (and it's only my opinion), that very few players from the run on XV against Canada, put up their hands for inclusion in this match, with number 8 Picomoles, Winger Vicent Clerc (who played against Japan anyway), and fullback Damien Traille the notable exceptions.

I may be about to put the kiss of death on referee Alain Rolland by saying that i'd expect that this game will be comparatively, without refereeing controversy.

He seems to be one of the best refs about at the moment, and controversy does not seem to follow him – I could be wrong though, if you think I am, please leave your opinions.

I guess the old advantages of the team that wins the forwards battle up front (particularly the breakdowns), defends the best, and is the most disciplined, will win the match.

As an unashamed All Black support, hopefully the home ground advantage and the fan support will help them achieve victory too.

Blog by Shaggy

 

[cardassian]

Agree that throwing the match would be ridiculous as momentum and confidence are key.
Good article.

 

[Shaggy]

Agree that throwing the match would be ridiculous as momentum and confidence are key.
Good article.

Thanks Cardassian, of course both sides are now named, and, while the french one isn't exactly what was expected, it's a very strong side ... I hope all of the nonsense about it being "under strength" etc, goes away