If Nonu got injured tomorrow that wouldn't be a bad shout. it would have to be Barrett to go 12. He is the only one of the two of them that can tackle. Barrett does get line breaks but it is through his side stepping. We want a 12 who can just run through people when the side step isn't an option. Nonu, Tuilagi, Devilliers to a degree (he is a big lad), and Basterau sp?, and Roberts, , can do the latter for you. I might be tempted to play Crotty at 12 ahead of Barrett just because I would trust his tackling more.
I don't think that's really true any more. Marler especially has done a lot of work to suggest he really is the top loosehead in England.
Man is made of glass. no point wasting a world cup spot on him. We all knew and I mean everyone knew he wouldn't make it through the 2011 world cup which is why we were stressing about a lack of back up options for the 10 jersey. Time to move on from him and to give Barrett and Cruden as much test match experience as possible. Cruden is still green. And Barrett has never started...what is the all black line up for this week? i heard BB may get the start??
I agree. He is too expensive and too likely to break down. I don't think RM would be a wise move for the world cup either. Just look at spain in the FWC.
I'm not convinced that even with home advantage we're good enough to be going into this world cup as favourites.
http://www.bet365.com/home/FlashGen4/WebConsoleApp.asp?&cb=10880716771 Fair dues then how does 2nd favourite sit with you? That's what Bet365 has you listed as, England 3 to 1 NZ 13 to 8 SA 4 to 1 IMHO NZ massively overrated away from home. For me if i were setting the odds England 2 to 1 NZ $2.50 SA $2.75 Australia $3.50 France $3.50 Everyone else (including Wales) $1,000,000 to 1
@ Weeman Hurricane's logic - World cup tests are always tougher for us regardless of where played so our pre tournament record doesn't mean much - We have never won a world cup away from home and we have had some amazing teams going into those tournaments.
Fair point. I would say see how he goes in the Rugby Championship regarding injuries after his rest before drawing to many conclusion. Cruden has the start yet again, which I think is bullshit. But hopefully Barrett gets 30 minutes
That came was not that close, really. It was a similar example to the second test this year, in that the NZ backs turned it on in the second half and we had no real answer. But in any case it doesn't really matter. Hurricane's translation of 'nearly lost once or twice' into genuinely less good is bizarre considering NZ's recent record is streaks and streaks ahead of any other team. Yes, the ABs have nearly lost a few games. Other teams don't have to worry about that because they actually do lose games.
Who cares if we are the best team going into a world cup? it hasn't helped us win any other overseas world cup. If I could be bothered I would look at the world rankings prior to each tournament. The one I am aware of where we were not number 1 was 2003. As far as I know we were number 1 for every other world cup. Fiery or heef or Squeaks to fact check me or even from their knowledge...
I think NZ - away disadvantage > England + home advantage Especially when you consider we've got a much harder pool than anyone else.