NZ vs Ireland

[aussies1st]

The ABs have made 15 run on changes and their side still looks like it could beat the full strength Irish.

The New Zealand team: Leon MacDonald (Canterbury), Doug Howlett (Auckland), Ma'a Nonu (Wellington), Aaron Mauger (Canterbury), Sitiveni Sivivatu (Waikato), Nick Evans (Otago), Piri Weepu (Wellington), Tony Woodcock (North Harbour), Keven Mealamu (Auckland), John Afoa (Auckland), Jason Eaton (Taranaki), Ali Williams (Auckland), Sione Lauaki (Waikato), Richie McCaw (Canterbury/capt.), Mose Tuiali'i (Canterbury).
Replacements: Andrew Hore (Taranaki), Saimone Taumoepeau (Auckland), Carl Hayman (Otago), Chris Jack (Canterbury), Rodney So'oialo (Wellington), Jimmy Cowan (Southland), Mils Muliaina (Auckland).

The Ireland team: Geordan Murphy (Leicester); Tommy Bowe (Ulster), Gordon D'Arcy (Leinster), Shane Horgan (Leinster), Anthony Horgan (Munster); Ronan O'Gara (Munster), Peter Stringer (Munster); Denis Leamy (Munster), Johnny O'Connor (Wasps), Simon Easterby (Llanelli/WAL capt.), Donncha O'Callaghan (Munster), Malcolm O'Kelly (Leinster), John Hayes (Munster), Shane Byrne (Saracens/ENG), Marcus Horan (Munster)
Replacements: Rory Best (Ulster), Simon Best (Ulster), Matt McCullough (Ulster), Neil Best (Ulster), Kieran Campbell (Ulster), David Humphreys (Ulster), Girvan Dempsey (Leinster)

 

[douglasallen91]

haha hello to the number two ranked team in the world. nzb

 

[aussies1st]

NZ b with Richie McCaw in it, bloody hell these ABs have some depth.

 

[The Camden Leisure Pirate]

NZ b with Richie McCaw in it, bloody hell these ABs have some depth.

We will still be talking about that bloke in 30 years.
He is the best Flanker I have ever seen.

 

[aussies1st]

I agree, Smith was right up there with him but over the years Smith has lost his touch while McCaw becomes better and better.

 

[The Camden Leisure Pirate]

He can break your entire team’s strategy just by the amount of ball he can turn over,
And his read in defence in amazing, he know exactly where to be, and IMO
He is a much underrated ball runner.

 

[Jackal Dog]

Last year the Irish casued a major upset beating the then TN champs South Africa but I can't see the same happening this year.... should be a good game though, I still expect the AB's to win by a considerable amount(20+) and it is a shame that the Irish coach Eddie O'Sullivan is not willing to give youth a try and has basically picked a "dad's army" side.

 

[bayrep]

That is interesting isnt it. National Coaches would rather stick with old wood for fear of losing a game than trying some younger guys that might add something to the experience that is already there. But you only see the problem when sides start losing. Usually a winning team is more likely to rotate its players than a side that is struggling.

Re: best flanker! Michael Jones would win it hands down. That guy could turn a game by the amount of ball he could recover and his support play and ball skills a step above even Richie McCaw.

Re the test. AB's by 20 but I hope Ireland put up a better showing than Wales did. Ireland will be using the Brian spear talk to amp themselves up. FOR BRIAN BOYO'S

 

[The Camden Leisure Pirate]

Re the test. AB's by 20 but I hope Ireland put up a better showing than Wales did. Ireland will be using the Brian spear talk to amp themselves up. FOR BRIAN BOYO'S

If that is the case, that they need a rev up form that bloody sook,
Before a TEST AGAINEST THE ALL BLACKS. They have all ready lost.

 

[Southern Warrio]

Theres only one Nick Evans, only one NICK EVANS\\\\/ \\\\/

 

[Jackal Dog]

That is interesting isnt it. National Coaches would rather stick with old wood for fear of losing a game than trying some younger guys that might add something to the experience that is already there. But you only see the problem when sides start losing. Usually a winning team is more likely to rotate its players than a side that is struggling.

Re: best flanker! Michael Jones would win it hands down. That guy could turn a game by the amount of ball he could recover and his support play and ball skills a step above even Richie McCaw.

Re the test. AB's by 20 but I hope Ireland put up a better showing than Wales did. Ireland will be using the Brian spear talk to amp themselves up. FOR BRIAN BOYO'S

Exactly more than half this Ireland side won't last until 07 or if they do they will be extremely old, in fact I highily doubt Ireland will even make it past the pool stages at RWC07 considering they are in the same group as hosts France and the resurgent Argentians.

 

[Mal Meninga]

I didn't know Nick Evans was even on tour.... Good on him very good player.

 

[douglasallen91]

I didn't know Nick Evans was even on tour.... Good on him very good player.

late replacement for macallister

 

[SpaceMonkey]

One thing's for sure, Henry's put his cojones on the line with his team selection this week. If we win it will be hailed as a masterstroke in team development, if we lose he'll be pilloried for supposed arrogance. Let's hope fortune favours the brave.

 

[bayrep]

I am surprised that Ireland arent more pissed off with Henery picking the AB's B side. It's a bit of slap in the face to Ireland rugby no matter how the spin doctors push it.

 

[SpaceMonkey]

I am surprised that Ireland arent more pissed off with Henery picking the AB's B side. It's a bit of slap in the face to Ireland rugby no matter how the spin doctors push it.

It's not exactly the B side though, remember the team that took on Wales wasn't full strength either, there were about 6 first choice players missing from the 15 that started against Wales, those players (Howlett, Mauger, Williams, Mealamu and Woodcock) are all starting this week, while the other first choice players get a rest or start from the bench. I think we'll see the true first choice team or close to it against England, while the B side will take on the Scots.

 

[Southern Warrio]

Interesting to note that before the Welsh game there were going to be 14 changes, not 15. Hnery was going to play Ryan against Ireland, and ease Eaton in against Scotland. But because of Ryan's injury he decided to chuck Eaton in.

 

[Manu Vatuvei]

jeez, that was easy

 

[SpaceMonkey]

If thats our B team, I can't wait to see what the A team does to the English.

 

[Scott]

Yeah, that was our 'B' team, cos McCaw isn't good enough to make the 'A' team.