Ben Lam's 11-minutes of carnage leaves South African fans scratching their heads over Sharks' defence

Agreed. As a Saffa I have much respect for the ABs. I also have to say given any option I would ONLY prefer to lose to ABs. To lose to England is probably the most embarrassing think to happen to either of us.

There was a time when both of us lost to England and we both hated it. Thankfully those days are behind us. Kudos to you guys, kudos to ABs. But dear old BS seems to hate us Boks. No idea why.

SC 1 hour ago

In his first season, Razor has sorted through his forward pack and now has the starters and bench depth good enough to defeat any team in the world, including the Springboks, when they play to their ability. I'm sure he knows next season his best back row is Savea- Sititi- Lakai and just needs to settle on who wears which jersey.

I'm also sure Razor knows his weakness still the 10-12-13 axis and he needs to introduce 2 or 3 new midfielders. J. Barrett and Ioane just do not work well together in attack. One or both need to be dropped from the centers. And its time to put ALB and Havili out to pasture.

Hopefully two or more of Lam, Tupaua, Higgins, Macleod, and Proctor have outstanding Super Rugby seasons and demand a starting spot at 12 or 13.

Whoever thought that 10 would be the weakest position in NZ Rugby. I don't have a clue who is capable of a massive boost in their performance and earn selection from the current 10s playing for the NZ Super franchises and capable of taking a spot from Barrett or McKenzie.

Why England's defence of the realm has crumbled without Felix Jones

Ed the Duck 1 hour ago

I got the sense that holding him to it was kickback from SB and the rfu smarting at being jilted quite so soon, so unexpectedly and so publicly.

Seem to remember that they spoke to Gustard before appointing Joe and you really have to think he would have come in at a higher level?

RW 1 hour ago

This article highlights exactly the problem with Ben Smith's view of the ABs. In the past an almost win was unthinkable, it was unheard of and anyone saying "It's fine because given the right circumstances we would have won" would never be heard from again.

The fact that Ben Smith is trying to justify the ABs losses by saying they were almost wins shows how far the ABs have slipped from their peak with Richie McCaw and Co.

Also Richie and friends would have settled a rare loss by winning comfortably the next round.

Now dear Ol' BS is spouting ridiculous statements by saying the other teams were no good. Funny how the teams that were no good somehow managed to beat the 'best team' in Ben Smith's world.

Hm makes you wonder doesn't it?

Why England's defence of the realm has crumbled without Felix Jones

Flankly 2 hours ago

Yes. Departure of good coaches for no externally visible reason. Not even a cover story. Could be a major rugby disagreement or a compensation issue. Or maybe it's about an interventionist RFU administration. Whatever the reason it does look like a raised middle finger.

Why England's defence of the realm has crumbled without Felix Jones

DP 2 hours ago

Jacques Nienabers blitz defensive system. Jones brought in to implement Nienabers system.

Johan Ackermann returns to SA in new coaching role

DP 2 hours ago

No. He’s needed back home. Potential future Bok coach once Rassie gets tired and retires. Ackerman is key to sourcing and unlocking future talent. What a score for SA rugby.

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CV 2 hours ago

Junior Kpoku snubs England approach to extend Top 14 deal - report

Since 2016, France only select players who are French citizens unless selected on residency earlier. Only Atonio is left of that group. JIFF just means they're not counted as foreign players. Meafou became eligible after he obtained his citizenship.

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DrinkAwayTheConcussion 2 hours ago

Five changes for the All Blacks, including the return of Sam Cane

Well at least he didn’t pick Chay Fihaki. There’s a positive.

10 Go to comments

BM 2 hours ago

Italy vs New Zealand | Live & Latest Rugby Union Scores & Results | RugbyPass

BRING IT ALL ON ITALY! CAN'T WAIT!🤩😎🙃

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Flankly 2 hours ago

The Springboks confirm one change made to team named on Tuesday

100%. I guess that's why Rassie was willing to depower the starters in jerseys 1-10. The Ox decision makes a huge difference. Big surprise, if it's not forced.

5 Go to comments

Hellhound 2 hours ago

Another click bait BS article from a BS person. Pathetic really.

Why England's defence of the realm has crumbled without Felix Jones

NB 2 hours ago

Its primitive to say the least Ed [Joe's D]

Ppl are saying that there is a willingness to let Joe work his way into international rugby but he's starting from a helluva lot lower base than Felix was. Atm the defensive side is crippling England's game, which winds us back to why Felix resigned when he did. I don't really understand the 12 month release clause either, surely it cannot be comfortable if he's looking over Joe and the players' shoulder from afar?