It will be all down to how Brad Shields performs and how England fares in SA. If Shields does good and England win, voices like Moody/s will disappear fast. If Shields is average and England lose, Moody & Co will hammer Eddie Jones and Shields non-stop.The only certain is that Shields is a better player than Chris Robshaw.
The Jags are on fire. So much to like about them right now. They are on a roll for a playoff spot.Nicholas Sanchez is in serious form. Lavanini and Petti are predators in the engine room. Butranou looks like a potential world class scrumhalf. Bofelli is pure class. Creevy is tackling machine.Wonderful to see a healthy crowd at Super Rugby game also. Long may it continue.But what about the Saffa commentators? They almost sound like they a bored (or have a serious hangover).
What a beautiful and wonderful Test match. Another classic in this epic rivalry. We can complain as much as we want about small details in the ABs game that did not work as expected tonight, but there is no looking by the defensive effort from the Boks; world class!
Sometimes I think Reason can be a bit of fresh air in the Kiwi media, but this time he cant see the forest due to all trees.I say Squire got off the hook for the same reasons Sean OBrien did last summer. The same logic has been used this time. The only difference is that Reason applauded that SOB walked, but is upset Squire walks too.If I were the French coach I would not worry at all. Squire is a bit of a loose cannon and chances are pretty high he will gift them a yellow card or two (or even worse). Squire is a very good player, but he is no world class operator, so if he plays or not is no biggie for the ABs
Why on earth are they not showing this on TV? Especially if it is a sellout. The Wallabies trial game last week was streamed for free for RA website. I hope NZR considers something similar.
What are you smoking, mate? Did you not read the article? Here is a little quote from ROG that might enlighten you: Of course, the All Blacks can be beaten. But consistently beaten? I dont know about that. I dont think the natural talent is any better than what we have here. One thing you know, though, is that the All Blacks will perform. It is up to the other nations to perform, too.Yes, that quote is from the article above.
Relax mate, the ABs will play both England and Ireland in November. Better to save the big talk to after the Tests maybe? Beating up a hopeless Wallabies team is not a next level merit in my book.
Latest whispers from SA is that quota is not a demand, but a target. There are already 5-6 black players that qualify on merit and there more young black talent in the pipeline. For a lot of Tests this year there have been 7-9 black players in the matchday 23,Sexton will be protected in cotton and only play maximum 13-14 matches before the WC. IRFU have his contract and call the shots.Wales reminds me of Ireland 2015. A lot of hype, but they have not beaten any of the top four teams.
Classy player and captain. Very sad that he had to retire so early in his career. Remember last year when Richie McCaw was asked what player from the NH he liked the best, he said Warburton right away. Maybe a compliment from one horse whisperer to another? :-)
Yeah... Ireland is very overrated. Losing one Test in the last 12 months is really poor. Especially when we compare Ireland with the Boks and the Wallys... Oh, wait.
Really?The last time I counted the NH beat the SH sides 7-6 in June. Take the ABs 3-0 win of a hopeless and fatigues French B-selection and it is pretty obvious where the ABs will find their biggest challenge in the coming years.
It would be more interesting if Stuff had talked with the French and English clubs about their plans regarding recruiting the top players in NZ after the next WC. Especially many of the French clubs are in rude health financially and will be able to offer massive offers for the top players.
They have played Ireland 30 times in 100 years so that stat is kind of useless. The Wallabies has played the ABs more than 30 times in the last 10 years.
always a worry when the ABs are doing to much work outside the field and growing the brand. I understand why they do this but it reminds me a bit too much of Ireland in Chicago. Will the Argies take advantage and ambush the ABs?
One of these few occasions when I actually agree with Reason. Compared to other contact sports it does seem like that rugby is taking concussions in a soft and careless way. In MMA a fighter has a mandatory three months stand down period if he/she is knocked out. In boxing, the stand down period is six months. But in rugby, you are good to go within a week many times. What if Crotty gets KOd again tonight? Who is responsible then? I dont have a good feeling about this at all, and sadly we probably need a high profile rugby player to die or become a vegetable before World Rugby, NZR et al will get really serious about this.
That is an extremely unfair comment. Any real student of the game would have seen that Hurricanes pack has not played all that bad the last couple of weeks, it is their backline that has lost their mojo completely.
Calm down, everyone. We all know the Wallabies are pretty poor these days, as are the Boks. The real challenge for the ABs come from the Home Nations, so let us see how the ABs fare in November before we blow too much smoke up where the sun dont shine.
The TMO was Saffa who wanted the ABs to win. Disgraceful that he did not tell Poite that Read was charging into WilliamsWell, it all there to see for anyone watching the replay, Read should have been penalized. No two ways about it and it is embarrassing that some Kiwis go on about French Refs
Yup, the Lions looked better with the ball in hand in three Tests and scored the great tries. And they were robbed in three Tests with some extremely biased refereeing that kept the ABs in the games. With fair refereeing, all three Test would have been clear wins for the Lions.
Seriously, the ref bashing some Kiwis keep going on about after the Lions series is embarrassing. I am yet to see a full and fair review of all calls in all three Tests. For all my money, the refs made mistakes that hurt both teams, yet there are some Kiwis that just refuse to see all the dodgy calls that went the ABs way. And what makes it even more embarrassing is that the Lions coaches, players, and fans were absolute gentlemen through the full tour and they filled the NZR coffers with 40 million NZD and they did not moan about anything at all despite getting some pretty ugly treatment from NZ fans and media.And Mr. Coyote1, what you totally overlook is that 1. Read was offside on the kickoff2. Read should have been penalized for his charge into Liam WilliamsStop hanging on to this straw argument and move on!
I saw that flag while watching the Test on TV and wondered who has the bad taste to bring it and put it on display and why it could stay up. Sure, the youngsters that work stadium security might not have known what flag it was, but there were thousands of Kiwis inside that stadium that knew what flag it was and at least someone should have alerted the security or police to deal with. That flag doesnt belong or deserves to on display during a rugby game in NZ against the Boks. B
South African 'apartheid flag' makes 'unwelcome' appearance at Wellington test
GENOCIDE?!? You might wanna look what that word means before you ever use it again.
Criticism continues as Kiwi Brad Shields suits up for England in South Africa
It will be all down to how Brad Shields performs and how England fares in SA. If Shields does good and England win, voices like Moody/s will disappear fast. If Shields is average and England lose, Moody & Co will hammer Eddie Jones and Shields non-stop.The only certain is that Shields is a better player than Chris Robshaw.
Winger's hat-trick spurs Jaguares to sixth consecutive Super Rugby win
The Jags are on fire. So much to like about them right now. They are on a roll for a playoff spot.Nicholas Sanchez is in serious form. Lavanini and Petti are predators in the engine room. Butranou looks like a potential world class scrumhalf. Bofelli is pure class. Creevy is tackling machine.Wonderful to see a healthy crowd at Super Rugby game also. Long may it continue.But what about the Saffa commentators? They almost sound like they a bored (or have a serious hangover).
Mark Reason: Six threats to the All Blacks at the Rugby World Cup
There might be some other teams that will be the top dog, but not for many years. ABs always comes back, usually sooner than later.
Phil Gifford: Treating the ball as a potential weapon is also fraught with danger
What a beautiful and wonderful Test match. Another classic in this epic rivalry. We can complain as much as we want about small details in the ABs game that did not work as expected tonight, but there is no looking by the defensive effort from the Boks; world class!
Mark Reason: Liam Squires let-off after disgraceful showing indicates fantasy world
Sometimes I think Reason can be a bit of fresh air in the Kiwi media, but this time he cant see the forest due to all trees.I say Squire got off the hook for the same reasons Sean OBrien did last summer. The same logic has been used this time. The only difference is that Reason applauded that SOB walked, but is upset Squire walks too.If I were the French coach I would not worry at all. Squire is a bit of a loose cannon and chances are pretty high he will gift them a yellow card or two (or even worse). Squire is a very good player, but he is no world class operator, so if he plays or not is no biggie for the ABs
New Zealand under-20 captain Tom Christie relishing chance to play All Blacks
Why on earth are they not showing this on TV? Especially if it is a sellout. The Wallabies trial game last week was streamed for free for RA website. I hope NZR considers something similar.
The Springboks breathe life back into test rugby with stunning upset over New Zealand
And respect to you for being a classy ABs fan.
Ronan O'Gara: 'There is no secret to beating the All Blacks'
What are you smoking, mate? Did you not read the article? Here is a little quote from ROG that might enlighten you: Of course, the All Blacks can be beaten. But consistently beaten? I dont know about that. I dont think the natural talent is any better than what we have here. One thing you know, though, is that the All Blacks will perform. It is up to the other nations to perform, too.Yes, that quote is from the article above.
Michael Cheika will see out Wallabies contract: RA boss Raelene Castle
This kind of statements is usually the kiss of death.Miss Castle yellow fur jacket deserves an own article! ;)
Nick Evans says All Blacks evolving their game to a point where it's 'scary'
Relax mate, the ABs will play both England and Ireland in November. Better to save the big talk to after the Tests maybe? Beating up a hopeless Wallabies team is not a next level merit in my book.
Phil Gifford: Treating the ball as a potential weapon is also fraught with danger
The ABs is one player team? ;)
Mark Reason: Six threats to the All Blacks at the Rugby World Cup
Latest whispers from SA is that quota is not a demand, but a target. There are already 5-6 black players that qualify on merit and there more young black talent in the pipeline. For a lot of Tests this year there have been 7-9 black players in the matchday 23,Sexton will be protected in cotton and only play maximum 13-14 matches before the WC. IRFU have his contract and call the shots.Wales reminds me of Ireland 2015. A lot of hype, but they have not beaten any of the top four teams.
SA rugby boss: Northern option is better for our players
Not saying your wrong, but the difference I can see from other times is that they already have teams in an NH competition.
Former Lions captain Sam Warburton retires from rugby for health reasons
Classy player and captain. Very sad that he had to retire so early in his career. Remember last year when Richie McCaw was asked what player from the NH he liked the best, he said Warburton right away. Maybe a compliment from one horse whisperer to another? :-)
Mark Reason: Six threats to the All Blacks at the Rugby World Cup
I can see the Boks beating the ABs in an ambush in the first game. But I cant see them winning three KO matches on the trot.
Mark Reason: New Zealand rugby must walk the walk on care of players' heads
I think the signs are pretty obvious that rugby is walking down the same path of denial that the NFL has walked for decades.
Michael Cheika will see out Wallabies contract: RA boss Raelene Castle
Well played mate!
Wallabies would sink to new record low with defeat to South Africa in Brisbane
Yeah... Ireland is very overrated. Losing one Test in the last 12 months is really poor. Especially when we compare Ireland with the Boks and the Wallys... Oh, wait.
Michael Cheika will see out Wallabies contract: RA boss Raelene Castle
Cheika has the worst record of any Wallabies coach against Home nations. So the calls for his head a pretty fair.
'God of Thunder' to face All Blacks as Boks negotiate release of Duane Vermeulen
Really?The last time I counted the NH beat the SH sides 7-6 in June. Take the ABs 3-0 win of a hopeless and fatigues French B-selection and it is pretty obvious where the ABs will find their biggest challenge in the coming years.
Mark Reason: Six threats to the All Blacks at the Rugby World Cup
Nah, he was solid in all November Tests. He is a quality player.
Inside the player market: Who is winning the battle for All Blacks?
It would be more interesting if Stuff had talked with the French and English clubs about their plans regarding recruiting the top players in NZ after the next WC. Especially many of the French clubs are in rude health financially and will be able to offer massive offers for the top players.
Mark Reason: Six threats to the All Blacks at the Rugby World Cup
They have potential, but they are very inconsistent.
Ronan O'Gara: 'There is no secret to beating the All Blacks'
They have played Ireland 30 times in 100 years so that stat is kind of useless. The Wallabies has played the ABs more than 30 times in the last 10 years.
All Blacks fever hits Nelson ahead of historic test match
always a worry when the ABs are doing to much work outside the field and growing the brand. I understand why they do this but it reminds me a bit too much of Ireland in Chicago. Will the Argies take advantage and ambush the ABs?
Mark Reason: New Zealand rugby must walk the walk on care of players' heads
One of these few occasions when I actually agree with Reason. Compared to other contact sports it does seem like that rugby is taking concussions in a soft and careless way. In MMA a fighter has a mandatory three months stand down period if he/she is knocked out. In boxing, the stand down period is six months. But in rugby, you are good to go within a week many times. What if Crotty gets KOd again tonight? Who is responsible then? I dont have a good feeling about this at all, and sadly we probably need a high profile rugby player to die or become a vegetable before World Rugby, NZR et al will get really serious about this.
Ronan O'Gara: 'There is no secret to beating the All Blacks'
Ireland was far from full strength in both Chicago and Dublin. So stop making excuses like a typical Wallabies fan.
Mark Reason: New Zealand rugby must walk the walk on care of players' heads
Two wrongs do not equal one good.
Mark Reason: Six threats to the All Blacks at the Rugby World Cup
Is it not unfair that ABs, Boks, and Ireland are on the same half of the draw?
Criticism continues as Kiwi Brad Shields suits up for England in South Africa
That is an extremely unfair comment. Any real student of the game would have seen that Hurricanes pack has not played all that bad the last couple of weeks, it is their backline that has lost their mojo completely.
Nick Evans says All Blacks evolving their game to a point where it's 'scary'
Calm down, everyone. We all know the Wallabies are pretty poor these days, as are the Boks. The real challenge for the ABs come from the Home Nations, so let us see how the ABs fare in November before we blow too much smoke up where the sun dont shine.
Nick Evans says All Blacks evolving their game to a point where it's 'scary'
The TMO was Saffa who wanted the ABs to win. Disgraceful that he did not tell Poite that Read was charging into WilliamsWell, it all there to see for anyone watching the replay, Read should have been penalized. No two ways about it and it is embarrassing that some Kiwis go on about French Refs
Nick Evans says All Blacks evolving their game to a point where it's 'scary'
Belted in the first Test? You gotta be joking? Freak bounces for two ABs tries and Jaco Peyper blowing the Lions of the park.
Nick Evans says All Blacks evolving their game to a point where it's 'scary'
PB1111Ireland played their B-team in the first Test and mixed a lot between A- and B-team in Test two and three. Did you miss that champ?
Nick Evans says All Blacks evolving their game to a point where it's 'scary'
Yup, the Lions looked better with the ball in hand in three Tests and scored the great tries. And they were robbed in three Tests with some extremely biased refereeing that kept the ABs in the games. With fair refereeing, all three Test would have been clear wins for the Lions.
Nick Evans says All Blacks evolving their game to a point where it's 'scary'
Seriously, the ref bashing some Kiwis keep going on about after the Lions series is embarrassing. I am yet to see a full and fair review of all calls in all three Tests. For all my money, the refs made mistakes that hurt both teams, yet there are some Kiwis that just refuse to see all the dodgy calls that went the ABs way. And what makes it even more embarrassing is that the Lions coaches, players, and fans were absolute gentlemen through the full tour and they filled the NZR coffers with 40 million NZD and they did not moan about anything at all despite getting some pretty ugly treatment from NZ fans and media.And Mr. Coyote1, what you totally overlook is that 1. Read was offside on the kickoff2. Read should have been penalized for his charge into Liam WilliamsStop hanging on to this straw argument and move on!
South African 'apartheid flag' makes 'unwelcome' appearance at Wellington test
I saw that flag while watching the Test on TV and wondered who has the bad taste to bring it and put it on display and why it could stay up. Sure, the youngsters that work stadium security might not have known what flag it was, but there were thousands of Kiwis inside that stadium that knew what flag it was and at least someone should have alerted the security or police to deal with. That flag doesnt belong or deserves to on display during a rugby game in NZ against the Boks. B