Champions Cup : le programme des huitièmes de finale

Tip: better to leave emotion at the door when you’re trying to build a credible and watertight argument…

For NZ, this is not actually a problem despite all the publicity Razor is generating around it to get his favourite player back. Generally speaking they have always had their very best players available to play for the ABs, so the system is working perfectly exactly as intended.

The problem for NZ rugby is the fringe ABs and second tier of very talented rugby players that leave. Let's be honest how many players that have left would actually be selected for the ABs 23? I think there are 3 or 4 in the history of professional rugby. Then maybe another 5 or 6 who were right up there but had not earned a regular starting place. These payers leaving severely effects the quality of NPC and Super Rugby, but NZ can't afford to keep all of the next best 30 or so players in the country.

As an England fan, back in the 2000-2003 days it was NZ, Aus, Ire and Fra that were our major challenge and seeing all those contrasting styles was awesome, but especially Aus really had a distinctive running game that was unique. Helps that the Brumbies back then were such a joy to watch. For Aus to be back up the top, as well as the aforementioned teams, and added to that now obviously SA since 2005, AND now with Sco and hopefully a resurgent Wal in the next 3 seasons, there is a real hope that the next world cup could be ultra ultra, ultra competitive. It really needs Aus to be contenders though and this autumn was really promising on that front.

But yes, I agree, the All Blacks is no place for politcs. If Perenara wants unity, the best advice would be to steer clear of politics altogether, which by nature is a devisive sport these days. It doesn't matter how well intentioned your words are; it's naivety to believe nobody will take exception to a political stance.

The most disappointing aspect of all this is that we were promised a response to the French stumble. Young players were denied a run because our old buck's demanded to right the wrongs. Great players deserved a farewell, of course. Instead we got a Haka to remember and a fairly limp performance.

Afterwards we were told the team weren't there mentally, which is odd given their demands to make amends.

I've often wondered if there's too much senior player power in this team. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for giving responsibility and ownership to players or employees generally, but there has to be a limit.

Selections should be based solely on what's best for the team, both now and in the future. Not because of player's wishes or for farewell appearances or parting political statements.

It was a wasted opportunity to expose some young players against a tricky oposition; at least they would have been playing for the right reasons.