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Opinionated Rugby Commentary - by Fans for Fans Spill what you really think about events in the rugby world.
Trinations Game 6: Oz v NZ Squads 5 views
25 August 2011 by deep
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Finals time for the Trinations. Who's going to claim top dog leading into the RWC?
It may have been a round robin tournament, but in effect we've now got a finals game on our hands in this winner takes all clash. Deans is hungry to establish some serious cred against the black machine, and likewise Henry will be itching to stamp a seal of authority on the situation. These are two form teams and the match is shaping as the best so far this year.
It's not far off a Reds home game, but then it's also pretty familiar territory for Brad Thorn and he's a team by himself! I think the Wallabies will see plenty of ball, and the AB's defense is in for a serious workout, especially out wide. Some firepower is missing while James O'Connor enjoys a little forced R & R after some refreshingly stupid antics, however I don't think this will have much affect. Quade Cooper will see much more space in this game, and in combination with Beale and Ioane is going to cause mayhem.
It's going to be interesting how Mils steps up after a fiery performance from Dagg last week. We know that he'll do no wrong, but does he offer that extra spark needed to penetrate tight defences? I'm glad Guilford is in, and I'm intrigued to see if his 'busy' will carry through as 'carving it up'. The AB's will have a rock solid platform up front, giving Carter and co ample space to create their own mayhem.
I'm giving the game to the AB's in a high scoring encounter.
Australia
15. Kurtley Beale, 14. Adam Ashley-Cooper, 13. Anthony Faingaa 12. Pat McCabe, 11. Digby Ioane, 10. Quade Cooper, 9. Will Genia, 8. Radike Samo, 7. David Pocock, 6. Rocky Elsom, 5. James Horwill, 4. Dan Vickerman, 3. Ben Alexander, 2. Stephen Moore, 1. Sekope Kepu.
Reserves: 16. Saia Fainga'a, 17. Salesi Ma'afu, 18. Rob Simmons, 19 Ben McCalman, 20. Scott Higginbotham, 21. Luke Burgess 22. TBA
New Zealand
15. Mils Muliaina, 14. Cory Jane, 13. Conrad Smith, 12. Ma'a Nonu, 11. Zac Guildford, 10. Dan Carter, 9. Piri Weepu, 8. Kieran Read, 7. Richie McCaw (captain), 6. Adam Thomson, 5. Sam Whitelock, 4. Brad Thorn, 3. Owen Franks, 2. Keven Mealamu, 1. Tony Woodcock.
Reserves:
16. Andrew Hore, 17. John Afoa, 18.Ali Williams , 19. Victor Vito, 20. Andy Ellis, 21. Colin Slade, 22. Isaia Toeava
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