RugbyRebels

Gosh, I really wish we had some kind of league competition with one-off games and lots of travelling, instead of this enthralling test series, said no rugby fan ever.

Puja

I've defended Foster in the past, but honestly, fuck it. I'm sick of this shit. The team has regressed alarmingly under Foster. Regardless of the outcome next week, he needs to go.

Based.

Man, they pretty much fucked us right up. Coach and captain need to sort out the ill discipline. If the laws regarding a safe challenge are not understood at this level, then just come on, you know? Got to give the Irish credit though. They are pretty formidable unit when they are on.

Few things for me, we were predictable with our 1 2 3 phase play then box kick. Mix it up, the up and under wasn't working, don't stick with the same game plan, adapt sooner. We need to stop the cards, man down for half the match is always going to be tough, I'm worried the talk of fronting next week is going to exacerbate that. Jordan has to start, and we should have 3 Barretts, so move Jordy to 12 and Jordan at 15. I actually thought the forwards did ok, not getting the negative Sam Cane vibe, but there were too many ruck turnovers so we need to counter that somehow .. I don't know how. Aaron Smith wasn't at his best, I'd be tempted to start Christie. Perenara looked good for the Maori too. Tough call.

Well done Ireland, seriously good team, but I feel like we've got the talent to roll them next week with the right rugger smarts.

Oh and Ruben Love, future AB?

Ireland are, and have been for a while, really sharp at the breakdown. Outstanding turnover technique/ability. Bloody frustrating when you're on the receiving end of it.

Probably didn't hurt them that you spent the majority of the game with only 2 back row on the pitch.

Puja

Puja wrote:Probably didn't hurt them that you spent the majority of the game with only 2 back row on the pitch.

Puja

Yeah, you see comments from journalists that completely ignore that fact. Ireland played well that second half but it is a big jump to say they would have definitely won 15 on 15.

I do think NZ are lacking coherence in attack though. Some player changes would help (agree about getting Jordan on but wouldn't even think about dropping Smith), but it seems a strategy thing as much as anything. Ireland have a much more identifiable attacking style (as do England - though I wouldn't be copying that one!).

Puja wrote:Probably didn't hurt them that you spent the majority of the game with only 2 back row on the pitch.

Puja

For sure, but it’s not a one off.

Spy wrote:

Puja wrote:Probably didn't hurt them that you spent the majority of the game with only 2 back row on the pitch.

Puja

For sure, but it’s not a one off.

Yep. Foster's tenure can be marked with a tendency for massive inconsistency and a lack of progress. When things click, the All Blacks can be nigh-unplayable under Foster, but it's always bookended by some pretty dire performances.

I've been willing to give him the benefit of the doubt, but unlike in 2020 or 2021, there are simply no excuses or mitigation. It isn't the fact that the All Blacks got beat by Ireland, it's how they were beaten.