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Rugby Union
International Test Matches
USA vs All Blacks - 01/11
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<blockquote data-quote="Darwin" data-source="post: 684351" data-attributes="member: 24910"><p>Overall the game was as I expected. USA played some good rugby in the 1st 15 minutes, but their defensive systems need work (if they are ever going to compete against the top sides). They seemed to be employing a (narrow) rush defense, but it wasn't rushing up fast enough. The AB's did have to do some good passing to get the ball wide, but they invariable got the ball wide, and there was a huge amount of space out there. </p><p></p><p>I thought USA showed some good ball handling skills on attack, though got a bit lateral at times. Indeed they were at their best when attacking a bit closer to the breakdown (as the AB's were spreading out a bit quickly at times). USA showed some good skills in the air two, winning a number of their own kick-offs (which will be of concern for the AB's coaching staff). They may need to do some work on their scrummaging though....</p><p></p><p>I find it hard to really assess the AB's players on their performances, but I will give it a go:</p><p>- Faumuina was prominent, but his handling let him down at times.</p><p>- It was disappointing to see Harris leave injured - he was looking solid - but Mealamu impressed when he got on.</p><p>- All of the starting loose-forwards looked good IMO. Read was his usual self, Vito had some good runs and impressed at the breakdown, while Cane was everywhere. Every test I see Cane play these days I can't help be impressed. He brings a real physicality to the 7 jersey, but what really impressed me this match was his ability to sum up the situation with ball in hand and get the ball out quickly when there was space out wide.</p><p>- Perenara I thought was very good, though he wasn't under a lot of pressure. I wasn't impressed with Pulu - I felt he tried to do far too much himself - but to be fair he was on debut.</p><p>- Cruden's goal-kicking was poor, but his passing was very crisp. The game didn't flow as well after Carter came on, but I don't think he was entirely to blame for this. It was great to see him running with ball in hand again! </p><p>- The midfield function pretty well overall. SBW played better than I thought we would given the limited amount of Rugby Union he has played recently, while Ryan Crotty just made the right decision every time (and was pretty dangerous in his own right!).</p><p>- Piutau had a couple of good runs, though may need to ask Jane for some chip kicking advice. Jane looked sharp before he went off injured, while Dagg looked pretty dangerous from the back too.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Darwin, post: 684351, member: 24910"] Overall the game was as I expected. USA played some good rugby in the 1st 15 minutes, but their defensive systems need work (if they are ever going to compete against the top sides). They seemed to be employing a (narrow) rush defense, but it wasn't rushing up fast enough. The AB's did have to do some good passing to get the ball wide, but they invariable got the ball wide, and there was a huge amount of space out there. I thought USA showed some good ball handling skills on attack, though got a bit lateral at times. Indeed they were at their best when attacking a bit closer to the breakdown (as the AB's were spreading out a bit quickly at times). USA showed some good skills in the air two, winning a number of their own kick-offs (which will be of concern for the AB's coaching staff). They may need to do some work on their scrummaging though.... I find it hard to really assess the AB's players on their performances, but I will give it a go: - Faumuina was prominent, but his handling let him down at times. - It was disappointing to see Harris leave injured - he was looking solid - but Mealamu impressed when he got on. - All of the starting loose-forwards looked good IMO. Read was his usual self, Vito had some good runs and impressed at the breakdown, while Cane was everywhere. Every test I see Cane play these days I can't help be impressed. He brings a real physicality to the 7 jersey, but what really impressed me this match was his ability to sum up the situation with ball in hand and get the ball out quickly when there was space out wide. - Perenara I thought was very good, though he wasn't under a lot of pressure. I wasn't impressed with Pulu - I felt he tried to do far too much himself - but to be fair he was on debut. - Cruden's goal-kicking was poor, but his passing was very crisp. The game didn't flow as well after Carter came on, but I don't think he was entirely to blame for this. It was great to see him running with ball in hand again! - The midfield function pretty well overall. SBW played better than I thought we would given the limited amount of Rugby Union he has played recently, while Ryan Crotty just made the right decision every time (and was pretty dangerous in his own right!). - Piutau had a couple of good runs, though may need to ask Jane for some chip kicking advice. Jane looked sharp before he went off injured, while Dagg looked pretty dangerous from the back too. [/QUOTE]
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USA vs All Blacks - 01/11
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