All Blacks v Tonga

[Lizard]

Big game, as RWC warm ups go.

Tonga face England in their first pool game, followed by Argentina and France. So they really need to hit the ground running.

The All Blacks of course need a good hit out before taking on the old foe. Hansen seems to have noticed he’s a bit exposed to injury at 10 and has called up Josh Ioane to the squad. I hope he gets a decent run but even so, if 2011 happens again it will be nerve-racking having a total rookie in such a key spot.

NZ has met Tonga only 5 times, and only once when not forced by a RWC draw (shame on us). That said, the results have been hugely one-sided with an aggregate score of 326-35, including a massive 102-0 in 2000.

The result should be a foregone conclusion, and injury-prevention should perhaps trump valour in defence.

[zer0]

The All Blacks of course need a good hit out before taking on the old foe. Hansen seems to have noticed he’s a bit exposed to injury at 10 and has called up Josh Ioane to the squad. I hope he gets a decent run but even so, if 2011 happens again it will be nerve-racking having a total rookie in such a key spot.

If Cruden is indeed returning for 2020, then I wouldn't be surprised if there's some looking the other way vis-à-vis eligibility.

[Lizard]

As long as he’s signed a Sooper contract it counts, right?

[Puja]

As long as he’s signed a Sooper contract it counts, right?

Do you really want your first ever exception to be for Aaron Cruden?!

Puja

[cashead]

As long as he’s signed a Sooper contract it counts, right?

It's the McAlister Clause - as long as he's signed to the NZRU, it counts.

[Lizard]

I’d have Ioane as first ring-in. After that, who else is there if Cruden is available?