Wales vs New Zealand

[wertas]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (cyRil of Ospreylia @ Nov 5 2009, 09:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Sorry if I've missed it, but who's the ref?[/b]

Craig Joubert

 

[Nickdnz]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (shtove @ Nov 6 2009, 07:08 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (SmokeyMonkey @ Nov 6 2009, 05:15 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (dullonien @ Nov 5 2009, 11:15 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It will be interesting if these tactics will have changed. Towards the end of the last 6 nations, the opposition were finding it easy to defend against. The prime example is that of Worsley tackling everything on or behind the gain line in midfield, nullifying Roberts. That day, and in subsequent games, we didn't seem to have a plan B. I'm hoping we'll mix it up alot more from now on.[/b]

I'd have to disagree with this. Roberts took Worsley out of that game as much as he got taken out himself. England couldn't control the rucks without an openside, and got sin-binned twice and gave away too many costly penalties. We didn't need a plan B because plan A was actually paying off fine. Roberts deserved MotM as much as Worsley, but it really should've gone to Stephen Jones or Martyn Williams. England were going for damage limitation in that game. A better example would be Dusatoir and Ouedragao (sp.) in the France game. McCaw won't spend his time 'marking' Roberts. He'll actually win ball and pile on the pressure, which will be x100 times more valuable than 'treechopper' Worsley.
[/b][/quote]
Someone's got to mark Roberts! Otherwise he'll make mincemeat of the midfield defence.
[/b][/quote]
I do have to say that Comrad Smith is an amazing defender, which I think should help Nonu out with Roberts. It's not that he can tackle hard, it's just his technique is near perfect, and he is a die hard tackler, as he will put himself on the line, which I hope will nullify Roberts.

 

[candybum]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Nickdnz @ Nov 6 2009, 05:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (shtove @ Nov 6 2009, 07:08 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (SmokeyMonkey @ Nov 6 2009, 05:15 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (dullonien @ Nov 5 2009, 11:15 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It will be interesting if these tactics will have changed. Towards the end of the last 6 nations, the opposition were finding it easy to defend against. The prime example is that of Worsley tackling everything on or behind the gain line in midfield, nullifying Roberts. That day, and in subsequent games, we didn't seem to have a plan B. I'm hoping we'll mix it up alot more from now on.[/b]

I'd have to disagree with this. Roberts took Worsley out of that game as much as he got taken out himself. England couldn't control the rucks without an openside, and got sin-binned twice and gave away too many costly penalties. We didn't need a plan B because plan A was actually paying off fine. Roberts deserved MotM as much as Worsley, but it really should've gone to Stephen Jones or Martyn Williams. England were going for damage limitation in that game. A better example would be Dusatoir and Ouedragao (sp.) in the France game. McCaw won't spend his time 'marking' Roberts. He'll actually win ball and pile on the pressure, which will be x100 times more valuable than 'treechopper' Worsley.
[/b][/quote]
Someone's got to mark Roberts! Otherwise he'll make mincemeat of the midfield defence.
[/b][/quote]
I do have to say that Comrad Smith is an amazing defender, which I think should help Nonu out with Roberts. It's not that he can tackle hard, it's just his technique is near perfect, and he is a die hard tackler, as he will put himself on the line, which I hope will nullify Roberts.
[/b][/quote]

I agree

I personally think that the way Conrad plays is reminiscent of how Tana was when he played center, obviously not the same physicality but his defense is top notch and often helps out in the rucking.

 

[stormer2010]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (shtove @ Nov 3 2009, 10:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Juan VdS @ Nov 4 2009, 03:07 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE

We (SA) have the best forward, though and that's what matters; backline only determines the margin.
1 SA (7/8) could be 8 if we get an actual tighthead in
2 NZ (6.5/8)
3 Fra (6/8)
4 Ire (6/8)
5 Wal (5.5/8)
6 Eng (5.5/8)
7 Aus (5/8)[/b]

Where is Argentina?![/b][/quote]
In a big competition once every four years. Shouldn't be the way, but it is.
[/b][/quote]

Apart from the guys left over from the RC 2007 I hardly can make any sort of rating re Argentine rugby.



Totally out of place but is Richard Kahui still injured? Would have liked to see him tour. Reminds me a lot of Jauzion in some way. In any case I predict a NZ win allthough I wouldn't be surprised if teh Welsh lead at the break. England to sneak in with a 2 point win and SA's 3rd team to struggle against the Tigers.

 

[stormer2010]

Never mind Jamie Roberts. Quality center but not an inch ahead of Nonu. Add Smith and Shanklin and I'd say NZ poses more questions in the midfield.

 

[Jer1cho]

I think that Jamie Roberts is a far better player than Nonu.

 

[Olyy]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jer1cho @ Nov 6 2009, 08:39 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

I think that Jamie Roberts is a far better player than Nonu.[/b]

I agree,
I'm not sure why, but i really don't rate Nonu very highly

 

[jawmalawm24]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Olyy @ Nov 6 2009, 09:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jer1cho @ Nov 6 2009, 08:39 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I think that Jamie Roberts is a far better player than Nonu.[/b]

I agree,
I'm not sure why, but i really don't rate Nonu very highly
[/b][/quote]Man just when I was starting to rate him. For the last 2 years I've never really liked Nonu but I've just come around to liking him.

I haven't seen Jamie Roberts play so I can't make any judgement but he must be pretty good if he's better than Nonu because Nonu's one of the best line breakers in the Southern Hemisphere and has been for quite a while.

 

[roscommon guy]

IMO callum bruce is the best inside center in NZ

 

[Nickdnz]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (seanAF @ Nov 6 2009, 11:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

IMO callum bruce is the best inside center in NZ[/b]

Callum Bruce is the least remarkable player in the world. Not saying he is bad, I just don't believe he has any quality that makes him worth rateing. Nonu is an amazing player when he is on form, in my opinion better then Roberts, that being said when Nonu isn't on form he can be a desaster. I think Nonu personifies the Hurricanes performances. At one point he was the highest try scorer in the Super 14, has been one of the most consistant scorers in the AB"s and one if not the best line breaker in world rugby, that being said on his bad days, he drops the ball and is actully a handy cap. Roberts on the other hand is either a good player, who in my mind can be exciting and a good line breaker, I don't think he is as much of a danger, however Roberts on a bad day is just a consistant if not somewhat invisible player.

 

[dullonien]

Roberts is probably being talked up a little too much on this thread. He's a great player, as the Lions test proved, and he will get better in his second season at inside centre. But I doubt we'll see him break a tackle every time he touches the ball again like in SA.

I personally don't think we've seen half of what Roberts is capable of, we've only seen his brute strength at centre so far. But seeing his length of the field break playing at full back for the Blues, showes me he's got a great step and some good pace aswell. I personally hope that we start seeing a bit more or Roberts' skills in this AI. If we can put him into space, he'll cause more havoc than being the one creating the space imo.

Gatland has just said that he doesn't expect Carter to be fit. Might be more mind games, but considering the fact he hasn't trained yet this week is worriying for NZ. Can they really risk chucking him into an international (especially one where he'll have Roberts and Shanklin running at him all day), if he isn't fit? I don't see NZ risking it, would be a pitty if he picked up a serious injury if he plays.

What do you NZ guys think. Worth risking it, or better to let him recover fully?

 

[Bluemoon]

In Roberts defence there is a few reasons why you haven't seen him. Firstly, the Blues halfbacks have not been providing decent ball for the first half of the season. Its been slow and stagnant the majority of the time. Jamie needs to hit the line at pace to make the impact he made with the lions - which hopefully will be different with Wales.

Secondly, as he's being marked so much, he's being used as a dummy runner or being missed 80% of the time (clearly coming from the blues management). Also, I'd argue that with Sam Norton Knight the team has become more conservative therefore you are seeing him less.

Back to Wales. Basically, if all goes to plan, Roberts will attempt to draw both Nonu and Smith, creating the space outwide. The only worry I have is whether the welsh centres can match NZ for pace, becuase I don't think they can.

 

[stormer2010]

I didn't say Nonu is better than Roberts, I said they are pretty close although Nonu is at times liable to have on off day. I tried to convey that I think the combination of Nonu and Smith is more formidable than Roberts and Shanklin. That being said, we don't have to wait for too long to get a fair idea of how things stand. So, here's hoping both midfields get a share of some decent ball.

 

[shazbooger]

Roberts looked great when playing with the World Player of the year for 2009. BOD created a lot of space for him. The other side of his game was seen vs England last year when Worsley shut him down easily enough.

Nonu on the other hand is an average player by most International standards. Good in space but otherwise limited. Smith on the other hand is a class act. You'd have to say New Zealand have the upper hand here.

 

[cyRil]

As an outside centre myself, I love Conrad Smith. He is my idol. Roberts has the upper hand on Nonu, because he is so more rounded as a rugby player; but then there's exactly the same thing (and more) when comparing Smith and Shanklin.
Oh, and where's the AI prediction thread for this year??

 

[jawmalawm24]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (cyRil of Ospreylia @ Nov 7 2009, 03:45 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

As an outside centre myself, I love Conrad Smith. He is my idol. Roberts has the upper hand on Nonu, because he is so more rounded as a rugby player; but then there's exactly the same thing (and more) when comparing Smith and Shanklin.
Oh, and where's the AI prediction thread for this year??[/b]

Yeah Conrads a awesome player. When the All Blacks were trying to find a centre to take over Tana's place they tryed all sorts and were trying to make centre's out of fullbacks and wingers but it never worked til Conrad came along because he just haves a massive skill set. Notice he's the only specialist in the All Blacks backline everyone else has played either 2 or 3 positions that's cause he got game.

 

[William18]

Stuff this. I'm just going to watch the haka, see what antics go on there and then I'll just go watch the league.

 

[dullonien]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (William18 @ Nov 6 2009, 10:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Stuff this. I'm just going to watch the haka, see what antics go on there and then I'll just go watch the league.[/b]

Ok then, have fun!

To be honest, I don't think much will happen with the Haka this year. If Gatland does decide it's necessary, I hope it's something as tasteful as last year, which was just amazing to watch (must have been great in the stadium). Gatland should get it right, afterall he's a Kiwi! Wouldn't be surprised though, if nothing takes place, can't see the same thing happening, and I can't think of anything else respectable.

 

[wjd23104]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (bristol-iain @ Nov 4 2009, 12:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Juan VdS @ Nov 3 2009, 03:37 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The Welsh have a very dangerous backline, but I am afraid they'll get battered up front. Badly. Their scrum will be heavily targeted by the All Blacks, especially if Crockett comes in. Just a question: Gatland claims that Paul James is perfectly capable of playing on the loosehead... is this true?

The Welsh have some serious bulk in the pack but that doesn't guarantee they'll win at the breakdown, especially against McCaw and co.[/b]

I genuinley think that, once everyone is fit, we have one of if not the best backline in world rugby, although the one we will put out on Saturday isn't quite at that level it is still a very strong one. Uop fron, yes, I think we may struggle but I don't think we will be "battered". Bear in mind we have one of the worlds best at 7 (yes, so do they) and a 6 that, if you saw the SA game last year, who can be a devastating ball carrier.

We will have a much better chance if Carter doesn't play but it will still be a cracking game of rugby and I so wish I was going, as it is I shall be watching in Southampton Wahoo (a bar, it used to Walkabout but that closed :%#%#: )
[/b][/quote]

I'd take the the SA or ABs backline over Wales any day.

 

[Bluemoon]

Good for you wjd.

The atmosphere in the stadium last year was unreal. The crowd really got behind the team in a sense that it really gave them belief by the time the first whistle went. It was surreal, but an amazing experience. Its the only time I've ever really seen a crowd effect the game in a large magnitude. Only Munster in the Heineken cup final against Biarritz got close at the Mil Stad, but it was even more than that! There was a real togetherness that will never be beaten.

Second half it wore off apparently...