NZ ANZAC Test Team predictions

[ZEROMISSTACKLES]

Rapana our best.

Tapau our form front rower this year and he gets 29 mins. Didn't come on until the 27th minute. Kenny Bromwich played more minutes.

Nikorima came on and straightened up the attack right away. Got the forwards playing directly. Kidwell takes him off and puts plodder Luke back on. We lose our way again.

No urgency in the first half. Just none. Kidwell didn't have them ready for this. One on one defence was some of the worst I have ever seen.

3 years ago we got to number one in the world with our gang tackling. 3 or 4 players rushing up to stop the player getting the ball away and putting him on the ground. That tactic hasn't been sighted since our last win against Australia, and ironically they themselves have been using the same technique under Meninga to great success. Aus forwards have just rolled over us for 5 games in a row and we have no answer.

The Roos definitely had the quicker sets. Whilst gang tackling would've slowed that down, it requires a compressed defence line which has its pros and cons. Sounds good though.

 

[ZEROMISSTACKLES]

Tonga is definitely NOT 15th in the world.

Lol wrong thread

 

[TheDMC]

Yeah that was a schemozzle.

Maybe we just need to wait until at least two of JT, Smith and Cronk retire. I don't think we will ever see a better combo in our lifetimes, especially with Slater/Boyd at fullback.

I love watching Rapana doing hit ups. He would be an absolute nightmare to tackle, he utilizes his size and balance so well, watches like a hawk as the 2nd and 3rd tacklers come in and fends, twists, turns, to avoid them getting any decent hold while he sneaks extra meters. It is quite brilliant really.

I thought Packer was solid, full of energy and a fair bit of grunt.

Knew it was going to be a long night when we kicked the ball dead on our first two/three attacking sets and the Aussies in contrast got three repeat sets in a row. I don't think Johnson was the kicker in either of ours though.

 

[Mighty Ape Man]

Forgot about those......

Mate I'd like to forget that whole game

Anyway.....

RTS is showing signs of getting back to his best. It's still early following his injury but can't doubt his effort. Looks like Foran is still carrying an injury too. Hammy??

 

[ZEROMISSTACKLES]

Mate I'd like to forget that whole game

Anyway.....

RTS is showing signs of getting back to his best. It's still early following his injury but can't doubt his effort. Looks like Foran is still carrying an injury too. Hammy??

Yeah I heard Forans hammys a bit niggly. Forans got some injuries too, I think a shoulder, not sure.

Yeah RTS was good in patches but his defensive effort looked 90% at times.

 

[ZEROMISSTACKLES]

I love watching Rapana doing hit ups. He would be an absolute nightmare to tackle, he utilizes his size and balance so well, watches like a hawk as the 2nd and 3rd tacklers come in and fends, twists, turns, to avoid them getting any decent hold while he sneaks extra meters. It is quite brilliant really.

He is the hardest winger to put down. I think he missed Leilua last night. Whares a good centre but he doesnt break the line and we dont expect that from Whare. Whares only there for his defence and passing. Unfortunately to unleash Rapana, youre gonna need more than that. Combinations dont fit but I guess Kidwell can only do with what hes got.

 

[Penrose Warrior]

I know this is an opinion not held by many and I admire those who hold international league up as the pinnacle of the game or at least an integral part.

But I could give a shit less if the game was never played again at international level. No one would really miss it. It's well down the priority list for players behind club and state, geez even behind the All Stars match if you are indigenous. We get this half baked 'ANZAC' match, tours at the end of the year when every one is tired or under the knife, meaningless 4N tournament and then the World Cup. I'd be quite happy if it was just a World Cup every three years.

The NZRL has shown it doesn't give a f**k by doing little to no media, and appointing a bum to the head coach role. The performance of the players and the after hours antics show they are on a paid instagram and night life holiday. I love the Pacific Islanders going at it, let them run their own tournament but stop wasting our time with games no one involved truly.gives a shit about. It seems like the best result these days is simply getting through with no injuries to your club's players

Other sports survive without an international playing presence, ours can too. Doesn't at all mean we can't market the main product, NRL and SOO, overseas.