Scotland v New Zealand

[isaac4leinster]

Never quite understood what Hugo Southwell was all about, I know he starts for Stade but always saw him as a very ordinary player. Big Jim Hamilton instead of Hines is also a bit odd.

 

[Amobokoboko]

NZ is ready for it.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/rugby/news/article.cfm?c_id=80&objectid=10686622

 

[Shaggy]

NZ is ready for it.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/rugby/news/article.cfm?c_id=80&objectid=10686622

Yep, reports today on NZ Radio sports are saying Elliot will start at Hooker assuming Mealamu doesn't get his suspension completely lifted as a result of his appeal, Kaino will be rested and replaced by Messam, Cowan will start at half back, SBW at 12, Smith at 13, and Toeava at 14 (as Rokocoko is injured)

 

[squirrel]

scotland are kidding themselves if they think they can win by playin exspansive,they need an artic night, tight defence and a few penalties to go over to win

 

[Seaton]

scotland are kidding themselves if they think they can win by playin exspansive,they need an artic night, tight defence and a few penalties to go over to win

Well, that is pretty much how they played New Zealand in the past (conservative)

And look at the all so wonderful results

 

[Black Heart]

The Scottish loosies need to be strong in the All Blacks half. It's where I would target. New Zealand will have the mind to run the ball from their own 22 and if the breakaways can force 1 or 2 turnovers in this department they will be helping their cause immensly.

 

[Shaggy]

Here's the All Black team as per http://www.radiosport.co.nz/SportsNews/sprug/Detail.aspx?id=185618

Elliot to make test debut

11/11/2010 6:48 PM

Hika Elliot will officially make his test debut against Scotland this weekend.

Hooker Hika Elliot will officially make his test debut against Scotland this weekend.

Elliot is set to start at hooker, regardless of what happens with Kevin Mealamu's appeal.

Isaia Toeava will also replace Joe Rokocoko on the wing.

The All Black coaches are showing Scotland plenty of respect, who are on a four match unbeaten run.

Scottish great Gavin Hastings hasn't given up all hope of a famous victory.

Hastings says Scotland will be fired up to play in front of their home crowd.

Hastings believes Scotland will have learnt plenty from England's performance, and will also target the All Black scrum.

All Blacks: Mils Muliaina, Isaia Toeava, Conrad Smith, Sonny-Bill Williams, Hosea Gear, Dan Carter, Jimmy Cowan, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (c), Liam Messam, Sam Whitelock, Brad Thorn, Owen Franks, Hika Elliot/Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Andrew Hore, John Afoa, Anthony Boric, Daniel Braid, Andy Ellis, Stephen Donald, Ma'a Nonu.

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

Hmmm I wonder when Ellis, Donald, Afoa, Boric and Braid will get starts...

 

[Nate Dizzle]

Why are Carter and McCaw starting?. Thought this would have been an oppotunity to leave them out and see how we go or atleast bench both of them. ABs need to learn how to get results without them and I don't see them being rested for the Ireland or Welsh games if fit. Coaches must have lost confidence in Donald, surely, if they can't even start him against Scotland. Good to see Williams and Smith in the midfield I think Williams will go even better this week or atleast he has too to further prove he's the real deal, 1 AB game and a few ITM cup games just don't cut it.

 

[Shaggy]

Hmmm I wonder when Ellis, Donald, Afoa, Boric and Braid will get starts...

I'm not convinced that they will unless injuries or suspensions force them to be picked, or they force there way in from the opportunities (if any) that they get off the bench

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

I'm not convinced that they will unless injuries or suspensions force them to be picked, or they force there way in from the opportunities (if any) that they get off the bench

Bit dumb to take players and not really use them...

 

[nickdnz]

Bit dumb to take players and not really use them...

I think it's for two reasons.

1). Because Henry really wouldn't like to risk losing to Soctland, which I think many people are under estimating.
2). Because the more time that a core group of players play together, the better they become as a unit (think England 2003 and South Africa 2007). With less than 10 tests left before the RWC, I think any new players who are blooded in, will be blooded in slowly, as apposed to introducing a load of new players at once. I think now however, is the best time to try out Hika Elliot, as he really hasn't been given a decent shot at all, as well as Daniel Braid. Stephen Donald can **** right off.

 

[smartcooky]

I think it's for two reasons.

1). Because Henry really wouldn't like to risk losing to Soctland, which I think many people are under estimating.
2). Because the more time that a core group of players play together, the better they become as a unit (think England 2003 and South Africa 2007). With less than 10 tests left before the RWC, I think any new players who are blooded in, will be blooded in slowly, as apposed to introducing a load of new players at once. I think now however, is the best time to try out Hika Elliot, as he really hasn't been given a decent shot at all, as well as Daniel Braid. Stephen Donald can **** right off.

Also, Ted went on record as stating that they want this to be a sort of "simulation" of next years RWC, taking a quad of only 30 rather than the usual 35 or 36 (but now 29 with the absence of Sivivatu).

 

[squirrel]

no real need to try braid they sort of know what he rings

 

[veux]

They probably want their core group of players to play and beat as many sides as possible going into the world cup, so there aren't any wobbles or shock losses.

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

Yes, but they talk about creating good back ups, which is never going to happen if they don't get game time.

 

[Seaton]

Ah ****

Was hoping for the 'B' team. Guess we'll have to do it the hard way


Btw Rory Lawson has been withdrawn due to a hand injury, his place is taken by Greig Laidlaw on the bench

 

[Black Heart]

Here's the All Black team as per http://www.radiosport.co.nz/SportsNews/sprug/Detail.aspx?id=185618

All Blacks: Mils Muliaina, Isaia Toeava, Conrad Smith, Sonny-Bill Williams, Hosea Gear, Dan Carter, Jimmy Cowan, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (c), Liam Messam, Sam Whitelock, Brad Thorn, Owen Franks, Hika Elliot/Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Andrew Hore, John Afoa, Anthony Boric, Daniel Braid, Andy Ellis, Stephen Donald, Ma'a Nonu.

Hm. It's a very strong side. No excuses then.

 

[Darwin]

Good to see no major changes were made. I look forward to seeing how Elliot performs at test level - he certainly has all the skills required for test rugby. It's good to see Sam Whitelock rewarded for his standout performance last week with his second consecutive start. I'm not sure about the idea of starting Messem at 6 - I would have preferred they tried him out at 8. I'd like to see Braid given 20-30 mins off the bench this game - either as a replacement for McCaw, or coming on for Read, switching Messem to 8.

I can't work out why they have included Ellis on the bench ahead of Mathewson, as Mathewson seems like the ideal impact player to me. The SBW/Smith combo will be interesting to watch, as will Toeava playing a full game on the wing - I'm expecting Toeava to have a huge game.

Overall I'm expecting an improved performance from the AB's this week, winning by 15-20 points.

 

[smartcooky]

Yes, but they talk about creating good back ups, which is never going to happen if they don't get game time.

They tried that in 2007, and it failed.

Martin Johnstone putting very succinctly at the time.... New Zealand built a squad; England and South Africa built a team!!!