[2013 TRC] New Zealand vs Argentina in Hamilton (07/09/2013)

[TRF_Olyy]

England Rugby often train at the new England Football training centre in Burton - at the end of the day a "High performance centre" is just a gym. As long as it's got the necessary equipment then it's up to the strength and conditioning staff to work their magic.
It could be that they go to the USA because they have specialised equipment (e.g. those crazy treadmills that inflate and reduce gravity for the runner) or they don't have good enough S&C staff in Argentina and want to use ones in America, or even just to get away from any distractions at home in Argentina, so they focus solely on training.

 

[hjklhjkl]

All Blacks: Tony Woodcock, Andrew Hore, Charlie Faumuina, Brodie Retallick, Samuel Whitelock, Steven Luatua, Richie McCaw (c), Kieran Read, Aaron Smith, Daniel Carter, Julian Savea, Francis Saili, Conrad Smith, Ben Smith, Israel Dagg. Reserves: . Dane Coles, Wyatt Crockett, Ben Franks, Jeremy Thrush, Sam Cane, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Beauden Barrett, Charles Piutau.

 

[ZeFrenchy]

Is Nonu injured or was he just mercilessly dropped?

 

[hjklhjkl]

I think they're just resting him, he'll probably start against the Springboks next week.Looking forward to Saili's debut, he's a very talented young player but still makes a few too many errors.

 

[Larksea]

nonu has an ankle ****le that he has carried through, picked it up in a club game I think.

 

[Jaguares]

All Blacks: Tony Woodcock, Andrew Hore, Charlie Faumuina, Brodie Retallick, Samuel Whitelock, Steven Luatua, Richie McCaw (c), Kieran Read, Aaron Smith, Daniel Carter, Julian Savea, Francis Saili, Conrad Smith, Ben Smith, Israel Dagg. Reserves: . Dane Coles, Wyatt Crockett, Ben Franks, Jeremy Thrush, Sam Cane, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Beauden Barrett, Charles Piutau.

Shortly size in the backs. Nonu at least intimidate rivals, you need to have a rude guy among the backs . Saili will be?

 

[Superalexmarket]

I know! That 6-1 drubbing was in Bolivia at 3600 metres above sea-level.

But why doesn't the argies use their mountain areas to train? How difficult would it be to have a high performance centre in the Andes?

In 1998 the Argentine Futbol team has been training for around 1 month in a small town in Argentina to 2000 meters above sea level, prior to their match against Bolivia for the World Cup qualifiers in 1998. It did not work, they lost anyway.

 

[ABs2011]

Shortly size in the backs. Nonu at least intimidate rivals, you need to have a rude guy among the backs . Saili will be?

Forgive me if I don't answer your question as to be honest interpreting it is a little difficult. Are you saying the AB backline might lack size with Saili in and Nonu out? I'm not sure it will be an issue at all. Saili probably gives around 5kgs to Nonu, but the point really is that Saili's game is quite different to Nonu's. Nonu has become a crash n bash player for the ABs, Saili has good feet, will run good lines, has more pace, and is arguably a much better line breaker than Nonu.

The ABs need a "rude guy"?? Are you implying there won't be enough mongrel in the AB team without Nonu?? I think in that respect, most people who know their rugby would suggest that is the worst part of Nonu's game at the moment. He has been getting involved in dumb ass on field situations so losing that is a good thing. The ABs don't need mongrel in the backs, they need smart talented players - Saili is certainly that.

Only question mark with Saili is his D, so let's wait and see how he goes there. Couldn't ask for a better situation for him to debut though; Carter on his inside, Conrad on his outside, playing behind a dominant pack, in the best team in the world at home vs at best an average Argentinian team! He will go well and I'm not sure the ABs will lose anything with Saili starting in this one!

 

[Larksea]

the reality is nonu has been bloody useless in super rugby this year (even longer) and its about time someone else got a shot.

Saili has been electric at times, there were a few games he basically broke the line every single time he got the ball it was freakish. Definitely a better option than nonu right now and really just needs some time to gain experience and adjust to test footy. Also seems to have a very good boot on him.

 

[Jaguares]

Forgive me if I don't answer your question as to be honest interpreting it is a little difficult. Are you saying the AB backline might lack size with Saili in and Nonu out? I'm not sure it will be an issue at all. Saili probably gives around 5kgs to Nonu, but the point really is that Saili's game is quite different to Nonu's. Nonu has become a crash n bash player for the ABs, Saili has good feet, will run good lines, has more pace, and is arguably a much better line breaker than Nonu.

The ABs need a "rude guy"?? Are you implying there won't be enough mongrel in the AB team without Nonu?? I think in that respect, most people who know their rugby would suggest that is the worst part of Nonu's game at the moment. He has been getting involved in dumb ass on field situations so losing that is a good thing. The ABs don't need mongrel in the backs, they need smart talented players - Saili is certainly that.

Only question mark with Saili is his D, so let's wait and see how he goes there. Couldn't ask for a better situation for him to debut though; Carter on his inside, Conrad on his outside, playing behind a dominant pack, in the best team in the world at home vs at best an average Argentinian team! He will go well and I'm not sure the ABs will lose anything with Saili starting in this one!

We'll see what happens with Saili, he has quality and technique to excel, and like you said has the support of the best team around the world. He has his chance, I hope the take.

Cheers

 

[jessta]

if saili has an absolute blinder, does he make the bench for the springboks game... that is something to ponder on?

 

[Aspry]

I know! That 6-1 drubbing was in Bolivia at 3600 metres above sea-level.

But why doesn't the argies use their mountain areas to train? How difficult would it be to have a high performance centre in the Andes?

We tried that too many times, and it didn't worked. All players play in Europe and when they have to play with the national team against Bolivia they can't get used to play in the highs. There isn't enough time for that.

Seriously altitude is not a joke, ask Di Maria.

 

[ABs2011]

if saili has an absolute blinder, does he make the bench for the springboks game... that is something to ponder on?

If not starting then I hope he'd get a bench spot. Barrett can cover fullback off the bench so no reason why Saili couldn't come off of the bench.

 

[Cruz_del_Sur]

Evidence suggest it is not only Argentina that struggles with Bolivia's altitude, thou our record is particularly bad.

And to be fair, and being fully aware of the effect altitude has on our bodies, evidence suggests psychology plays a big role too.
Bielsa (our football coach from 1998-2004), never lost in high altitude. Never. That includes not only Bolivia but Ecuador too.

 

[Larksea]

I really hope Saili does have a blinder. He's definitely capable I mean his running game is way ahead of Nonu right now.

 

[admartian]

I really hope Saili does have a blinder. He's definitely capable I mean his running game is way ahead of Nonu right now.

Same here.

Hoping Ben Smith doesn't hog the ball.

 

[smartcooky]

Today, we have seen Counties-Manukau do something they have never before done in their history. Can Argentina do the same....?

 

[TRF_Olyy]

McCaw leading the Haka?

 

[Jaguares]

What happened to "Kapa o Pango"??

 

[Jaguares]

McCaw leading the Haka?

Yeah, for the second time this year