[RWC2019][Semi-Final 1] England vs. New Zealand (26/10/2019)

[Cooper]

Yeah, WR's top 4 refs happened to be from 3 of the 4 countries contesting the semi. One of them ruled himself out for his lack of judgment (bit ironic really). Poite must really not be liked that much if he wasn't promoted as main ref. seeing as he was picked to be one for the 3rd tests of both Lions series in both 2013 and 2017 and what with France being out.

Poite won't be there simply because of the call he failed to make in the 3rd Lions test. Not making any excuses for us not winning that game and Barrett probably would've missed the kick anyway knowing his boot, but Poite did infamously bottle it!

 

[Reiser99]

Owens himself is being left open for bias. Could be interesting if he hands out a red card and a player gets suspended for the possible final against Wales. I'd have imagined if World Rugby had more strength in depth at referee that they wouldn't have picked a ref from one of the unions contesting the semis.

I agree as well. However that's WR's decision and responsibility not Owens, which is different to Peyper making this a mess for himself. Issue is their tops refs are all from countries they regularly get to the knockout stages. Could really do with another decent welsh ref and anyone from scotland or ireland at least to balance it out a bit more, let alone any refs from T2 nations. However there doesn't seem to be any coming through based on Kaplan's article.

 

[ncurd]

Honestly Peyper shouldn't of been considered anyway for the same reasons Owens shouldn't.

Anyway beside that whilst like everyone else I don't read anything into it there has to be zero tolerance policy towards social media and giving any idea towards preferring one side to another. Especially whilst said tournament is still being held and you are still an active official. It's just common sense and there is nothing political about it (**** me people like to bandy the word political correctness).

 

[Cooper]

Rumours circling we're starting S.Barrett at 6, Ardie at 7 and Cane on the bench.

Interesting. I actually thought they would go for this in the Irish game.

Highly speculative rumours, I don't tink the camp would've let anything slip, but we'll see.

 

[Bada-Bing!]

Poite won't be there simply because of the call he failed to make in the 3rd Lions test. Not making any excuses for us not winning that game and Barrett probably would've missed the kick anyway knowing his boot, but Poite did infamously bottle it!

yes, but who was the assistant ref, in that third test, who helped him change his mind "you don't want to be remembered like Joubert?" Hint he's reffing the other semi.

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

Heading to the pub for this one. I think drunkest poster is in the bag.

I only had the chance to be sad and drunk,needed happiness to take me to the next level where I thrive!

 

[j-dawg]

Speaking of Joubert he gifted those kiwis the 2011 final...

#EnglishArrogance

#StillProvidingSoundbites

#FeelsGoodMan

 

[40/20]

Rumours circling we're starting S.Barrett at 6, Ardie at 7 and Cane on the bench.

Interesting. I actually thought they would go for this in the Irish game.

Highly speculative rumours, I don't tink the camp would've let anything slip, but we'll see.

Very interesting. Especially given how mobile the English backrow is.

 

[mania]

Warning, don't read if driving or in charge of heavy machinery.

https://www.planetrugby.com/steve-hansen-wants-european-u-turn-on-nations-championship/

Zzzzzzź

thats not smack . its just fact.

 

[Leinster Fan]

Poite won't be there simply because of the call he failed to make in the 3rd Lions test. Not making any excuses for us not winning that game and Barrett probably would've missed the kick anyway knowing his boot, but Poite did infamously bottle it!

Hate to see this discussion for the 70000th time but yeah he bottled out of blowing the obvious offside call against Read.

 

[Cooper]

Hate to see this discussion for the 70000th time but yeah he bottled out of blowing the obvious offside call against Read.

I missed that part, which offside? From the kick off? If so, do you have a picture or footage? you can PM me to continue the discussion if you don't want to derail the thread. But the bottle is from not playing advantage when ALB picked up the ball and of course the call itself because the Lions player did catch it then tried to make it look innocent by dropping it awkwardly.

 

[mania]

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby...-south-african-rugby-fans-to-create-their-own

this is awesomely cool

 

[Cooper]

Hate to see this discussion for the 70000th time but yeah he bottled out of blowing the obvious offside call against Read.

He looks onside to me chief! The ball is past the giant white A for reference.

 

[Bada-Bing!]

So NZ team to be announced tomorrow 3.30am UK time/3.30pm NZ time; whilst England announced theirs 7.30am UK time/7.30pm NZ time.

 

[TheOvalBall]

England in EJ first few years were awesome. And everyone wanted a All Black England game. Then they fell off the wagon a bit, and last time these sides played, England weren't that great.

However, now we have what we wanted. England and the All Blacks facing off and each at the top of their game.

 

[Mrs. Peter Quinn]

Actually, Peyper made the same gesture when he sent him off. So Peyper is actually re-enacting what he did.

He was having fun with people actually recognising him, and instead of calling him a crappy referee, took the time to have some fun.

WR is making this a PC thing, not Peyper.

Right and doing that while laughing with celebrating Welsh fans is exactly the same as explaining the card at the time?
I really don't think it is, but also am not overly fussed.

 

[Cooper]

So NZ team to be announced tomorrow 3.30am UK time/3.30pm NZ time; whilst England announced theirs 7.30am UK time/7.30pm NZ time.

1.Moody
2.Coles
3.Laulala
4.Retallick
5.Whitelock
6.S.Barrett
7.Ardie
8.Read
9.A.Smith
10.Mo'unga
11.Bridge
12.ALB
13.Goodhue
14.Reece
15.B.Barrett

16.Taylor
17.To'ungafasi
18.Ta'avao
19.Tuipolotu
20.Cane
21.TJ
22.SBW
23.Jordie

I predicted something similar last week and was wrong with the locks, but we have certainly been playing with it in the past, so I think it's a strategy Hansen wanted to keep if we ended up coming up against England who have great locks. Domination in the set piece and stealing those balls will be crucial, especially if it's a tight game. 3 locks and Patty on the bench for cover. Cane unfortunately misses out, but will be great experience to bring on in the 2nd half.

It makes sense as well because of Todd's injury and Frizzel's inexperience.

 

[Reiser99]

1.Moody
2.Coles
3.Laulala
4.Retallick
5.Whitelock
6.S.Barrett
7.Ardie
8.Read
9.A.Smith
10.Mo'unga
11.Bridge
12.ALB
13.Goodhue
14.Reece
15.B.Barrett

16.Taylor
17.To'ungafasi
18.Ta'avao
19.Tuipolotu
20.Cane
21.TJ
22.SBW
23.Jordie

I predicted something similar last week and was wrong with the locks, but we have certainly been playing with it in the past, so I think it's a strategy Hansen wanted to keep if we ended up coming up against England who have great locks. Domination in the set piece and stealing those balls will be crucial, especially if it's a tight game. 3 locks and Patty on the bench for cover. Cane unfortunately misses out, but will be great experience to bring on in the 2nd half.

It makes sense as well because of Todd's injury and Frizzel's inexperience.

Actually one area where England may have the edge is in subs as that bench doesn't look as threatening as the main team and there are certainly question marks over a few of those players.

 

[Cooper]

Actually one area where England may have the edge is in subs as that bench doesn't look as threatening as the main team and there are certainly question marks over a few of those players.

I agree to an extent, but overall pretty confident with most of the players!!

The one's with questions marks;

Not sold on Jordie at all - Favoured over B.Smith because of his role as a 'playmaker' and ability to kick long range penalties and drop goals
Ta'avao - no secret he's had a difficult tournament, Franks dropped in his place, for more mobility around the park, but we do miss Franks at scrum time
TJ - bit of a momentum killer at times, Aaron Smith just has such zip and precision to his game, that when TJ comes on, we lose a lot of accuracy and correct decision making.

Cane, SBW, Taylor, Tuipolotu, To'ungafasi are all tremendous players and we don't lose anything with them coming on. But it's true, England could have a bit more energy on the bench!

 

[donmcdazzle]

Rumours circling we're starting S.Barrett at 6, Ardie at 7 and Cane on the bench.

Interesting. I actually thought they would go for this in the Irish game.

Highly speculative rumours, I don't tink the camp would've let anything slip, but we'll see.

who am I to question Hansen (I was worried about Goodhue being named last week), but I thought Cane was outstanding against Ireland. Set the tone with some big hits. Barrett gives us 4 line out jumpers, but probably isn't as fast around the park as Cane.

Getting effective ruck clearances will be pretty important this week I reckon so we can get fast ball. Not sure who I'd rather have to combat England's flankers who have been pretty impressive.