Big Q-Marks for ABs
There are big question marks on the All Blacks' horizons as the Rugby World Cup kicks off next week. In the final of the Tri-Nations against Australia (25-20 loss to the ABs) both Kieran Ried and McIntosh left the game with injuries and a pile of questions about their RWC 2011 future.
Let's talk about the game last weekend before we get into what the injuries mean for our (the All Blacks) back row. The first forty minutes of last week's game was horrendous. I don't know if there was dew on the field or if it was wet but the backs were having a terrible time keeping the ball in hand and there just wasn't the continuity that there normally is. I gotta hand it to Australia - they came to play. Maybe that loss to Samoa was the best thing for them. A little loss early on to remind them that players can be replaced (Gits) and that they aren't invincible.
Australia was hard hitting and tenacious at the breakdowns. AAC was phenomenal, as was Digby Ioane (though I don't fancy the blond hair - too matchy matchy). Genia, again is just amazing. I really think that Australia has a chance at getting far in the RWC if they play consistently like they did on Saturday. Their weak point is, in my humble opinion, is their defense within their 22. When the ABs came back in for the second 40 and played a tighter, more organized game - the Wallabies struggled. I think it's because a tight game does not allow players like Cooper, Genia, Ioane, and AAC to use their flighty running styles to break lines. All those Wallabie backs are amazing runners but they play very much as individual players whereas the ABs work hard to work off each other which makes their counterattack and tight, organized play much more effective. They're able to off-load and create more space.
Though I don't think they lost because Ried and McIntosh weren't on the field - they definitely felt it. I don't expect that the AB coaching staff will be calling up Liam Messam right away. If they do, it will be because one of the two injured boys are out for the entire tournement. Once a player is removed from the rosters due to injury - they cannot be called back in. McIntosh is being held out of the Tonga game but is expected to be able to return after that...Ried has a high ankle sprain and could be out as long as the first knock out games. Either way, there's major pressure on McCaw, Vito, and Kaino to stay healthy and play hard. Messam might also not be the immediate choice - it could be a lock forward that is pulled up...I guess time will tell. Here's to a speedy recover boys!
Let's talk about the game last weekend before we get into what the injuries mean for our (the All Blacks) back row. The first forty minutes of last week's game was horrendous. I don't know if there was dew on the field or if it was wet but the backs were having a terrible time keeping the ball in hand and there just wasn't the continuity that there normally is. I gotta hand it to Australia - they came to play. Maybe that loss to Samoa was the best thing for them. A little loss early on to remind them that players can be replaced (Gits) and that they aren't invincible.
Australia was hard hitting and tenacious at the breakdowns. AAC was phenomenal, as was Digby Ioane (though I don't fancy the blond hair - too matchy matchy). Genia, again is just amazing. I really think that Australia has a chance at getting far in the RWC if they play consistently like they did on Saturday. Their weak point is, in my humble opinion, is their defense within their 22. When the ABs came back in for the second 40 and played a tighter, more organized game - the Wallabies struggled. I think it's because a tight game does not allow players like Cooper, Genia, Ioane, and AAC to use their flighty running styles to break lines. All those Wallabie backs are amazing runners but they play very much as individual players whereas the ABs work hard to work off each other which makes their counterattack and tight, organized play much more effective. They're able to off-load and create more space.
Though I don't think they lost because Ried and McIntosh weren't on the field - they definitely felt it. I don't expect that the AB coaching staff will be calling up Liam Messam right away. If they do, it will be because one of the two injured boys are out for the entire tournement. Once a player is removed from the rosters due to injury - they cannot be called back in. McIntosh is being held out of the Tonga game but is expected to be able to return after that...Ried has a high ankle sprain and could be out as long as the first knock out games. Either way, there's major pressure on McCaw, Vito, and Kaino to stay healthy and play hard. Messam might also not be the immediate choice - it could be a lock forward that is pulled up...I guess time will tell. Here's to a speedy recover boys!
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