NZ v Wales, Sat 22 Nov 2014, 1730 Cardiff

Swiwi.

NEW ZEALAND: 15 Ben Smith, 14 Charles Piutau, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Sonny Bill Williams, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Kieran Read, *7 Richie McCaw (c), 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Wyatt Crockett
Replacements: 16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Joe Moody, 18 Charlie Faumuina, 19 Patrick Tuipulotu, 20 Liam Messam, 21 TJ Perenara, 22 Colin Slade, 23 Ryan Crotty

*100 tests as captain, Swiwi salutes you Richie, well done mate!

WALES: 15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 Alex Cuthbert, 13 Jonathan Davies, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 George North, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Rhys Webb, 8 Taulupe Faletau, 7 Sam Warburton (c), 6 Dan Lydiate, 5 Alun Wyn Jones, 4 Jake Ball, 3 Samson Lee, 2 Richard Hibbard, 1 Paul James.
Replacements: 16 Scott Baldwin , 17 Nicky Smith, 18 Rhodri Jones, 19 Luke Charteris , 20 Justin Tipuric, 21 Mike Phillips, 22 James Hook, 23 Liam Williams.

Date: Saturday, November 22
Venue: Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
Kick-off: 17:30 local (GMT)
Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)
Assistant Referees: Craig Joubert (South Africa), Luke Pearce (England)
TMO: Graham Hughes (England)

wittycynic

Though I always like rooting for the underdog, when it's Wales something stops me.

NZ don't look at their sharpest but I think they'll win this easily. Just hard to see that Wales team causing too much trouble.

crybaby

It has been nice watching Wales being brought back to earth over the last year or so hasn't it?

.ak

Stupid overlap. Will record and watch it when I get home.

Swiwi.

I don't see NZ losing this one as I genuinely think the rest of the team will raise their game for Richie. A bit like Ireland was not going to lose v England at Croke Park.

Love the video: the guy goes off with a dislocated shoulder...but comes back on to finish the game!

I, too, will have to record and watch this game. My love for Ireland knows no bounds.

Teferi

Swiwi. wrote: »

My love for Ireland knows no bounds.

Why do I have a feeling you're just banking on what game is going to be competitive and which game is going to be a blowout?

New Zealand by a billion points I'd say. Gatland can't win against SH sides and he won't be starting the day of Sir Richie's 100 captaincy.

.ak

All teams generally up their game against NZ. I think it'll be closer than people think.

Tox56

.ak wrote: »

All teams generally up their game against NZ. I think it'll be closer than people think.

Wales have pretty much no injuries, it's basically the best team they can put out, but the AB's are pretty close to first choice too. If NZ are sloppy Wales can punish them, but if they click they will absolutely blow Wales away, and tbh I can see that happening

corny

New Zealand will win comfortably.

Why doesn't Gatland shake things up with selection? Would really seem like a good time for them to try new combinations. Tipuric for Lydiate?

former legend

corny wrote: »

New Zealand will win comfortably.

Why doesn't Gatland shake things up with selection? Would really seem like a good time for them to try new combinations. Tipuric for Lydiate?

These players have served him very well over the last few years, Lydiate in particular, and he doesn't seem too pushed on making changes. I suppose he's hoping it will all click for them again. I posted the other day that it's reminiscent of Ireland at the 07 World Cup, perhaps not quite as bad yet but getting there.

I think the worst call was dropping Liam Williams, one of the only decent performers against Fiji; it was such a clear message to give to everyone outside the golden circle that you cannot force your way into the team.

SuprSi

The timing of these games is really annoying. I'd really like to see this game and I get that different channels have the rights, but as I'm away at the England game and obviously want to record the Ireland game, it means I can't record the Wales game if the Mrs wants to watch TV, which is a given!! Do the BBC have decent highlights of games they cover at any point over the weekend/following week?

wittycynic

former legend wrote: »

These players have served him very well over the last few years, Lydiate in particular, and he doesn't seem too pushed on making changes. I suppose he's hoping it will all click for them again. I posted the other day that it's reminiscent of Ireland at the 07 World Cup, perhaps not quite as bad yet but getting there.

I think the worst call was dropping Liam Williams, one of the only decent performers against Fiji; it was such a clear message to give to everyone outside the golden circle that you cannot force your way into the team.

Must be very demotivational for the players. All but the very best coaches seem to get like this though. They have early success with a core group of players and keep picking them regardless of their form or current ability.

I think of the really top guys, like Ferguson in soccer, who are the exact opposite. No sentimentality. You ain't performing, you're gone, regardless of much you've given to me in the past.

molloyjh

I'm not sure Ritchies milestone will be the driving factor here. Last week against the Scots the Kiwi's were pretty dire. I can't imagine the NZ public were overly happy with that and there will be an element of wanting to put that right I'm sure. Obviously Swiwi would know better than I but the idea of putting 2 poor performances in back to back (regardless of the selection differences) surely doesn't sit well with them?

As for Wales they always seem to start off slow and build up momentum as they go. Will we see a step up from them this time? Probably. Will it be enough? I seriously doubt it. They've a rotten record against SANZAR and a rotten record in the Autumn games generally. I'm sure they'll pick it back up for the 6 Nations a bit but with England, France and ourselves all having improved over 2 years ago they may well find themselves back in 4th again. Gatland needed to be using this time to either develop their game or their squad. Seems he's done neither.

Swiwi.

molloyjh wrote: »

I'm not sure Ritchies milestone will be the driving factor here. Last week against the Scots the Kiwi's were pretty dire. I can't imagine the NZ public were overly happy with that and there will be an element of wanting to put that right I'm sure. Obviously Swiwi would know better than I but the idea of putting 2 poor performances in back to back (regardless of the selection differences) surely doesn't sit well with them?

As for Wales they always seem to start off slow and build up momentum as they go. Will we see a step up from them this time? Probably. Will it be enough? I seriously doubt it. They've a rotten record against SANZAR and a rotten record in the Autumn games generally. I'm sure they'll pick it back up for the 6 Nations a bit but with England, France and ourselves all having improved over 2 years ago they may well find themselves back in 4th again. Gatland needed to be using this time to either develop their game or their squad. Seems he's done neither.

The public was a little bit "meh" because of the generally good record under Hansen, the fact it was a "B" team...and I guess we did actually win after all, but better things are definitely expected this week...and I will be surprised if they are not delivered. I'm expecting SBW to feature strongly, not sure about my feelings about the guy himself, but he's just slotted straight back in to international rugby, it's scary.

I see Webb is talking up the Welsh again. Seems they do that Every Single Bloody Time. Talking on the field is what counts, Gatland could do well to take note too.

vienne86

Very hard to see anything but a win for NZ by a big margin. They will have got a rollicking for last week's outing agains Scotland, albeit with a weakened team, but Scotland for heaven's sake.

CatFromHue

.ak wrote: »

Stupid overlap. Will record and watch it when I get home.

It is stupid.

A 30min change to each game and you could watch em all

Scot Tonga is 2.30 could be at 2
Ire Oz is 4.30 could be at 4
Wal Nz is 5.30 could be at 6

The TV companies in general are really ballsing up this season.

Coburger

CatFromHue wrote: »

It is stupid.

A 30min change to each game and you could watch em all

Scot Tonga is 2.30 could be at 2
Ire Oz is 4.30 could be at 4
Wal Nz is 5.30 could be at 6

The TV companies in general are really ballsing up this season.

I know this is going a bit off topic but why are the games on at such silly times. With the power of television, wouldn't a lot of people rather watch a later game.

molloyjh

Swiwi. wrote: »

Gatland could do well to take note too.

+1

As for the Welsh bigging themselves up off the field I once had a Cardiff fan telling me that not a single Irish international player would make a Welsh match day squad, so superior were their players. This in the Laigainn Out directly after a Cardiff side with the likes of Cuthbert, Roberts and Halfpenney had 59 points put on them by a Leinster team missing a number of their internationals. It's laughable the level of confidence some have over there.

evil_seed

There's confidence and then there's myopic views

vienne86

molloyjh wrote: »

+1

As for the Welsh bigging themselves up off the field I once had a Cardiff fan telling me that not a single Irish international player would make a Welsh match day squad, so superior were their players. This in the Laigainn Out directly after a Cardiff side with the likes of Cuthbert, Roberts and Halfpenney had 59 points put on them by a Leinster team missing a number of their internationals. It's laughable the level of confidence some have over there.

That's ridiculous. I know it's their national sport, and they have a great tradition, but times change. I can't see them getting within an ass's roar of NZ tomorrow.

George Hook

Swiwi. wrote: »

The public was a little bit "meh" because of the generally good record under Hansen, the fact it was a "B" team...and I guess we did actually win after all, but better things are definitely expected this week...and I will be surprised if they are not delivered. I'm expecting SBW to feature strongly, not sure about my feelings about the guy himself, but he's just slotted straight back in to international rugby, it's scary.

I see Webb is talking up the Welsh again. Seems they do that Every Single Bloody Time. Talking on the field is what counts, Gatland could do well to take note too.

SBW had been training and getting plays from Hanson while he was still in league so he didn't start cold, but it is still really amazing.

who_me

molloyjh wrote: »

+1

As for the Welsh bigging themselves up off the field I once had a Cardiff fan telling me that not a single Irish international player would make a Welsh match day squad, so superior were their players. This in the Laigainn Out directly after a Cardiff side with the likes of Cuthbert, Roberts and Halfpenney had 59 points put on them by a Leinster team missing a number of their internationals. It's laughable the level of confidence some have over there.

It's funny, but there's a very healthy disrespect between the two sets of fans, both seem to thing their side's rightful place is well out ahead of the other. In Wales' case, it's based on historic success, and their 6N wins over the last 10/15 years. In our case, it's based on our win percentage, wins against SH opposition and the success of the provinces.

They do have a great set of players, but Welsh rugby is a bit of a mess at the moment, and they've leaked a lot of players which might not help. They'll probably Slam this year now, just to spite me.

Digifriendly

CatFromHue wrote: »

It is stupid.

A 30min change to each game and you could watch em all

Scot Tonga is 2.30 could be at 2
Ire Oz is 4.30 could be at 4
Wal Nz is 5.30 could be at 6

The TV companies in general are really ballsing up this season.

While I tend to agree with you, the fact that Sky are in competition with the BBC probably is the reason for the clash in times. The Welsh match will still be on when the England vs Samoa game is starting on Sky. Next week Wales vs S. Africa (BBC) and England vs Australia (SKY) are on at exactly the same time.

vienne86

Digifriendly wrote: »

While I tend to agree with you, the fact that Sky are in competition with the BBC probably is the reason for the clash in times. The Welsh match will still be on when the England vs Samoa game is starting on Sky. Next week Wales vs S. Africa (BBC) and England vs Australia (SKY) are on at exactly the same time.

This timetable for tomorrow is a pain for fans. This competition between the various TV providers is a pain for the fans. I'm very pissed off with it - fans seem to come last on the list of who should be accommodated.

CatFromHue

Digifriendly wrote: »

While I tend to agree with you, the fact that Sky are in competition with the BBC probably is the reason for the clash in times. The Welsh match will still be on when the England vs Samoa game is starting on Sky. Next week Wales vs S. Africa (BBC) and England vs Australia (SKY) are on at exactly the same time.

I don't understand this.

If they timed it so people could watch all the games people would which would boost the ratings for all games.

As it is the ratings for each game will be lower as people will have to choose.

molloyjh

vienne86 wrote: »

This timetable for tomorrow is a pain for fans. This competition between the various TV providers is a pain for the fans. I'm very pissed off with it - fans seem to come last on the list of who should be accommodated.

What I don't understand is that both are limiting their audience by doing this. They'd both get higher numbers if they didn't clash.

LuckyGent88

All blacks looking vulnerable again. Down 3 with 18 mins left.

I'm sure they will pull it out of the bag though

And just as I post they score a try!!!

marco_polo

1/2p unlucky there stupid oval ball

nice_guy80

Ha!

couldn't happen to a nicer fella

LuckyGent88

marco_polo wrote: »

1/2p unlucky there stupid oval ball

Big slice of luck for Barrett but well converted.

LuckyGent88

And that should be that

Nice present

aimee1

Wales a month earlier with the christmas gifts.

LuckyGent88

Looks like Colin slade will be on the Nz rwc squad just for his kicking. Seems like he is the only one Hansen trusts.

letowski

It's gas 3 minutes ago they could have been on to something special. Now the crowd is pouring out of the ground 6 mins to go!

ScrubsfanChris

Another try
Wales, the ultimate 70 minute team

LuckyGent88

Another try, God the all blacks are deadly

Pudsy33

I was worried when I switched over and it looked like Wales were being competitive. Nope, they're still poor.

LuckyGent88

Haha, Brian Moore can't pick a motm!!

Pudsy33

LuckyGent88 wrote: »

Haha, Brian Moore can't pick a motm!!

Barrett should have got it from what I saw.

matthew8

Surely Barrett is MOTM. 2 great finishes and 2 kicks to set them up.

Minjor

Who got MOTM?

Pudsy33

Minjor wrote: »

Who got MOTM?

Roberts. He looked embarrassed.

nc6000

Anyone feeling sorry for Gatland?

Pudsy33

nc6000 wrote: »

Anyone feeling sorry for Gatland?

Nope

razorblunt

Looked like was shown a picture by someone from adobe of his wife and kids locked up and told to pick Roberts or else ...

George Hook

Better luck next time "Warrenball".

Swiwi.

My 2c for this game

1) We saw Ireland hold firm for the whole 80 minutes. We saw Wales implode with 10 to go.
2) NZ were very poor for much of that game. I was disappointed with the tactics: every man and his dog knows Wales routinely employ the rush defence. SBW was awful, no other way to dress it up.
3) I have no confidence in Barrett or Cruden to kick goals. Slade is a pretty deadly goalkicker. It may well be his ticket to the RWC.
4) Savea did his player of the year chances no harm. Seemed for a while there the only NZ gameplan was get the ball to Lomu Savea
5) I reckon the RWC is wide open, any of NZ, SA, Aus, Ireland, Eng and France are in with a shot.

P_1

Ft score lads for someone who backed nz on the handicap and is just out of work

Del.Monte

P_1 wrote: »

Ft score lads for someone who backed nz on the handicap and is just out of work

34-16

matthew8

P_1 wrote: »

Ft score lads for someone who backed nz on the handicap and is just out of work

34-16. You would've got very long odds on NZ to beat the 13/14/15 point handicap with 10 minutes left.