he's good in loose attack/counter-attack type games that generally happen against Aussie teams where his sevens skills really come to the fore, but he can be pretty invisible against SA/Argentina style forward packs.messam is very very good though
....Not much to say about the game. NZ were determined to make amends for last week. Australia took a bad yellow card and got hammered with the man advantage. After that we had too big a lead and could afford to play expressively which led to more points.
Alex Corbisiero says "hi".He is the 2nd best front rower in the world behind Bismark. He would be easily in the world XV and he doesn't get any press in any of the media (that I have access to)
remember this from last year?How about Barrett shutting down Folau on the break away - never thought I would see that.
Most of England's pack is world class using the CW definition of world class. They impressed me no end in the series against us. Some of your backs need significant coaching.Alex Corbisiero says "hi".
Wouldn't have too many Poms in a World XV (Lawes and Launchbury would be in the shake up, but that's probably about it), but our big, American-born, Italian-surnamed loosehead would be in there.
He need's to get some starting game time, so that we have an adequate back up to Cruden.remember this from last year?
He's ridiculously fast. Supremely talented player but still just behind Cruden.
Definitely, would be interesting to see speed tests from players within the All Blacks. Was a breathtaking performance and was interesting to hear people comparing it with the 1996 match in Wellington.remember this from last year?
He's ridiculously fast. Supremely talented player but still just behind Cruden.
Corbs missed the tour as his main flaw is that he's very injury prone.Most of England's pack is world class using the CW definition of world class. They impressed me no end in the series against us. Some of your backs need significant coaching..
They should consider asking someone like Palu to convert into a lock. They need more grunt in that tight 5 as Slipper is the only one providing anything.For me, the Wallabies are still light and poor in the tight five and lack players who can give any decent go forward.
I like your first choice ten Farrell. He is quality. Your back up Burns is a worry and does not have self awareness and attempts to execute plays that better players wouldn't take on and ends up doing something counter productive such as kicking the ball out on the full on not kicking it ten from a kick off.Corbs missed the tour as his main flaw is that he's very injury prone.
If the big lad stays fit he'll be the bedrock on which our WC tilt is built.
WIngs and inside centre are our big areas for concern. & I remain unconvinced by Robshaw as a 7, but appear in the minority on that one.
Hoepfully when big Sam Burgess makes the move over to the senior code he might be able to do an SBW-styley job for us at #12.
They will run us close in Brisbane. They will bounce back. I am expecting them to beat SA based on how much SA is struggling with the Argies.Definitely, would be interesting to see speed tests from players within the All Blacks. Was a breathtaking performance and was interesting to hear people comparing it with the 1996 match in Wellington.
For me, the Wallabies are still light and poor in the tight five and lack players who can give any decent go forward. They'll only win one of their remaining games IMO and that will be against Argentina. They'll lose both Springbok matches and lose to Argentina in Argentina. I'll be happy to eat my words, but I'm shocked that this Wallabies team is talked up as much as it is.
All eyes will be on Folau come the end of this Rugby season to see if he sticks around for the World Cup or not. Perhaps he'll think a return to NRL and a crack at State of Origin will give him more.
I wish Rene Ranger would come back. Quite ridiculous that he's not playing international rugby.I love Manu at 13 and believe him to be the best 13 in the world.
Yeah Rene gave up to soon.I wish Rene Ranger would come back. Quite ridiculous that he's not playing international rugby.
I also think Piutau should give centre a go.
I wouldn't mind if they gave Tim Nanai Williams a go at second 5 either. Crotty was good last night though.