Robertson continues to reward form in All Blacks team to play Ireland

Seems like a really solid NZ team - any team in the last 25 years that NZ have fielded can out 50 points on the scoreboard if they are allowed to and I don’t see this team as any different. I expect them to win by 10-15 as the Irish team just haven’t had enough time together to be anything other than solid to good. Farrell talks a lot about adversity and I assume he is testing his leaders in this window and looking at a 2 yr plan. Robertson is in a stronger position as he knows that there are a few names in that squad who will finish this tour established as first choice players and the bedrock for success.

The AB’s first choice forward pack and backline players with a strong impact bench will definitely be putting the heat on from the get go and set the pace of the game…

Go the AB’s… 4 from 4 November Tour…by 13+

It’s a good team, no doubt about it. The players who are in form are playing, and those who aren’t aren’t on the team sheet. It sounds obvious, but that wasn’t the case at the start of the season.

Even though the systematic re-selection of Scott and Beauden Barrett may raise questions.

I hope the Blacks will finally play to their full potential and that Holland’s departure will simplify things and unleash their energy.

Really hope NZ come good this weekend. They a due a big performance.

How is a team picked “ON FORM” when no one else gets any game time to show form?

Ok, this may not be a popular opinion, but I think that three Barretts in the side make for a reasonably skilful but insipid team. The Barretts are nice guys who scare no-one, and if they can’t out play the Irish behind a decent front row they will be easily rocked back on their heels. Oh for a Ma’a Nonu or a Brodie Retallick.

Rusty as they are, with a bit of attitude, the Irish could win this. On the other hand, I’m looking forward to see the attacking potential if for once the ABs really gel.

Lords a frustrating player to watch, hope he has a good game when he gets on.

I’m not convinced Leister has the speed for a wing. Be cool to see him get some minutes in the midfield.

Clearly, Razor has selected the best 23 players on form available to him (only exception would be Lord over Darry as Lord has not been dominant at either NPC or SRP ever, while Darry is a good chance to win NPC Player of the Year).

You can argue over whether to start Sititi over Lakai at 8 or Fainga’anuka over Clarke at 11 but either way all four players were going to play those two positions at some point in the test.