Spring Tour: New Zealand vs Ireland - 3rd Test. (23/6/2012, 07:35 GMT)

[lucky number 7]

Game of thrones is best described.

"you like a character ? Good ..now watch them ****....aaaaaaaaand now I'll kill them."

 

[irelandfan123]

This reminds me that I want to write an essay detailing how Lord of the Rings is in fact an allegory for rugby teams trying to beat the All Blacks (represented by the Nazgul).

That sir, I would read

 

[Feicarsinn]

Game of thrones is best described.

"you like a character ? Good ..now watch them ****....aaaaaaaaand now I'll kill them."

You've only got a few hours to start reading.

 

[lucky number 7]

You've only got a few hours to start reading.

Starting the listening...

 

[Feicarsinn]

Starting the listening...

With regard to the game, the New Zealand back row is a bit reminiscent of the one they put out against us in the first test during the 2006 tour. That day they had Marty Holah at 6 and McCaw at 7, two open sides. As far as I remember, the balance of that back row was a bit off on the day. Here's hoping for something similar.

 

[smartcooky]

More like
"So...you really like that character, huh? How about....I KILL THEM ALL"

I have a T-shirt somewhere in my extensive wardrobe. It has the SAS Logo on the front but the motto is changed. Instead of "Who Dares, Wins" it has "Kill 'Em All, Let God Sort 'Em Out"

 

[Darwin]

Whoever gets the upper hand in the scrum will be benefitted greatly by Poite. Everyone knows that the side who get the shove on will be basically certain of a penalty from Poite! Whats McCaws base control like?

McCaw's control at the back of the scrum is about as good as you would expect from a 7 playing at 8 - pretty average. He will be fine as long as the AB's scrum gains parity, but if Ireland gains the edge at scrum-time he could struggle.

With regard to the game, the New Zealand back row is a bit reminiscent of the one they put out against us in the first test during the`2006 tour. That day they had Marty Holah at 6 and McCaw at 7, two open sides. As far as I remember, the balance of that back row was a bit off on the day. Here's hoping for something similar.

I actually don't have too many concerns about the balance of the back-row. McCaw may be wearing the 8 jersey, and will likely pack at the back of the scrum, but in open play I'd expect Messam will be doing most of the 'back-field' work that you expect from your number 8. McCaw and Cane may both be opensides, but these days McCaw certainl9 isn't the phenomenal ball pilfering 7 he used to be - he is still good in this area, but he has added a running game, which is one of his stronger points now (when he catches the ball). Cane is actually in a very similar mold to McCaw: he is big for a openside (1.89m, 104kg) and is a very strong ball runner (probably the best ball running 7 in the country), but isn't near as good at pilfering as some of the other young 7's in Super Rugby (the likes of Gill and Hooper). What I'm trying to say, is that this isn't quite like playing McCaw and Holah in 2006 (who were both out and out pilfering 7's, with limited ball running abilities), as Cane and 'modern day McCaw' are probably almost as adept at playing at 6 (or 8) as they are at 7. I do however have concerns over the quality/experience of the back-row, but I'm hoping that Messam is finally able to transfer his Super Rugby form over onto the international stage, as if he does he could have a lot to offer at test level....

 

[Darwin]

NZ v Ireland

vBookie added

 

[smartcooky]

I'm hoping that Messam is finally able to transfer his Super Rugby form over onto the international stage, as if he does he could have a lot to offer at test level....

I really believe this is Messam's chance to finally nail down a Black jersey as more than just a bit part player. If he pulls one out of the bag tomorrow, he could be pushing Vito for a starting spot in the long term. He has everything going for him, he's playing in front of his Waikato home crowd, and in weather conditions that are likely to be less than ideal, his skills as a wet-weather footballer could come into play.

 

[admartian]

I've always wanted both Latimer and Messam to do well. Such gifted players. I've always thought Latimer was the natural understudy to McCaw all those years ago. Instead of wasting time on trying Adam Thomson and the host of 7's that were discarded.

 

[Darwin]

Slightly nervous about this match, but there certainly are some exiting aspects about the AB's team. Things I'm particularly looking forward too:

- Watching Cane get a start at 7. He made a very promising debut last week, and hopefully will be able to replicate that this weekend
- The pairing of Aaron Smith and Aaron Cruden. I'm expecting Cruden to have a big match, as he has all the skills to be a world-class 10 - the only thing he lacks is test match experience.
- Ben Smith destroying the Irish. I pity Keith Earls
- Seeing three Highlanders backs in the starting 15 (Smith * 2 + Gear), and another Highlanders back on the bench (Ellison). I can't recall a time when we have had three Highlanders starting in the backs for the All Blacks!

Overall I'm expecting a much improved performance by the AB's this week. The weather could well play a part in the match (shower are forecast throughout the day), but overall I'm predicting an AB's win by 15-20 points

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

I really believe this is Messam's chance to finally nail down a Black jersey as more than just a bit part player. If he pulls one out of the bag tomorrow, he could be pushing Vito for a starting spot in the long term. He has everything going for him, he's playing in front of his Waikato home crowd, and in weather conditions that are likely to be less than ideal, his skills as a wet-weather footballer could come into play.

Yes it really is a blessing for him that he gets to play 6, because the only position we aren't really sussed on at the moment.

Quite a few Chiefs players in the 22 which is nice - also Messam's inclusion means there's one Waikato player in the squad, which is nice

 

[Keithmurdoch]

Speaking of who's from where, if Kev wasn't coming back this week there would not be one Aucklander in the 22!! First time ever?

Unfortunatly for Messam, the big question mark over him as a test player ever since France has been his defence, esp. around the fringes. That is not a question he's going to be able to dismiss on Saturday, unfortunatly, if only we could have had Heaslip and Ferris running at him we might have found out more. Hopefully he gets some time against the Jappies.

 

[Amobokoboko]

yes, Messam starting at 6. Should be a good match.

 

[big ginger 8]

Maybe a bit stupid but I've put small bets on us winning and Gear for first try scorer. For some reason Ladbrokes had Ellison as joint favorite for first try scorer.

 

[dropkickruby]

Maybe a bit stupid but I've put small bets on us winning and Gear for first try scorer. For some reason Ladbrokes had Ellison as joint favorite for first try scorer.

very surprised you haven't spotted the 50/1 available for the man in your avatar!

new user here, we do a few previews for the games the odd week on dropkickrugby - tried to stick it in my signature but not working, been lurking here for a long time. Good forum, hope I can be of use.

 

[Larksea]

looking forward to this match, hopefully we wont see as much of this



I hope if this happens again the All Blacks report it, because he's (McCaw) not reporting these incedents players will think they can get away with it and he may be subjected to it much more often. Too much of this crap in the game. Heck I watched the U20 world cup game between SA and Eng and the SA 6 attacked the eye of an English player. IRB need to set an example and act on this stuff when it comes up. Seems like for every 4 or so incedents like this you see one gets called and not all those end in susspension. So chances are good you can get away with it.

I really hope messam has a good game and wins a spot in the championship squad off it. But once again he's not part of a trio with Read and McCaw. Thomson and Vito seem to get their chances teaming with our best two loosies (Read & McCaw) but pretty much all messams best chances and test starts have been as part of a experimental combination.

Really hope Ben Smith Nails this game too. He will be really tricky for the Irish to defend if he gets some quick ball or some good counter attack ball. he and Dagg clearly two of the best counter attacking backs in NZ.

 

[Feicarsinn]

looking forward to this match, hopefully we wont see as much of this

View attachment 1808

I hope if this happens again the All Blacks report it, because he's (McCaw) not reporting these incedents players will think they can get away with it and he may be subjected to it much more often. Too much of this crap in the game. Heck I watched the U20 world cup game between SA and Eng and the SA 6 attacked the eye of an English player. IRB need to set an example and act on this stuff when it comes up. Seems like for every 4 or so incedents like this you see one gets called and not all those end in susspension. So chances are good you can get away with it.

I really hope messam has a good game and wins a spot in the championship squad off it. But once again he's not part of a trio with Read and McCaw. Thomson and Vito seem to get their chances teaming with our best two loosies (Read & McCaw) but pretty much all messams best chances and test starts have been as part of a experimental combination.

Really hope Ben Smith Nails this game too. He will be really tricky for the Irish to defend if he gets some quick ball or some good counter attack ball. he and Dagg clearly two of the best counter attacking backs in NZ.

You're right. McCaw headbutting Locky's precious hands. Look how uncomfortable Kev is about the whole affair, he's clearly being violated.

 

[big ginger 8]

I'd say it wasn't reported because in all likelihood it wasn't on purpose. A single frozen image can make it look a lot worse. McLaughlin is not a dirty player at all and a pretty nice guy any time I've met him. I'd like to see a video of it.

 

[Feicarsinn]

I'd say it wasn't reported because in all likelihood it wasn't on purpose. A single frozen image can make it look a lot worse. McLaughlin is not a dirty player at all and a pretty nice guy any time I've met him. I'd like to see a video of it.

Wrong! Kev is filthy.

LOL, that's actually Fergus McFadden. I'm hilarious.