Bath - La Rochelle : Alldritt et Russell titulaires, Botia sur le banc

'Razor's conservatism is in danger of halting New Zealand's progress'

JW 7 minutes ago

You remind me of a Springbok fan!

LOL

'It doesn’t make sense for New Zealand to deny itself access to world-class players'

JD Kiwi 8 minutes ago

I'm a Chiefs fan and can report that we were better when he went off and Robbie Robinson came on. He played his part but nothing special.

You clearly don't rate Barrett but a succession of SR and test coaches disagree and they're the ones that matter.

'Razor's conservatism is in danger of halting New Zealand's progress'

JW 9 minutes ago

And without the ability for the AB's to smoothly transition into the next cycle following him.

Rassie is also unable select his players in every game due to the difficult climate of selecting players from the NH club season. He has to rest them throughout their August>November offseason.

Will overseas selection make the difference for British and Irish Lions?

NH 12 minutes ago

Even some of the tour matches against the super teams are already sold out i think.

Will overseas selection make the difference for British and Irish Lions?

NH 13 minutes ago

Nick if Joe does step down post-lions, what do you think is the best way forward? There are some obvious candidates at the super clubs, but i'm reticent to take them away from their clubs as its the first time in a while we have had this type of coaching quality at super level, and those teams improving will help improve the wbs. But, I also want to see as much continuity as possible... I know its crazy and won't happen, but I wonder if they'd entertain rennie 2.0? He has a gameplan in the same ballpark as schmidt, has a positive relationship with the players and coaches like laurie, and I assume would be willing to work with schmidt if he stayed on as some form of assistant/consultant. I know that sounds crazy, but the alternate is wiping the slate clean for the 4th time in 4 years!? I'd love it also just for how much it would annoy ojohn also.

'Razor's conservatism is in danger of halting New Zealand's progress'

JW 14 minutes ago

He's saying you're a conspiracy theorist Bull.

Whats the latest on spinach?

'Razor's conservatism is in danger of halting New Zealand's progress'

JW 14 minutes ago

They are, yes, slower than I had hoped but getting there, but I believe he'll use that depth next year.

What are you talking about spinach for?

'It doesn’t make sense for New Zealand to deny itself access to world-class players'

JD Kiwi 16 minutes ago

I'll repeat myself yet again. He was good in 2015 but not after that. In the absence of anyone else he was in the squad but behind Barrett & Cruds (while the latter was still here) and by the time he left he was behind Mo'unga too.

You might disagree with the selectors but it's their judgement that counts and they didn't think he would enhance the team. It's very hard to imagine that they would then select him when he's stinking the place out in Europe.

Will overseas selection make the difference for British and Irish Lions?

NH 19 minutes ago

Agreed. I understand why schmidt wants a white/gordon type to start in terms of style but I think he should've given tate an opportunity when gordon was injured. He was a real gamebreaker in that england game when he came on for jake at the 30th minute. You can't replicate that edge sometimes. Or bring him on at the 30th minute for a game or 2 and see how it goes... The only thing I can think is that Schmidt was keeping some powder dry on the bench with the likes of BPA and Lukhan also preferred on the bench even though they probably could have rights to start. I do feel he has gotten the balance of his bench and starters right for the most part.

Will overseas selection make the difference for British and Irish Lions?

NH 23 minutes ago

I agree in general, but have you seen that edge from white the last few starts he has had? I don't feel like he was commanding with the starts he had, but always hard when you only get one go at it. Jake did surprise me with his performances when he started vs wales and georgia and both rennie and schmidt now have seen something in him that many of us from the outside haven't. he must be a bit of a leader in the group...

'Razor's conservatism is in danger of halting New Zealand's progress'

JW 26 minutes ago

Of course it does. I suggest stop picking random games out of your head to try and make a point.

'It doesn’t make sense for New Zealand to deny itself access to world-class players'

JD Kiwi 30 minutes ago

You can't be serious Ed. Plummer was clearly rated behind the others by Razor and would only be suitable for a ten man rugby team. As a Chiefs fan, I can say that Bryn is a journeyman and Ioane is dreadfully inconsistent. Black and Morgan weren't first choice 10s at SR level and Sarries are already looking for a replacement for Burke.

Aphelele Fassi: 'I gave up on myself, I would wake up exhausted with no plan'

Sithemba Gqokoma 31 minutes ago

Nice to read about turn around from negative positition positive one and no doubt that return of Rassie to coaching position also played crucial role,in putting confidence on the player.

6 Go to comments

JW 39 minutes ago

'It doesn’t make sense for New Zealand to deny itself access to world-class players'

To be fair with todays contracting ability of NZR Anscombe would be retained in the country. It's become much better than it was.

'It doesn’t make sense for New Zealand to deny itself access to world-class players'

JD Kiwi 40 minutes ago

Thomas the Tank is a kiwi.

I didn't say that they encouraged other players to come. They as individuals strengthened the comp/team and young kiwis were able to learn from them. I can't think of a single AB prospect who left because of one of them.

'It doesn’t make sense for New Zealand to deny itself access to world-class players'

JW 40 minutes ago

I thought he was really good for the Chiefs and only played 15 for them because the team was better with him and Cruden both on the field at the same time.

Both players being better than BB.

'It doesn’t make sense for New Zealand to deny itself access to world-class players'

JW 43 minutes ago

It's of no consequence to me what a English side does with him, the rugby is so different there it's irrelevant international consideration, in the same way that thinking a sub par SR player who magically becomes one of the best over there is actually good, you can't be going to suggest to me Morgan, West or Gopperth would be All Blacks quality now JD.

We know Lima was top international quality, and sure, players can drop form for mutliple reasons, all I know is Samoa was measures better upgrading from Christian to Lima, and went from losing to a poor Japan side, to nearly beating the 3rd place winners. Solely on his contribution. Just because he doesn't have the flashy Mo'unga moments you want was exactly why his SA performance was so well applauded, he quitely ran the team around the park like a first five should.

I'd suggest to you you're narrow view is the reason you find contemplating these changes so hard, and why you're so extreme and make Razor level 'stubborn' arguments as a result. You hve to try and perceive what Sopoaga would have been like if the rules were different, not whether today he would be of value (he's obviously captured so you whole argument is null and void).

Black Ferns land trio of home Tests ahead of 2025 Rugby World Cup

ao 44 minutes ago

Why is the black ferns playing all there pacific four series game at home it’s not right

Two years ago they played 2 games in Canada but other than that they always play there games at home in the pac 4

2 Go to comments

JD Kiwi 56 minutes ago

'It doesn’t make sense for New Zealand to deny itself access to world-class players'

Ok his dad picked him at ten and BB at fifteen in the juniors but once they became adults there was ever only one serious candidate for the All Blacks from the pair of them.

None of the names listed were All Black level when they left and by the time they were, they'd been captured and not selectable under World Rugby regs. Also, they left for more money as project players and they'd have known they'd earn more money playing for Wales or Ireland than the All Blacks.