Late to the Party: a review of Bledisloe One

Its early days, but Hansen took positive things from GHs tenure and built on that while adding things of his own. Of course, having McCaw, DC, Nonu, Snake, Kev, Kaino, and all the rest of those great players helped. It remains to be seen if Fozzie was just a good soldier or if he can move things onward and upwards. I hope he can for all our sakes

@canefan said in Bledisloe One: Wellington, October 11:

@junior said in Bledisloe One: Wellington, October 11:

@canefan said in Bledisloe One: Wellington, October 11:

@junior said in Bledisloe One: Wellington, October 11:

@chimoaus said in Bledisloe One: Wellington, October 11:

@ACT-Crusader He basically walks up to the ruck, puts his hand on top of the wallaby then casually walks away. The next drive the ruck is directly under the posts. Its at this stage he should be demanding the ball to throw it over. WTF is he even doing at the ruck. The rest of the backline are out waiting.

That last shot of the 4 (bottom right) is quite telling - look at the space behind the ruck, right in front of the posts, basically the perfect spot for him to casually knock it over.

Like our failure in 2007 it has to be a failure of the onfield leadership group, its not up to Richie to call his own number

I don't disagree that there needs to be some collective accountability. However, by the same token, if your 10 does not have the nous or courage to make the big call in that situation, and more importantly put himself in a position to be the match winner, you have to wonder whether he has the temperament for test footy.

I kind of agree. But over our history I don't recall many instances where our 10 slots a DG in that situation. Merhts is the only other who I can recall and he missed his chance

DC did it plenty of times

@junior said in Bledisloe One: Wellington, October 11:

@canefan said in Bledisloe One: Wellington, October 11:

@junior said in Bledisloe One: Wellington, October 11:

@canefan said in Bledisloe One: Wellington, October 11:

@junior said in Bledisloe One: Wellington, October 11:

@chimoaus said in Bledisloe One: Wellington, October 11:

@ACT-Crusader He basically walks up to the ruck, puts his hand on top of the wallaby then casually walks away. The next drive the ruck is directly under the posts. Its at this stage he should be demanding the ball to throw it over. WTF is he even doing at the ruck. The rest of the backline are out waiting.

That last shot of the 4 (bottom right) is quite telling - look at the space behind the ruck, right in front of the posts, basically the perfect spot for him to casually knock it over.

Like our failure in 2007 it has to be a failure of the onfield leadership group, its not up to Richie to call his own number

I don't disagree that there needs to be some collective accountability. However, by the same token, if your 10 does not have the nous or courage to make the big call in that situation, and more importantly put himself in a position to be the match winner, you have to wonder whether he has the temperament for test footy.

I kind of agree. But over our history I don't recall many instances where our 10 slots a DG in that situation. Merhts is the only other who I can recall and he missed his chance

DC did it plenty of times

Define plenty

@Hooroo said in Bledisloe One: Wellington, October 11:

@NTA said in Bledisloe One: Wellington, October 11:

I've calmed down a bit now, having had to go pay $430 to get my daughter's macbook fixed after she spilled water on it last week.

That whole process - forking out money to Apple - was more enjoyable than watching Williams referee.

And before you get going: I completed my field test with NSW Rugby and am an accredited ref so I come from a position of knowledge on this. So... yeah... suck my balls all of you armchair fucking refs

As an introductory note: how AFG missed that foot on the line will forever be a mystery. You make a living out of this Angus. The lines are nice and straight. Stick your fucking flag up. Does it make some kind of cosmic justice thing when Ioane refuses to mess up his hair while dropping the ball later? No. It does not.

Some refs - a lot of the French ones - just let players sort it out, mostly. Sometimes that can looks weird, but then they make a decision and you figure they're just keeping the threshold for intervention high i.e. they don't want to be the star attraction. Sometimes the decision made is a head scratcher but you sort of accept French people are weird and move on.

Williams tends to avoid decisions whenever he can - even when it is blindingly obvious that a decision needs to be made. In the first half Mounga gets rid of the ball and a full second later Wilson absolutely clatters him - right in front. Williams sort of puts his arm out and then does nothing. Just gets on with things. Multiple tackles from both teams go high - not dangerously so, but potential for escalation which should be ruled on early to set a marker - and he does nothing.

He rightly pings Tupou for being a shitwit at ruck time (twice ) because it is well past the back of the ruck when he finishes trying to piss off Aaron Smith (a noble pursuit). But I counted at least three times for each team where a cleanout happened from the side of the ruck and did zero.

Penalises Koroibete for going off his feet when no AB was contesting the ball, then lets it go for another Wallaby player in the same situation and says nobody was contesting the ball

Of course, there are the big ones - the biggest of which is probably the two scrums later in the second half where Alalaatoa hands out a complete reaming to Karl T (who packed at an angle, pushed at an angle, and got folded into an angle on the ground), and tells the Wobs "you're not getting it", then does Sio for exactly the same thing at the next scrum. What were the fucking ARs doing while Alalaatoa was introducing Big Karl's forehead to the turf?

I'd love to be a fly on the wall at the referee review. It isn't easy - I know that from personal experience even at my gumby level of refereeing. But there are head scratchers and then there is out and out inconsistency that leads to incompetence.

EDIT: oh and the 2 short arms against Australia for going early at scrum time? Every fucking ref knows that the second one is a penalty you tit.

Oh no! A new amateur ref who suddenly thinks he knows it all. The worst kind of armchair commentator!

The patron saint of whom is Sir Brian Moore!

@Toddy good analysis from what I can see

@junior said in Bledisloe One: Wellington, October 11:

@chimoaus said in Bledisloe One: Wellington, October 11:

@ACT-Crusader He basically walks up to the ruck, puts his hand on top of the wallaby then casually walks away. The next drive the ruck is directly under the posts. Its at this stage he should be demanding the ball to throw it over. WTF is he even doing at the ruck. The rest of the backline are out waiting.

That last shot of the 4 (bottom right) is quite telling - look at the space behind the ruck, right in front of the posts, basically the perfect spot for him to casually knock it over.

How would you expect the AB's to setup for a drop goal?

My expectation would be for them to try and drive around the fringes 4-5 times to suck in defenders while half back and kicker/kickers got into position. None of this was happening - blaming Mo'unga when the team were clearly not trying to get into position for a drop kick attempt would appear disingenious.

Great match for the unencumbered

@sparky said in Bledisloe One: Wellington, October 11:

Sparky's blame game

the tapes of Grant Batty, Bryan Williams, John Kirwan, Jonah Lomu and Doug Howlett scoring tries. Put the ball down with two hands carefully, then jog back to the middle.

Gunna disagree a smidge here.

Score a try is a good thing. Be happy.

Don't be a dick perhaps. (Fuck sake Reiko...)

But it's ok to celebrate.

@booboo said in Bledisloe One: Wellington, October 11:

@sparky said in Bledisloe One: Wellington, October 11:

Sparky's blame game

the tapes of Grant Batty, Bryan Williams, John Kirwan, Jonah Lomu and Doug Howlett scoring tries. Put the ball down with two hands carefully, then jog back to the middle.

Gunna disagree a smidge here.

Score a try is a good thing. Be happy.

Don't be a dick perhaps. (Fuck sake Reiko...)

But it's ok to celebrate.

Much more acceptable these days, just keep it classy

@canefan said in Bledisloe One: Wellington, October 11:

@booboo said in Bledisloe One: Wellington, October 11:

@sparky said in Bledisloe One: Wellington, October 11:

Sparky's blame game

the tapes of Grant Batty, Bryan Williams, John Kirwan, Jonah Lomu and Doug Howlett scoring tries. Put the ball down with two hands carefully, then jog back to the middle.

Gunna disagree a smidge here.

Score a try is a good thing. Be happy.

Don't be a dick perhaps. (Fuck sake Reiko...)

But it's ok to celebrate.

Much more acceptable these days, just keep it classy

Well at least score the try first ...

And just remember back in the 70s when we didn't celebrate tries we didn't win much...

Oh and right at the end, there was a disappointing degree of urgency and "wanting it" from so many in the team. The screenshots of Mounga are pretty cringey and I remember watching Jordie just walking about behind around the same time, not screaming into position and trying to organise anything. Everyone was just so lackadaisical.

@Bones the leadership group has not recovered since 2015

@Bones said in Bledisloe One: Wellington, October 11:

Ok late to the party, here we go...

Frizzel, looked like he was finally going to step up in the first 15 mins, then faded pretty badly and became a background player.

Taylor - what happened to the guy that came in and replaced Coles and didn't miss a beat with being an attacking game changer?

Ofa - definitely needs to pick his moments better but was a shining light in our tight 5 physicality.

Tuipulotu - what happened to the barnstorming blues player? Melted into the background much like Frizzel.

Whitelock - surprised to see him getting grief, ball in hand he actually made a couple of really good runs into the defence, unfortunately it's offset by the amount of times (like the rest of the forwards) he gets the ball standing still 5m behind the gain line and has no chance. What the fuck is up with this pattern?

Savea - didn't look himself at all, is he injured? Getting dragged back by the opposition 9 who's probably the smallest in the oppo isn't exactly a good look for an 8.

Smith - again looked off his game, 80% of his game was there, but surprisingly lacked accuracy in his passing and decision making, especially early.

Mounga looked like a debutant out of his depth.

Goodhue - similar type of game to Whitelock, the rest has been said - he's a great centre and defender.

Roane - thought he had an excellent game for a debut centre, then he goes and fucks up that try, illustrating that uncontrollable ego that irks so many of us. Surely he could eat some humble pie by now?

DMac - about a hundred times better than any other footy he's played this year, but another one having that covered up by deadly errors.

Clarke - surely he's starting next match?

Sotutu - surely he's starting next match?

All in all, just so many fuck ups from a team that used to pride itself on accuracy.

The worst thing for me - it all played out exactly how many would have predicted from the dire team selected. How the fuck can average Joe see this shit and Foster can't. What is he making his decision on that we don't know?

Highlight - Smith's try was a gorgeous bit of salt in the wounds and if we'd won it would have made a great highlight vid paired up with the Wallas go at the same move. Especially if someone else hadn't acted the fucktard and could score a try like the Wallabies debut winger.

Smith
Beauden
Clarke
ALB
Goodhue
Reece
Jordie

Perenara
Mounga
Roane.

Jesus.......poor Bridge isn't even worth a mention.....

@MN5 said in Bledisloe One: Wellington, October 11:

@Bones said in Bledisloe One: Wellington, October 11:

Ok late to the party, here we go...

Frizzel, looked like he was finally going to step up in the first 15 mins, then faded pretty badly and became a background player.

Taylor - what happened to the guy that came in and replaced Coles and didn't miss a beat with being an attacking game changer?

Ofa - definitely needs to pick his moments better but was a shining light in our tight 5 physicality.

Tuipulotu - what happened to the barnstorming blues player? Melted into the background much like Frizzel.

Whitelock - surprised to see him getting grief, ball in hand he actually made a couple of really good runs into the defence, unfortunately it's offset by the amount of times (like the rest of the forwards) he gets the ball standing still 5m behind the gain line and has no chance. What the fuck is up with this pattern?

Savea - didn't look himself at all, is he injured? Getting dragged back by the opposition 9 who's probably the smallest in the oppo isn't exactly a good look for an 8.

Smith - again looked off his game, 80% of his game was there, but surprisingly lacked accuracy in his passing and decision making, especially early.

Mounga looked like a debutant out of his depth.

Goodhue - similar type of game to Whitelock, the rest has been said - he's a great centre and defender.

Roane - thought he had an excellent game for a debut centre, then he goes and fucks up that try, illustrating that uncontrollable ego that irks so many of us. Surely he could eat some humble pie by now?

DMac - about a hundred times better than any other footy he's played this year, but another one having that covered up by deadly errors.

Clarke - surely he's starting next match?

Sotutu - surely he's starting next match?

All in all, just so many fuck ups from a team that used to pride itself on accuracy.

The worst thing for me - it all played out exactly how many would have predicted from the dire team selected. How the fuck can average Joe see this shit and Foster can't. What is he making his decision on that we don't know?

Highlight - Smith's try was a gorgeous bit of salt in the wounds and if we'd won it would have made a great highlight vid paired up with the Wallas go at the same move. Especially if someone else hadn't acted the fucktard and could score a try like the Wallabies debut winger.

Smith
Beauden
Clarke
ALB
Goodhue
Reece
Jordie

Perenara
Mounga
Roane.

Jesus.......poor Bridge isn't even worth a mention.....

I have a memory of Nisbo going "beats his opposite number" and me smirking if that counts?

@MN5 said in Bledisloe One: Wellington, October 11:

@Bones said in Bledisloe One: Wellington, October 11:

Ok late to the party, here we go...

Frizzel, looked like he was finally going to step up in the first 15 mins, then faded pretty badly and became a background player.

Taylor - what happened to the guy that came in and replaced Coles and didn't miss a beat with being an attacking game changer?

Ofa - definitely needs to pick his moments better but was a shining light in our tight 5 physicality.

Tuipulotu - what happened to the barnstorming blues player? Melted into the background much like Frizzel.

Whitelock - surprised to see him getting grief, ball in hand he actually made a couple of really good runs into the defence, unfortunately it's offset by the amount of times (like the rest of the forwards) he gets the ball standing still 5m behind the gain line and has no chance. What the fuck is up with this pattern?

Savea - didn't look himself at all, is he injured? Getting dragged back by the opposition 9 who's probably the smallest in the oppo isn't exactly a good look for an 8.

Smith - again looked off his game, 80% of his game was there, but surprisingly lacked accuracy in his passing and decision making, especially early.

Mounga looked like a debutant out of his depth.

Goodhue - similar type of game to Whitelock, the rest has been said - he's a great centre and defender.

Roane - thought he had an excellent game for a debut centre, then he goes and fucks up that try, illustrating that uncontrollable ego that irks so many of us. Surely he could eat some humble pie by now?

DMac - about a hundred times better than any other footy he's played this year, but another one having that covered up by deadly errors.

Clarke - surely he's starting next match?

Sotutu - surely he's starting next match?

All in all, just so many fuck ups from a team that used to pride itself on accuracy.

The worst thing for me - it all played out exactly how many would have predicted from the dire team selected. How the fuck can average Joe see this shit and Foster can't. What is he making his decision on that we don't know?

Highlight - Smith's try was a gorgeous bit of salt in the wounds and if we'd won it would have made a great highlight vid paired up with the Wallas go at the same move. Especially if someone else hadn't acted the fucktard and could score a try like the Wallabies debut winger.

Smith
Beauden
Clarke
ALB
Goodhue
Reece
Jordie

Perenara
Mounga
Roane.

Jesus.......poor Bridge isn't even worth a mention.....

Who?

@Bones said in Bledisloe One: Wellington, October 11:

@MN5 said in Bledisloe One: Wellington, October 11:

@Bones said in Bledisloe One: Wellington, October 11:

Ok late to the party, here we go...

Frizzel, looked like he was finally going to step up in the first 15 mins, then faded pretty badly and became a background player.

Taylor - what happened to the guy that came in and replaced Coles and didn't miss a beat with being an attacking game changer?

Ofa - definitely needs to pick his moments better but was a shining light in our tight 5 physicality.

Tuipulotu - what happened to the barnstorming blues player? Melted into the background much like Frizzel.

Whitelock - surprised to see him getting grief, ball in hand he actually made a couple of really good runs into the defence, unfortunately it's offset by the amount of times (like the rest of the forwards) he gets the ball standing still 5m behind the gain line and has no chance. What the fuck is up with this pattern?

Savea - didn't look himself at all, is he injured? Getting dragged back by the opposition 9 who's probably the smallest in the oppo isn't exactly a good look for an 8.

Smith - again looked off his game, 80% of his game was there, but surprisingly lacked accuracy in his passing and decision making, especially early.

Mounga looked like a debutant out of his depth.

Goodhue - similar type of game to Whitelock, the rest has been said - he's a great centre and defender.

Roane - thought he had an excellent game for a debut centre, then he goes and fucks up that try, illustrating that uncontrollable ego that irks so many of us. Surely he could eat some humble pie by now?

DMac - about a hundred times better than any other footy he's played this year, but another one having that covered up by deadly errors.

Clarke - surely he's starting next match?

Sotutu - surely he's starting next match?

All in all, just so many fuck ups from a team that used to pride itself on accuracy.

The worst thing for me - it all played out exactly how many would have predicted from the dire team selected. How the fuck can average Joe see this shit and Foster can't. What is he making his decision on that we don't know?

Highlight - Smith's try was a gorgeous bit of salt in the wounds and if we'd won it would have made a great highlight vid paired up with the Wallas go at the same move. Especially if someone else hadn't acted the fucktard and could score a try like the Wallabies debut winger.

Smith
Beauden
Clarke
ALB
Goodhue
Reece
Jordie

Perenara
Mounga
Roane.

Jesus.......poor Bridge isn't even worth a mention.....

I have a memory of Nisbo going "beats his opposite number" and me smirking if that counts?

@booboo said in Bledisloe One: Wellington, October 11:

@MN5 said in Bledisloe One: Wellington, October 11:

@Bones said in Bledisloe One: Wellington, October 11:

Ok late to the party, here we go...

Frizzel, looked like he was finally going to step up in the first 15 mins, then faded pretty badly and became a background player.

Taylor - what happened to the guy that came in and replaced Coles and didn't miss a beat with being an attacking game changer?

Ofa - definitely needs to pick his moments better but was a shining light in our tight 5 physicality.

Tuipulotu - what happened to the barnstorming blues player? Melted into the background much like Frizzel.

Whitelock - surprised to see him getting grief, ball in hand he actually made a couple of really good runs into the defence, unfortunately it's offset by the amount of times (like the rest of the forwards) he gets the ball standing still 5m behind the gain line and has no chance. What the fuck is up with this pattern?

Savea - didn't look himself at all, is he injured? Getting dragged back by the opposition 9 who's probably the smallest in the oppo isn't exactly a good look for an 8.

Smith - again looked off his game, 80% of his game was there, but surprisingly lacked accuracy in his passing and decision making, especially early.

Mounga looked like a debutant out of his depth.

Goodhue - similar type of game to Whitelock, the rest has been said - he's a great centre and defender.

Roane - thought he had an excellent game for a debut centre, then he goes and fucks up that try, illustrating that uncontrollable ego that irks so many of us. Surely he could eat some humble pie by now?

DMac - about a hundred times better than any other footy he's played this year, but another one having that covered up by deadly errors.

Clarke - surely he's starting next match?

Sotutu - surely he's starting next match?

All in all, just so many fuck ups from a team that used to pride itself on accuracy.

The worst thing for me - it all played out exactly how many would have predicted from the dire team selected. How the fuck can average Joe see this shit and Foster can't. What is he making his decision on that we don't know?

Highlight - Smith's try was a gorgeous bit of salt in the wounds and if we'd won it would have made a great highlight vid paired up with the Wallas go at the same move. Especially if someone else hadn't acted the fucktard and could score a try like the Wallabies debut winger.

Smith
Beauden
Clarke
ALB
Goodhue
Reece
Jordie

Perenara
Mounga
Roane.

Jesus.......poor Bridge isn't even worth a mention.....

Who?

harsh and fair

DC only kicked 8 DGs in his career, but I’ll bet that if he or Cruden we’re playing we’d have taken a shot.

In fact, even though Richie is the GOAT, the player we miss most is DC. You can’t be a WC national team without a first five that competes for the title of world’s best.

The other problem is that Mo’unga is taking a while to get established - by this time the recent greats (DC, Mehrts, Spencer) had already shown enough for it to be pretty certain that they were worth the investment (it’s two years since he’s been in the team, it was his 18th test and 11th start). I’m hoping that he’ll use this game in the same way that both Cruden and Slade bounced back from early shit tests.

Bridge - look I thought he actually performed adequately - if Clarke hadn't come on I wouldn't have had a huge problem with his game. But the difference was stark. I think he probably still has a place, but maybe more against teams like the Boks or Ireland.

@Bones said in Bledisloe One: Wellington, October 11:

Bridge - look I thought he actually performed adequately - if Clarke hadn't come on I wouldn't have had a huge problem with his game. But the difference was stark. I think he probably still has a place, but maybe more against teams like the Boks or Ireland.

See that's my problem with him. He's adequate.

Whereas our other left wing options are Clarke and Roane. Neither of which are merely "adequate".

@booboo said in Bledisloe One: Wellington, October 11:

@Bones said in Bledisloe One: Wellington, October 11:

Bridge - look I thought he actually performed adequately - if Clarke hadn't come on I wouldn't have had a huge problem with his game. But the difference was stark. I think he probably still has a place, but maybe more against teams like the Boks or Ireland.

See that's my problem with him. He's adequate.

Whereas our other left wing options are Clarke and Roane. Neither of which are merely "adequate".

Even Laumape looks hand out wide on the left...ask Beauds.

@gt12 said in Bledisloe One: Wellington, October 11:

DC only kicked 8 DGs in his career, but I’ll bet that if he or Cruden we’re playing we’d have taken a shot.

In fact, even though Richie is the GOAT, the player we miss most is DC. You can’t be a WC national team without a first five that competes for the title of world’s best.

The other problem is that Mo’unga is taking a while to get established - by this time the recent greats (DC, Mehrts, Spencer) had already shown enough for it to be pretty certain that they were worth the investment (it’s two years since he’s been in the team, it was his 18th test and 11th start). I’m hoping that he’ll use this game in the same way that both Cruden and Slade bounced back from early shit tests.

I agree. Richie had a poor game. Made a couple of things happen to get us down field (Ioane non-try and the late flurry), but he needs to improve.

On Cruden, 1 drop goal in 50 tests.

For Bridge to be effective he needs to make up the difference with his high work rate, kick chase and strong defence. None of this was apparent on the weekend so you aren't left with very much.

@ACT-Crusader said in Bledisloe One: Wellington, October 11:

@gt12 said in Bledisloe One: Wellington, October 11:

DC only kicked 8 DGs in his career, but I’ll bet that if he or Cruden we’re playing we’d have taken a shot.

In fact, even though Richie is the GOAT, the player we miss most is DC. You can’t be a WC national team without a first five that competes for the title of world’s best.

The other problem is that Mo’unga is taking a while to get established - by this time the recent greats (DC, Mehrts, Spencer) had already shown enough for it to be pretty certain that they were worth the investment (it’s two years since he’s been in the team, it was his 18th test and 11th start). I’m hoping that he’ll use this game in the same way that both Cruden and Slade bounced back from early shit tests.

I agree. Richie had a poor game. Made a couple of things happen to get us down field (Ioane non-try and the late flurry), but he needs to improve.

On Cruden, 1 drop goal in 50 tests.

But oh so good.

@KiwiMurph said in Bledisloe One: Wellington, October 11:

For Bridge to be effective he needs to make up the difference with his high work rate, kick chase and strong defence. None of this was apparent on the weekend so you aren't left with very much.

Yeah spot on - he needs to be contesting every kick and winning most, not standing off watching or knocking it on when he does attempt.

@booboo said in Bledisloe One: Wellington, October 11:

@ACT-Crusader said in Bledisloe One: Wellington, October 11:

@gt12 said in Bledisloe One: Wellington, October 11:

DC only kicked 8 DGs in his career, but I’ll bet that if he or Cruden we’re playing we’d have taken a shot.

In fact, even though Richie is the GOAT, the player we miss most is DC. You can’t be a WC national team without a first five that competes for the title of world’s best.

The other problem is that Mo’unga is taking a while to get established - by this time the recent greats (DC, Mehrts, Spencer) had already shown enough for it to be pretty certain that they were worth the investment (it’s two years since he’s been in the team, it was his 18th test and 11th start). I’m hoping that he’ll use this game in the same way that both Cruden and Slade bounced back from early shit tests.

I agree. Richie had a poor game. Made a couple of things happen to get us down field (Ioane non-try and the late flurry), but he needs to improve.

On Cruden, 1 drop goal in 50 tests.

But oh so good.

His opposite kicked one in that game too.

@ACT-Crusader said in Bledisloe One: Wellington, October 11:

@booboo said in Bledisloe One: Wellington, October 11:

@ACT-Crusader said in Bledisloe One: Wellington, October 11:

@gt12 said in Bledisloe One: Wellington, October 11:

DC only kicked 8 DGs in his career, but I’ll bet that if he or Cruden we’re playing we’d have taken a shot.

In fact, even though Richie is the GOAT, the player we miss most is DC. You can’t be a WC national team without a first five that competes for the title of world’s best.

The other problem is that Mo’unga is taking a while to get established - by this time the recent greats (DC, Mehrts, Spencer) had already shown enough for it to be pretty certain that they were worth the investment (it’s two years since he’s been in the team, it was his 18th test and 11th start). I’m hoping that he’ll use this game in the same way that both Cruden and Slade bounced back from early shit tests.

I agree. Richie had a poor game. Made a couple of things happen to get us down field (Ioane non-try and the late flurry), but he needs to improve.

On Cruden, 1 drop goal in 50 tests.

But oh so good.

His opposite kicked one in that game too.

Losing effort though.

@booboo if ever there was an armchair ride for a 1st 5, that semi was it ?

One of the dominant forward performances from an AB pack.

@Bones said in Bledisloe One: Wellington, October 11:

Frizzel, looked like he was finally going to step up in the first 15 mins, then faded pretty badly and became a background player.

In the first half, I thought Frizzel was the pick of our loosies in the first half with Cane coming into his own in the second half but it reminded me of another point.

I noticed Ardie/Frizzel and Reiko/Bridges getting in each others way a few times in defence - if it had just been Reiko/Bridges I would have shrugged and shook my head but with Ardie he was moving back and forth between Frizzels left and right side by going around Frizzel rather than the two of them choosing a side and moving left or right to cover the space.

Almost like they hadn't practiced playing together. I realise that is being harsh and very unlikely but it wasn't inspiring.

@Bones said in Bledisloe One: Wellington, October 11:

Ok late to the party, here we go...

Frizzel, looked like he was finally going to step up in the first 15 mins, then faded pretty badly and became a background player.

Taylor - what happened to the guy that came in and replaced Coles and didn't miss a beat with being an attacking game changer?

Ofa - definitely needs to pick his moments better but was a shining light in our tight 5 physicality.

Tuipulotu - what happened to the barnstorming blues player? Melted into the background much like Frizzel.

Whitelock - surprised to see him getting grief, ball in hand he actually made a couple of really good runs into the defence, unfortunately it's offset by the amount of times (like the rest of the forwards) he gets the ball standing still 5m behind the gain line and has no chance. What the fuck is up with this pattern?

Savea - didn't look himself at all, is he injured? Getting dragged back by the opposition 9 who's probably the smallest in the oppo isn't exactly a good look for an 8.

Smith - again looked off his game, 80% of his game was there, but surprisingly lacked accuracy in his passing and decision making, especially early.

Mounga looked like a debutant out of his depth.

Goodhue - similar type of game to Whitelock, the rest has been said - he's a great centre and defender.

Roane - thought he had an excellent game for a debut centre, then he goes and fucks up that try, illustrating that uncontrollable ego that irks so many of us. Surely he could eat some humble pie by now?

DMac - about a hundred times better than any other footy he's played this year, but another one having that covered up by deadly errors.

Clarke - surely he's starting next match?

Sotutu - surely he's starting next match?

All in all, just so many fuck ups from a team that used to pride itself on accuracy.

The worst thing for me - it all played out exactly how many would have predicted from the dire team selected. How the fuck can average Joe see this shit and Foster can't. What is he making his decision on that we don't know?

Highlight - Smith's try was a gorgeous bit of salt in the wounds and if we'd won it would have made a great highlight vid paired up with the Wallas go at the same move. Especially if someone else hadn't acted the fucktard and could score a try like the Wallabies debut winger.

Smith
Beauden
Clarke
ALB
Goodhue
Reece
Jordie

Perenara
Mounga
Roane.

I agree totally with your comments. Just one point : Ofa T misses a lot of tackles, just because he is tempted to mark his opponent physically. Moody does not miss tackles but his aren't dominant. So what is the better option ? Stay static and let your opponent gain momentum, or try to make an offensive tackle with the risk of missing it ?

@chimoaus Hooper looks absolutely cunted in that

@ACT-Crusader said in Bledisloe One: Wellington, October 11:

@booboo if ever there was an armchair ride for a 1st 5, that semi was it ?

One of the dominant forward performances from and AB pack.

Very true.

Can we have that back again please...

@junior said in Bledisloe One: Wellington, October 11:

@canefan said in Bledisloe One: Wellington, October 11:

@junior said in Bledisloe One: Wellington, October 11:

@chimoaus said in Bledisloe One: Wellington, October 11:

@ACT-Crusader He basically walks up to the ruck, puts his hand on top of the wallaby then casually walks away. The next drive the ruck is directly under the posts. Its at this stage he should be demanding the ball to throw it over. WTF is he even doing at the ruck. The rest of the backline are out waiting.

That last shot of the 4 (bottom right) is quite telling - look at the space behind the ruck, right in front of the posts, basically the perfect spot for him to casually knock it over.

Like our failure in 2007 it has to be a failure of the onfield leadership group, its not up to Richie to call his own number

I don't disagree that there needs to be some collective accountability. However, by the same token, if your 10 does not have the nous or courage to make the big call in that situation, and more importantly put himself in a position to be the match winner, you have to wonder whether he has the temperament for test footy.

Rubbish! RM was in position for the droppie more than once. TJP needs to take the heat for not directing the play and giving the pass to RM for the DG attempt.

This is the exact same situation as against SA in 2018/2019 where we were camped 5m out and instead of BB or Dmac setting for a DG they tried to go for the try and Dmac dropped it cold.

NZRU definitely got the continuity they wanted when they hired Fozzie. Unfortunately it is a continuation of shit performances and brainless rugby.

@KiwiMurph said in Bledisloe One: Wellington, October 11:

For Bridge to be effective he needs to make up the difference with his high work rate, kick chase and strong defence. None of this was apparent on the weekend so you aren't left with very much.

Agreed, but I don’t think we have the game plan for it (now at least). Our game isn’t built kick chasing or enough workload as we don’t have ball enough, so when we do have it, we need our wingers to be strike weapons. Plus, as we live without the ball, they have to be safe under the high ball. The only player currently going around who meets those needs is Clarke. Probably, we’d also be better if we put Beauden on the other wing and turned him into the next Ben Smith, and then had Jordie at the back.

I say that because Ioane didn’t pass to Jordie the other day because I’m sure he knows that Jordie is a bit of carthorse - was Beauden there, that ball goes and we’d have put them in massive trouble.

@gt12 said in Bledisloe One: Wellington, October 11:

@KiwiMurph said in Bledisloe One: Wellington, October 11:

For Bridge to be effective he needs to make up the difference with his high work rate, kick chase and strong defence. None of this was apparent on the weekend so you aren't left with very much.

Agreed, but I don’t think we have the game plan for it (now at least). Our game isn’t built kick chasing or enough workload as we don’t have ball enough, so when we do have it, we need our wingers to be strike weapons. Plus, as we live without the ball, they have to be safe under the high ball. The only player currently going around who meets those needs is Clarke. Probably, we’d also be better if we put Beauden on the other wing and turned him into the next Ben Smith, and then had Jordie at the back.

I say that because Ioane didn’t pass to Jordie the other day because I’m sure he knows that Jordie is a bit of carthorse - was Beauden there, that ball goes and we’d have put them in massive trouble

Eh? If that’s the case then Ioane should be dropped if he can’t trust his team mate to catch and run.

@ACT-Crusader

Maybe he should because it was greedy as fuck, but why he didn’t pass it is a mystery. I’m just guessing.

My point stands though - Beauden has the pace to play wing. Jordie, I’m not convinced.

@gt12 similarly, I'm not convinced Beauden has the pace he used to have. Some evidence of that (this year) would be nice.

@cgrant said in Bledisloe One: Wellington, October 11:

@Bones said in Bledisloe One: Wellington, October 11:

Ok late to the party, here we go...

Frizzel, looked like he was finally going to step up in the first 15 mins, then faded pretty badly and became a background player.

Taylor - what happened to the guy that came in and replaced Coles and didn't miss a beat with being an attacking game changer?

Ofa - definitely needs to pick his moments better but was a shining light in our tight 5 physicality.

Tuipulotu - what happened to the barnstorming blues player? Melted into the background much like Frizzel.

Whitelock - surprised to see him getting grief, ball in hand he actually made a couple of really good runs into the defence, unfortunately it's offset by the amount of times (like the rest of the forwards) he gets the ball standing still 5m behind the gain line and has no chance. What the fuck is up with this pattern?

Savea - didn't look himself at all, is he injured? Getting dragged back by the opposition 9 who's probably the smallest in the oppo isn't exactly a good look for an 8.

Smith - again looked off his game, 80% of his game was there, but surprisingly lacked accuracy in his passing and decision making, especially early.

Mounga looked like a debutant out of his depth.

Goodhue - similar type of game to Whitelock, the rest has been said - he's a great centre and defender.

Roane - thought he had an excellent game for a debut centre, then he goes and fucks up that try, illustrating that uncontrollable ego that irks so many of us. Surely he could eat some humble pie by now?

DMac - about a hundred times better than any other footy he's played this year, but another one having that covered up by deadly errors.

Clarke - surely he's starting next match?

Sotutu - surely he's starting next match?

All in all, just so many fuck ups from a team that used to pride itself on accuracy.

The worst thing for me - it all played out exactly how many would have predicted from the dire team selected. How the fuck can average Joe see this shit and Foster can't. What is he making his decision on that we don't know?

Highlight - Smith's try was a gorgeous bit of salt in the wounds and if we'd won it would have made a great highlight vid paired up with the Wallas go at the same move. Especially if someone else hadn't acted the fucktard and could score a try like the Wallabies debut winger.

Smith
Beauden
Clarke
ALB
Goodhue
Reece
Jordie

Perenara
Mounga
Roane.

I agree totally with your comments. Just one point : Ofa T misses a lot of tackles, just because he is tempted to mark his opponent physically. Moody does not miss tackles but his aren't dominant. So what is the better option ? Stay static and let your opponent gain momentum, or try to make an offensive tackle with the risk of missing it ?

Yep too right - I'd like to see him persisted with, as I don't see why he can't improve. If he can pick his moments better it very much compliments the Moody style defence too.

@kev said in Bledisloe One: Wellington, October 11:

@reprobate The best analysis yet. Thanks for that.

Yes I thought it was pretty good though not so sure about MacKenzie analysis.

Riko was in! - found proof on Reddit -