Changes for Round 5 v Saints

[Ludwig]

Everitt gives us a bit more flexibility with LRT out if we have problems covering their 3 talls, because they will have Riewoldt, Kosi and Tom Lee. So I would imagine that Rampe or Mattner would have to cover Lee, who would 5 or 6 cms on them. Should not be a big problem, but Dre can give us a bit more height in the backline if needed. You would hope he's a good enough defender to cover Lee.

Also imagine Armstrong will be the sub, especially with no Milne and Milera.

[707]

Saints ditched three small forwards and brought in the mercurial Kosi !

Maybe trying to stretch us without LRT but ?'m glad they have reduced their buzz fleet, think they were a more dangerous combination that the talls they are now playing.

Our changes very predictable, Armstrong lucky, Morton unlucky. Everitt and Bird were always the ins.

Small ground, will be interesting to see what form the game takes. Lots of tackling I reckon :-)

[swanspant12]

Saints ditched three small forwards and brought in the mercurial Kosi !

Maybe trying to stretch us without LRT but ?'m glad they have reduced their buzz fleet, think they were a more dangerous combination that the talls they are now playing.

Our changes very predictable, Armstrong lucky, Morton unlucky. Everitt and Bird were always the ins.

Small ground, will be interesting to see what form the game takes. Lots of tackling I reckon :-)

A lamppost is more dangerous than koschitzke.

[ernie koala]

Saints ditched three small forwards and brought in the mercurial Kosi !

Small ground, will be interesting to see what form the game takes. Lots of tackling I reckon :-)

Which makes me wonder why Armstrong kept his place. On top of them dropping 3 small forwards... So far this year, he has been fragile in congestion, and he's a poor tackler...

[R-1]

Re: Changes for Round 5 v Saints

Bit of rain falling in Wellington just now.

[Legs Akimbo]

Which makes me wonder why Armstrong kept his place. On top of them dropping 3 small forwards... So far this year, he has been fragile in congestion, and he's a poor tackler...

I think they have an eye on the future with Shaw not getting any younger. Sadly, I don't rate Armstrong at all and is way too loose to be playing our style of footy. Would rather see Lamb in.

[Bloody Hell]

Watched the past 2 rounds this week. Surprised Armstrong has been able to hold his place. Arm strong he is not, Tony Turnstile would be a more suitable moniker.

A number of BIG clangers as well. Kicking into the man on the mark on a kick out vs the Kangas... I am having difficulty seeing what the Coaches are seeing. I really thought Lamb would get a debut, with Jetta getting a week in the green vest.

The other changes are fair enough, though I couldn't see Everitt there if LRT was fit.

[DeadlyAkkuret]

Agree with the last two posters. Nothing against Armstrong, he seems like he's trying but the simple fact is he's been average and pretty soft. This should have been Lamb's debut and Morton is also really unlucky.

[Bloody Hell]

I also think that losing LRT for this game was unfortunate in terms of marketing.

He played rugby for Shore as a schoolboy, and I believe he was Captained by former Wallaby Phil Waugh.

Player from respected Rugby School would have got a bit of interest for the NZ Public.

[jono2707]

A lamppost is more dangerous than koschitzke.

That's very harsh.

To lamp posts....

Can't see Kosi causing us too many problems even with LRT out.

[Ludwig]

Agree with the last two posters. Nothing against Armstrong, he seems like he's trying but the simple fact is he's been average and pretty soft. This should have been Lamb's debut and Morton is also really unlucky.

Also very much agree with you and the previous posts, but I don't think Armstrong is so much soft as incapable. He just can't execute a good tackle. I would have thought that after 2 pre-seasons, they would have focused on his strength and tackling. On the other hand, he does have a good skill set and if he can fix up his weaknesses could be a pretty handy player. I too said he should be dropped for Lamb and am disappointed that didn't happen. But I am not quite ready to write off Armstrong just yet.