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what time are we kicking off?
should i roll out the sofa/bed? usually only comes out during the aussie open tennis although came in handy during the last world cup (i would have been better off asleep during scotland games tho) |
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8.35
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ok cheers bhoys, regular bed and alarm clock should be ok then
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Is this an understrength Irish team? Because the 18.5 line looks huge with 3 rookies in ABs, plus missing Kaino. They've rarely been on top form first test of the year. 2006/2008 narrowly beat Ireland, 2009 beaten by France (ok with Carter/McCaw).
Showery weather expected too. |
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Gone for the draw at 90/1
Never know lol |
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Gone for the draw at 90/1
Never know lol |
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Shame this is at THE fortress as NZ deffo can be a bit flaky first up in these winter tests. Ire get a RaboCop ref too which may be a bonus. If I was a cap player I'd certainly be having a look at the 18.5
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ABJ - Ireland have 2 locks that haven't played many games for Ireland (O'Connell missing is always a blow), Fitzpatrick at prop is certainly not ideal and Loughney on the bench is a complete no-name at this level. If Earls does play at 12 it should open up tons of chances for Carter and SBW to fire straight through because the bloke's tackling isn't up to this level from what we have seen and he has rarely played at 12.
I think the problem for Ireland is that where they are strong they have to be strong and where they are weak they could really get blown away. |
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Yeah the prop concerns me. NZ have holes though, some untried combos, Vito isn't Kaino who was NZs best player last year, no Thorn at scrums, Savea and Guildford both vulnerable to kicking (no Jane). Carter's kicking this season has been limited and inaccurate due to the effects of that World Cup injury.
Showers around and ground/ball could get slippery. The one thing that puts me off is Carter/McCaw together have such an excellent record, especially in NZ. If it was like Ireland games in 2006 with no Carter, or France in 2009 with both missing, would be all over Ireland with the start. |
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ABs have wind first half btw
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christ this guy is murdering the irish anthem!
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The Irish singer's been on the Guinness all day
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And NZ dont tend to do badly at Eden Park either.....
This NZ team against a full Irish side would make +18 a massive bargain, but I'm holding back on the basis that Ireland's issues could exaggerate the NZ scoreline. A few positions where the drop from first choice to second choice is huge. |
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The start is big enough to tempt me regardless of the new caps for Ireland in this weather. The second rows are the form second rows and will not be waiting in midfield to take the ball from a standing start a la POC.
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They played that backing track in the U20s yesterday. Sounds bloody stupid frankly.
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Weepu had a decent haka, highlight of his season so far
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How is Weepu's inclusion in the squad justified, ABJ? I thought NZers were quite ruthless when it came to picking players on form or is there enough warm sentiment towards him after the WC?
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Baffles me Dunc. The way he is playing I can't see how NZ don't have at least 5 better options at 9. And 10.
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Morning all. GOne for Ireland on the cap. On a side note great to see some grass on the pitch after yesterdays U20 games,,
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anyone have a link please :-)
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Absolute shyte from O'Driscoll there. Two men outside with space to run into and he chips it down the winger's throat.
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http://www.vipbox.tv/sports/rugby.html
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It isn't-Ellis has been far better, Weepu can't even get a start for Blues. Reason he's there is loyalty after World Cup, and as 3rd kicking option if Carter's groin plays up as it has been since he got back.
Blues plays often get persisted with despite subpar Super Rugby form (Ali Williams, Rokocoko in past), because so often the team is a bad culture and they don't want to write anyone off based on Blues form. |
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http://www.sportlemon.tv/v-4/0/162/v-416204.html ...
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Think Northern hemisphere sides need to play territory especially Ireland and Sexton worries me in this aspect of his game. Kicking for touch is not the best,
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They've taken 'bad culture' to new extremes this year. Tough to think of a team that's ever done so poorly with so much talent.
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WTF was that about from Murray? The hit was solid from Ireland, might as well hand NZ three points.
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Shame there was no support because that was a beautiful little break and offload from Dagg.
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Blues used to have Fitzpatrick, Z Brooke and Michael Jones in 96/97, haven't had decent leadership since. Too many flashy/lazy/disinterested types compared to Crusaders.
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some nice play there from Ire
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Lol Kearny bumped SBW off
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Sexton with a nothing kick after some lovely Irish play.
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wrong option down blindside...
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aarrggh wrong way lads - too much cover on that short side
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Jaysus did Kearney get a bang on the head in that collision with SBW?
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All very nice from Ireland, but they need early points I think. NZ often start slowly and go like a train second half so anything other than a lead at half-time wont be enough.
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fair point RM. It's all good from Ire but the board just says 3-3 and that cannot be good enough.
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Heaslip now ffs. There's a line between having a go and just plain stupidity.
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