RWC 2011: Pool A : All Blacks vs France

[jules]

 

Good game is a bit of an understatement teach, the ABs were excellent, passion, accuracy and a complete performance in my eyes.

I think the Jane and kahui subs were both injuries, albeit minor ones, so the unorthodox slade and sbw on the wings was really the only real option. Fortunately it worked out fine this time, but it is a reminder of how a few key injuries during a game can really test your squad depth.

Awesome work boys, to think I was a little worried about this one, sheesh. (of course next time we play France i will probably feel the same!)

Lovely! And the warriors topped off the night by beating melbourne to make it to the finals of the NRL!

Woo hoo!!

[swiss toni]

Good game, it must have been good I stayed up of a night shift to watch it! typical All Blacks (note the use of capitals which should never be used for england) direct quick and simple.

I did feel, ever so slightly the french weren't particularly bothered about the result and they did have the look of a pub team, particularly in the fitness department.
I'm not feeling that confident now when we meet in the final, I suppose it comes down to wants and needs. I want my team to win, You need your team to win.

P.S Graham, if you browse this site and if it all goes tits up the Blues are looking for a coach.

[Geeves]

Yes the ABs played well and deserved the win but part of me thought that the Frogs failed to turn up.  They were very lathargic in the match and overal very disapointing.  The camera work on the French coaching box shouted volumes.

Some great work there across the park from the ABs.  The use of SBW at the death and on the wing has been very sound tactically as he is shreading the oppositions backline.

[Teach]

.. The French can beat us when they have the passion to do it, but I can't see them bringing that this time around. Why would they? ... AB's comfortably by at least 15...

 

... thought that the Frogs failed to turn up

Yep & Yep.

[ruggerfan]

Thought the french played well but were not allowed into the game which is a great sign of the All Blacks lifting towards the finals. A relatively error free game all in all.
 This is heading towards our best team on the park with the only changes I'd make would be Slade to left right out along with Ellis allowing Cowan to start, Weepu to cover the halves and bring the versatile Toeava into the bench.
 In the forwards obviously Read would come in instead of Boric but on the bench to give him warm up time back into the side. This is the only thing that's worrying me about our team at the moment as Read usually starts the season quite slowly.
 I wonder if Dagg and Thomson will get the week off this week to recover for Muliana and Read?
 Things loook to be going well a?
 Sonny Bill - what a man! Kaino with a bit of mongrel teehee and our favourites; McCaw and Carter back to form, hurrah!

 On a side note my partner reckons THAT is the most handsome backline she has seen... Hmmm no live games for her!