Agree entirely with points 1,2,3,4,6,8, and 10 (though didn't think Ali Williams was really that bad when he came on). I think it is too early to make a judgement on McCaw yet, as he is getting back to his best (though do agree we need to blood someone soon!). The only point I disagree with is point 7 (no surprised there!). What exactly did Guildford do so wrong in this game? He didn't get the opportunities that Savea got, but worked hard, defended well, and didn't make any errors (that I can recall). He certainly didn't have a storming game like Savea, but he was very solid, and I'm sure will get more chances in the next match if continues to work hard. I'm also not sure what Ben Smith did this match to suggest he lacked pace? He ran the ball twice - on his first run he made it well past the advantage line, and on his second he went past two defenders and made a great offload to put Carter into the gap. I can't remember a single time in the game he was found wanting for pace ?!?!?!
No only you have this special power, as you have the first post in the thread
Right, my thoughts on the game. Very happy with the performance of the AB's in there first match - they certainly weren't perfect, but it was a pretty convincing start to the season.
The tight 5 was solid: Retallick was pretty quiet on debut, but did a lot of work cleaning out around the breakdown, which is just want I want from my TH lock. The NZ lineout functioned exceptionally well, which is great to see! McCaws handling let him down on occasions, but he made good yards with ball in hand. Vito was solid, but a wee bit quiet (hopefully he gets more chances next week), while Read had moments of brilliance (as he often does these days).
There were a number of stars in the backline, starting with Aaron Smith. As I predicted Smith really added another dimension to the AB's backline with his passing game - it was noticeable how the game pace slowed when Weepu replaced him! Smith also looked dangerous with a few darts round the base of the ruck, which he needs to keep doing to make sure defenders don't simply fan out wide early. It was great to see Carter back in black, and playing some superb rugby. His defense was exceptional, and I was incredibly impressed with his goal-kicking (after looking a bit shaky early in the season). Cruden looked good too when he came on. SBW had a mixed game as mentioned by Nick - his defense and straight running were good, but his handling let him down. He should get a chance to redeem himself next week. Smith lead the AB's backline defense brilliantly, and was rewarded with a try at the end. Savea was brilliant - he recovered very well from the mistake he made with the first touch of the ball! I was particularily impressed with his defense and handling - he was unrecognizable from the nervous lad who struggled with the step-up to Super Rugby last season. Not sure what happens to Dagg in test rugby, but he played easily his best game of the season. Sure he made a few mistakes (passing too early to Guildford was one example), but he was devastating with ball in hand, and his punting was impressive too. Ben Smith looked very sharp when he came on, and may even be given a chance on the right-wing next week (as he is not going to displace Dagg at fullback!).
I thought Ireland did ok up front - they certainly weren't destroyed in the scrums as some had predicted. Hopefully the injury to Cian Healy isn't too serious, as they can't afford to loose another top prop! I wasn't overly impressed with Tuohy, but thought Ryan had a good game at lock - he certainly has a big work-rate. O'Mahony was pretty quiet, and I thought Heaslip tried hard but wasn't really given the platform to be effective. O'Brien is and interesting one: he make a huge number of runs and tackles, and was quite effective at the breakdown, but whenever I watch him he looks umm......small. He certainly runs hard, but he seemed to lack the size to get over the advantage line - looking at his stats he is not a small player, so I'm not quite sure why I think he looks small!
Murray was a bit ponderous at the back of the breakdown (though got poor ball to work with) - he plays like Mike Phillips but is 15kg too light! I thought Reddan looked much better when he came on. I remain unconvinced with the O'Driscoll/Earls pairing in the midfield. I thought both the wings were very solid, but neither really got many chances (apart from McFaddens try). Kearney looked good when he was given space, but unfourtunately (for Ireland) he wasn't given much room to move.
