A 'Missing the Rugby World Cup' XV - Part 2

Beard looks like a great player, but he's yet another 13, when what we really need is a 12. I'm also concerned that he's a player who thrives in loose games, when he's given lots of space to run, which is what he'll get against Japan. So if Bortwick picks him he'll probably play really well, but that actually won't tell us anything about whether he's international standard or not. Wales in the 6N might be an even easier game than Japan, but its likely to be more structured, so would give Beard a tougher test.

It probably would be good to see Clark and Willis given a shot. England really need a better number 8 option than Dombrandt, and a solid 4th choice second row - I'm not sure if Clark is that yet, but he's young so good grow into the role. Unfortunately he's never played 6 before, but I don't think that's an issue given that Martin, Itoje, and Chessum all have a lot of game time there.

Players milking penalties and injuries isn't new to rugby, to lambast Ireland for it is ridiculous. Clearly he hasnt watched many games with nic white, Farrell, Aaron smith, FAF or any other halfbacks. Let's not forget Sexton and his legendary dives. Players will always look to get an advantage on the field, it's literally their job.

What is it with kiwi pundits and thinking the timing of the call matters more than the offense. A knock after 5 phases is still a knock on. A high hit after 3 phases is still a high hit. First whinging about the RWC forward pass in 2007 not being picked up. Now everything is picked up and it's ruining the game. Pick a side.

However, the other side of the coin.... Galthie is basically doing what Rassie did and still do. He doesn't care now about between the WC. He wants to win the BIG ONE, the WC. So he is sending a younger team to NZ, and as much as we say or think they won't be ready because they didn't play the AB's, we are wrong.

Those same youngsters going on tour will eventually be playing for France and they are getting the experience needed on tour against top teams. Those same youngsters we may even see in the WC in 2027.

Seems like Galthie wants to concentrate on building depth for France. Who am I to say they are wrong in sending a young team, when I absolutely agree with what Rassie is doing?

Look at the Boks. The absolute monster depth they have and the talent coming through will be future stars. Why is it right for the Boks to build depth but not France? I know it will be a contentious subject because everyone wants to see the best teams go at it hammer and tongs.

And because I don't like kiwi coaches in Australia (Schmidt isn't even in Australia) I'm anti Australian rugby ? What the hell is wrong with you people ? You are so up yourselves.

South Africa and NZ both go through rebuilds and both are expected to win whilst rebuilding. Meanwhile, England is given credit for their physical "play style" and playing the best teams "close".

But the 6 jersey is a headache. Uru or Williams? And was Angus Bells scrum issues impacted by having a smaller hooker? Was hard to see why he struggled so much. Both Bell and Fawssler were obviously very good in the rest of play.

ALB makes an absolute meal of the whole situation with the truly horrible line he decides to run back infield. Desperately needed a line keep the defence square but he just ambles infield into the exact space Ioane is eying up and the defenders close the space easily. Maybe Ioane thought the ball was heading to ALB, but he HAS to catch that ball.

Why has it taken so long for Schmidt to select Skelton ? Because he's a kiwi living in NZ doing his best to not put Australia's best team on the paddock. We saw this with Deans, we saw it with Rennie and lo and behold, Schmidt is exactly the same.

Thankfully karma is finally catching up to NZ rugby.