All Blacks centurion Retallick set to leave New Zealand rugby - report

Also an opportunity to give others a run.

Willis is solid in the lineout but I don't think Borthwick would pick a backrow without a 6'5" blindside.

The rest of us aren’t too far away (some closer than others)

But in reality if we include England Argentina and now Aus rugby looks greatly competitive

Bongis knock on and Lomaxes double bank

These things happen

The fact is the ABs overall have evolved with new players and others like Aumua Vaai and Williams who have progressed immensely

But by and large although it has improved overall our second halves are a massive work in progress

So a B- is about right provided there is no loss to Italy

A loss drops it to C- !!

Remember we could have lost all three games to England but were just slightly better that’s all

I think between Underhill, Curry, and Willis there isn't a huge amount between them. Maybe Willis would be good enough to start, but he wouldn't massively improve the team.

Rassie is a clever bugger, no doubt, but the Boks could play 52 players this year because of the systems they have put in place to find and develop players from schoolboy level up.

Wales lacks this, lacks a Director of Rugby. Firing Gatland won't change this fact. He is an world class coach. If anything Abi Tierney should be shipped out for failing to put these systems in place over the last 11 months.

Therefore Plummer does not deserve to start or be on the bench for an All Black Test if he is not one of the top two in his position. The third best player at a position should only be selected if one of the top two are injured.

This applies to all players at all positions.

The All Black XV team is for player development. The All Blacks should not be.

As good as any backrow on the planet.

Interestingly, last week in Buenos Aires I shared a table with a couple from Toulouse, who were at the Toulon game themselves, and were curious how much I knew about French club rugby. I explained the Brussels weather. They smiled and understood.

Now back in CA, biking again.