I really do not understand the AB selection policy or the game plan, It all looks upside down to me.
After watching the Crusaders demolish the Blues in the Super finals, a few days later the teams are named for the series against Ireland.
So the selectors in their wisdom go for, Beauden Barrett, Tupaea, Reiko Ioane, plus wingers and fullback. With Richie Mo’unga, and Will Jordan, are replacements.
Well Richie outclassed Beauden all season and none more so than in the final. Barrett is a great player but goes missing in big games. He then turns to desperate kicks to try and make something out of nothing. Great if it comes off but against a very good Irish defence there is little hope of that.
Yes he got a try prior to half time which was a fluke really, but still a try. From around his own 22 he sends a short stab into the middle which is knocked on trying to retrieve possession and from the scrum Ireland score.
Surely if you are going to kick, put the ball as far away from your posts as possible.
Ireland have a great kicker in Sexton and AB ‘s play a short kick. Dumb.
For some reason and I don’t know why, we continue with stupid box kicks, which IF, IF, you regain possession you grab 20 metres. You already have possession.
What’s the point of kicking possession away. The forwards work their guts out and the half back kicks the ball. Again, dumb.
In Saturday’s 2nd test the AB’s retrieved one kick. That’s right. ONE. Again dumb,
but did we stop kicking to the opposition. No. I personally think this is the worse coaching group NZ has ever had and will never win the next world cup.
In the third test Mo’unga, and Havili, must start, 10 and 12, with Jordan as fullback, Jordie Barrett on the wing, Reece on the other, Fakatava at 9, Scott Barrett back at 6, Savea at 8, Whitelock back with Retallick,. As the game wears on, or through injury, Beauden, Aron Smith, Tupaea, Gus Sowakula, Papali, Tupaea, Fainga’nuku, and if available Goodhue.
Enjoy your footie, Keep the rule book handy, or write your own rules. Nobody understands the game any more.
I have been involved in union all my life and I have no idea at times what is happening.
Too much interference from TMO and assistant refs, slowing the game down even more. Soon it will be touch rugby. No wonder people watch rugby league. Even me!
Don’t forget to leave your thoughts!!
I couldn’t watch this game till the end...why?
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