ALL BLACKS SET UP TO LOSE IN WELLINGTON? 

Dmac setup pretty much everything good last week. Even the tries he is being criticized for 'bombing' are try opportunities that were solely created by him (apart from the Reece grubber from ALB). On two of those opportunities Jordan and Reece as support runners were also extremely flat for both of those passes, so it takes both the passer and support runner to be in sync there. And the Dmac pass to Williams, people incorrectly attributed it to a trick pass that Damian attempted. But Justin Marshall noted that what actually happened was that Damian was juggling the ball as he didnt have control before attempting the pass. So it wasn't to be flamboyant or flashy, he just didn't have control of the ball which is why he went for the pass he did (this is according to Justin Marshall). I also don't think your analysis of ALB is correct. ALB was the top midfielder in all of super rugby this year for Linebreaks/Defenders beaten. He had the most dominant attacking stats by far out of all our midfielders. He was well ahead of Rieko/Jordie/Proctor. I'd expect him to make a big impact ball in hand this week if he gets the opportunity.

Thank goodness Nic White is not playing , he has got his OSCAR AWARD ALREADY

Well 2027 is a few years away. Cane deserves his 100th test and to say goodbye . TJ deserves to say goodbye at home in Wellington.

The bench should come on 10 minutes in the second half - Forwards - give them game time. Another Helter skelter selection. Plummer should've been in the reserves or started at 10

I have a good feeling about Beauden at 10. Hope he proves you wrong 😅

The hype and build up for Razor becoming coach was so big that I think everyone was expecting an unbeaten run. I personally think Razor felt that and is now playing it safe to scrape a win. His Super Rugby run is impressive but things don't always transition in the right way. As much as I want to see new players having a go, I can't do anything but support the boys on the field. All blacks by a penalty 💪

Is it fair to support Australia just because we want them to ignite the passion ? AB 's are the better team and deserve to win

NH be aware Aussies are getting better, & nz are just a few changes/switches away from finding their mojo again if only razor would be more adventurous That's my take from podcast 👏what passion!

David havilli has had numerous chances to prove his worth in the ABS and ultimately has failed yet hes given another chance.Its frustrating as a fan to see a player get multiple oppourtunities and another player get none supposedly because they arent at that level yet in the opinion of the coach when in reality he doesnt really know.The crusaders old boys club is actually turning out to be a thing I think which as a hurricane fan is starting to make me feel a bit conflicted about the ABS because I cant stand the crusaders lol

David Havili? More like David Houdini given his ability to repeatably conjure himself into the team at will. The back-line is an absolute mess. Caleb Clark is the only player in his position who gives me confidence, I think the experiment with him at 12 would be worth it.

I think it's going to be an interesting contest and there will be learnings for both teams and coaches.

Bit of Bummer the selections, The Northen Teams are licking their lips right now at Our ability to pick out of form older players over the young hungry form players. look how well ratima and sititi have done, no proctor in the team is a proper joke. I really thought Razor would have better ideas and direction for the team instead of the same old same old

Great break down. I agree 99 percent with your comments. Exactly if Aus use a pressure defense, TJ too slow, BB not the best without front foot ball. I agree about the outside backs, but if Aus defend like last week, expect Will Jordan and Reese to go well. I'll keep saying it, free Hoskins. He ate Sititi up in the super finals

Mark When it comes, selection and positions, I love your two cents worth. (AB fan)

Ive said it before we have not got a captain perhaps a vice too these guys need to just play their postions without the worry of leadership roles I would like to see our number 8 go to blindside l have to say your discussion about certain players wrong positions not bringing the young ones. Not happy with Razors decisions even his coaching cheers Mark

not able to post as players unknown to me follow a lot of creaters they mostly share you views well presented thz

I agree with your opinions on Scott Barrett and Ardie to 7 and Sititi to 8.💪

I think Caleb should be at 12 for that impact alb not making a difference there Will Jordan should play 14 just a thought

AB supporter here. I'm always hopeful and positive going into a game. I think Ratima and DMac can have an influence off the bench. Hopefully the other reserves will too. Williams is pretty good

Mark I saw this squad and my hopes fell!!! 😔🥺 I really hope Razor will select what is best of the team for EOYT. My gosh! I didn’t see the Havili - my gosh what does Proctor have to do to get picked? What does Plummer have to do? 🙆🏽‍♀️🙆🏽‍♀️🙆🏽‍♀️🤷🏽🤷🏽🤷🏽 how do you test depth if you don’t play your young talents? 🤷🏽🤷🏽🤷🏽 I feel like writing a whole diatribe filled with expletives.

Nice analysis. Agree on SB as Captain. TJP, Cane should be in the bench along with Ioane and Reece. Once again disappointed by Razor. As much as I love BB, but 10 needs new talent. I guess they need a good beating to shake Razor’s mind. No experimenting at all. Seems no forward thinking.

Really hard to understand the AB selections. I thought Razor would have been more strategic with longer term selection planning. Great opportunity for the WBs to roll us.

Should have continued with dmac 5/8 and bb fullback in my opinion.

A conservative team of experienced and youth designed to win . A B s by 15 and I am being conservative .

Would also like to see some bold selections and move players like tj perenara, Sam Cane, Beauden Barrett etc to the bench, they will have the impact we need, and experience to handle the pressure and close out games, remember in 2003 when Robbie Deans put Leon McDonald at center, while Tana Umaga watched from the side lines (We all knew that was a bad idea). Now this team kinda feels similar, must be something in the water down there, would like to see Ardie at Flanker and Wallace Sititi at #8.

Hopefully all is well with you As an Australian i dont see Australia winning but i do see further improvement. I trust Joe Schmidts comment of the side comming good by the Spring Tour. A close game with The ABs proving too much for the time being. With The Wallabies switching on to hold a brief lead at HT and The ABs finally figuring things out

TJ and Cane are sentimental selections by Razor and in TJs case definitely not warranted on form. ALB is a solid player as opposed to a game breaker in the mould of De Allende and co. Clarke is probably wasted on the wing and sans any 12s in NPC putting their hands up he is definitely worth a shot. No different to the Reiko experiment at 13 which hasn't been an overwhelming success but he was given an opportunity but hasn't quite delivered imo.

Generally when your backline is as far off as your selections are there is a mindset issue.You must seriously look at what you are missing .Maybe its the tools you use to evaluate or the understanding of the game .But you are a long way off .The selectors see it completely different .There job is to keep the competion within the team for positions thriving .You seem to want to give positions away for the sake of it .They wont loose .

A lot of seemingly sentimental picks, that´s for sure. It´s all a bit chummy and matey in this AB´s set-up, not realistically focused on what´s best for the team long term.

Well said

Sorry mate B.Barrett is not the 10 moving forward to the next RWC. I don't know what games you're been watching B.Barrett at 10 but he's not that guy any more. He might play the house down 2morrow but is not the future.

Hey, Aggree with revamp, maybe Nov tour will see, but I think we forgetting to fast. REMEMBA NZ DOWNSLOPE STARTED 2ND RUN OF SIR HANSEN, THE FOZZY CONTINUED, I THINK MOST IS TO IN HURRY, I READ SOMEWHERE PROCTOR IS GOING TO AUS TEAM MAYBE I misread, but bring back Laumape, he was fast proper center, ran over people, I think I read also their might be a new signing, I believe AB have to not go outside to set standards. Ons moet geduld he, ek positief noudat centers kans kry.

"It's not the size of the dog in the fight...is the size of the fight in the dog" ..... ever so true Serbian proverb ! Especially pertaining to Nick Frost, that guy is punching way below his weight. I was hugely impressed with the Ozzie back row last weekend, watching as a SA neutral, just to watch some rugby without stress ! Wilson has real mongrel, as does McReight, and Valetini has always been one of the Ozzie best, even when they ate dust. They may well put one over the AB's back row in the loose battle. The Ozzie backline had always been good, it was the forwards that neutered them. If the forwards are getting some aggression up front, and can even things (against any team), Oz rugby may well rebound in the year ahead. Time will tell.

I think the ABs are starting STARTING to find their way so, no, I don't believe they are going to lose. I don't think Scott is the reason for the fall off in the second half, kicking has been inconsistent and managing discipline has been the issues.

🎉 I will support the Australia team I would like to see Australia strengthen their rugby union

Thanks Mark like your thoughts and views on the up coming game , don’t won’t to see the ABs lose but it may be the only way forward

This A.B. side is all at sea, it starts with Perinara, he is more of a hindrance than a good player, his game has too many bad flaws, there are players throughout the team playing out of place, i think we will win, but, i wouldn't put money on it.

Wallabies by 5. I think our tendency to fall away in the last 20 will cost us. In 8 tests this year we’ve only scored 2 tries and 3 pens in the last 20.

Can cover some Northern Hemisphere teams as well. Thank you

It's a do or die game once again for Razor gyz, he needs to win both test against Wallabies to save his job, he knows very well that a lose against Wallabies will be a disaster for his couching jobs🤞

As a Bok fan, Im looking at what Rassie is doing and Im seeing his plan.. hes trying to empower Libbok at 10. He wants to give him a chance now in high pressure situations. Same with Fassi at 15. He will get answers one way or another on Sat. I look at what Razor has done and I wonder what he will learn from Sat even if the ABs have an amazing game. Do the young ABs feel empowered by Razor? I know the young Boks feel empowered by Rassie. And he will learn lessons. Win or lose! ABs have so much talent. It would just be awesome to see more of it used!

It's a solid team, but I agree with Mark-I thought we’d see more new players given that the Cup is already secured. That said, 2027 is still a long way off. If we get Mounga and Frizzel back, and with Fainga’anuku returning home, plus giving players like Plummer and Proctor a real opportunity, we’ll be in great shape. Add strong No. 9s like Cam Roigard, Ratima, and Hotham into the mix, and I believe we’re well-positioned for success - as long as Razor starts playing them in 25/26.

I think thw Wallabies will win. My reasons: 1. Joe Schmidt looks calm and in control. While Razor looks flustered and panicked from all the pressure. 2. There's a lot of over-rated and non-performing players in the All Blacks backline. What's the All Blacks without a potent backline?

Is this a squad choosen because razor needs the win at all costs. Maybe the pressures of losing is preventing him from building depth in his squad

I had many of your reactions to the team when I read the list. Havili? Why? Did Razor not see any of the Crusaders' games this year? They had an abysmal season but most of their losses were tight. And Havili was right at the centre of many of the key moments of failure that lost the game, time and time again with atrocious play. He was TERRIBLE! The only reason he's in the squad is cos' he's a Crusader. I can swallow the rest of it and patiently wait... but Havili? Fk no. Cane is obviously a gimme selection: let's get the old boy to 100 caps b4 retirement (I mean ... ok, I guess). But the other one that stings for me is Ratima on the bench. He was enormous last weekend. He's earned that number 1 spot. Perenara was actually decent off the bench. It feels like they've fallen in love with the fairy tale comeback from injury story for Perenara... but I much prefer falling in love with the Cortez Ratima, a new legendary 9 in the making story. Anyway, enough griping from me. I hope it's a good game from both teams but that the ABs come out on top.

Well the ABs should pull on their big boy pants and play for the full 80minutes NO MATTER WHAT THE SCORE....play the bloody game! Dont take your foot off the pedal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Robertson is becoming a big let down. Hi s picks are just so biased it is unbelievable. At a time when the ABs are struggling to keep players he seems keen to shut doors of opportunity for up and coming players. What on earth is Reece still doing in the squad let alone the team. What happened to Telia and Narowa who are clearly much better wingers in terms of finishing and making opportunities for others. What is Havili doing there and Procter not included? He seems to reward form players by dropping them. Really encouraging. No world class kicker in the team. A sluggish TJ as starting scrum half who has had more kicks charged down than any other player and does not set the right pace for the ABs. I agree that Scott Barret is not good enough to be captain. Robertson clearly seems out of his depth and wants to pack in players that put him in his comfort zone. Sad.

Great preview once again.I agree BB should not play fly half. In my opinion, one thing Richie M's departure has exposed is how underrated/undervalued he is.The bench should also come on earlier. This should be the set plan irrespective of the score. But I feel for Razor. I think the way he was appointed ,before Fozzies tenure ended, was a bit of a poison chalice. The reality of the expectation from the fans hit home very quickly in the first test against England. This has not gone away after 7 or so matches. I bet in his mind he is pondering if he should be bold and build for '27 or conservative to preserve the legacy. Either was his job was on the line before he started. Ultimately, the team, especially the leadership (Scott ardie and co), needed to front up and fight the way they did for Fossie when the pressure was on him. That attitude brings honor to the game, the jersey, and the fans. Go AB's.!!

I just get the feeling .. seeing what is available to the AB .. that Razor has certainly come nowhere close to getting the AB to play with their normal skill and confidence .. specifically due to seemingly muddled choices

Really liking Wright he is maturing and a real x factor for wallabies and Gleeson he's another one i like solid as brick shithouse - lol

I cant understand the selections Razor makes but I sure enjoy what Mark puts across especially change of positions for the ABs

Totally agree about BB . He’s been tried at 10 before and never fully convinced and at 33 definitely in the twilight of his career. Plummer should have been given the chance instead.

Whats rezor up to🤨🙄 1st question was mcdonald saying yourve got give proctor= harry plummer time we are learning nothing from razors selections😚 This was match to say plummber- proctor dm at 15 clarke inside or outside proctor reiko wing with jordan dm15 why start with 9 whos got no impact🤔 Agree with you all the way mate 10 postion razor just thinking ill get mounga back from japan forget about plummer gave him 4 minted 😮bye from now from phills😎🖤💯💪🏉

Mark, the ABs have never seen the bench as an impact weapon... and it doesnt happen overnight... even if you have 8 guys on par with the first 15 (which you dont) it takes time to strategically make those changes count... the public will have to accept that you guys are in a rebuilding stage... its not going to go down well and the coach is still in denial... razor is like a rabbit caught in the spotlights at pres conferences.... its gonna hurt before it gets better.... this European tour might be the biggest horror show in the history of the ABs ....

Forwards including the bench are ideal for me.I would have like to see Proctor at 13, Rieko on the wing instead of Sevu. I’d have Dalton on the bench instead of Havili, so a 6-2 split. We have enough flexibility in the backs to cover a 6-2 Excited to see Beauden back at 10

Pretty uninspiring All Black team, Ratima I'd like an extra loosie for us, the work he gets through is immense, tj doesn't compare, it's still a bodged together team with big changes inevitable (I hope) can't believe the bookies are giving aus an 18.5point start 💰🤑🤑

Scott Barrett looks like the Rookie and plays like one.

What's with this obsession with a 6-7 week tournament that comes once every 4 years? I mean us everything between all those 4 years all about those 6 weeks once in 4 years? The tournament is also a big gamble. Are teams really gonna get rid of good players who are still performing better than younger ones simply because of their age and that they won't be around in 3 or 4 years time? Are teams really gonna sacrifice losing games and dropping good players all for this 6 week tournament? Rugby is arguably the only sport that everything is about this tournament and everything that must happen should be focused on that tournament.

Once again, your analysis is spot on Mark; I think TJP and Cane are sentimental picks, last games for both of them in Wellington. But Ratima to start and TJP on for a cameo later in the game. Savea and Sititi should have been shuffled, and Savea given the captainacy. S Barrett simply doesn’t have the mana and the ABs are desperate for some leadership . What is there to lose? I simply don’t understand what Razor is trying to do with the backline. It all smacks of desperation and conservatism and I think Schmidt has got into Razor’s head. Oz full of confidence, and you don’t want to play them like that. ABs will have to be better than Bled 1, and I can’t see it happening.

Stop calling him razor he’s about as sharp as a cricket bat

I don't get half the comments in this video. Alot of people are rubbishing DMac, saying he's not up to it. He is definiately up to it, but what he needs is a solid #12 outside him. If you look at last weekend, Mackenzie was on fire all through that first half, when Jordie Barrett went off at half time, the entire attacking structure changed. Hopefully ALB can step and do what Jordie does. David Havilli is getting alot of negative talk, I don't understand why. He is completely solid on the bench, he covers midfield and fullback and his kicking game is almost better and Jordies, especially when kicking for touch or field possession. The only hiccup I see in this team is Sevu Reece, I don't think he's up to it anymore and would prefer Mark Telea or Emoni Narawa before him. But it is what it is. Without 2 yellow cards and 2 disallowed tries, this All Blacks team runs all over the Wallabies. Last but not least. Mark, I disagree with you on the Scott Barrett call in regards to captain. Scott Barrett is solid, and when the team is lacking leadership in the second half, you always see Scott up there making the decisions. But he has a leadership team around him, other players that should be stepping up as well. To place it purely on Scott Barretts shoulders may be a little unfair.

Glad to see you safe mate, nice analysis, for world rugby it will be good for aus to win, from a south african point of view we all need to see a strong aussie side again, also maybe it will then force razor to make the changes needed

There's really nothing left to say at this point, the coach is stating loud and clear what his approach to selections will be, and we can add in his clear favouritism of players with relatively poor form but who have shown loyalty to him previously. Indeed, loyalty would be very important for one as paranoid as he seems to be.

Razor has been pretty disappointing and underwhelming so far. In saying that, I think if he can get his selections a bit more fine tuned then he will be the man for the job to get the most out of the lads in preparation for the RWC. Fingers crossed these selection choices don't become a theme over the next couple of years!

What the hell are they thinking with Havili?? Looks ok behind a dominant forward pack, but under a bit of pressure?? He had a very average season at the saders and has never really stood out as an AB.

Who should be captain??

Yeah....negativity isn't great analysis.

Aussies will loseby 32 points

Proctor isnt an inside centre.

Agreed re Scott Barrett.

Does Caleb C have the distribution game for a number 12??

Definitely agree Mark that TJ Perenara should not start at halfback!

I can't believe Havili is in this team. He is a complete disaster, what a snub to Billy Proctor. It will be good to see a couple of hurricanes at 9 & 10, even though I think TJ is over the hill and yes Barrett can be flakey at 10 back in the cake tin. Although because Razor hasn't developed any other 10's you can't just give Plummer a crack out of nowhere. DMac needs a rest, but shouldn't lose is position. He is a brilliant x factor player. How does Iaone keep getting picked, he's been out of form since March! Scott Barrett's captaincy has been a flop so far. I'd move him to 6, Artie to 7 Sititi to 8. Darry and Vai have been excellent in lock. Not completely happy with these selections, but still have faith in Razors madness. Go AB's

Caleb at 12 👍👌

What the heck is up with Robertson, the mans been all over the shop with his selections, surely the AB's have played enuff games to allow Rob's to settle on his preferred lineup. with so many changes the AB's lack rhythm,

have to agree the AB starting backline is underwhelming. Perenara barely scrapes into the top 5 in nz halfbacks. Beauden has always been better impact than a starter. Mid field are just making up the numbers. Reese style of play is erratic at best. let's hope it pours down and becomes an upfront grind because otherwise ABs will be very wobbly.

B.Barrett at 10 "NO" S.Barrett needs 2B on bench S.Cane needs 2B at his House David Havelli No thankU. Sevu Rees NO NO NO. This is Not Super Rugby. We haven't adjusted to International Rugby. We have So much Talent in NZ & Players R Not even in the environment. Mark I Lov watching your show But 2days show was Őwesome i totally agree with most points on player positions. Caleb Clarke at 12 Nice he would break the line.

Hi Mark. I'm also disappointed with some selections. Building dept and experience comes from actual game time. Winning this game will be of little value. I can understand Cane and TJ for this game only. My preferred starting would be ... 1. Sititi @ 8 , 2. Plummer @ 10 , 3. 12 Havili and 13. Proctor , 4. Clark & Jordan on the wings , Ruben Love @ 15. Thanx again

You want a crashing, fast, big body that can chip kick on the fly win turnovers etc. Leicester Fainga’anuku at 13 put Rieko at 14 CC at 11 Cam at 9 Plumber 10 have Jordan on the bench that would scare a few backlines. Still looking around the Resturant at the end of the Universe for the master plan and it doesnt look anything like this line up for Wellington,another dissapointing team selection.

Wow people have got short memories ; B Barret was so average at 10 he stalled the whole backline and every one knew he couldn’t direct the team around the park . Now he’s the saviour just bizarre and he’s not the future oh boy . Great insight Mark as usual thanks for the work matey appreciated …😅

Nice analysis Mark i like your thinking and afree tha tRazor needs to experiment more Still think that most of the squad peaked for last years RWC and so are not playing at their best I also think that Razor has been sentimental in picking S.Cane and TJ.Paneerea Fot me they would be on the bench at best