England backrow Clifford returns home from Portuguese training camp

As for Sevu Reece. Always looks a million dollars are Super level, but it never carries over to internationals when against the top teams. Some players have their level, his is Super, no more.

If he’s our 10 come 2027, it’s a damning statement of NZs talent development. Especially if the two backup options in the World Cup squad are two other guys on the wrong side of 30.

Maybe some fans want to see ‘shiny new things’ because no one else seems to be given a chance to prove themselves, unless via injury, before being dropped for the ‘leadership group’. Even in Super Rugby teams, you never see established All Blacks dropped no matter how badly they’re playing, it’s always the non-ABs who pay the selection price.

No wonder NZ is sweating on their 10’s, they keep dicking them about between one position and another. Jack of all trades, master of none.

As for the Cake Tin. That and Eden Park in particular are just far too big for today’s Super and NPC crowds. Both cities would be better off finding a good 10,000-15,000-seater stadium. That might create some demand for tickets, and some much needed atmosphere.

Assuming Dmac takes sabbatical next year, Jacomb will be our 10 and with some level of Waikato/Chiefs continuity in the coaches expected (Gibbes or Filipo as head coach), David Hill will continue to be in charge of the backs.

On that note Barrett’s chip was probably pure luck as well, I mean he chips it whenever theres a line in front of him so it’s not necessarily like any great amount of vision saw that opportunity!

I think Jacomb can be a very good 10 for the Chiefs but they are going to need to change the plan completely to suit him. What works well with Dmac is not going to work well for Jacomb, perhaps the exact opposite of Dmac as his strength is being strong with the ball flat at the line while making decisions.

Would hope for a really smart coach in the Lancaster mould to take over the chiefs, or a young guy like O’Gara was coming in as attack coach, and build on the good foundation McMillan’s built. Actually Joe Schmidt might be just the guy!

But in regards to the common facets weve seen many times before already, he tried running and showing some threat on the counter (which we haven’t seen for a long time, since he used to top charts as a through and through fullback) and put himself under pressure numerous times because he just can’t handle contact in todays level of rugby. I actually thought he was bloody luck on a few occasions to get out of jail with possession of the ball still.

And with all that said, I also agree, the turn out is sad. But there is a mismatch between how much the media thinks this country is rugby mad and the actual reality of rugby fandom in this country. Maybe the powers that be should target families and students with cheaper prices.