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Rugby World Cup 2015
[2015 RWC] Quarter Final 2: New Zealand vs. France (17/10/2015)
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<blockquote data-quote="Mcfadden" data-source="post: 759026" data-attributes="member: 72865"><p>After Japan's massive win, I don't see much as impossible. The French defense will probably be very hard to breach early in the first half. But I can't get away from the idea that they should be absolutely spent after the Irish game. </p><p></p><p>No offense to anybody, but the pace of that match at times was pretty impressive for the northern hemisphere. I do think starting our top side without tinkering will help the All Blacks. I expect people like Brodie Retallick, Ma'a Nonu and Ricchie McCaw to step up. In my opinion, Nonu really helped our confidence in the backline last week. Dan Carter will be another focus point. Some kiwis have criticized him (sometimes justified, sometimes ridiculous), but against Tonga he definitely looked like the old Dan. If he can take on the line and look to get those arms free then France should be worried. Guys like Read, Conrad Smith and Julian Savea probably need to really work on themselves during the week, because they've had a quiet tournament. Savea has completed a few opportunities but he's nowhere near his best. I think selecting him over Naholo would be the appropriate selection though.</p><p></p><p>Of course we're guarded when it comes to the French. We beat them easily in the earlier matches in 2007 and prior to that. They had no right to beat us based on form, but they found a way. In 2011 they made it all the way to the final. I must admit I haven't watched a lot of the Six Nations or anything, so maybe I don't have a full appreciation for just how poor they apparently are. But as New Zealanders, we're going to be somewhat wary. When you feel those losses that they've inflicted in your heart, you bloody remember. Besides, if we expressed any other sentiment people would accuse us of being arrogant.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Mcfadden, post: 759026, member: 72865"] After Japan's massive win, I don't see much as impossible. The French defense will probably be very hard to breach early in the first half. But I can't get away from the idea that they should be absolutely spent after the Irish game. No offense to anybody, but the pace of that match at times was pretty impressive for the northern hemisphere. I do think starting our top side without tinkering will help the All Blacks. I expect people like Brodie Retallick, Ma'a Nonu and Ricchie McCaw to step up. In my opinion, Nonu really helped our confidence in the backline last week. Dan Carter will be another focus point. Some kiwis have criticized him (sometimes justified, sometimes ridiculous), but against Tonga he definitely looked like the old Dan. If he can take on the line and look to get those arms free then France should be worried. Guys like Read, Conrad Smith and Julian Savea probably need to really work on themselves during the week, because they've had a quiet tournament. Savea has completed a few opportunities but he's nowhere near his best. I think selecting him over Naholo would be the appropriate selection though. Of course we're guarded when it comes to the French. We beat them easily in the earlier matches in 2007 and prior to that. They had no right to beat us based on form, but they found a way. In 2011 they made it all the way to the final. I must admit I haven't watched a lot of the Six Nations or anything, so maybe I don't have a full appreciation for just how poor they apparently are. But as New Zealanders, we're going to be somewhat wary. When you feel those losses that they've inflicted in your heart, you bloody remember. Besides, if we expressed any other sentiment people would accuse us of being arrogant. [/QUOTE]
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Rugby World Cup 2015
[2015 RWC] Quarter Final 2: New Zealand vs. France (17/10/2015)
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