observerfromuh wrote:
BTW, I think Kosta and Tommy should both not be going.
So at least you're half right - who would you take over Kosta?
Kosta is fine.
It is not completely unrealistic to see him making a sub experience and scoring on the counterattack.
And there is not much competition for his position. He isn’t playing non league football.
It is not completely unrealistic to see him making a sub experience and scoring on the counterattack.
And there is not much competition for his position. He isn’t playing non league football.
Auckland will rise once more
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observerfromuh wrote:Jazzy Jeff wrote:why the hell is kosta going, oh ex nix player - good. smith ex afc player - bad.
Had to stop watching as soon as the announcement video stopped so unsure what is being spoken about, but would really hope they're grilled by the journos for it.
In a side where we have experienced players already - Wood, Boxall, Kosta - why the hell is Smith even worth discussing? If we need someone to be the jokester we can just chuck Payney in a golfcart. Why have more centre back and right back depth when you can take a motivational speaker instead. Fucks sake.
Dude, this is an absolutely terrible take.
Kosta was absolutely taking heat until he scored and led the attack for our first win against Latin American opponents.
And there is no one else to replace Kosta. There is at least 3 players who could have replaced Smith, two of whom are starting in the top tier in the country they are playing in. It stinks.
You’re a good lad, but this has nothing to do with A league clubs.
Watch out hanging around with that Auckland Phoenix fellow. Once swallowed a bee and never been quite right since.
Kosta was absolutely taking heat until he scored and led the attack for our first win against Latin American opponents.
And there is no one else to replace Kosta. There is at least 3 players who could have replaced Smith, two of whom are starting in the top tier in the country they are playing in. It stinks.
You’re a good lad, but this has nothing to do with A league clubs.
Watch out hanging around with that Auckland Phoenix fellow. Once swallowed a bee and never been quite right since.
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Nelfoos wrote:observerfromuh wrote:
BTW, I think Kosta and Tommy should both not be going.
So at least you're half right - who would you take over Kosta?
Piper, Kosta shouldn't be starting and when you need fresh legs and a spark a 36 year old player isn't it.
I'm just saying Smith isn't the only questionable inclusion in the squad.
I'm just saying Smith isn't the only questionable inclusion in the squad.
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martinb wrote:observerfromuh wrote:Dude, this is an absolutely terrible take.Jazzy Jeff wrote:why the hell is kosta going, oh ex nix player - good. smith ex afc player - bad.
Had to stop watching as soon as the announcement video stopped so unsure what is being spoken about, but would really hope they're grilled by the journos for it.
In a side where we have experienced players already - Wood, Boxall, Kosta - why the hell is Smith even worth discussing? If we need someone to be the jokester we can just chuck Payney in a golfcart. Why have more centre back and right back depth when you can take a motivational speaker instead. Fucks sake.
Kosta was absolutely taking heat until he scored and led the attack for our first win against Latin American opponents.
And there is no one else to replace Kosta. There is at least 3 players who could have replaced Smith, two of whom are starting in the top tier in the country they are playing in. It stinks.
You’re a good lad, but this has nothing to do with A league clubs.
Watch out hanging around with that Auckland Phoenix fellow. Once swallowed a bee and never been quite right since.
that take was more a jerk and as i said both shouldn't be going IMO.
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observerfromuh wrote:Nelfoos wrote:Piper, Kosta shouldn't be starting and when you need fresh legs and a spark a 36 year old player isn't it.observerfromuh wrote:
BTW, I think Kosta and Tommy should both not be going.
So at least you're half right - who would you take over Kosta?
I'm just saying Smith isn't the only questionable inclusion in the squad.
90th minute, Woods been subbed off, who do you want at the end of a counter attack to draw a match against Iran. It's Waine and Kosta, then daylight, then Piper.
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observerfromuh wrote:Bullion wrote:Piper scored just as many goals in the league this season.observerfromuh wrote:Jazzy Jeff wrote:why the hell is kosta going, oh ex nix player - good. smith ex afc player - bad.
Had to stop watching as soon as the announcement video stopped so unsure what is being spoken about, but would really hope they're grilled by the journos for it.
In a side where we have experienced players already - Wood, Boxall, Kosta - why the hell is Smith even worth discussing? If we need someone to be the jokester we can just chuck Payney in a golfcart. Why have more centre back and right back depth when you can take a motivational speaker instead. Fucks sake.
What are the options instead of Kosta? Piper? Mata? There's a few players playing well at a higher level than Smith and contributed to the team's qualification.
You're complaining about Smith taking money for a club from his spot, but Kosta has done the same.
Yes he played well last game in a friendly against Chile who probably didn't care about those NZ games.
I haven't complained about cash the clubs will get, more the meritocracy that playing at a World Cup should be.
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Maaaaaaatt wrote:observerfromuh wrote:90th minute, Woods been subbed off, who do you want at the end of a counter attack to draw a match against Iran. It's Waine and Kosta, then daylight, then Piper.Nelfoos wrote:Piper, Kosta shouldn't be starting and when you need fresh legs and a spark a 36 year old player isn't it.observerfromuh wrote:
BTW, I think Kosta and Tommy should both not be going.
So at least you're half right - who would you take over Kosta?
I'm just saying Smith isn't the only questionable inclusion in the squad.
90th minute, Wood subbed off, who do you want attacking the last chance corner we earned to draw a match against Belgium? Its Piper, then daylight, then Waine and Kosta.
Hell I'm not sure there's a single player in our squad I'd prefer to Piper in that scenario (bar Wood).
Valley FC til I die?
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Billy T would have to be up there?
Auckland will rise once more
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Nelfoos wrote:Maaaaaaatt wrote:observerfromuh wrote:90th minute, Woods been subbed off, who do you want at the end of a counter attack to draw a match against Iran. It's Waine and Kosta, then daylight, then Piper.Nelfoos wrote:Piper, Kosta shouldn't be starting and when you need fresh legs and a spark a 36 year old player isn't it.observerfromuh wrote:
BTW, I think Kosta and Tommy should both not be going.
So at least you're half right - who would you take over Kosta?
I'm just saying Smith isn't the only questionable inclusion in the squad.
90th minute, Wood subbed off, who do you want attacking the last chance corner we earned to draw a match against Belgium? Its Piper, then daylight, then Waine and Kosta.
Hell I'm not sure there's a single player in our squad I'd prefer to Piper in that scenario (bar Wood).
Ironically it's someone else not in our squad - Tuiloma.
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Nelfoos wrote:Maaaaaaatt wrote:observerfromuh wrote:90th minute, Woods been subbed off, who do you want at the end of a counter attack to draw a match against Iran. It's Waine and Kosta, then daylight, then Piper.Nelfoos wrote:Piper, Kosta shouldn't be starting and when you need fresh legs and a spark a 36 year old player isn't it.observerfromuh wrote:
BTW, I think Kosta and Tommy should both not be going.
So at least you're half right - who would you take over Kosta?
I'm just saying Smith isn't the only questionable inclusion in the squad.
90th minute, Wood subbed off, who do you want attacking the last chance corner we earned to draw a match against Belgium? Its Piper, then daylight, then Waine and Kosta.
Hell I'm not sure there's a single player in our squad I'd prefer to Piper in that scenario (bar Wood).
Bill Tuiloma would be pretty handy in that situation
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Let's just pin the tail on the donkey here. Tommy smith shouldnt have been selected..he got selected because nzf is an old boys club and Tommy saw the $250k player payments and got on the phone to his mate beze and asked for a payout. It's gross corruption, there is no way, literally zero way he should have been picked over tuiloma or Hughes and his situation is not the same as kosta who was in warm up games and doesn't face competition from better players for his position.
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And from my point of view, I’ve been very, very critical of us kicking long with Crocombe to either Waine or Barbarouses. I’ve wanted to see Piper or Dyer even, if that’s how we intend to play. Heck if AFC loyalty is important Mata has played for the AWs and AFC just as recently as Smith!
However, Kosta’s guile got that guy for Chile sent off, the one they were talking up going to the EPL. And he linked play, scored and brought the best out of our younger attackers. It definitely helped we played Paulsen.
Oh, yes they cared. The ABs don’t wanna lose to Argentina and no one in Latin America wants to lose to NZ at football.
I’d love us to have the options at forward we’ve got in CB.
We’ve got Stanger who’s forced his way into a starting team in the SPFL. We’ve got OPP who is receiving a lot of credit for the promotion of his team. Not a CB, but playing top tier football. We’ve got Tuiloma who’s forced can cover RB too and is a set piece asset in ways that Elliot certainly isn’t. Hughes has been a much more reliable performer than Nando and certainly than Smith.
Ice skating up hill.
However, Kosta’s guile got that guy for Chile sent off, the one they were talking up going to the EPL. And he linked play, scored and brought the best out of our younger attackers. It definitely helped we played Paulsen.
Oh, yes they cared. The ABs don’t wanna lose to Argentina and no one in Latin America wants to lose to NZ at football.
I’d love us to have the options at forward we’ve got in CB.
We’ve got Stanger who’s forced his way into a starting team in the SPFL. We’ve got OPP who is receiving a lot of credit for the promotion of his team. Not a CB, but playing top tier football. We’ve got Tuiloma who’s forced can cover RB too and is a set piece asset in ways that Elliot certainly isn’t. Hughes has been a much more reliable performer than Nando and certainly than Smith.
Ice skating up hill.
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Nelfoos wrote:Maaaaaaatt wrote:observerfromuh wrote:90th minute, Woods been subbed off, who do you want at the end of a counter attack to draw a match against Iran. It's Waine and Kosta, then daylight, then Piper.Nelfoos wrote:Piper, Kosta shouldn't be starting and when you need fresh legs and a spark a 36 year old player isn't it.observerfromuh wrote:
BTW, I think Kosta and Tommy should both not be going.
So at least you're half right - who would you take over Kosta?
I'm just saying Smith isn't the only questionable inclusion in the squad.
90th minute, Wood subbed off, who do you want attacking the last chance corner we earned to draw a match against Belgium? Its Piper, then daylight, then Waine and Kosta.
Hell I'm not sure there's a single player in our squad I'd prefer to Piper in that scenario (bar Wood).
and that's why an over the hill Kosta shouldn't be going. But nobody is having a cry over his inclusion because unlike Smith, he'll get game. Even Rogerson would do a better job than Kosta.
So I've named two for the examples of when Kosta will play.
So I've named two for the examples of when Kosta will play.
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observerfromuh wrote:Nelfoos wrote:and that's why an over the hill Kosta shouldn't be going. But nobody is having a cry over his inclusion because unlike Smith, he'll get game. Even Rogerson would do a better job than Kosta.Maaaaaaatt wrote:observerfromuh wrote:90th minute, Woods been subbed off, who do you want at the end of a counter attack to draw a match against Iran. It's Waine and Kosta, then daylight, then Piper.Nelfoos wrote:Piper, Kosta shouldn't be starting and when you need fresh legs and a spark a 36 year old player isn't it.observerfromuh wrote:
BTW, I think Kosta and Tommy should both not be going.
So at least you're half right - who would you take over Kosta?
I'm just saying Smith isn't the only questionable inclusion in the squad.
90th minute, Wood subbed off, who do you want attacking the last chance corner we earned to draw a match against Belgium? Its Piper, then daylight, then Waine and Kosta.
Hell I'm not sure there's a single player in our squad I'd prefer to Piper in that scenario (bar Wood).
So I've named two for the examples of when Kosta will play.
Nah, based on A-League form this year Rogerson isn't fit to shine Kosta's boots. I take your point but I don't think its anywhere near as debatable as Tommy Smith going. Piper is the only one I'd consider but I don't think it was ever on the cards so its hard to call Kosta a bad pick. At least he's turned up for NZ when it matters, unlike the "cultural architect" who has never been all that fussed about playing for his country.
Kosta is at least arguably better than the other options for that role, Smith categorically is not and that's why the selections aren't really comparable in terms of questionability.
Valley FC til I die?
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I think the fact we are arguing over one selection spot is a good sign, it means Baze (who i dislike) has actually selected a squad that is 95% of what it should be. I was worried the likes of De Jong would be in so im glad the selection staff have picked, for the most part, the best possible players unlike previous squads where youd get a couple of rogue off contract players or some amateurs.
yung thug
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Joey Johns wrote:
I think the fact we are arguing over one selection spot is a good sign, it means Baze (who i dislike) has actually selected a squad that is 95% of what it should be. I was worried the likes of De Jong would be in so im glad the selection staff have picked, for the most part, the best possible players unlike previous squads where youd get a couple of rogue off contract players or some amateurs.
Just the 1 amateur this year! Maybe we'll get a fully pro squad for 2030.
Valley FC til I die?
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I've not seen the press conference - I suspect most here haven't - what was the rationale given by the coaching staff for the inclusion of Tommy?
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coochiee wrote:20 Legend wrote:
I've not seen the press conference - I suspect most here haven't - what was the rationale given by the coaching staff for the inclusion of Tommy?
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360978766/all-whites-coach-explains-tommy-smith-selection
Thanks.
So Baz has given a large weighting to "he's the only player other than Wood that's been to a world cup before"
So Baz has given a large weighting to "he's the only player other than Wood that's been to a world cup before"
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I think they couldn’t really put Baz up there reading it by himself and the gasp from the crowd when Smith was announced.
A quick flash of a cup of coffee and loud music would have drowned it out.
NZ football already splashing the cash.
A quick flash of a cup of coffee and loud music would have drowned it out.
NZ football already splashing the cash.
Auckland will rise once more
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I'll look 4 years ahead and say 17 of today's 26 man squad will be at the 2030 WC.
LBS, Hughes, Stanger & Sims from the below tweet. Wilkins if he can ever get his body right. Dibley-Dias we still have little idea how good he is or not.
Plus 4-8 other younger players to emerge in the next 4 years.
Crocs, Woud, Boxy, Smith, Payne, FDV, Thomas, Rufer and Barba, I'm guessing they will all be retired or close to it.
Wood nursing his body through the short ALM season with Auckland, will still be our best striker option.
Just a fun irrelevant exercise, a shit load can happen in the next 4 years.
https://twitter.com/thenichecache/status/2054707394106786242
To give you an idea of the depth that Darren Bazeley's working with, here's a starting eleven of players who didn't make the All Whites 2026 World Cup squad
All aged under-30 and should be in contention for the next cycle (so not even including Tuiloma, Howieson, Roux, etc) pic.twitter.com/4I7mH5QlWI
— The Niche Cache (@thenichecache) May 13, 2026
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Wonder how the squad players must feel. Basically been told they can't be trusted to manage their own attitude/motiviation/readiness and need the help of a player who has a long history of skipping All Whites games.
If you can't be motivated when at a World Cup, you shouldn't be there.
If you can't be motivated when at a World Cup, you shouldn't be there.
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As cultural architect seemed very much an AI phrase, I had to AI it.
Key Aspects of a Cultural Architect
Key Aspects of a Cultural Architect
- Intentional Design: They move beyond "accidental culture" by actively planning how teams interact, work, and grow.
- Role Modeling & Behavior: They act as champions of company values, living them daily to inspire others.
- System Alignment: They ensure hiring, onboarding, and reward systems support the desired culture.
- Active Engagement: They are "obsessed" with culture, paying attention to its health even when it is performing well.
- Influence Without Authority: They do not always have to be the most senior person, but they must be trusted influencers who challenge behaviors that negatively impact the team.
- Creating Safe Environments: They build psychological safety, foster a sense of belonging, and ensure the team is connected to the organization's purpose
Auckland will rise once more
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FYI - 14 players named today were also in Hay's 26 man squad 4 years ago for the big Costa Rica playoff game.
Remembering Singh & Thomas were out injured back then, and Oli Sail - who would likely have been named ahead of Woud today if not for injuring himself at Perth a few months ago - was the AWs first choice GK in 2022.
So almost 17 guys backing up. I might have missed some others that like Singh/Thomas were unavailable back in 2022.
Joe Champness, Matthew Gould, Alex Greive, Dane Ingham, Niko Kirwan, Clayton Lewis, Stefan Marinovic, Logan Rogerson, Marco Rojas, Winston Reid, Sail and Tuiloma the 12 squad changes from June 2022.
https://www.friendsoffootballnz.com/2022/05/17/all-whites-squad-named-for-world-cup-play-off-against-costa-rica/
Remembering Singh & Thomas were out injured back then, and Oli Sail - who would likely have been named ahead of Woud today if not for injuring himself at Perth a few months ago - was the AWs first choice GK in 2022.
So almost 17 guys backing up. I might have missed some others that like Singh/Thomas were unavailable back in 2022.
Joe Champness, Matthew Gould, Alex Greive, Dane Ingham, Niko Kirwan, Clayton Lewis, Stefan Marinovic, Logan Rogerson, Marco Rojas, Winston Reid, Sail and Tuiloma the 12 squad changes from June 2022.
https://www.friendsoffootballnz.com/2022/05/17/all-whites-squad-named-for-world-cup-play-off-against-costa-rica/
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It’s kind of ironic that Smith got taken to the first WC because he was playing Championship, and the guys like Siggie who were part of the campaign to get there were dropped.
Now we’re ignoring 3 young guys playing at at least that level in order to take him on the basis he’d been there before. Wilkins, OPP and Stanger.
Now we’re ignoring 3 young guys playing at at least that level in order to take him on the basis he’d been there before. Wilkins, OPP and Stanger.
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martinb wrote:
It’s kind of ironic that Smith got taken to the first WC because he was playing Championship, and the guys like Siggie who were part of the campaign to get there were dropped.
Now we’re ignoring 3 young guys playing at at least that level in order to take him on the basis he’d been there before. Wilkins, OPP and Stanger.
Are the Danish & Swedish leagues at Championship level?
Same question lower half SPL, where Killies are?
But yeah get your ironic twist.
Siggy got dropped as an AWs starter for a 19 yr old Championship player in Smith.
Now young CBs Hughes & Stanger miss out to veteran Smith, who's coming from the pub leagues.
My biggest concern remains less the whole morality debate of Tommy being picked, more the bad squad balance if say Payne does his suspect hammys again. What if at the same time Boxy has a niggle and we need Bindon to start at CB. Who then backs up Elliot at RB? That's when Smith ahead of Tuiloma will look a very bad call. Hopefully Billy T keeps up his gym membership the next few weeks and his passport handy.
Same question lower half SPL, where Killies are?
But yeah get your ironic twist.
Siggy got dropped as an AWs starter for a 19 yr old Championship player in Smith.
Now young CBs Hughes & Stanger miss out to veteran Smith, who's coming from the pub leagues.
My biggest concern remains less the whole morality debate of Tommy being picked, more the bad squad balance if say Payne does his suspect hammys again. What if at the same time Boxy has a niggle and we need Bindon to start at CB. Who then backs up Elliot at RB? That's when Smith ahead of Tuiloma will look a very bad call. Hopefully Billy T keeps up his gym membership the next few weeks and his passport handy.
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Dont think i will ever understand what it is about NZ Football at all levels the things are decided with a wink wink nudge nudge job for the boys amateur approach. Bloody disgraceful that at the top level its still happening. For me nothing will justify Smiths inclusion and given his record how he can even accept it.
GET YOUR SHIRTS OFF FOR THE BOYS
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ballane wrote:
Dont think i will ever understand what it is about NZ Football at all levels the things are decided with a wink wink nudge nudge job for the boys amateur approach. Bloody disgraceful that at the top level its still happening. For me nothing will justify Smiths inclusion and given his record how he can even accept it.
Yeah NZF seem determined not to let us forget their long history of incompetence. This selection all starts with Bazeley getting the job by default because NZF botched the recruitment process in the first place.
Bet you any money Des Buckingham wouldn't have picked Smith, and he's well known for the team culture he builds.
Valley FC til I die?
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The positive from Tommy Smith being in the squad is that when we beat England on June 7 in Florida, then it will just add to England's humiliation and give fuel to their savage media with mentions like "we lost to a team that had a player from sixth tier Braintree Town."
I predict Tommy Smith to come on late in the game, accidently trip in the box during a corner and the ball bounces off his head into the goal....
Lets remember it took a Gary Lineker goal in injury time for England to beat NZ in Auckland in 1991 during the NZFA centenary celebrations.
I think the only full time pros in our team then were Fred de Jong (in the Dutch Eredivisie) and Ceri Evans (at Oxford the the English second tier).
Wynton didn't play.
I predict Tommy Smith to come on late in the game, accidently trip in the box during a corner and the ball bounces off his head into the goal....
Lets remember it took a Gary Lineker goal in injury time for England to beat NZ in Auckland in 1991 during the NZFA centenary celebrations.
I think the only full time pros in our team then were Fred de Jong (in the Dutch Eredivisie) and Ceri Evans (at Oxford the the English second tier).
Wynton didn't play.
Big Pete 65, Christchurch
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observerfromuh wrote:
Bill Tuiloma probably was better off staying at a MLS club and being a bench option to make the squad. AFC probably passed on him too.
For all the people crying about Smith (see Jordan Henderson), you could say the same about an older Kosta Barbarouses.
Atleast Hendo is still a Pro player.... and in a first division
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coochiee wrote:
FYI - 14 players named today were also in Hay's 26 man squad 4 years ago for the big Costa Rica playoff game.
Remembering Singh & Thomas were out injured back then, and Oli Sail - who would likely have been named ahead of Woud today if not for injuring himself at Perth a few months ago - was the AWs first choice GK in 2022.
So almost 17 guys backing up. I might have missed some others like Singh/Thomas unavailable back in 2022.
Joe Champness, Matthew Gould, Alex Greive, Dane Ingham, Niko Kirwan, Clayton Lewis, Stefan Marinovic, Logan Rogerson, Marco Rojas, Winston Reid, Sail and Tuiloma the 12 squad changes from June 2022.
https://www.friendsoffootballnz.com/2022/05/17/all-whites-squad-named-for-world-cup-play-off-against-costa-rica/
Looking at the ins and outs vs 2022, I reckon Clayton Lewis' $10,000 may have gained Alex Rufer $250,000!
Edit - Sorry Lachy Bayliss is the beneficiary of Lewis' ban
Edit - Sorry Lachy Bayliss is the beneficiary of Lewis' ban
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Let’s be honest- we expected Smith in right?
Congratulations to Bayliss and not too many surprises.
How injured and in form we are is still to come.
And how we match Iran’s motivation!
Congratulations to Bayliss and not too many surprises.
How injured and in form we are is still to come.
And how we match Iran’s motivation!
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Overall happy with the squad.
Regarding Smiths inclusion, I think Bazeley’s justification is poor. If he brings more to the team even when not playing then just tack him on to temporary staff. Bill Tuiloma has been poor lately but can also feel robbed. Two things can be true at once.
Also not sold on Woud. I’ve never seen a great performance from the guy.
Regarding Smiths inclusion, I think Bazeley’s justification is poor. If he brings more to the team even when not playing then just tack him on to temporary staff. Bill Tuiloma has been poor lately but can also feel robbed. Two things can be true at once.
Also not sold on Woud. I’ve never seen a great performance from the guy.
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I have seen the comments about Woud being described as not exactly a bundle of fun - where does this come from? does he not come across well in media appearances or is that what players may have said about him? Sorry late to the party with this one
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