Does this man think before committing pen to paper?This Crusaders side would be close to the best in the world at this level and a massive game in a massive stadium would suit them just fine.Some of the Northern teams do have elite rosters but the quality isnt always there and to write off the Crusaders would acquit themselves well against the very best.They are the complete package. The sum of their parts, they play for each other. Great combinations and almost impenetrable defence. They are well coached and equally adept at the narrow style so embraced up there as they are at running, quality rugby.Where Jones has some traction may be the format and travel but other than that his is just a rant without real substance; would love to see it put to the test.And speaking of Tests Mr Jones, how is your beloved England tracking?
What impressed me about Read was the work he kept on doing in the second half. He was awesome as a receiver and on defense.He leads by example.What more can you say about Mounga? Its not often that Id disagree with Shag, in whom we still trust, but Richie is absolutely banging the door down.Thats a good Wallaby side; it will be interesting to see how they combine in the Bledisloe. Theyre not short on confidence after only a slightly better Super Rugby return this season.
Good side. No issue with back 3. Im more interested in how quickly they start and any difference in game plan as signaled by Hansen. Great bench too but Moungas form sees him unlucky IMO.
Meh.England offside for large parts of that 2nd half. Even commentators noted it.And Lawes was pushing his luck.How often do the All Blacks benefit from calls like that at Twickers?Phew...
Kudos to a guy I was very unsure about initially. Well done Mike.I would like to see Bond and/or Fleming take the reigns now to enhance Hessons undoubted progress.The timing is a little surprising...
England were unlucky in thst they dominated large parts of that game.Thought they were awesome, especially in that 1st 35mins.It was, in the end, the right call though.And England rode the offside line frequently without censure. The All Blacks have some work ons heading to Dublin.
Calm down.Smith does the little things better on the wing than Waisake at this levelJordie is being prepared for Japan and has shown glimpses of brilliance in black already.Mounga is unlucky not to make the bench for mine but thats also a minor whinge.Taking into account the absences of Brodie And Kieran this is a very good side; looking for ward to seeing how big Karls immense strength translates if he gets a run.Just hope the All Blacks are quicker out of the blocks and we get to see some of the variations in game-plan Hansen has hinted at.God bless the Darkness...
Im surprised to see Damien will run on at full-back actually; would have preferred Waisake on the flank and ever-reliable Ben from Accounts at the back.Looking forward to seeing a pretty full complement back too, even though Brodies returns from the bench. And what a bench it is too; expect the All Blacks to run riot at 60-70minutes as it clears.
Like a couple of others here I;m intrigued by the first five conundrum with Mounga making every post a winner.Its not just that hes behind what is essentially an International pack; man did they towel up the Canes at set-piece.Richies game has just continues to get better. Hes an adept kicker and distributor but its his running at the line that has impressed me. In that semi he scored a great try, assisted other and then sealed it with that cross-field kick.Not saying he has eclipsed Beauden but man, is he chasing him down. Shag is loyal to the incumbents, and to be fair Test Rugby is still a big leap up but with Richie snapping at his heels we are in good stead at the helm with Japan looming.No way would Coles be rushed back; too serious an injury and too long a lay-off and he will be needed for Tokyo; slowly as she goes. We have too much depth to take risks...
There have been several blue-prints running around on how to beat the men-in-black since that 2015 RWC final.The latest are the Bokke, whom you do a disservice. The truth is that not only has Rassie got the Boks back in the reckoning, rugby teams around the world are taking notice of what has worked.And its got nothing to do with officialdom...
Pretty decent analysis again Brendan.The twin-playmaker concept is supposed to combat that rush defense so it will be interesting to see how both teams react.Farrell has a great boot but will need to be accurate to avoid just surrendering possession to a counter-attacking All Blacks.The attraction for me with the contrasting styles of play will be the set-piece battle and set-plays off that contest, an area where the All Blacks have improved since these teams last met.I hope Garces can be consistent, where he was appalling in the Lions Tests. One suspects the All Blacks discipline will have to be on-point.The other significant difference for me is the respective benches and for that reason, alone, I just cant see the Roses staying with the All Blacks deep..
I expect Jordie to be a long-term prospect at the back. His debut against the Lions was outstanding considering the difficulties the team faced.He is far better suited there than midfield.Bridge is the only other player prior to the RWC that I can see making the squad as an outside back.I just want to the All Blacks show more composure early on; pressure and patience will be rewarded.
Of course they can.Will they is a bigger question. Made more difficult from some pretty average performances from a team that suggests all may not be well in the dressing room.And they will need to be galvanised not just to make a decent showing in November but to go onto greater things in Japan.I think the big threat next year will be Ireland and the Boks, personally but with their resources and roster the Roses would have to figure you would think...
Probably not that far from the mark actually, even though he continues to be the rugby medias greatest prat.I would have thought he might pay the Boks a bit more respect after seeing off his England; Erasmus seems to have a decent handle on his young brood who are improving.Kicking Australian rugby is not exactly a hard ask right now but the Wallabies will be back too.The fact there has been improvement in the North is fair though as is his comment that this would indicate a more competitive tournament awaits in Japan.The Irish, in particular, will be a big challenge.But his favourite bug-bear, the All Blacks, are gunning for a three-peat and will be hard to stop...
Absolutely on the money.But a lone voice in the wilderness.The same ground up rebuild is required by the Wallabies.South Africa should be easier as they have some of the pathways New Zealand Rugby has but their political instability is frankly damaging the game.There also has to be a better way of managing the exodus of talent north.I thought Meyer in particular was hard done by; the decision made by the All Blacks to give Henry and co some longevity has really paid off...
ALB can play both positions, a bit like Crotty, and delivers from the bench. If Nani can up his work-rate, communicate well with Beauden, he could wreak havoc on that inside channel. But there is no doubt as to Antons value or standing with this coaching group.Making fun of Cheika is just poor, a bit like his one-dimensional coaching (man, did the parochial Aussies make a mistake in dumping Deans). And touching on his upset children. Rank mate. Reckon Cheika is probably a good man and those shots cutting to him in the box are just sensationalism at its worst.How can we judge Jordie off the back of a super season out of position? His debut against the Lions looked assured and promised things to come. He has a good aerial game and obviously figures in Hansens plans for the future. He will only get better.Eden Park may be a Fortress for the All Blacks which adds to its value. BUT, seating is too far away from the action. Getting in and out of there can be a mission, especially with kids. Their food and beverage standards and prices are shocking (you have to get the kids something). And its stadium doesnt really allow access to the players post-game. Forsyth Barr is by far the best stadium for rugby in this country.What can you say about Owen. A good man and a great All Black. Tight-head is the linch-pin of the scrum but, like most forwards these days, his work around the paddock is phenominal. Rate him right up there with Olo Brown and Carl Hayman. Congrats man...
If this final was in South Africa my money would still be on the Crusaders.An international forward pack and man-for-man a better back-line too.The Lions have been resurgent in the last few weeks but remain below last years side whereas the Crusaders are a better team than last season.
Ireland are talented across the park with a couple of best in the game in their positions (or close to it).They are well coached, competent at set-piece and they know they can win, having gotten that monkey of their backs.As Narcos has said, the blueprint to beat the darkness has always been there; executing it however, especially under knock-out pressure, is of course another thing.Add in the advances the All Blacks will make between now and then and the chances could slim further.But... the truth is the All Blacks are beatable, have been beaten recently, and will be beaten again.Im going to back them for a three-peat though...
Such a low profile in this country considering his extraordinary success.Looking forward to the biopic because of that if not his stellar career.Hes right up there with the greats of motor-racing , let alone New Zealand.Wonderful...
Stranger things have happened I guess.On current form though I just dont think their set-piece is up to it and the Crusaders are firing on all cylinders.
I too am going Crusaders by 13.But the Lions deserve to be here and have a quality forward pack. Whitely, the Bok captain up until recently and Marx are both quality and if they can give Jantes some front foot ball you would expect them to be more competitive than the Tahs, or even the Canes.What surprises me is their arrival Tuesday; they should already be here; every day counts with that sort of itinerary.
A good man and will be remembered as one of the great All Black locks.A brutal defender and a massive work-rate, he leads by example.Absolutely world class; has there been a better combination than he and Retallick?
A good man and one of the great opensides.Like Marx though, he likes to rest his knees on supine players giving the impression hes got rights in the contest.I have noticed hes a little slower around the park now...
It was Hansens selection of younger players beginning in 2012 which has really seen the All Blacks go up a notch. Look no further than Aaron Smith and the difference he has made. but there have been many others and a lot of them now form the spine of this team.It is statistically unlikely that the All blacks will three-peat; even a repeat was scoffed at in London, despite their form. Thats because of the very fickle nature of knock-out rugby. The Boks lost to Japan and then just about put us out in 2015. But Im still backing Black.You make comment about the forwards, specifically the locks. Not only are we establishing some depth there, although tight-head remains a work on (hurry up Nepo), but really good props generally hit their stride around 30 and can play for a few more years at their peak. Woodcock is an example of this but there are many.Finally, it is my opinion that their superior fitness, their outstanding bench, their ability to win without possession, their excellent aerial game, and frankly their skill-set at pace that set the All Blacks apart. They remain well coached and on track for a decent showing in Japan.
Composure and core role mate, that first. Look for work.Everything else will follow.With Israel out I reckon we could see more of a kicking game from the All Blacks which suits this Barrett.
Sorry Mr de Bruin (and you can chuck Mr Blackadder in there too) but Razor is simply out-coaching you. He has the ears of the players, can be ruthless in selection, and that driving against the Lions line-out/maul was just outstanding and symptomatic of his innovative style.Make no mistake, he has enhanced the culture of this team. The defend for each other, have excellent feel in their combinations, and players like Bryn Hall, unwanted in Auckland 2 seasons ago, are making every post a winner.When their second wave enters the fray from the pine things only ratchet up and their try in the period where Crotty was sin-binned is a perfect example of their composure and belief. And despite losing some serious talent it wouldnt be silly to chuck a tenner on them for next season...
Actually Scrum its Test Window related.When England were keen for us to play outside the Test Window negotiations would have taken place; the offer from WR would have to be a generous one though.Perhaps you could tone down the flaming rhetoric
Good grief.So much doom and gloom in these comments.We made some mistakes against an old foe who are rebuilding and put out a performance they will find hard to replicate and even then we were close to running them down.Was the drop-kick the right option? Not if it goes dead. At least with recycling on the Bok line we created an opportunity. Equally the Boks could have (maybe should have) been penalised. Had McKenzie held that pass would we even be dissecting in this manner?Yes, we have some issues to address, especially around set-piece and defense. Yes, I for one, will be expecting an All Black response and not just in Buenos Aires. I want to see us hit high gear in Pretoria. And the stats show this is likely.And that is a crucial difference. Most teams want to atone and the Boks really needed to after some poor results on the road. But can they back that up? Even at home I think theyll struggle to repeat that intensity and accuracy.The All Blacks tend to deliver in that situation and will do so again...
Yeah Andy sure.Your comments indicate you know a little about the game.Which would mean you know exactly what Im referring to.By all means tho... chirp away...
1) The Wallabies arent winning at Eden Park - 0/102) Composure. Absolutely; the wise-men will have been drilling this all week. Converting off set-piece. Only once in Sydney and they blew it; Im looking some set plays off the line-out. A strong kick-chase, given Israel is out and Smith is wing-bound might be smart.3) Not as stupid as it sounds. Pocock gets to go back to his role. Fardy to blindside, Higginbotham to 8. Bring Folau onto the wing and have a real fullback. Bring Toomua into pivot and bench Foley. Jeez, we almost fixed it...4) All of those centurions merit consideration and its hard to go past Super Richie but Id like to plug for Maa. He was the best player in the world in 2015 and retired at the absolute top of his game, sadly. Watching him grow, learn to pass and kick, well... grubber. His partnership with Snakey. The 2015 edtition of Nonu is the best inside centre Ive seen.5) The faux-offence is a nonsense really but the verbal sparring of Cheika, Hansen and Jones adds to the occasion, dont you think?
Rubbish; their conditioning isnt sufficient for a defensive game-plan, which is what as on offer in these first two Bledisloes.Turnovers are massive due to the necessarily quick defensive re-alignments and only adds to that workload.BUT... the All Blacks had to defend for large parts of the 1st halves of both fixtures as well and still managed to take their opportunities.The real barometer will be how they go in their next couple of Tests I guess...
Hessons have turned out to be pretty big shoes to fill.Stead is in a similar mould. Steady, organised and methodical.Hope he can sustain that upward trajectory that, despite the odd wobble, the Black Caps are clearly on.It think the key will be largely in who he brings on to specialise.
I agree that Englands best bet is ball in hand composure, attack and distribution but this is not the game England has been playing Andy.45 kicks against the Boks.Do they have the quality personnel to go down that track?The other point of course is that it exposes them to turnovers and broken play which would feed straight into the All Blacks hands...
Bout time.Hourcades honeymoon is long over and Ledesma has taken what is essentially the Test team to a new level in Super Rugby.Hope the national side can repeat that and get amongst it in the coming month or two...
Serena has form here and was way out of line.Not only should she apologise, she should be censured, and Im a fan of hers.That there are those that would cash in on her ridiculous tirade as a crusade diminishes them and the real debate.This was just flat-out frustration that, like the lines-person thing a few years ago, she could have and should have, handled better...
As Venter, a wiley scribe too Noel, has said it was a perfect storm. The All Blacks had an average night. The Boks were herculean in defence although if I had to quibble they were cynical throughout the 2nd half in their 22 and someone else should have been in the naughty chair.And to top it off Jordie and Anton made mistakes the All Blacks wont often make. I mean, theres enterprise at pace and then theres failure to assess risk, especially Barretts gaff. Even then we almost ran them down.The droppie was the poorer option which is borne out by the fact we recycled to create opportunity and space and then blew it, after the final whistle. I wondered if Owens might go back for an off-side penalty but he didnt and that, as they say, was that.Good article mate, and the title remains 1, the Boks deserved their win... just...
Ha - love it.The faux indignation of those who love to harp on about the All Blacks poaching players from the Islands have turned out to be the worst perpetrators.Who woulda thunk it?
I think we could lose one or two, probably away.But I wouldnt be concerned unless it became a habit which I very much doubt.What is concerning is the climb in discipline issues and the lack of direction on the paddock when things go awry - leadership. But Im pretty sure that will be addressed.Bedding in new personnel and especially combinations is challenging especially in the June window and is probably not the litmus test Keohane is assuming.That the Boks are resurgent is wonderful but they have had issues and its also probably fair to say the visiting northerners have struggled with fitness at altitude as games wore on.Essentially it is too early to make such predictions around their own team, let alone the Wallabies and the All Blacks but Mark is a passionate rugby man and has a column to sell...
Malcolm, Kwagga, Whitely. Handy names in the Lions pack. Not sure that Malcolm bests any player in a pack that can afford to leave out Crockett, as good as Marx is.Will the Lions be able to compete at set-piece and ensure the sometimes flakey Jantes gets some front foot ball is probably a better debate as that is where the Lions chances will hinge. After the last couple of weekends you would have to say that might be difficult in which case the back row will really have to deliver.If the Lions believe theyll stay with the Crusaders for a while but the respective benches are also telling and could see the home team gallop away...
Good point.The reason they were so one-dimensional is the excellent execution of Razors coaching though.The Crusaders knew the maul was coming and blew it away. They knew the Lions penchant for possession by isolation and turn-over. But it was the Crusaders who were 9-0 in that department in the 1st half.They kept Marx, Jantes and Smith out of the game largely and their defense was well... stellar. If you watch a replay, see how quickly the Crusaders defenders got back their line.This is a good Lions side who deserved to be there but they were out-coached, out-thought and thoroughly bested.
Pretty slim pickings from the author.Im looking forward to seeing all the newbies get a run, especially Richie at the helm.Big Karl getting another chance to demolish the French Tight-head.Waisakes response to sitting out the 1st two Tests.Williams return and Jacks 1st start in centre. Nervous about their combination but some time from McKenzie and Mounga will alleviate that somewhat.Running rugby under the roof because Officialdom allows the game to flow...
Hardly a talismanic leader. Poor communicator with the officials. For all is good work out wide, he gets isolated and penalised often which is where some of the yellows come in.BUT, he is passionate, an effective defender and very quick for an open-side, especially when ranging in the centres.Genia would be the captain if I was coach.Wonder if Castle is trying to tie up the senior players so they have a platform to grow from...
Thats odd mate. I visit my brother in Australia a bit and they have been accommodating and hospitable to me. A bit of jip, but good-natured and parochial. Guess it depends where you go but kudos to Brisbane...
Big Karl v Tongan Thor should be oresome.But two of the most important ones for me appear to missing.Smith v Genia - Will is sometimes under-rated these days but remains a vital cog in the Wallaby machine. Simply put, if he gets quick uncompromised ball he can make Foley, ordinary in my book, look extraordinary, and this will give the Wallaby backs some freedom too. Smith is simply the best passer in the game and gives Beauden that ball out in front which allows him to stamp his imprint on the game. Id still be interested in seeing what Mounga can do with the same. But the big and usually one-sided match-up is the benches. When the pine clears for the All Blacks they tend to ratchet up the contest in that last 20 minutes or so and is no small part of what separates them from most teams.
The truth is that were not going to know what Richie can bring until we see him on the park again; 10 minutes at this level is not enough to guage.I see them as complementing each other. Barrett has an excellent and direct running game running off Smith and his off-loads are sublime. Barrett probably has the edge on defense, an important consideration. Mounga appears to be more of the general on the paddock, an able distributor, a good kicking game and his running game has also come on the last couple of seasons.Were actually blessed to be having this debate with Tokyo looming. And the Super Rugby MVP winner is no slug either, although Mounga might have leap-frogged him.Goodhue outside Crotty is the right call and a back three of Jordie, Ben and Reiko is also exciting. Its been a little hard to tell Jordies progress this season; Im not sure centre for the Canes was the right fit.I think the Wallabies are going to be really up for this in Sydney; they are better prepared than they have been in the past and are hungry. And make no mistake Mick Byrne was a loss for the All Blacks and he has had some time with the Wallabies. If the All Blacks are slow out of the blocks...
Attacking sides and home sides tend to get the rub of the green IMHO.Singling out the All Blacks seems like cherry-picking or tall-poppy syndrome to me. But by all means, give Reason and Jones more ammunition.To be fair, Referees seem to get more of a raw deal as professionalism sees the game getting faster, the collisions more brutal.Stadiums are more decked out with technology, often with local producers running replays of sensational events, which is probably just as disadvantageous with at least a coupe of these having says in outcomes of Super Rugby finals and Test matches. Notably, in one of these, the poor Referee even came out after the fact to confirm he got it wrong.Referees get it right more often than they dont and certainly more so than players, even half-backs. Yes, they need to use the tools at their disposal but mistakes occur. Theyre a human element in the game that I would prefer not to see disappear. But we all (myself included - Poite and especially Garces cost the All Blacks in the Lions series) tend to heap criticism on them, holding them to account when the critical truth, one McCaw learned after 2007 , is that its the teams job to play the officials and opposition out of the game.If we keep going down this path no-one, especially at grass roots level, will want to pick up a whistle.
Feel for Joe who has been in scintillating form.Man our props depth is being tested; Kane Hames, Nepo Laulala, Jeff Toomanga-Allen are also injured.Were going to get Tested by Los Pumas and the Boks at scrum time then but on the plus side more exposure for Japan next year.And big opportunites for Tim Perry and Big Karl...
Ioane and Retallick are my picks for best in the game right now. Ben Smith is right there as well.Amazing all these guys came on under Hansen; we have some depth and excellent talent spotting in Grant Fox but in Shag we trust...
Not Mission Impossible but close to it.The Tahs are primed for a down-swing in their topsy-turvy season and anything other than clinical wont be enough against the Lions at home.If they are successful, Christchurch would be a bridge too far anyway...
Thor will definitely add to the back-row; Think Marx at the back of the scrum. Great carrier and link-man, ferocious defender. Handy pilferer. Dynamic at the break-down.But those same forwards were bested in Mendoza and the backs have also let them down, their wide defense especially poor. I rate Pollard but he hasnt really kicked on since since his heady U20 days.At home in front of their baying crowds the Boks will grow another leg and they are likely to be more competitive here too; its the old foe. But Los Pumas out-passioned them and the All Blacks look to be playing at a frenetic pace and havent hit their straps yet.God I love Test footy...
Steady Eddie.Time for solidity with the RWC round the corner.My way or the highway ethos dont really work at this level and turning up the heat in the kitchen will only flow onto the paddock at some point and its not like they have been stellar in recent times.Good old John has managed to milk the golden cow at the right time though; kudos to him. But of all the New Zealand coaches out there Im not sure he would be my first choice.
Great article Paul and your point about leadership is a good one. The leadership group Richie led has dissipated with Read, Jerome, Brodie and other absentees but Cane, Whitelock and the Smiths need to step up.The key as Richie learned in 2007, is to play the officials out of the game; not only are the All Blacks transgressing more but the Lions series is a good example of being exposed by some dubious officiating that should never have had the say that it did, especially the last gasp theatrics in the third Test.I sincerely doubt that the All Blacks are the cheats some corners of the game are trumpeting but that these areas need to be addressed is without question.The mere fact we are talking about them would suggest they will continue to be scrutinised by Officials.
I can see a repeat of Englands dominance on the cards here.Eire has a very strong tight 5; the Wallabies halves are going to be dealing with compromised ball.
God, who cares?That Sam and his mates were able to celebrate it was probably good enough.That said, I do love the barbs that are traded leading up to these games; the brinkmanship that Cheika, Jones and our own smirking Shag dish up add to the spice come game time.Eden Park awaits the Wallabies which is probably reason enough for the Wallabies to want to go into their shells; looking forward to their response and a clinic from the Darkness...
This is what the Wallabies need to see, their history in hits competition; Eales, Horan, Campese, Little, Farr-Jones, Lynagh, Larkham, Burke, Gregan, Smith. Great players. Great Australians.My favourites of these 10: the splendid see-saw at Sydney in 2000. What a game and what a finish from the legend Jonah. But the match that really stands out was 1996. Some of the most beautiful rugby you will ever see, played in rain pelting sideways at the dilapidated Athletic Park; might be the last international played there. Accuracy and pace, the All Blacks put on a clinic, against a pretty decent Wallabies side too.
Its nicely balancing to hear Barnes both extol and criticise; thats a pretty accurate summation of the All Blacks right now.Argentina and the Boks may prove more difficult than the Wallabies early outings as another noted journalist pointed out recently.But there is no other team that I can think of that makes these mistakes and then puts the opposition to the sword so quickly once opportunities are created or presented. Maybe the Lions, maybe...Some of the errors on display are due to the changing focus of game-plan from Hansen and the undoubted accuracy at pace that appears to be part of the overall vision. And thats just fine; the All Blacks have been and continue to learn how to win from any situation.But the other reality that Barnes barely touches is the fall in quality at the top of the game. England are going backwards right now. The Wallabies are a shadow of that late 90s side. Erasmus has the Boks building but is hampered by politics and the northern exodus.The RWC is about knock-out rugby; how you take your chances which gives the Darkness some advantage but equally a dearth of quality must also be helpful...
Hes probably being paid by the Yellow Cards now!Genia is by far the most valuable Wallaby.I just dont get this at a time when the game is struggling across the ditch; its not like they have a dearth of open-sides or leaders.No wonder theyre broke...
Boks deserved that victory and are to be applauded. Faf, Willie and Marx were awesome.Its worth noting though that the All Blacks, despite an average night at the office, nearly ran them down; if Owens had called that offside penalty they would have.Belief is great but you have to deliver it consistently under pressure and Rassies boys arent there yet. Venters right about selection though; hone and refine, rather than juggle selection.Pretoria shapes as an awesome contest doesnt it. The All Blacks will be looking to atone and the Boks to deliver at home, reprising that perfect storm.I very much doubt that the All Blacks will make the same mistakes though...
Generally Id agree with you but Garces?Barnes is just pedantic and has turned an outrageous start into a profligate career.Garces is French and cannot control a scrum for goodnesssake and that last minute call in the ear of Poite once the decision was made?WK kinda has a point dont you think?
Strongest bench in the game.Rapt for Richie, Shannon and Nehe, one of the unluckiest players; he was all set to become the next Cory Jane until injuries intervened.Theyve got their work cut out for them. I expect Los Pumas to be a sterner challenge than the Wallabies; Ledesma has them humming.But I Also expect that bench to be the difference.
Valid points mate up till the last - maybe the next one? Eden Park? That is one place I think they will struggle with for some time, even if they get their hands on the silverware.My one caveat is the work the Wallabies have been doing with Mick Byrne, their confidence and the improvements in their forwards. If they get some parity Genia/Foley/Beale could make a difference...
Both the Australian teams had their opportunities to be fair to Paul who along with Spiro is a must read over the ditch.But that was a tall order and the Tahs streak has been snapped at one. The Reds actually had the better chance but they blew it as much as the Highlanders ground it out.Good to see positive stuff in the media from Foley and co but perhaps that could have waited...
Every coach gets this opportunity to influence the referee.If I was Razor Id be asking Angus about the truck and trailer offending that is the rolling maul operated by the South Africans, one area of the game most open to interpretation.Isnt it ironic that the bleating about aspects of the game tend to rise at almost exactly the same rate as that teams success?
Good for him but the truth is he is nowhere near Burkes class.A good finisher but positionally weak, perhaps he will excel more from the wing but hes gonna have to read the game better, off-load better, and develop some sort of kicking game.Id like to see him come into a receiver role more often too.That he continues to accumulate accolades just shows how weak the Wallabies are right now...
We dont have great depth at blindside really - cattle but not depth, yet. Id be tempted to start Whitelock. He doesnt set the world on fire but acquits the core stuff well and will only get better with exposure. We were found out to an extent by the Bokke back row and need to shore up the break-downSome of those tries were opportunist and are more a reflection of the game-plan than anything else. We play flat and look to get wide which exposes space behind along with intercepts and the like. Nevertheless, 1st up tackles have to be made and the All Blacks need to show more composure under pressure.While I appreciate Hansens strategy to win without the ball, equally Id like us to be a bit more patient and execute around structure. Maybe play off 9 a little more in tight. This will help us find space against a rush defense as well. We are missing Smiths invaluable skills as defense master.Sorry fellas, Retallick might have made a difference; for me he is the best player on the planet right now. I rate Sam and Scott but the Guzzler is playing the best Ive seen from him and adds a little of that dreaded term - x factor.I wouldnt be taking Buenos Aires lightly. Ledesma has Los Pumas humming and they will be up for it at home. If their set-piece is better expect the resurgent Sanchez to make a statement. Beauden needs another start but this might be a good opportunity for Richie to get a another run from the pine.
Pretty decent analysis.And its the packs where there is any significant difference; the Canes wont be able to flow off set-piece as they have done in recent weeks.Which begs the question as to what Boyd has up his sleeve; a little wider off 9 if TJ is up to it, for example. The back three need to come looking for work and Barrett will have to have one of his best games at 13 for them to have any chance.The Canes have a decent back-row but the Crusaders do as well and they are in great form. Should be fascinating stuff...
Dont get all the negativity towards Brad. Turncoat? Really? How old are you?A fine player and leader for the Canes he was at his best when the All Blacks had a plethora of flankers ahead of him and he was only ever going to be a bit or fringe player .He made the right decision for him and his family and will be competent should he take the paddock at Twickers. The All Blacks certainly wont take him lightly.Hope he makes every post a winner in white...
Cant argue with any of that Phil.1996 was my favourite team, next to this one, but I remember the Baby Blacks too.But some caveats: That opposition is weaker is a given Im afraid. The Wallabies, for example, were still to be feared in 1996 and proved that at the RWC a few years later. The Boks, English and French all had periods of dominance albeit small. Ireland, England, and perhaps the Boks shape as the other contenders in Japan.One of the truly awesome things that about Hansens All Blacks can also be their undoing in that the pace they are trying to play at, particularly at the gain line, means they can be more susceptible to errors, as they are magnified. Playing wide, flat and fast exposes space behind them; the Lions capitalised on this.Im an All Black fanatic but my head says they remain vulnerable. I think Hansen was outsmarted by Gatland on that Lions tour, as much as I hate to admit it. Its also probably 1 we wouldnt even be talking about that if Garces wasnt such a churlish official. What is 1 though is that when theyre on-song its perhaps the most beautiful team sport to watch such is the quality and pace.And the Needle. 100% wasnt he? He started it all really God bless him...
All sporting rivals are cyclical and this reign will be broken... at some stage. The current Bledisloe arrangement has the Wallabies having 2 games at homeWe make ourselves look more arrogant than the keyboard heroes with pieces trumpeting our greatness and this only aggravates Stephen Jones and the like to scrawl their bile.Personally I loved the edge of your seat Bledisloe contests during the mid-eighties through the mid-90s. My favourite was the wet-weather clinic at Athletic Park in 1966 but the reality is that while that was a thrashing those contests were much closer.We actually need Australian Rugby to regain some of its strength and I would much prefer we let them have the stage for this sort of stuff, rather than putting the boot in ourselves.
Whether or not Steves time is coming to an end is really his and Tews call, Mark.Continuing to take pot-shots at our most successful Coach since the Needle says more about you than him.What if these strategies gel and the All Blacks pull ahead of the pack next year? While the All Blacks have not been operating on all eight cylinders this season they are experimenting with change, at the coalface, and are still there or thereabouts.Joe is clearly a worthwhile discussion, as is Rennie, Joseph, Razor, and a number of others. The other question is the assistants, especially as Smith has gone. Weve also lost Byrne and are likely to lose Cron.
Bugger the stats.2 VERY good teams in a knock-out semi provides its own cantilever. Chuck in the vagaries of Peyper and ANYTHING can happen.But if I had to choose: Set-piece is where its going to be at. Crusaders have a Test pack and unless the Canes can 'ify this they could struggle as they have been scoring off their own set-piece.And home-ground, irrespective of the crowd, is gold too. I rate both teams but the Canes have fluctuated more at this end of the season and I just cant see them getting past the red and black.
We tend to play Los Pumas at a similar time each year, the Bledisloe pretty much done and dusted and the All Blacks ready to inject alternates from the squad into the fray.While this doesnt really expose the All Blacks they have struggled at times against Los Pumas. Creevy, Lavanini, Sanchez and others are all pretty handy too. Ledesma does have them humming since dumping Hourcade; beating the Boks, up front, no less, is not small potatoes from the Argentinians. And like the All Blacks, the Argentinians can capitalise on broken field play.They are unlikely to beat us in Nelson but make no mistake, will be better than last year and Shag is right to want to keep the lads, especially those the author mentions, grounded and focused.
Great piece Mr Venter.Countering in broken play has always been a strength of the All Blacks.But there are others: Set-piece, a see-sawing strength in the past is as solid as it has ever been, especially the increasingly important line-out; and better, our forwards are more mobile and skillful at the gain-line than ever before. Brendan also hits on another big one, fitness; the All Blacks pride themselves on it and its massive. You cant make good decisions without it. A strong leadership group that can ameliorate a game-plan on the hoof. 2007 taught us that lesson.Our grass roots, similar to South Africa actually, is an important contributor; our Secondary Schools Competition is something else and is the real initial pathway into top club and provincial rugby.
Folau (ankle), as well as David Pocock (neck), Taniela Tupou (hamstring) and Nick Phipps (ribs) all remain in varying degrees of doubt for the clash ahead of Thursdays team announcement.Thats some serious weaponry unavailable to a side with questionable depth, especially Pocock.As usual it will start up front, initially anyway and the Boks will be looking to capitalise there after Mendoza. But Genie is the most important player in gold for me. If he fires, and we have seen him to this in Dunedin behind a beaten pack he can give Foley confidence, which he really needs.
Jeremy Paul was hooker then, from memory. Yeah, the 3 Test series was a cheeky attempt by John ONeill to try to get the thing back more regularly and does lend to your argument.But Australian rugby has a dwindling fan-base and is largely supported by SANZAR revenue. Frankly Im amazed Castle has paid $6m to their Captain unless its part of a long term strategy that will lock in a number of leaders.NZ and Australia are contributing to a growth spurt in the game up North (Jones, Schmidt, Cotter, Nucifora, Mitchell, to name a few who are or have had influence over their national squads). And they have resources that we can only dream of.We need Australia and the Boks to regain their strength along with Los Pumas likely improvement under Ledesma. Not at our expense but Rugby needs it all the same.And Searching... Ive got a bad feeling about Saturday night...
So... your childhood. How do you feel about that?I lean more to Coopers technique thing but only Beauden really knows. He does tend to chip it from in front or out right, I guess.Man, hes got a tough act to follow in Dan, Mehrts, Fox and he DID hit the post twice.2 things: 1) Give the tee to someone else if you have to, especially when the bench clears and youve got options. 2) Surely we have learnt by now the cumulative effect that influences the outcome of games. We didnt lose because of Beauden and if that rationale is applied surely ALB and Jordie should also be lying down on the leather couch answering questions about the their relationship with their parents.
I still find Wayne pedantic, especially at scrum time and not always correct is his rulings.And 2007 was a horror show, both from him and Kaplan, but equally the dumbfounded All Blacks and it wasnt just the forward pass.Barnes was so far out of his depth in 2007 that the Refereeing administration should take some blame. He almost froze and really only refereed one side in that second half.Nevertheless he has developed into a fine referee and his tenure merits recognition; but the best referee in the world is the singing Welshman Owens with Australias own unflappable Gardiner probably backing him up.
Convoluted laws.Varying interpretations.Officials too afraid to make a match-winning call at the death.Sideline officials who have less and less to say in real time?A governing body that then hangs those refs out in front of a public which contains at least one element of vitriol.Rugby has done so much to present a spectacle that is solid, beautiful even, when its played right and yet its managing to damage that same product because it hasnt invested in the policing of the game.And as for the Judiciary; dont even get me started.Mark has a point...
UK rugby critic Stephen Jones belittles Crusaders and Super Rugby
Does this man think before committing pen to paper?This Crusaders side would be close to the best in the world at this level and a massive game in a massive stadium would suit them just fine.Some of the Northern teams do have elite rosters but the quality isnt always there and to write off the Crusaders would acquit themselves well against the very best.They are the complete package. The sum of their parts, they play for each other. Great combinations and almost impenetrable defence. They are well coached and equally adept at the narrow style so embraced up there as they are at running, quality rugby.Where Jones has some traction may be the format and travel but other than that his is just a rant without real substance; would love to see it put to the test.And speaking of Tests Mr Jones, how is your beloved England tracking?
Kieran Read’s Super Rugby final form serves as warning for Wallabies
What impressed me about Read was the work he kept on doing in the second half. He was awesome as a receiver and on defense.He leads by example.What more can you say about Mounga? Its not often that Id disagree with Shag, in whom we still trust, but Richie is absolutely banging the door down.Thats a good Wallaby side; it will be interesting to see how they combine in the Bledisloe. Theyre not short on confidence after only a slightly better Super Rugby return this season.
Jordie Barrett gets the nod at fullback for All Blacks, Waisake Naholo omitted
Good side. No issue with back 3. Im more interested in how quickly they start and any difference in game plan as signaled by Hansen. Great bench too but Moungas form sees him unlucky IMO.
England offside call borderline, says All Blacks great Christian Cullen
Meh.England offside for large parts of that 2nd half. Even commentators noted it.And Lawes was pushing his luck.How often do the All Blacks benefit from calls like that at Twickers?Phew...
Black Caps coach Mike Hesson in shock resignation
Kudos to a guy I was very unsure about initially. Well done Mike.I would like to see Bond and/or Fleming take the reigns now to enhance Hessons undoubted progress.The timing is a little surprising...
Clearly onside - English media berate call that cost England win against All Blacks
England were unlucky in thst they dominated large parts of that game.Thought they were awesome, especially in that 1st 35mins.It was, in the end, the right call though.And England rode the offside line frequently without censure. The All Blacks have some work ons heading to Dublin.
Marc Hinton: Unlucky Waisake Naholo is left waiting in the All Blacks wings
Calm down.Smith does the little things better on the wing than Waisake at this levelJordie is being prepared for Japan and has shown glimpses of brilliance in black already.Mounga is unlucky not to make the bench for mine but thats also a minor whinge.Taking into account the absences of Brodie And Kieran this is a very good side; looking for ward to seeing how big Karls immense strength translates if he gets a run.Just hope the All Blacks are quicker out of the blocks and we get to see some of the variations in game-plan Hansen has hinted at.God bless the Darkness...
Damian McKenzie picked to play fullback for the All Blacks v Wallabies
Im surprised to see Damien will run on at full-back actually; would have preferred Waisake on the flank and ever-reliable Ben from Accounts at the back.Looking forward to seeing a pretty full complement back too, even though Brodies returns from the bench. And what a bench it is too; expect the All Blacks to run riot at 60-70minutes as it clears.
Former All Black Kees Meeuws: Don't rush Dane Coles back into the All Blacks
Like a couple of others here I;m intrigued by the first five conundrum with Mounga making every post a winner.Its not just that hes behind what is essentially an International pack; man did they towel up the Canes at set-piece.Richies game has just continues to get better. Hes an adept kicker and distributor but its his running at the line that has impressed me. In that semi he scored a great try, assisted other and then sealed it with that cross-field kick.Not saying he has eclipsed Beauden but man, is he chasing him down. Shag is loyal to the incumbents, and to be fair Test Rugby is still a big leap up but with Richie snapping at his heels we are in good stead at the helm with Japan looming.No way would Coles be rushed back; too serious an injury and too long a lay-off and he will be needed for Tokyo; slowly as she goes. We have too much depth to take risks...
"Why Ireland can really trouble the All Blacks: Paul Cully",
There have been several blue-prints running around on how to beat the men-in-black since that 2015 RWC final.The latest are the Bokke, whom you do a disservice. The truth is that not only has Rassie got the Boks back in the reckoning, rugby teams around the world are taking notice of what has worked.And its got nothing to do with officialdom...
Brendan Venter: How England will try and beat the All Blacks
Pretty decent analysis again Brendan.The twin-playmaker concept is supposed to combat that rush defense so it will be interesting to see how both teams react.Farrell has a great boot but will need to be accurate to avoid just surrendering possession to a counter-attacking All Blacks.The attraction for me with the contrasting styles of play will be the set-piece battle and set-plays off that contest, an area where the All Blacks have improved since these teams last met.I hope Garces can be consistent, where he was appalling in the Lions Tests. One suspects the All Blacks discipline will have to be on-point.The other significant difference for me is the respective benches and for that reason, alone, I just cant see the Roses staying with the All Blacks deep..
All Blacks show faith in fast-tracking Jordie Barrett's test match education
I expect Jordie to be a long-term prospect at the back. His debut against the Lions was outstanding considering the difficulties the team faced.He is far better suited there than midfield.Bridge is the only other player prior to the RWC that I can see making the squad as an outside back.I just want to the All Blacks show more composure early on; pressure and patience will be rewarded.
Under-fire Eddie Jones hits back: England can win the World Cup
Of course they can.Will they is a bigger question. Made more difficult from some pretty average performances from a team that suggests all may not be well in the dressing room.And they will need to be galvanised not just to make a decent showing in November but to go onto greater things in Japan.I think the big threat next year will be Ireland and the Boks, personally but with their resources and roster the Roses would have to figure you would think...
Rugby Championship 'for southern softies' - UK critic Stephen Jones
Probably not that far from the mark actually, even though he continues to be the rugby medias greatest prat.I would have thought he might pay the Boks a bit more respect after seeing off his England; Erasmus seems to have a decent handle on his young brood who are improving.Kicking Australian rugby is not exactly a hard ask right now but the Wallabies will be back too.The fact there has been improvement in the North is fair though as is his comment that this would indicate a more competitive tournament awaits in Japan.The Irish, in particular, will be a big challenge.But his favourite bug-bear, the All Blacks, are gunning for a three-peat and will be hard to stop...
Brendan Venter: Springboks 'trying to treat the patient but are getting the diagnosis wrong'
Absolutely on the money.But a lone voice in the wilderness.The same ground up rebuild is required by the Wallabies.South Africa should be easier as they have some of the pathways New Zealand Rugby has but their political instability is frankly damaging the game.There also has to be a better way of managing the exodus of talent north.I thought Meyer in particular was hard done by; the decision made by the All Blacks to give Henry and co some longevity has really paid off...
Bledisloe II: Five talking points ahead of Saturday night's test at Eden Park
ALB can play both positions, a bit like Crotty, and delivers from the bench. If Nani can up his work-rate, communicate well with Beauden, he could wreak havoc on that inside channel. But there is no doubt as to Antons value or standing with this coaching group.Making fun of Cheika is just poor, a bit like his one-dimensional coaching (man, did the parochial Aussies make a mistake in dumping Deans). And touching on his upset children. Rank mate. Reckon Cheika is probably a good man and those shots cutting to him in the box are just sensationalism at its worst.How can we judge Jordie off the back of a super season out of position? His debut against the Lions looked assured and promised things to come. He has a good aerial game and obviously figures in Hansens plans for the future. He will only get better.Eden Park may be a Fortress for the All Blacks which adds to its value. BUT, seating is too far away from the action. Getting in and out of there can be a mission, especially with kids. Their food and beverage standards and prices are shocking (you have to get the kids something). And its stadium doesnt really allow access to the players post-game. Forsyth Barr is by far the best stadium for rugby in this country.What can you say about Owen. A good man and a great All Black. Tight-head is the linch-pin of the scrum but, like most forwards these days, his work around the paddock is phenominal. Rate him right up there with Olo Brown and Carl Hayman. Congrats man...
"Why Ireland can really trouble the All Blacks: Paul Cully",
You obviously dont. Ireland have had the wood on England for some time and are likely to be a big hurdle for anyone in Tokyo.
Lions in for 'Groundhog Day' as top South African rugby writer tips Crusaders romp
If this final was in South Africa my money would still be on the Crusaders.An international forward pack and man-for-man a better back-line too.The Lions have been resurgent in the last few weeks but remain below last years side whereas the Crusaders are a better team than last season.
"Why Ireland can really trouble the All Blacks: Paul Cully",
Ireland are talented across the park with a couple of best in the game in their positions (or close to it).They are well coached, competent at set-piece and they know they can win, having gotten that monkey of their backs.As Narcos has said, the blueprint to beat the darkness has always been there; executing it however, especially under knock-out pressure, is of course another thing.Add in the advances the All Blacks will make between now and then and the chances could slim further.But... the truth is the All Blacks are beatable, have been beaten recently, and will be beaten again.Im going to back them for a three-peat though...
"Born Racer: Scott Dixon's story of danger, death and success",
Such a low profile in this country considering his extraordinary success.Looking forward to the biopic because of that if not his stellar career.Hes right up there with the greats of motor-racing , let alone New Zealand.Wonderful...
Mission impossible for Waratahs? Playoffs win in South Africa not done before
Stranger things have happened I guess.On current form though I just dont think their set-piece is up to it and the Crusaders are firing on all cylinders.
Lions 'strapping themselves into electric chair' for Super Rugby final against Crusaders
I too am going Crusaders by 13.But the Lions deserve to be here and have a quality forward pack. Whitely, the Bok captain up until recently and Marx are both quality and if they can give Jantes some front foot ball you would expect them to be more competitive than the Tahs, or even the Canes.What surprises me is their arrival Tuesday; they should already be here; every day counts with that sort of itinerary.
TJ Perenara pays tribute to looming centurion Sam Whitelock: 'I hated him, bro'
A good man and will be remembered as one of the great All Black locks.A brutal defender and a massive work-rate, he leads by example.Absolutely world class; has there been a better combination than he and Retallick?
David Pocock shows the juggling skills that help make him the most balanced man in international rugby
A good man and one of the great opensides.Like Marx though, he likes to rest his knees on supine players giving the impression hes got rights in the contest.I have noticed hes a little slower around the park now...
Steve Hansen's loyalty to certain All Blacks could come back to bite him
It was Hansens selection of younger players beginning in 2012 which has really seen the All Blacks go up a notch. Look no further than Aaron Smith and the difference he has made. but there have been many others and a lot of them now form the spine of this team.It is statistically unlikely that the All blacks will three-peat; even a repeat was scoffed at in London, despite their form. Thats because of the very fickle nature of knock-out rugby. The Boks lost to Japan and then just about put us out in 2015. But Im still backing Black.You make comment about the forwards, specifically the locks. Not only are we establishing some depth there, although tight-head remains a work on (hurry up Nepo), but really good props generally hit their stride around 30 and can play for a few more years at their peak. Woodcock is an example of this but there are many.Finally, it is my opinion that their superior fitness, their outstanding bench, their ability to win without possession, their excellent aerial game, and frankly their skill-set at pace that set the All Blacks apart. They remain well coached and on track for a decent showing in Japan.
Jordie Barrett absorbs the lesson of patience from brother Beauden
Composure and core role mate, that first. Look for work.Everything else will follow.With Israel out I reckon we could see more of a kicking game from the All Blacks which suits this Barrett.
Rare Aussie muscle car wearing a wedding outfit up for auction
That SL/R though...
Brendan Venter: How England will try and beat the All Blacks
I find Venter quite balanced and his analysis insightful...
Days of Crusaders being Super Rugby's sleeping giant a distant memory
Sorry Mr de Bruin (and you can chuck Mr Blackadder in there too) but Razor is simply out-coaching you. He has the ears of the players, can be ruthless in selection, and that driving against the Lions line-out/maul was just outstanding and symptomatic of his innovative style.Make no mistake, he has enhanced the culture of this team. The defend for each other, have excellent feel in their combinations, and players like Bryn Hall, unwanted in Auckland 2 seasons ago, are making every post a winner.When their second wave enters the fray from the pine things only ratchet up and their try in the period where Crotty was sin-binned is a perfect example of their composure and belief. And despite losing some serious talent it wouldnt be silly to chuck a tenner on them for next season...
Brendan Venter: How England will try and beat the All Blacks
Actually Scrum its Test Window related.When England were keen for us to play outside the Test Window negotiations would have taken place; the offer from WR would have to be a generous one though.Perhaps you could tone down the flaming rhetoric
"Why Sam Warburton never asked for Richie McCaw's jersey
Thats a fair enough ethos... but... Richies is the one jersey I would have to have had!
All Blacks coaches working on being not too hard and not too soft
Good grief.So much doom and gloom in these comments.We made some mistakes against an old foe who are rebuilding and put out a performance they will find hard to replicate and even then we were close to running them down.Was the drop-kick the right option? Not if it goes dead. At least with recycling on the Bok line we created an opportunity. Equally the Boks could have (maybe should have) been penalised. Had McKenzie held that pass would we even be dissecting in this manner?Yes, we have some issues to address, especially around set-piece and defense. Yes, I for one, will be expecting an All Black response and not just in Buenos Aires. I want to see us hit high gear in Pretoria. And the stats show this is likely.And that is a crucial difference. Most teams want to atone and the Boks really needed to after some poor results on the road. But can they back that up? Even at home I think theyll struggle to repeat that intensity and accuracy.The All Blacks tend to deliver in that situation and will do so again...
Brendan Venter: How England will try and beat the All Blacks
Yeah Andy sure.Your comments indicate you know a little about the game.Which would mean you know exactly what Im referring to.By all means tho... chirp away...
Bledisloe Cup: What hope do the Wallabies have of winning in Auckland?
1) The Wallabies arent winning at Eden Park - 0/102) Composure. Absolutely; the wise-men will have been drilling this all week. Converting off set-piece. Only once in Sydney and they blew it; Im looking some set plays off the line-out. A strong kick-chase, given Israel is out and Smith is wing-bound might be smart.3) Not as stupid as it sounds. Pocock gets to go back to his role. Fardy to blindside, Higginbotham to 8. Bring Folau onto the wing and have a real fullback. Bring Toomua into pivot and bench Foley. Jeez, we almost fixed it...4) All of those centurions merit consideration and its hard to go past Super Richie but Id like to plug for Maa. He was the best player in the world in 2015 and retired at the absolute top of his game, sadly. Watching him grow, learn to pass and kick, well... grubber. His partnership with Snakey. The 2015 edtition of Nonu is the best inside centre Ive seen.5) The faux-offence is a nonsense really but the verbal sparring of Cheika, Hansen and Jones adds to the occasion, dont you think?
Wallabies back Dane Haylett-Petty rejects Bob Dwyer's assertion on team fitness
Rubbish; their conditioning isnt sufficient for a defensive game-plan, which is what as on offer in these first two Bledisloes.Turnovers are massive due to the necessarily quick defensive re-alignments and only adds to that workload.BUT... the All Blacks had to defend for large parts of the 1st halves of both fixtures as well and still managed to take their opportunities.The real barometer will be how they go in their next couple of Tests I guess...
Family's support key as Gary Stead replaces Mike Hesson as Black Caps coach
Hessons have turned out to be pretty big shoes to fill.Stead is in a similar mould. Steady, organised and methodical.Hope he can sustain that upward trajectory that, despite the odd wobble, the Black Caps are clearly on.It think the key will be largely in who he brings on to specialise.
Brendan Venter: How England will try and beat the All Blacks
I agree that Englands best bet is ball in hand composure, attack and distribution but this is not the game England has been playing Andy.45 kicks against the Boks.Do they have the quality personnel to go down that track?The other point of course is that it exposes them to turnovers and broken play which would feed straight into the All Blacks hands...
Argentina appoint Mario Ledesma as new coach after guiding Jaguares into play-offs
Bout time.Hourcades honeymoon is long over and Ledesma has taken what is essentially the Test team to a new level in Super Rugby.Hope the national side can repeat that and get amongst it in the coming month or two...
Top rugby referee Nigel Owens blows whistle on Serena Williams' behaviour and sexism claims
Serena has form here and was way out of line.Not only should she apologise, she should be censured, and Im a fan of hers.That there are those that would cash in on her ridiculous tirade as a crusade diminishes them and the real debate.This was just flat-out frustration that, like the lines-person thing a few years ago, she could have and should have, handled better...
Brendan Venter: How England will try and beat the All Blacks
You havent much of Big Karl then Andy?
All Blacks' loss to the Springboks a wake-up call
As Venter, a wiley scribe too Noel, has said it was a perfect storm. The All Blacks had an average night. The Boks were herculean in defence although if I had to quibble they were cynical throughout the 2nd half in their 22 and someone else should have been in the naughty chair.And to top it off Jordie and Anton made mistakes the All Blacks wont often make. I mean, theres enterprise at pace and then theres failure to assess risk, especially Barretts gaff. Even then we almost ran them down.The droppie was the poorer option which is borne out by the fact we recycled to create opportunity and space and then blew it, after the final whistle. I wondered if Owens might go back for an off-side penalty but he didnt and that, as they say, was that.Good article mate, and the title remains 1, the Boks deserved their win... just...
World Rugby boss Agustin Pichot sparks outrage by sharing xenophobic squads list
Ha - love it.The faux indignation of those who love to harp on about the All Blacks poaching players from the Islands have turned out to be the worst perpetrators.Who woulda thunk it?
Brendan Venter: How England will try and beat the All Blacks
You dont think the Roses pack will be out-gunned again this weekend?Put it this way: I very much doubt theyll be in ascendancy.
Declining All Blacks tipped to finish 3rd behind Springboks and Wallabies in Rugby Championship
I think we could lose one or two, probably away.But I wouldnt be concerned unless it became a habit which I very much doubt.What is concerning is the climb in discipline issues and the lack of direction on the paddock when things go awry - leadership. But Im pretty sure that will be addressed.Bedding in new personnel and especially combinations is challenging especially in the June window and is probably not the litmus test Keohane is assuming.That the Boks are resurgent is wonderful but they have had issues and its also probably fair to say the visiting northerners have struggled with fitness at altitude as games wore on.Essentially it is too early to make such predictions around their own team, let alone the Wallabies and the All Blacks but Mark is a passionate rugby man and has a column to sell...
Malcolm Marx 'better than any Crusaders forward' - ex-Springboks coach
Malcolm, Kwagga, Whitely. Handy names in the Lions pack. Not sure that Malcolm bests any player in a pack that can afford to leave out Crockett, as good as Marx is.Will the Lions be able to compete at set-piece and ensure the sometimes flakey Jantes gets some front foot ball is probably a better debate as that is where the Lions chances will hinge. After the last couple of weekends you would have to say that might be difficult in which case the back row will really have to deliver.If the Lions believe theyll stay with the Crusaders for a while but the respective benches are also telling and could see the home team gallop away...
Days of Crusaders being Super Rugby's sleeping giant a distant memory
Good point.The reason they were so one-dimensional is the excellent execution of Razors coaching though.The Crusaders knew the maul was coming and blew it away. They knew the Lions penchant for possession by isolation and turn-over. But it was the Crusaders who were 9-0 in that department in the 1st half.They kept Marx, Jantes and Smith out of the game largely and their defense was well... stellar. If you watch a replay, see how quickly the Crusaders defenders got back their line.This is a good Lions side who deserved to be there but they were out-coached, out-thought and thoroughly bested.
All Blacks v France: Five things worth getting excited about
Pretty slim pickings from the author.Im looking forward to seeing all the newbies get a run, especially Richie at the helm.Big Karl getting another chance to demolish the French Tight-head.Waisakes response to sitting out the 1st two Tests.Williams return and Jacks 1st start in centre. Nervous about their combination but some time from McKenzie and Mounga will alleviate that somewhat.Running rugby under the roof because Officialdom allows the game to flow...
Australian critic slates Michael Hooper as 'ill-disciplined' and the 'proven worst Wallaby captain'
Hardly a talismanic leader. Poor communicator with the officials. For all is good work out wide, he gets isolated and penalised often which is where some of the yellows come in.BUT, he is passionate, an effective defender and very quick for an open-side, especially when ranging in the centres.Genia would be the captain if I was coach.Wonder if Castle is trying to tie up the senior players so they have a platform to grow from...
The truth behind the Sam Whitelock presentation 'snub'
Thats odd mate. I visit my brother in Australia a bit and they have been accommodating and hospitable to me. A bit of jip, but good-natured and parochial. Guess it depends where you go but kudos to Brisbane...
Has a 17-year-old Kiwi just recorded the greatest individual performance in ODI cricket?
Jeez, thats some serious talent she has bested, and I mean bested.Amelia and then daylight...
Former Lions captain Sam Warburton retires from rugby for health reasons
A good man on and off the field.And a pretty openside in his day as well.Kudos...
All Blacks v Wallabies: The five most exciting matchups ahead of Bledisloe I
Big Karl v Tongan Thor should be oresome.But two of the most important ones for me appear to missing.Smith v Genia - Will is sometimes under-rated these days but remains a vital cog in the Wallaby machine. Simply put, if he gets quick uncompromised ball he can make Foley, ordinary in my book, look extraordinary, and this will give the Wallaby backs some freedom too. Smith is simply the best passer in the game and gives Beauden that ball out in front which allows him to stamp his imprint on the game. Id still be interested in seeing what Mounga can do with the same. But the big and usually one-sided match-up is the benches. When the pine clears for the All Blacks they tend to ratchet up the contest in that last 20 minutes or so and is no small part of what separates them from most teams.
Ian Foster backs Beauden Barrett to shrug off All Blacks rivalry and embrace challenge
The truth is that were not going to know what Richie can bring until we see him on the park again; 10 minutes at this level is not enough to guage.I see them as complementing each other. Barrett has an excellent and direct running game running off Smith and his off-loads are sublime. Barrett probably has the edge on defense, an important consideration. Mounga appears to be more of the general on the paddock, an able distributor, a good kicking game and his running game has also come on the last couple of seasons.Were actually blessed to be having this debate with Tokyo looming. And the Super Rugby MVP winner is no slug either, although Mounga might have leap-frogged him.Goodhue outside Crotty is the right call and a back three of Jordie, Ben and Reiko is also exciting. Its been a little hard to tell Jordies progress this season; Im not sure centre for the Canes was the right fit.I think the Wallabies are going to be really up for this in Sydney; they are better prepared than they have been in the past and are hungry. And make no mistake Mick Byrne was a loss for the All Blacks and he has had some time with the Wallabies. If the All Blacks are slow out of the blocks...
Referees have subconscious leniency towards All Blacks, claims former top official
Attacking sides and home sides tend to get the rub of the green IMHO.Singling out the All Blacks seems like cherry-picking or tall-poppy syndrome to me. But by all means, give Reason and Jones more ammunition.To be fair, Referees seem to get more of a raw deal as professionalism sees the game getting faster, the collisions more brutal.Stadiums are more decked out with technology, often with local producers running replays of sensational events, which is probably just as disadvantageous with at least a coupe of these having says in outcomes of Super Rugby finals and Test matches. Notably, in one of these, the poor Referee even came out after the fact to confirm he got it wrong.Referees get it right more often than they dont and certainly more so than players, even half-backs. Yes, they need to use the tools at their disposal but mistakes occur. Theyre a human element in the game that I would prefer not to see disappear. But we all (myself included - Poite and especially Garces cost the All Blacks in the Lions series) tend to heap criticism on them, holding them to account when the critical truth, one McCaw learned after 2007 , is that its the teams job to play the officials and opposition out of the game.If we keep going down this path no-one, especially at grass roots level, will want to pick up a whistle.
All Blacks lose prop Joe Moody for Rugby Championship, Angus Ta'avao called up
Feel for Joe who has been in scintillating form.Man our props depth is being tested; Kane Hames, Nepo Laulala, Jeff Toomanga-Allen are also injured.Were going to get Tested by Los Pumas and the Boks at scrum time then but on the plus side more exposure for Japan next year.And big opportunites for Tim Perry and Big Karl...
All Blacks hooker Codie Taylor full of admiration for the 'glitch' that is Rieko Ioane
Ioane and Retallick are my picks for best in the game right now. Ben Smith is right there as well.Amazing all these guys came on under Hansen; we have some depth and excellent talent spotting in Grant Fox but in Shag we trust...
Mission impossible for Waratahs? Playoffs win in South Africa not done before
Not Mission Impossible but close to it.The Tahs are primed for a down-swing in their topsy-turvy season and anything other than clinical wont be enough against the Lions at home.If they are successful, Christchurch would be a bridge too far anyway...
'God of Thunder' to face All Blacks as Boks negotiate release of Duane Vermeulen
Thor will definitely add to the back-row; Think Marx at the back of the scrum. Great carrier and link-man, ferocious defender. Handy pilferer. Dynamic at the break-down.But those same forwards were bested in Mendoza and the backs have also let them down, their wide defense especially poor. I rate Pollard but he hasnt really kicked on since since his heady U20 days.At home in front of their baying crowds the Boks will grow another leg and they are likely to be more competitive here too; its the old foe. But Los Pumas out-passioned them and the All Blacks look to be playing at a frenetic pace and havent hit their straps yet.God I love Test footy...
England coach Eddie Jones loses more key staff members
Steady Eddie.Time for solidity with the RWC round the corner.My way or the highway ethos dont really work at this level and turning up the heat in the kitchen will only flow onto the paddock at some point and its not like they have been stellar in recent times.Good old John has managed to milk the golden cow at the right time though; kudos to him. But of all the New Zealand coaches out there Im not sure he would be my first choice.
All Blacks lost their compass when Richie McCaw retired
Great article Paul and your point about leadership is a good one. The leadership group Richie led has dissipated with Read, Jerome, Brodie and other absentees but Cane, Whitelock and the Smiths need to step up.The key as Richie learned in 2007, is to play the officials out of the game; not only are the All Blacks transgressing more but the Lions series is a good example of being exposed by some dubious officiating that should never have had the say that it did, especially the last gasp theatrics in the third Test.I sincerely doubt that the All Blacks are the cheats some corners of the game are trumpeting but that these areas need to be addressed is without question.The mere fact we are talking about them would suggest they will continue to be scrutinised by Officials.
Rookie Aussie hooker to get Irish acid-test
I can see a repeat of Englands dominance on the cards here.Eire has a very strong tight 5; the Wallabies halves are going to be dealing with compromised ball.
The history of the Bledisloe Cup is loaded with stories of guts, glory and heartbreak
No correction; youre spot on mate.Last Bledisloe then :)
The truth behind the Sam Whitelock presentation 'snub'
God, who cares?That Sam and his mates were able to celebrate it was probably good enough.That said, I do love the barbs that are traded leading up to these games; the brinkmanship that Cheika, Jones and our own smirking Shag dish up add to the spice come game time.Eden Park awaits the Wallabies which is probably reason enough for the Wallabies to want to go into their shells; looking forward to their response and a clinic from the Darkness...
The history of the Bledisloe Cup is loaded with stories of guts, glory and heartbreak
This is what the Wallabies need to see, their history in hits competition; Eales, Horan, Campese, Little, Farr-Jones, Lynagh, Larkham, Burke, Gregan, Smith. Great players. Great Australians.My favourites of these 10: the splendid see-saw at Sydney in 2000. What a game and what a finish from the legend Jonah. But the match that really stands out was 1996. Some of the most beautiful rugby you will ever see, played in rain pelting sideways at the dilapidated Athletic Park; might be the last international played there. Accuracy and pace, the All Blacks put on a clinic, against a pretty decent Wallabies side too.
All Blacks 'almost unbeatable' for next year's World Cup, writes top UK critic
Its nicely balancing to hear Barnes both extol and criticise; thats a pretty accurate summation of the All Blacks right now.Argentina and the Boks may prove more difficult than the Wallabies early outings as another noted journalist pointed out recently.But there is no other team that I can think of that makes these mistakes and then puts the opposition to the sword so quickly once opportunities are created or presented. Maybe the Lions, maybe...Some of the errors on display are due to the changing focus of game-plan from Hansen and the undoubted accuracy at pace that appears to be part of the overall vision. And thats just fine; the All Blacks have been and continue to learn how to win from any situation.But the other reality that Barnes barely touches is the fall in quality at the top of the game. England are going backwards right now. The Wallabies are a shadow of that late 90s side. Erasmus has the Boks building but is hampered by politics and the northern exodus.The RWC is about knock-out rugby; how you take your chances which gives the Darkness some advantage but equally a dearth of quality must also be helpful...
Michael Hooper: Australia's six-million dollar man who's richer than top All Blacks
Hes probably being paid by the Yellow Cards now!Genia is by far the most valuable Wallaby.I just dont get this at a time when the game is struggling across the ditch; its not like they have a dearth of open-sides or leaders.No wonder theyre broke...
Brendan Venter: All Blacks still the best but Boks have forged belief
Boks deserved that victory and are to be applauded. Faf, Willie and Marx were awesome.Its worth noting though that the All Blacks, despite an average night at the office, nearly ran them down; if Owens had called that offside penalty they would have.Belief is great but you have to deliver it consistently under pressure and Rassies boys arent there yet. Venters right about selection though; hone and refine, rather than juggle selection.Pretoria shapes as an awesome contest doesnt it. The All Blacks will be looking to atone and the Boks to deliver at home, reprising that perfect storm.I very much doubt that the All Blacks will make the same mistakes though...
Brendan Venter: How England will try and beat the All Blacks
Generally Id agree with you but Garces?Barnes is just pedantic and has turned an outrageous start into a profligate career.Garces is French and cannot control a scrum for goodnesssake and that last minute call in the ear of Poite once the decision was made?WK kinda has a point dont you think?
All Blacks opt not to rush Ryan Crotty and Sam Cane back from head knocks
Strongest bench in the game.Rapt for Richie, Shannon and Nehe, one of the unluckiest players; he was all set to become the next Cory Jane until injuries intervened.Theyve got their work cut out for them. I expect Los Pumas to be a sterner challenge than the Wallabies; Ledesma has them humming.But I Also expect that bench to be the difference.
Elvis a hit, Warriors top dogs - what was it like when Australia last won Bledisloe Cup?
Valid points mate up till the last - maybe the next one? Eden Park? That is one place I think they will struggle with for some time, even if they get their hands on the silverware.My one caveat is the work the Wallabies have been doing with Mick Byrne, their confidence and the improvements in their forwards. If they get some parity Genia/Foley/Beale could make a difference...
Waratahs, Reds have a shot at Australian double over Kiwis in Super Rugby
Both the Australian teams had their opportunities to be fair to Paul who along with Spiro is a must read over the ditch.But that was a tall order and the Tahs streak has been snapped at one. The Reds actually had the better chance but they blew it as much as the Highlanders ground it out.Good to see positive stuff in the media from Foley and co but perhaps that could have waited...
Lions coach Swys de Bruin pleads for 'fair deal' as he questions Crusaders' tactics
Every coach gets this opportunity to influence the referee.If I was Razor Id be asking Angus about the truck and trailer offending that is the rolling maul operated by the South Africans, one area of the game most open to interpretation.Isnt it ironic that the bleating about aspects of the game tend to rise at almost exactly the same rate as that teams success?
Folau wins Tahs' players' player award after tumultuous year
Good for him but the truth is he is nowhere near Burkes class.A good finisher but positionally weak, perhaps he will excel more from the wing but hes gonna have to read the game better, off-load better, and develop some sort of kicking game.Id like to see him come into a receiver role more often too.That he continues to accumulate accolades just shows how weak the Wallabies are right now...
Burning questions: The All Blacks' starter for 10, matters of defence and magic of Mario
We dont have great depth at blindside really - cattle but not depth, yet. Id be tempted to start Whitelock. He doesnt set the world on fire but acquits the core stuff well and will only get better with exposure. We were found out to an extent by the Bokke back row and need to shore up the break-downSome of those tries were opportunist and are more a reflection of the game-plan than anything else. We play flat and look to get wide which exposes space behind along with intercepts and the like. Nevertheless, 1st up tackles have to be made and the All Blacks need to show more composure under pressure.While I appreciate Hansens strategy to win without the ball, equally Id like us to be a bit more patient and execute around structure. Maybe play off 9 a little more in tight. This will help us find space against a rush defense as well. We are missing Smiths invaluable skills as defense master.Sorry fellas, Retallick might have made a difference; for me he is the best player on the planet right now. I rate Sam and Scott but the Guzzler is playing the best Ive seen from him and adds a little of that dreaded term - x factor.I wouldnt be taking Buenos Aires lightly. Ledesma has Los Pumas humming and they will be up for it at home. If their set-piece is better expect the resurgent Sanchez to make a statement. Beauden needs another start but this might be a good opportunity for Richie to get a another run from the pine.
Hurricanes' backs confident their forwards will front against the Crusaders
Pretty decent analysis.And its the packs where there is any significant difference; the Canes wont be able to flow off set-piece as they have done in recent weeks.Which begs the question as to what Boyd has up his sleeve; a little wider off 9 if TJ is up to it, for example. The back three need to come looking for work and Barrett will have to have one of his best games at 13 for them to have any chance.The Canes have a decent back-row but the Crusaders do as well and they are in great form. Should be fascinating stuff...
Hayden Paddon secures best finish in Rally Finland with fourth place
Awesome mate.Should go a long way to securing that drive...
"Brad Shields likely to face All Blacks as England injury crisis deepens",
Dont get all the negativity towards Brad. Turncoat? Really? How old are you?A fine player and leader for the Canes he was at his best when the All Blacks had a plethora of flankers ahead of him and he was only ever going to be a bit or fringe player .He made the right decision for him and his family and will be competent should he take the paddock at Twickers. The All Blacks certainly wont take him lightly.Hope he makes every post a winner in white...
Phil Gifford: We're now in a golden age for All Black rugby
Cant argue with any of that Phil.1996 was my favourite team, next to this one, but I remember the Baby Blacks too.But some caveats: That opposition is weaker is a given Im afraid. The Wallabies, for example, were still to be feared in 1996 and proved that at the RWC a few years later. The Boks, English and French all had periods of dominance albeit small. Ireland, England, and perhaps the Boks shape as the other contenders in Japan.One of the truly awesome things that about Hansens All Blacks can also be their undoing in that the pace they are trying to play at, particularly at the gain line, means they can be more susceptible to errors, as they are magnified. Playing wide, flat and fast exposes space behind them; the Lions capitalised on this.Im an All Black fanatic but my head says they remain vulnerable. I think Hansen was outsmarted by Gatland on that Lions tour, as much as I hate to admit it. Its also probably 1 we wouldnt even be talking about that if Garces wasnt such a churlish official. What is 1 though is that when theyre on-song its perhaps the most beautiful team sport to watch such is the quality and pace.And the Needle. 100% wasnt he? He started it all really God bless him...
Elvis a hit, Warriors top dogs - what was it like when Australia last won Bledisloe Cup?
All sporting rivals are cyclical and this reign will be broken... at some stage. The current Bledisloe arrangement has the Wallabies having 2 games at homeWe make ourselves look more arrogant than the keyboard heroes with pieces trumpeting our greatness and this only aggravates Stephen Jones and the like to scrawl their bile.Personally I loved the edge of your seat Bledisloe contests during the mid-eighties through the mid-90s. My favourite was the wet-weather clinic at Athletic Park in 1966 but the reality is that while that was a thrashing those contests were much closer.We actually need Australian Rugby to regain some of its strength and I would much prefer we let them have the stage for this sort of stuff, rather than putting the boot in ourselves.
Mark Reason: All Blacks coach crash cries out for Joe Schmidt
Whether or not Steves time is coming to an end is really his and Tews call, Mark.Continuing to take pot-shots at our most successful Coach since the Needle says more about you than him.What if these strategies gel and the All Blacks pull ahead of the pack next year? While the All Blacks have not been operating on all eight cylinders this season they are experimenting with change, at the coalface, and are still there or thereabouts.Joe is clearly a worthwhile discussion, as is Rennie, Joseph, Razor, and a number of others. The other question is the assistants, especially as Smith has gone. Weve also lost Byrne and are likely to lose Cron.
Statistics only serve to show the Crusaders are due a Super Rugby playoff loss
Bugger the stats.2 VERY good teams in a knock-out semi provides its own cantilever. Chuck in the vagaries of Peyper and ANYTHING can happen.But if I had to choose: Set-piece is where its going to be at. Crusaders have a Test pack and unless the Canes can 'ify this they could struggle as they have been scoring off their own set-piece.And home-ground, irrespective of the crowd, is gold too. I rate both teams but the Canes have fluctuated more at this end of the season and I just cant see them getting past the red and black.
Steve Hansen's All Blacks message: stay grounded or Pumas will embarrass us
We tend to play Los Pumas at a similar time each year, the Bledisloe pretty much done and dusted and the All Blacks ready to inject alternates from the squad into the fray.While this doesnt really expose the All Blacks they have struggled at times against Los Pumas. Creevy, Lavanini, Sanchez and others are all pretty handy too. Ledesma does have them humming since dumping Hourcade; beating the Boks, up front, no less, is not small potatoes from the Argentinians. And like the All Blacks, the Argentinians can capitalise on broken field play.They are unlikely to beat us in Nelson but make no mistake, will be better than last year and Shag is right to want to keep the lads, especially those the author mentions, grounded and focused.
Brendan Venter: All Blacks use 'click attack' to devastating effect
Great piece Mr Venter.Countering in broken play has always been a strength of the All Blacks.But there are others: Set-piece, a see-sawing strength in the past is as solid as it has ever been, especially the increasingly important line-out; and better, our forwards are more mobile and skillful at the gain-line than ever before. Brendan also hits on another big one, fitness; the All Blacks pride themselves on it and its massive. You cant make good decisions without it. A strong leadership group that can ameliorate a game-plan on the hoof. 2007 taught us that lesson.Our grass roots, similar to South Africa actually, is an important contributor; our Secondary Schools Competition is something else and is the real initial pathway into top club and provincial rugby.
Drew Mitchell expects Wallabies to bounce back from heavy defeats to All Blacks
Folau (ankle), as well as David Pocock (neck), Taniela Tupou (hamstring) and Nick Phipps (ribs) all remain in varying degrees of doubt for the clash ahead of Thursdays team announcement.Thats some serious weaponry unavailable to a side with questionable depth, especially Pocock.As usual it will start up front, initially anyway and the Boks will be looking to capitalise there after Mendoza. But Genie is the most important player in gold for me. If he fires, and we have seen him to this in Dunedin behind a beaten pack he can give Foley confidence, which he really needs.
"Phil Gifford: Why Steve Hansen could - and should - stay on
Hes got my vote
Damian McKenzie picked to play fullback for the All Blacks v Wallabies
Unlikely, unless theres an injury. No way will Smith or Reiko come off when Richie is subbed on; it would be DM who leaves more than likely.
Elvis a hit, Warriors top dogs - what was it like when Australia last won Bledisloe Cup?
Jeremy Paul was hooker then, from memory. Yeah, the 3 Test series was a cheeky attempt by John ONeill to try to get the thing back more regularly and does lend to your argument.But Australian rugby has a dwindling fan-base and is largely supported by SANZAR revenue. Frankly Im amazed Castle has paid $6m to their Captain unless its part of a long term strategy that will lock in a number of leaders.NZ and Australia are contributing to a growth spurt in the game up North (Jones, Schmidt, Cotter, Nucifora, Mitchell, to name a few who are or have had influence over their national squads). And they have resources that we can only dream of.We need Australia and the Boks to regain their strength along with Los Pumas likely improvement under Ledesma. Not at our expense but Rugby needs it all the same.And Searching... Ive got a bad feeling about Saturday night...
Beauden Barrett's goalkicking issues - are they physical or are they mental?
So... your childhood. How do you feel about that?I lean more to Coopers technique thing but only Beauden really knows. He does tend to chip it from in front or out right, I guess.Man, hes got a tough act to follow in Dan, Mehrts, Fox and he DID hit the post twice.2 things: 1) Give the tee to someone else if you have to, especially when the bench clears and youve got options. 2) Surely we have learnt by now the cumulative effect that influences the outcome of games. We didnt lose because of Beauden and if that rationale is applied surely ALB and Jordie should also be lying down on the leather couch answering questions about the their relationship with their parents.
English referee Wayne Barnes reveals plan to retire after 2019 Rugby World Cup
I still find Wayne pedantic, especially at scrum time and not always correct is his rulings.And 2007 was a horror show, both from him and Kaplan, but equally the dumbfounded All Blacks and it wasnt just the forward pass.Barnes was so far out of his depth in 2007 that the Refereeing administration should take some blame. He almost froze and really only refereed one side in that second half.Nevertheless he has developed into a fine referee and his tenure merits recognition; but the best referee in the world is the singing Welshman Owens with Australias own unflappable Gardiner probably backing him up.
Stuff's Super Rugby semi picks
Home ground advantage and superior set-piece should count in knock-out football.But 13+ in each game Marc?
Mark Reason: How I hate the TMO
Convoluted laws.Varying interpretations.Officials too afraid to make a match-winning call at the death.Sideline officials who have less and less to say in real time?A governing body that then hangs those refs out in front of a public which contains at least one element of vitriol.Rugby has done so much to present a spectacle that is solid, beautiful even, when its played right and yet its managing to damage that same product because it hasnt invested in the policing of the game.And as for the Judiciary; dont even get me started.Mark has a point...