Can anyone bring down the AB's this coming November ?

[Larksea]

short answer is: no

long answer: you never know, a team may play out of their skin while the AB's have an off day. But most likely - no.

 

[Big Ewis]

now now, there were some clear penalties not given in the 2011 final, but it's useless discussing with a NZer about this on the internet obviously...and srs, NZ wins that 2007 QF by 15 ?!:lol: at least make it plausible for us !...

Well don't laugh too hard dasNdanger, Scotland sure feel they can do it !
http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,9817_8139933,00.html

 

[dasNdanger]

short answer is: no

long answer: you never know, a team may play out of their skin while the AB's have an off day. But most likely - no.

Even when they have an off day lately the AB still pull out a win. What's needed for the underdog team is not to be intimidated by the fact that they are playing the best team in rugby so that they can actually recognize when the AB are having an off game, and then take advantage of it.

now now, there were some clear penalties not given in the 2011 final, but it's useless discussing with a NZer about this on the internet obviously...and srs, NZ wins that 2007 QF by 15 ?!:lol: at least make it plausible for us !...

Well don't laugh too hard dasNdanger, Scotland sure feel they can do it !
http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,9817_8139933,00.html

All joking aside, it sounds like Scotland is working on their team morale. Instead of accepting that they're going to lose, they're convincing themselves that they have the ability to win. Player mindset can have a strong bearing on how well (or poorly) a team plays, and on the outcome of the game. And you never know, while the ABs are laughing at Scotland's boasts they just might get caught with their shorts down in a thistle patch.


Yeah, yeah...I know...fat chance. But even though the ABs are *my* team, my Scottish blood can't help but root for the boys in blue.


das

 

[nickdnz]

Even when they have an off day lately the AB still pull out a win. What's needed for the underdog team is not to be intimidated by the fact that they are playing the best team in rugby so that they can actually recognize when the AB are having an off game, and then take advantage of it.



All joking aside, it sounds like Scotland is working on their team morale. Instead of accepting that they're going to lose, they're convincing themselves that they have the ability to win. Player mindset can have a strong bearing on how well (or poorly) a team plays, and on the outcome of the game. And you never know, while the ABs are laughing at Scotland's boasts they just might get caught with their shorts down in a thistle patch.


Yeah, yeah...I know...fat chance. But even though the ABs are *my* team, my Scottish blood can't help but root for the boys in blue.
das

Unfortunately they said the same thing in 2010, when they lost 49-3.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/ru...lacks-when-countries-meet-at-Murrayfield.html
http://www.stuff.co.nz/4332140/Believe-you-can-beat-All-Blacks-says-Scotland-coach

 

[dasNdanger]

Unfortunately they said the same thing in 2010, when they lost 49-3.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/ru...lacks-when-countries-meet-at-Murrayfield.html
http://www.stuff.co.nz/4332140/Believe-you-can-beat-All-Blacks-says-Scotland-coach

Lookie dat! Still better than Ireland in the spring tour!


das

 

[UlsterRugby2012]

Lookie dat! Still better than Ireland in the spring tour!


das

I don't think Scotland would have had the game level until the 80th minute in the second test..

 

[Icemn]

If the Wales of RWC 2011 show up, they'll give the ABs a run for their money.

give that man a bells!

 

[Big Ewis]

This will sound highly arrogant and pretentious, and far-fetched, and easy to say because it's not happening...but I honestly feel France and Ireland (with Wales too) were the ones with the best chances of stopping NZ.
France, well, you know !...
Ireland: was it 19-22 ? Before the huge 60-0. And that was in NZ, and they EASILY could've lost that one, but Carter saves the day. Ireland are a different team at home. They srs know how to protect the FK outta that Stadium. Props to them, they've stopped some worthy foes before...

 

[admartian]

This will sound highly arrogant and pretentious, and far-fetched, and easy to say because it's not happening...but I honestly feel France and Ireland (with Wales too) were the ones with the best chances of stopping NZ.
France, well, you know !...
Ireland: was it 19-22 ? Before the huge 60-0. And that was in NZ, and they EASILY could've lost that one, but Carter saves the day. Ireland are a different team at home. They srs know how to protect the FK outta that Stadium. Props to them, they've stopped some worthy foes before...

Yes they do - but not against the ABs. Not saying they can't, but if you're going to bring up past scores and performances over a time period, I'm going to bring up over 100 years of being undefeated against the Irish.

 

[admartian]

Sure we'll play ye in Musgrave and kick your fecking asses.

Wasn;t a knock on Ireland. Was just pointing it out to the guy that so always likes to downplay/naysay any New Zealand team.

 

[big ginger 8]

Wasn;t a knock on Ireland. Was just pointing it out to the guy that so always likes to downplay/naysay any New Zealand team.

I know, don't worry was making a bad attempt at a joke (where I also got the venue wrong) I realized it was pretty **** so I deleted it.

 

[Big Ewis]

Yes they do - but not against the ABs. Not saying they can't, but if you're going to bring up past scores and performances over a time period, I'm going to bring up over 100 years of being undefeated against the Irish.

yes, yes...you're right of course. But I'm just looking at the likelihood of the AB's losing a game...(for once !)
There haven't been too many games played in Ireland since the pro era, and we can't exactly draw big hard conclusions. Of course the AB's were big, they're big everywhere they go...

 

[BIB]

Remember when SA screwed up big time in their EOYT a couple of years back? They even lost to an English club if I remember right. Can't see NZ doing the same.

It's going to be 2-0 against Scotland and Italy but anything could happen in Wales or England. Aus showed the way.

 

[TRF_stormer2010]

I trust we won't be sending in Bok teams with players not even in the matchday 22's at their respective provinces anytime soon like in P Divvy's days.

Now that I think about it.. There are some in our current squad not regularly starting at his province; Jano Vermaak (2nd behind Hougaard at the Bulls) and Arno Botha (again at the Bulls LOL) but they are both decent enough and probably won't see action in any case.

 

[Helmy]

I've got a feeling Italy will come closest.

 

[jcahill1]

I've got a feeling Italy will come closest.

I don't get it......

 

[Surefire]

For their European tour, my opinion is the All Blacks will have the toughest time with Wales. Four international tests away from home is difficult for every team including the ABs, however they have to like their chances to run the table. The ABs are always going to have their blood up to play England, like all teams do, and the ABs will want this scalp. Scotland & Italy need a lot of factors going their way to be competitive. I can see Wales pushing the ABs, and they just need to stay with them the full 80.
All that being said, I think the last match against Australia threw some cold water on the ABs and will probably serve them right as they demolish through the NH teams.
Also Yoe91, although I am a France fan, unlike you I like the fact we are not playing them this tour. The team needs a little more seasoning under PSA. My opinion is if we played them this November our chances for victory would not be good. (it would be fun to watch)

 

[Helmy]

I don't get it......

Well, without wanting to sound arrogant but sounding it either way, I don't see the ABs losing any of their matches on this tour. I do, however, expect Wales and England to have a go, and having a go could very likely end up in a blown out score in favour of the All Blacks. Whereas I see Italy attempting damage control and potentially getting a better looking scoreline. I'm not sure about Scotland, but I'm assuming they'll fall in the England and Wales category and come out guns ablazing.

 

[dullonien]

It's been a while since the current looking Welsh squad has been on the end of a blown out scoreline. Th first test against NZ in Dunedin in 2010 was their biggest loss in the last few years (33 points). Since then their only other remotely heavy losses were the second test against NZ, and France in 2011 (both 19 points). They lost by 21 points to Aus in 2009 as well. Going back any further there is little resemblance to the current team.

So I don't see Wales losing to NZ by a big margin, although I do still predict a loss. Wales can beat the All Blacks imo, but it'll require a self belief they haven't showed thus far against the big three. The talent is there I believe.

 

[Helmy]

Guess it's just a game of wait and see..