Gatland waiting in the wings as the French grassroots go to the polls

It’s unfair to judge Tupaea on the handful of games he’s had in 2022 before he got nearly crippled by a Wallaby lock. What could Tupaea/Proctor pairing be, if they got the same amount of chances as Jordie/Rieko?

Because no matter how you spin it, playing a player outside of his natural position is a poor asset management. No matter how talented he is, he still competes against players who had years and years of practice at the position. And if said guy is so talented that he actually CAN compete against specialists, imagine how much better still he could have been, if he had all those years to iron the toothing issues at the position. It just drives me mad.

Two things I hate in rugby union beyond description: aping after league, and playing players outside of their natural position. Especially considering, that they all admit they hate it, when they’re allowed to speak freely. Owen Farrell spent 80% of his international career at 12, saying every time when asked, that he is a 10 and prefers to play at 10. Those players are literally held at a gunpoint: play out of position, or no national jersey for you.

Good development of players but similar late fades in several games

Overall a lot of good things to progress

No one really cares or will remember this loss. WC still 3 years away and by then they will be a settled team. Very hard to beat. This is just another click bait article most likely and more than willing to give it a skip

Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.

As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.

6 or 7 max!!

They have beaten the worst Welsh side ever and pipped England in OT

They do look attractive to watch I admit but got smashed by the Welsh scrum last week

Look at the areas of focus for Razor and Ryan

Huge player development in the ABs and ABs XV

One might argue that the only scrum more dominant is the Boks? And that wasn’t clear in SA until the bomb squad came on

The bench has been somewhat rectified since then

Can’t compare that Italy team at the World Cup to this

New coach and a very good 6N since then

Frustrating ABs display nevertheless

A number of issues including 10 and midfield attack but we now have 6 quality props

Aumua and Vaai in form when those were major areas of concern

Holland and Taukei’aho to come in

ABs XV played on this tour so I don’t know where the slide is

Perhaps refer?