Posted by carkitter
Here is the place to talk on all things rugby:
6 Nations / Super14
Test Matches / Lions Tour
Team selection / Player form / Predictions for upcoming matches
The next game of interest to us in NZ is Friday's All Black Trial Game
www.allblacks.com
[ This Message was edited by: carkitter on 2005-09-29 11:59 ]
Posted by carkitter
All Black Trial Result:
Possibles upset the Probables 37-32. Halftime - Probables led 17-5.
All Canterbury Crusaders rested and NZ Maori given 1st choice of the rest. As such this was probably the weakest AB trial in years. High points were 2 tries from Sitiveni Sivivatu, 1 from Ma'a Nonu who set up two others and several great runs by halfback Byron Kelleher.
All Black team to play Fiji to be announced tomorrow.
Saturday 4 May, 7:30pm NZ time LIONS vs Bay of Plenty.
Bay of Plenty are a 1st Division team and are expected to put up a good fight, but the Lions should win comfortably.
Friday 10 May, 7:30pm NZ time ALL BLACKS vs FIJI.
Fiji lost to NZ Maori today 27-29 and are not expected to come within 50pts of the All Blacks. I went to their last NZ game where they lost to the All Blacks 5-71.
Posted by carkitter
LIONS vs Bay of Plenty Result: 34-20 to the Lions.
Lions started with a hiss and and roar with 3 tries in the first 12 minutes but the Bay stormed back with two converted tries of thier own. Halftime 17-17. Six tries to two in the end gave the Lions the win but Ronan O'Gara missed four conversions and a drop goal attempt which kept Bay of Plenty within 7pts until the last 5mins.
I thought the Lions looked ordinary for long periods in the middle of the game and the back line mistakes from the Argentina game were still evident. Josh Lewsy played well scoring 2 tries and Nili Latu setting up the Bay's first try was sublime.
Posted by carkitter
LIONS vs Taranaki Result 36-14 to the Lions
Taranaki, considered better than Bay of Plenty (but not by much), did not perform to expectations Wednesday night. Quite frankly they got run over. Thier first try was very fortunate and thier second came in the Last minute of play. They did well to hold the Lions midweek team to just 2 penalties in the first half, but the pressure took it's toll and a very tired Taranaki team emerged from the changing rooms. Unable to stop the Irish members of the backline, Taranaki conceeded 4 tries in the second half.
Lions play NZ Maori Saturday night NZ time. Johnny Wilkinson will not start.
[ This Message was edited by: carkitter on 2005-06-09 13:56 ]
Posted by Gigs
Poor the 'anki
Wonder if I can get me a yellow and black scarf to wear here in auckers
Posted by carkitter
ALL BLACKS Destroy FIJI 91-0. Halftime 50-0
Look out Lions supporters, the All Blacks are at thier best.
15 tries to the AB's, 4 to Sitiveni Sivivatu on Debut.
All Blacks totally dominant with forwards and backs, the Fijian defense fell apart out wide with the AB's scoring seemingly at will.
Tomorrow, LIONS vs NZ MAORI.
NZ Maori have never beaten the Lions and on the strength of thier performance against Fiji, they probably won't win this encounter either. This game will depend largely on how seriously the Lions take it - the Maori should be significantly better than BOP and the 'naki. Some commentators have billed this game as "the fourth test", but I don't think it will reach quite that level. Could go either way.
Posted by carkitter
LIONS vs NZ MAORI Result 13-19 to the Maori.
NZ Maori beat the Lions for the first time in 8 attempts.
Tries to: Leon McDonald (NZ Maori) & Brian O'Driscoll (Lions)
Lions spent most of the game in thier own half. Turning point of the game was when former All Black first five-eight Carlos Spencer was subbed on, in place of starting #10 David Hill, early in the second half.
The Lions had the better of the last 15mins but it was too little, too late. Half time 6-6.
LIONS vs WELLINGTON Wednesday evening NZ time.
Should be a good game. Wellington will test the Lions midweek team but will miss the players on All Black duty such as Tana Umaga, Conrad Smith, Rodney So'oialo, Jerry Collins,etc
I reckon that if Ma'a Nonu is not picked in Graham Henry's team to play the first test, announced tomorrow, he'll start for Wellington.
All Black Screensavers and Haka Ringtones
[ This Message was edited by: carkitter on 2005-09-29 12:02 ]
Posted by carkitter
LIONS vs Wellington Result: 23-6 to the LIONS
As predicted Ma'a Nona did play and made some good runs in the second half but to no avail. NZ's best line breaker was unable to set up any tries in a lack-luste game where the Lions blundered most of thier scoring opportunities. Wellington sorely missed #6 Jerry Collins and #8 Rodney So'oialo (on All Black duty) as the Lions dominated ruck and maul and the lineouts. It's becoming more and more obvious that the Lions Backline talent starts and ends with Dwain Peel and Johnny Wilkinson, Brian O'Driscoll too if they ever bother to pass him the ball. They'll need that impenetrable defense against the All Black Backline...
Next up, LIONS vs Otago Saturday evening NZ time
6 Games played, Lions won 2, Otago won 4!
Same story as Wellington, the best players are away on AB duty, though some experts are picking Otago to have enough former All Black talent left to win. I dunno, I'd say a narrow win to the Lions.
Posted by carkitter
LIONS vs Otago Result: 30-19 to the LIONS
With Otago's few stars either with the All Blacks or Injured (former All Black Anton Oliver), Otago struggled against the Lions. Again the Lions absorbed alot of pressure in the first half and again they went into the halftime break tied with the opposition (13-13). And once again thier defense in the second half was impeccable while scoring tries (2) of thier own. For once a backline move worked with the ball moving wide quickly and accurately creating the third and final try.
But most NZ critics are saying that the test match team is going to need to be alot superior to this mid-week team to compete against the AB's.
LIONS vs Southland Tuesday evening NZ time
Southland wont get within Cooee of the Lions
LIONS vs ALL BLACKS 1ST TEST Saturday evening NZ time
I'd say AB's by 10 pts
Posted by carkitter
136 Views but only 1 comment?
PLEASE Lions fans, Aussies, Jaappies, Kiwis, post your comments.
Who do you want to see in the Lions Test side / All Blacks?
Will the Springboks retain thier Tri-Nations title?
Should Tana Umaga or Mills Muliaina be AB centre?
Who's the best NZ winger - Howlett / Gear / Rokocoko / Sivivatu?
What your pick for 2005 NPC?
Anyone?
Posted by carkitter
LIONS vs Southland Result: 26-16 to the LIONS
Southland played well but couldn't control the Lions backline who were rampant throughout the game. The Lions steadfastly refused to kick possession away and were quick to get the ball out wide, 2 tactics they will want to use against the All Blacks I'm sure. More accuracy is need though...
ALL BLACK side for first test announced:
1) Tony Woodcock 9) Justin Marshall
2) Keven Mealamu 10) Daniel Carter
3) Carl Hayman 11) Sitiveni Sivivatu
4) Chris Jack 12) Aaron Mauger
5) Ali Williams 13) Tana Umaga (c)
6) Jerry Collins 14) Doug Howlett
7) Ritchie McCaw 15) Leon McDonald
8 ) Rodney So'oialo
Reserves: Derren Whitcombe, Greg Sommerville, Jono Gibbes, Sione Lauaki, Byron Kelleher, Mils Muliaina, Rico Gear.
A great side, have no doubt about that. Look out Lions, these forwards savaged the English on thier last tour of NZ, and the backs contain the best of the champion Crusaders and Blues Super 12 backlines. The only way the Lions can win is to TOTALLY deny the AB's any possession at all (ala Australia in the 2003 World Cup Semi-final) and frustate them into mistakes. I can't see it happening though.
ALL BLACKS by 10pts +
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[ This Message was edited by: carkitter on 2005-06-21 14:31 ]
Posted by carkitter
The Lions team for the 1st test was announced yesterday but I'm having difficulty finding a list online. I did hear that Johnny Wilkinson will be playing second five-eight (#12) and Gavin Henson was upset at being dropped.
JW at number 12 is a surpise move. The Lions usual tactics are to have the first five eight kick for position, one of JW's strengths. This way Johnny won't see the ball unless the Lions decide to unleash thier not very frightning backline. I wouldn't try to use JW as a battering ram against the likes of Tana Umaga or Aaron Mauger...
If the Lions backline is going to come into play it will only be on the back of chip kicks over the flat defense. Last year Jono Gibbes and Jerry Collins made mincemeat of the English forwards with the All Black backline rampant against a world champion English side (admittedly without an injured Johnny Wilkinson) who were unable to score a try in 2 tests. Scores were 36-3 and 36-12. Expect a good game from Dwayne Peel at halfback (#9).
EDIT: Lions team is as follows...
1) Gethin Jenkins -Wales
2) Shane Byrne - Ireland
3) Julian White -England
4) Paul O'Connell - Ireland
5) Ben Kay -England
6) Richard Hill - England
7) Neil Back - England
8 ) Martin Corry - England
9) Dwayne Peel -Wales
10) Stephen Jones - Wales
11) Gareth Thomas -Wales
12) Jonny Wilkinson - England
13) Brian O'Driscoll (c) - Ireland
14) Josh Lewsy - England
15) Jason Robinson - England
Reserves: Steve Thompson - Eng, Graham Rowntree - Eng, Danny Grewcock - Eng, Ryan Jones - Wales, Matt Dawson - Eng, Will Greenwood - Eng, Shane Horgan - Ire.
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[ This Message was edited by: carkitter on 2005-06-25 06:06 ]
[ This Message was edited by: carkitter on 2005-06-25 13:01 ]
Posted by carkitter
ALL BLACKS vs LIONS Result: 21-3 to the AB's
Quick, call the Police! Someone has kidnapped the Lions and substituted 22 lack-lustre imposters in thier place...
The All Blacks smashed the Lions, who were found out big-time in all areas of the game. The weather conditions started off ok but gradually
deteriorated with hail arriving in the 60th minute. By that stage though, the AB's had scored two tries (by #5 Ali Williams in the first half and by #14 Sitiveni Sivivatu in the second), 3 penalties and 1 conversion, kicked by Daniel Carter. Jonny Wilkinson was successful with a penalty kick in the 55th minute.
The Lions lost endless lineouts and conceded several turnovers at ruck time all contributing to a 66%/34% possession advantage to the All Blacks in the first 40 minutes. The Backs looked lost and the forwards were under siege especially during lineouts. Dwayne Peel and JW played well but the Lions never looked to be involved in the game, let alone scoring tries. Unfortunately captain Brian O'Driscoll was taken off on a stretcher after only 30 seconds with an injury to his right arm.
Special mention goes to Ali Williams for numerous lineouts wins against the throw, an inspirational game from Tana Umaga and excellent performances from Dan Carter, Byron Kelleher and Keven Mealamu.
Halftime 11-0 to the All Blacks.
LIONS vs Manawatu, June 28th at Palmerston North
LIONS vs ALL BLACKS, July 2nd at Wellington
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[ This Message was edited by: carkitter on 2005-06-25 13:52 ]
Posted by carkitter
LIONS run rings around woeful Manawatu: 109-6
Manawatu, a second division side and easily the weakest opposition the Lions will face this tour, were thrashed by 17 tries to none with Welsh winger Shane Williams scoring 5 tries himself. This was the second largest score in the Lions history, 6 pts behind that scored against Western Australia during the last tour.
Manawatu have been described as woeful and lacking in the basics of the game. They are the 16th ranked team in the Air NZ National Provincial Championship, all amatuers and most are probably back at work today, to put things in perspective.
Prediction for 2nd Test:
If the weather is good, All Blacks to score 50 pts against the Lions.
Clive Woodward needs:
1) A game plan
2) Some forwards who know how to do the basics well
3) More Welshmen and Irishmen in the team
4) To teach his backline how to catch and pass under pressure
5) Some GAMEBREAKERS!
6) to put Jonny Wilkinson back at #10 (duh!)
and somewhere else to live if the Lions lose the series 0-3.
I'm sure the newspapers will have the Knives nice and sharp for his return...
Posted by carkitter
ALL BLACKS vs LIONS 2ND TEST RESULT: 48-18 to the AB's
All Blacks showed a complete performance tonight as they smashed a Lions team many critic's thought would should have been picked last week. Much more commitment was shown by the Lions players, who were no doubt aware of Prince Williams presence in the Wellington crowd tonight. Despite this the All black backline had plenty of space to work with (never a good thing for the opposition) due to 25 missed tackles from the men in red, who had to deal with an 'on fire' first five eight Daniel Carter with 33pts to his name including 2 tries.
I honestly don't know what Sir Clive can do with this Lions squad to prevent a 0-3 whitewash. Usual All Black wingers Doug Howett and Joe Rokocoko (absent tonight) will probably appear in thier Auckland positions to make life difficult for the Lions midweek team. This will be the toughest NPC team the midweekers will face. I'm picking a narrow win to Auckland.
As for the third test, another 50 point demolition is on the cards...
LIONS vs Auckland Tuesday 7:10pm NZ time.
ALL BLACKS vs LIONS Saturday 9th July 7:10pm NZ time
Posted by carkitter
LIONS vs Auckland Result: 17-13 to the Lions
I didn't watch this game but I listened to some of it on the car radio.
Auckland were disappointing. The midweek Lions defense was strong as ever. One try scored by each team. The midweekers have been undefeated on tour against good but understrength and underprepared local teams. The Air NZ NPC had not started before the tourists arrived, so a game against the Lions was the first game of the season for all these teams.
Some changes to the All Blacks forced by injury may make the result closer than the 30 pts of last week, but the AB's should still win comfortably.
Posted by WelshTom
nice work on this thread carkitter - very neat and informative!
All i can say is that it is such a shame the way this lions tour turned out. The current All Blacks team is phenominal however i don't believe the lions have once fielded their strongest team. I still think the all blacks would have won the series but the scorelines would have been a lot closer. Sir Clive Woodward has been nothing short of a disgrace in the way he has treated some players. Mertyn Williams for example - was man of the tournament this six nations, played very well in all the midweek games on tour, gets man of the match in the last midweek game and yet still doesn't start?!?! how can you claim to be picking your team on form if plays like this are being left out?! it is disgusting. Cusiter is another fine example, while i dont believe he should be starting there is no doubt that he has outperformed dawson on tour and deserves his place on the bench. Bulloch is another player who has played excellently in the midweek games, was even captain, and yet still isnt given a test place ater both Byrne and Thompson have underperformed in their test games. I feel so sorry for these players who have bust a gut all tour to prove themselves under the impression they could play themselves into contention when infact woodward will only consider the players he has past experience with.
The tour was over after the first game. Fielding a team so largely based on past glory was only ever going to lead to one outcome - a total trouncing. From that point on a very difficult task (beating the all blacks) became almost impossible as you have given the all blacks such a mental boost while damaging spirits in the lions camp. Plus despite the polite and brave faces put on for the media there will have been some very angry players in the lions camp after this team selection.
I could go on and on as Clive Woodward has made so many fundamental c*ck-ups on this tour. But the main point is just that i feel it is such a shame we never got to truely see the BEST of the northern hemisphere Vs the all blacks because it would have been one hell of a game!!!
Tom
Posted by carkitter
We here in NZ have been awaiting this tour with baited breath.
If you had asked any die-hard All Black supporter for a first test prediction prior to the tour, you would have seen the anxiety in thier face. No-one thought we would win all 3 games, hell, we thought this series would be a war that we would be fortunate to win.
When I saw the Lions score 3 tries in 12 minutes against Bay of Plenty, I must say I was very worried. But as the tour wore on and the Lions did only enough to win, I became puzzled. Why was Sir Clive not using all his players? What were they holding back?
Laurie Mains, former All Black and former AB coach during the 1995 World Cup, said he reckoned this Lions team would get slaughtered and were not up to the task. All the NZ media rubbished him. No-one believed Sir Clive could get it so wrong; he must have something up his sleeve!
It has been a priviledge to host the team and your fellow Brits during the tour. The sports programs on TV and radio have been full of interviews with rugby legends such as J.P.R. Williams and others who are travelling with the team.
It is an event New Zealanders will never forget.
I think problems on tour are par for the course; Graham Henry had problems on the 2001 Tour of Australia. I hope the Lions can overcome these to provide a competitive team on Saturday. I'm sure the events of the last few days will motivate them...
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[ This Message was edited by: carkitter on 2005-08-03 05:18 ]
Posted by carkitter
ALL BLACKS vs LIONS RESULT: 38-19 to the All Blacks
Again the All Blacks were unstoppable despite injuries to key players #10 Daniel Carter and #7 Ritchie McCaw. All Blacks scored 14 points with only 14 men, at one stage of the first half, after the sending off of captain Tana Umaga for deliberate illegal play... a harsh call many thought as he had a large Lions Forward on top of him, how was he supposed to roll away? Lions Forward play was much improved with more possession and 3 lineout turnovers going thier way, however the Lions had trouble creating scoring opportunities, unlike the All Blacks.
Five tries were scored by the AB's, One to the Lions.
For the series:AB's 12 tries/107 pts, Lions 3 tries/40pts.
According to Sir Clive Woodward, it didn't matter anyway. The only difference between the teams apparently was the scoreline... The thing that matters is World Cup Results he said.
Hahaha! What a sore loser. No-one over here will miss him when he leaves to coach football (soccer). The facts show he coached the Lions on thier worst performances in NZ. Ever!
Posted by carkitter
Hey South African rugby fans, how good is this '05 Springbok team?
2 good wins over the Wallabies this season, yet Eddie Jones reckons the Tri-nations trophy will be heading to the All Blacks this year.
The first AB/Springbok test is only days away, any predictions y'all?
Posted by carkitter
ALL BLACKS vs SPRINGBOKS Result: 16-22 to the Springboks!
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An this was the sort of tactics the Springboks employed against the All Blacks, just as the South African Rugby 7's team did to the NZ 7's team a couple of months ago.
Sir Clive Woodward take note: the All Blacks are beatable if you use the right tactics.
While the AB's lost, there were a number of positive signs from the game though, South Africa had trouble creating try scoring opportunities, the All Blacks created several but handling errors at crucial times prevented them taking advantage. Some of the handling errors were as a result of the excellent defense of and extreme pressure applied by the Springboks.
I thought the referee was decidedly average with several tough calls against the AB's, forward passes missed and no action taken against Viktor Matfield for his late, high, shoulder charge against halfback Byron Kelleher who recieved a concussion and now won't be available for this weeks test against the Wallabies. However the S/A judiciary found Matfield not guilty, so there you go...
Springboks will be odds on to win the Tri-Nations now I think! Will they be as good away from home though?
Posted by Davo_169
the western force are going to kick some ass this season
Posted by JK
We beat the Aussies twice, and the All Blacks!!
YAY!! They finally sorting all their politics with coaches and management!!
Well done Jake White!!
Posted by Davo_169
international rules is starting soon
im seeing australia vs ireland in perth
Posted by JK
And we win again!!! yay!
Posted by carkitter
Congrats to the Springboks, after years of restructuring the hardwork is paying off.
Never underestimate a determined All Black team...
BTW is there something special about the number 22 or is it just coincidence?
Posted by carkitter
WooHoo! 31-27 to the AB's over the Bokkies at the house of pain!
Lookout Aussies...
Posted by Kryptik
The Ghost of Dunedin strikes again!!! My poor hometeam just can't win there!! Twas a good game though. Personally i don't think either team lost yesterday.
Posted by carkitter
And the All Blacks beat the Wallabies 31-24 to take the Tri-Nations title once again.
4 Tries apiece, penalties being the difference in the score, that said the Wallabies looked dead and buried in the first half, before capitalising on some slack AB defence and mistakes to come back and take the lead briefly in the second half. However a determined effort from the New Zealand team late in the game saw them home by 7 pts.
Grand Slam Tour coming up later this year: England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales on thier own turf... I can't wait!
Go the ALL BLACKS!
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[ This Message was edited by: carkitter on 2005-09-29 12:08 ]
Posted by gelfen
i'm not a rugby fan, just posting for support.
in the australian NRL the tigers beat the cowboys in the GF.
Posted by carkitter
Well, it's rugby season downunder and since the Super 14 ended with that rediculous fog-bound spectacle at Jade Stadium, us kiwis have been looking forward to the beginning of the All Black Test schedule, starting tonite with the AB's vs Ireland at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton.
Feel free to post your predictions for the Tri-Nations, Bledisloe Cup, Pacific 5 Nations and southern hemisphere test season.
By the way, my son and I went to North Harbour Stadium to watch the Junior All Blacks beat Manu Samoa 56-12 last night. What a great game!