By the way, i should have added the following to an earlier Bledisloe Cup post: Kick off is 10:45 am UK time, those watching in France or South Africa: 11:45am.
Rugby 2018 Discussion
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May sound mad but I think NZ have been vulnerable in recent times and I think the Aussies will take it tomorrow. I think this year's tournament will be closer than it's been in a while. Of course, NZ are massive favourites, but they're not the all-conquering, all-dominant force they've been. Relatively happy with the SA squad, though I'd rather have had Frans Steyn in there than Mapoe but otherwise no complaints. van Staden is going to be a star, one to watch.
Super Rugby was closer this year than it has been in a while, bit of a renaissance for the Australian and SA sides. Not to mention the Jaguares who are starting to look like a proper side.
Super Rugby was closer this year than it has been in a while, bit of a renaissance for the Australian and SA sides. Not to mention the Jaguares who are starting to look like a proper side.
I want Aus to win so that Ireland become a sort of unofficial #1 
[QUOTE="unchanged_lineup, post: 22959558, member: 90921"]I want Aus to win so that Ireland become a sort of unofficial #1 [/QUOTE]
Good man.
[/QUOTE]Good man.
I looked at Aaron Smith during the haka because he wouldn't scare a 5 year old with his squeaky voice.
[QUOTE="unchanged_lineup, post: 22959558, member: 90921"]I want Aus to win so that Ireland become a sort of unofficial #1
Good man.[/QUOTE]
Good to see Genia back, especially if he helps ye win.
Ropey start by NZ.
Australia looking bloody good in the first 20 minutes. NZ have been a bit cynical under pressure which you'd hope will be sorted by the ref.
Also, NZ attempted a blatant Ireland "round the corner" move off that attacking lineout earlier. I'm not sure I'll ever get used to the idea that big teams are watching Ireland and copying stuff off us!
Also, NZ attempted a blatant Ireland "round the corner" move off that attacking lineout earlier. I'm not sure I'll ever get used to the idea that big teams are watching Ireland and copying stuff off us!
After the first test in the summer, a NZ sort-of journalist on Twitter was slagging Ireland about lack of quality and attacking. Tempted to see what he's saying today, if I can find him again.
Didn't expect anything different with Peyper the bottler refereeing but as long as he's consistent...
That Oz scramble defence is incredible. Was against us in the summer and has been for the first half hour today.
Schmidt the innovator. I wonder will he ever be their head coach in the end. Probably comes down to timing and his own personal choice.
Ian Foster and Scott Robertson i think are the favourites to replace Hansen.
It's super stuff. They're combining it with moments of aggression too causing handling errors and nearly a breakaway try.
Scums have been an issue in this game. No Taniela Tupou for Australia is a concern. The All Blacks didn't kick a penalty goal in their last two tests vs France. Barrett shouldn't be missing those to be honest.
Oh Shit. Good try to Aaron Smith or squeaky voice as my father and i call him.
Wallabies in front 6-5 at half time.
Well well well. They made the breakthrough but still behind. Really hope those kicks matter.
NZ with momentum but I hope ye can do it @Xaviesta
NZ with momentum but I hope ye can do it @Xaviesta
Matt Burke just made a salient point that Reece Hodge should be doing the clearing kicks not Bernard Foley.
A fine breakout try to Gooduhue you could see coming the moment the move started.
Bah. Started from a ripped turnover when ye looked dangerous too.
Hansen may have had a fair bit to say at half time the way NZ have started.
And now they're doing 10 wraparounds @diarm 
A Northern Hemisphere ref may have sin binned a wallaby now for their scrum issues.
Barrett scores and it's a long way back now. That try was too soft even if Barrett did well to show nifty football skills to score.
Aussies have gone into full selfdestruct mode.
Haylett Petty subbed off after gifting NZ a try.
Hard to see a way back at the moment. They're going to have to dig very deep
Tupou is 22 years old and already such a key, key player for Oz. Their setpiece has completely crumbled without him today.
Needed that badly.
That's probably 6 scrum penalties against Australia now. A yellow card can't be far off.
NZ have a bonus point at the moment too its worth pointing out as they have scored 3 or more tries than their opponent.
Australia's set piece has left much to be desired.
Game over.
Retallick taking the piss
Really, really disappointing second half from Australia
I love how that dummy fooled most of the camera people too
Jack Maddocks scores on debut.
This happened to early in the game for anybody to claim the Wallabies have been robbed, but this not being a yellow was a surprise.
This 23 guy is having a very good debut. Key interventions.
He looks a talent. Haven't seen much of him before tonight but he's done well coming on for his debut. Looks a smart cookie.
Edit: as I say that he gets absolutely smashed by Kieran Read!