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[P] NZ Maori vs. England (Rugby Union)

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rhizome17

Fan Favourite
Thats right, tonight (NZ time). First game of the English build-up for the world cup, and the NZ maori have a few players that are rated as possibilities for the full All Black squad.

England Team To Play The NZ Maori
06/06/2003 04:46 PM

England Head Coach, Clive Woodward announced on Friday the England side to face the New Zealand Maori in New Plymouth on Monday, June 9th 2003.

Clive Woodward said "I've announced a strong 22 to face the New Zealand Maori and we're under no illusions about what we'll face in New Plymouth. The New Zealand Maori are a strong side with some excellent wins in the last couple of seasons, including Argentina and Scotland. It's a good opportunity for all the England players taking part to push their international credentials against a very tough side and we're all treating the game as a full on test match. I'd like to congratulate Stuart Abbott (London Wasps) on his call up, it's on merit and reflects the excellent season he's had for his club this season."

Phil Vickery, Captain of the England side on Monday night said "I'm delighted to be given a further opportunity to captain England. New Zealand Maori are an excellent side, full of internationals and Super 12 experience. We've got a strong team as well, with a large number of capped players, which should ensure that Monday is a fantastic game. My opposite number Craig Feek is an outstanding loose head who played his part in the Crusaders squad reaching the Super 12 final and I'm looking forward to playing against him on Monday."

Stuart Abbott said "The last two weeks have been quite easily the most eventful of my career to date. The win against Gloucester in the Zurich Premiership final last weekend, the tour call up and now the chance to play the New Zealand Maori on Monday have provided me some great opportunities. I'm looking forward to the game which will be a huge challenege for me and the squad but it's one we're all looking forward to."

Should be a great game, as the maori are reknowned for their expansive play. Plus there are players like Christian Cullen appearing for the maoris.
 
C

choppy

Youth Team
As much as i will be cheering on the Wallabie's in the World Cup and Tri Nations, I will also go for any southern hemisphere side that plays against any of the kick happy northern hemisphere teams.

God forgive me I even went for the Sprinbocks against Scotland and as much as it pains me I hope the Maories smash the poms.

This would top off a good weekend for the Tri nations started by the Wallabies demolition of Ireland even if the first half was a bit rusty.
 
R

rhizome17

Fan Favourite
yeah, although England aren't necessarily a kick-happy team anymore. They are a pretty classy outfit nowadays, and should make the world cup exciting this year. Makes up for the years of us thrashing their pants I guess.
 
C

choppy

Youth Team
Bloody Kiwis ruining the trifector. Totally outplayed in the forwards.
I will forgive as it was only a tour match.

England are the only Northern Hemisphere team who could possibly win the world cup.
 
R

rhizome17

Fan Favourite
Yes, but don't forget the maori team had only been together for a week, and the England team had a combined 270 caps between them. The conditions didn't help, and ultimately it came down to the superior ability of the English to control the ball in the wet. The maori never really got an opportunity to run the ball, and when they did their handling let them down.

However, the big game is next weekend, All Blacks vs England, and I think there are some good signs from tonights game. The English never really looked comfotable when the opposition ran at them, and with players such as Carlos Spencer controlling things, I think the All Blacks stand a great chance. Also, the English backline lacked imagination, and their 2 tries came from their 2 meaningful attacking plays. The first was thanks to the strength of the forwards, and the second as a result of a great little run. But other than that, I thought the English looked rather average.

Next week should be very interesting indeed, as it will be a chance to see how the 'baby blacks' have progressed since their tour to the UK last year.
 
M

monkee

Senior Squad
I reckon Wales are going to win the World Cup. I had a dream about it the other night, don't know why I'm not even a big rugby fan. Anyway, it was the final and it was England vs Wales. :D Yeah, right.... Level after 80mins and it went to a new version of penalties for rugby where the player had to kick goals from a far corner of the oppositions half (between the tryline and the touchline). The Welsh lad was belting them in and the ref decided to let England win by letting Wilkinson kick his from the corner between the halfwayline and the touchline in the Welsh half... he missed, and Wales won.

Anyway, as long as England don't win and Wales don't lose by more than 70pts in a game I'll be happy.

England's strength is their pack. Their backs are a lot better than they used to be but they are still not up to Aussie/NZ/France/SA standard, except for the boot of Wilkinson. But when England beat the big teams, with a good defense, it is always due to the kicking of Wilkinson and the ability of their pack to break up play.
 
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choppy

Youth Team
When is wallaby coach Eddie Jones gonna let his wingers see the ball.
Against Ireland the wallabies ran rings around them when they sent the ball wide, yet they hardly ever gave the ball to them.

Roff , Sailor and Tuquiri are three of the most devestating runners in world rugby yet they will hardly see the ball under Jones game plan.

When England beat us at twickenam late last year their defence up the middle was awesome, yet we kept running straight at them. when the ball went out wide we were at our most dangerous.

Why did the ARU spend so much money bringing these guys to rugby if they dont use them.

Its a pity we look like never seeing Lomu against Sailor and Tuquiri.
 
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rhizome17

Fan Favourite
Well, imo Lomu is a bit overrated. He is a useful attacking player, but doesn't have the all-round skills of someone like Howlett.
 
C

choppy

Youth Team
Yeah I just think it was the image of the them going one on one. Especially at their peak when both players would run over their opposition.
 
R

rhizome17

Fan Favourite
Make sure you catch the AB's playing England next week. Check out how Spencer at first-five, Howlett at fullback and Rokocoko on the wing play. Potentially the best AB backline in years.
 
C

choppy

Youth Team
If they can keep their super 12 form I think the All Blacks are gonna be very hard to beat.
Its a pity their board stuffed up their chances of co hosting the WC otherwise I dont think any one could have beat them.
 
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