Tri Nations: Wallabies - All Blacks @ Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane (27-8-2011, 10:05GMT)

[TRF C A Iversen]

Weepu's usually the fastest of the 3 scrumhalves the All Blacks have. My guess is that they're trying to play a controlled territory game (which is evident in their kick offs) It's not working, they need to rely on their flair, not perfect structure.

He's usually got the most quick reactions. He usually can sum up an attacking opportunity or the right time to tackle or not. He looks so indecisive and well, tired! His hands have been on his knees! He's awesome when he comes on in second halves, but he just doesn't have starting match fitness!

When other men come in to his pivotal position to have to pass for him that many times, it removes structure for the rest of the team and the plan goes west.

 

[Seaton]

Good show from the Wallabies, I never thought Samo had a chance in hell of getting to the line, great pace.

Hate Ioane's hair, looks like a thinner version of Kabamba Floors.

I'd be worried a little if I were an All Blacks supporter and New Zealand don't manage to change/ adapt their game plan from here, at one stage I thought Weepu went off injured as I hadn't seen him for so long! Thompson not having a particularily decent game so far either.

 

[Jer1cho]

McCaw and Carter are playing the worst that I have ever seen them. All Black defense is rubbish, with Thompson and McCaw missing tackles non stop. Aussies are breaking the line at will and are tackling very well. If NZ carry on like this in the 2nd half, we could see a record score happen... Aussies have already butchered 2 more tries they could have scored.

 

[Shimon]

Interesting to see the second half, if the AB's don't get a try soon, it's going to be hard.

 

[Black Heart]

He's usually got the most quick reactions. He usually can sum up an attacking opportunity or the right time to tackle or not. He looks so indecisive and well, tired! His hands have been on his knees! He's awesome when he comes on in second halves, but he just doesn't have starting match fitness!

When other men come in to his pivotal position to have to pass for him that many times, it removes structure for the rest of the team and the plan goes west.

Yeah true. He hasn't made any darting runs either and Carter is looking about 20%. To be fair to Weepu as well though he's getting some garbage ball off the back of a foward pack who look like they just want to go home and have a nap. Noone is stepping up to the mark at the breakdown.

 

[David Smith]

Go you wallabies finish them off

 

[TRF C A Iversen]

McCaw and Carter are playing the worst that I have ever seen them. All Black defense is rubbish, with Thomson and McCaw missing tackles non stop. Aussies are breaking the line at will and are tackling very well. If NZ carry on like this in the 2nd half, we could see a record score happen... Aussies have already butcher 2 more tries they could have scored.

I'll also agree with this, McCaw has had a lot of penalties against him over the last 12months and is starting to look like he's a little doubtful about when to go for it. Just a slight feeling of hesitance from him. Carter has been like this since he came back from his injury in France, not quite what he was against the Lions etc. Still, it's there in them both to do great things.

 

[Black Heart]

I'll also agree with this, McCaw has had a lot of penalties against him over the last 12months and is starting to look like he's a little doubtful about when to go for it. Just a slight feeling of hesitance from him. Carter has been like this since he came back from his injury in France, not quite what he was against the Lions etc. Still, it's there in them both to do great things.

I can't quite agree with that. Carter was superb in the two Tri Nations tests earlier in the month.

 

[quinsteve]

In the FAAACEE!

 

[Jer1cho]

HaHa Genia booting the ball into Horwill. That's funny. Come on All Blacks!!!

 

[TRF C A Iversen]

I can't quite agree with that. Carter was superb in the two Tri Nations tests earlier in the month.

I'm not trying to contradict myself, but I will say that I'm not meaning that he's dropped off immensely. I'm meaning like maybe a 5% drop on his overall skill on average. I still think he's dangerous and I still think he's the worlds best flyhalf, but I think he's a little more prone to average games than he used to be. Not to a great degree, but it's there. In the Super 15 there's been some examples of moments like this.

 

[Jer1cho]

I'm not trying to contradict myself, but I will say that I'm not meaning that he's dropped off immensely. I'm meaning like maybe a 5% drop on his overall skill on average. I still think he's dangerous and I still think he's the worlds best flyhalf, but I think he's a little more prone to average games than he used to be. Not to a great degree, but it's there. In the Super 15 there's been some examples of moments like this.

Agreed. Even though this is their best team, and last weeks was not, NZ are showing that they really struggle when they can't cope at the breakdown. Read, even though he is off injured. also looks a shadow of his former self, and Thompson just is not up to international standard. All Blacks need to think long and hard about who their best loose trio will be.

Still though, looking slightly better this half. Dagg needs to be on though, and Toeava. Jane and Guildford look lost.

 

[Black Heart]

Already seeing a change in gameplan. Fowards trying to get the go foward to free the backs.

 

[Black Heart]

booyah!!!!

 

[Jer1cho]

Nice try, and brilliant patience by the All Blacks. Guilty of committing too many defenders.

 

[gingergenius]

that try wasn't pretty but fantastically patient build-up play. the sort of try you'll need in knockout phases...

 

[Jer1cho]

Quade Cooper dirty !@#$. He needs to cop a ban for that. What a cheapshot.

 

[Black Heart]

Nonu needs to lay Cooper out on his arse.

 

[quinsteve]

love the commentary moaning about NZ being dull to score that try - I found it really entertaining - high intensity, discipline and skill to know when to play it wide!

Cooper really has it in for McCaw tonight, can't help but think if I were him (Cooper) I'd try and avoid the breakdown as he's not going to get a friendly welcome

 

[Jer1cho]

AB's are taking control now...