RugbyRebels

If France had played the first 15 minutes they might have beaten Australia. NZ has looked a bit lacklustre and has some well-documented disciplinary issues. Depends which France turns up, of course, but I'm pretty confident of the result: NZ looking like a flock of well-sponsored magpies.

France should have won even without the first 15 minutes, in the end they finished the strongest team and have just blown three clear occasions of scoring the winning score, with a try or a drop.

If they play like they did in the second half they'll be more difficult to beat than expected.

tigran wrote:France should have won even without the first 15 minutes, in the end they finished the strongest team and have just blown three clear occasions of scoring the winning score, with a try or a drop.

If they play like they did in the second half they'll be more difficult to beat than expected.

Spedding specialises in butchering overlaps.

yes he butchered two last saturday, one very spectacular one...

The Accountant will not be available. So no back three combination that sees both J.Savea and Naholo on the pitch at the same time pls.

Team for Sunday named.

1. Joe Moody
2. Dane Coles
3. Owen Franks
4. Brodie Retallick
5. Samuel Whitelock
6. Jerome Kaino
7. Matt Todd
8. Kieran Read (Captain)
9. TJ Perenara
10. Beauden Barrett
11. Julian Savea
12. Ryan Crotty
13. Anton Lienert-Brown
14. Waisake Naholo
15. Israel Dagg

16. Codie Taylor
17. Wyatt Crockett
18. Charlie Faumuina
19. Scott Barrett
20. Ardie Savea
21. Aaron Smith
22. Aaron Cruden
23. Rieko Ioane

Looks about as strong as we can muster apart from Cane. Is he injured?

I'm not sure about a Dagg, Savea, Naholo back three. Dagg on the right wing with McKenzie at FB might suit our style better. I just hope that our Fijian winger is better than theirs.

Well, I get to see my Two Giant Wingers gambit again. This time with a decent tight five.

Let's see how it goes.

Lizard wrote:Looks about as strong as we can muster apart from Cane. Is he injured?

Injured ankle. He was never going to play this test, regardless of how the hearing went.

scuzzaman wrote:Well, I get to see my Two Giant Wingers gambit again. This time with a decent tight five.

Ben Smith fractured a finger, they're going with experience.

France has a population of almost 67 million. Their national game is soccer, of which they must now have over 2 million registered players (they were just under this number in 2006). Banking on them not being able to kick a ball isn't the wisest strategy.

The bizarre ongoing obsession with fielding two bludgeoning wingers aside, I'm glad that Todd is finally getting another run. He should've played far, far more tests than he has. Perenara over Smith has been a no-brainer since Smith's drama. Disappointing that we didn't get to see Sopoaga, but he's not really a viable selection with the aforementioned bludgeoning wingers. Am looking forward to seeing more of R.Ioane, especially on the off-chance that we see him in the midfield.

Anyone knows if the game is on Sky or BT sport or anything else?

15 Dulin
14 Nakaitaci
13 Lamerat
12 Fofana
11 Vakatawa

10 Lopez
9 Machenaud

8 Picamoles
7 Gourdon
6 Ollivon
5 Maestri
4 Vahaamahina
3 Atonio
2 Guirado
1 Chiocci

Replacements : Chat, Baille, Slimani, Le Devedec, Chouly, Serin, Doussain, Fickou.

Dulin, at 15 is probably a sign that they want to play with ball in hand and not rely on their defence.

Other notheworthy details , Fijian wingers, Club partnership at centre (used to working with Lopez (10)), Strong powerful backrow, good with ball in hand but not the best at rucktime, Strong mobile second row, Fat props, And Capitain Guirado, who plays a bit like Crevy(argentina).

dk4 wrote:Anyone knows if the game is on Sky or BT sport or anything else?

It's on Premier Sports (http://www.premiersports.com/)

trying to find a pass option for premiersport but it seems to only have subscription....

France by 15. You heard it herr first [emoji14]

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Adder wrote:France by 15. You heard it herr first [emoji14]

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France 15 down after the first 15. FACT.

Len wrote:

Adder wrote:France by 15. You heard it herr first [emoji14]

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France 15 down after the first 15. FACT.

I just hope the French will turn up.

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Adder wrote:

Len wrote:

Adder wrote:France by 15. You heard it herr first [emoji14]

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France 15 down after the first 15. FACT.

I just hope the French will turn up.

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The age old question. Problem is every time they start to look good they turn to shit. We'll see.

I expect to see lots of kicks in behind targeting the ABs back 3. If the back 3 weather the kicks it could turn nasty on the counter attack.

any links ?

Think the french are going to try and play it ball in hand as much as possible. Don't see them having more than 60 minutes (if as much) in the tank.

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dk4 wrote:any links ?

http://crichd.tv/update/premier.php

Don't use streams myself so not sure how well it'll hold up.

Mostly white jersey's fine.

Yeah the jersey doesn't look as bad as it did in the promotional stuff. The angled logos still annoy me though.