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carkitter
Joined: Apr 29, 2005
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From: Auckland, NZ
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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 ] |
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carkitter
Joined: Apr 29, 2005
Posts: > 500
From: Auckland, NZ
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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.
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carkitter
Joined: Apr 29, 2005
Posts: > 500
From: Auckland, NZ
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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. |
carkitter
Joined: Apr 29, 2005
Posts: > 500
From: Auckland, NZ
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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 ] |
Gigs
Joined: Jan 19, 2004
Posts: > 500
From: The planet Snibertron!
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Poor the 'anki 
Wonder if I can get me a yellow and black scarf to wear here in auckers 
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carkitter
Joined: Apr 29, 2005
Posts: > 500
From: Auckland, NZ
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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. |
carkitter
Joined: Apr 29, 2005
Posts: > 500
From: Auckland, NZ
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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 ] |
carkitter
Joined: Apr 29, 2005
Posts: > 500
From: Auckland, NZ
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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. |
carkitter
Joined: Apr 29, 2005
Posts: > 500
From: Auckland, NZ
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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
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carkitter
Joined: Apr 29, 2005
Posts: > 500
From: Auckland, NZ
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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?
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carkitter
Joined: Apr 29, 2005
Posts: > 500
From: Auckland, NZ
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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 ] |
carkitter
Joined: Apr 29, 2005
Posts: > 500
From: Auckland, NZ
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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 ] |
carkitter
Joined: Apr 29, 2005
Posts: > 500
From: Auckland, NZ
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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 ] |
carkitter
Joined: Apr 29, 2005
Posts: > 500
From: Auckland, NZ
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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...
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carkitter
Joined: Apr 29, 2005
Posts: > 500
From: Auckland, NZ
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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
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Posted: 2005-06-02 14:45
