Ireland name team for Japan with 8 changes from win over England

Veterans return for All Blacks as team to play France named

Head high tackle 11 minutes ago

I think last weeks team was stronger except for Taylor. Bench was also stronger combo wise. How DeGroot has gone from best at WC last year, to not in side without even playing this tour, is astounding and Savea hasnt played 7 regularly since Cane became Captain in 2020.

Australia's Brett Robinson elected new chairman of World Rugby

Head high tackle 23 minutes ago

Id enjoy seeing a break-a-way but could not see that being the reason. Maybe LIV rugby LOL.

Why Australia won't see the best of Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii at centre

Ardy 24 minutes ago

I have concerns about Tom Wright at FB but only in his D. He seems to be out of position often. I haven't looked at his stats but he appears to be making only a few tackles.

Australia's Brett Robinson elected new chairman of World Rugby

Head high tackle 24 minutes ago

I wouldnt miss mauls. Legal blocking. You cant even stand your ground anymore when a kick is put up but mauls allow 7 men to block the defenders in a maul.

Why Australia won't see the best of Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii at centre

NH 39 minutes ago

I don't think there was any duping Nick, it was simply a case of 'hamish knows best' and what he says goes. With all the dust settled, what worries me is that many that allowed him to make that decision and the sacking of marinos are still on the board or in the chair (Herbert and waugh). Can we say they have the integrity to do the right thing when it comes down to it?

Why Australia won't see the best of Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii at centre

NH 41 minutes ago

I think the omission of skelton and kerevi probably has two parts to it. 1) Everyone talks about the level of detail Schmidt coaches at, so i assume kinda like under rennie it takes the players 3-4 weeks before they're across everything and the coach is happy with their level of understanding. 2) Schmidt seems big on combos and cohesion, so I think he is a little reluctant to bring guys in who are only going to play a game or two but then might not be available down the track... This is the same reason why on the flipside JAS was maybe brought in so early, to try and build that combo as much as possible before the lions. Regardless, I think we will get to see both skelton and kerevi in gold before the tour is finished (otherwise why bring them in at all?), but he better do it soon. Are they available for the last game(s)?

Why Australia won't see the best of Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii at centre

NH 49 minutes ago

No need to have nella go for 70 like bell because we have a handy replacement in AAA. Boks props do their 40 and off.

Regardless of the France result Razor's All Blacks have proved something

Another 51 minutes ago

The Blues strategy - ongoing pick and drive - isn't what the All Blacks team is currently employing. They haven't changed their tactics, they have just strengthened the personnel - especially from the bench. Players returning from injury - Jordan Tuipolutu, Roigard have changed the form of the team.

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RiekoTheHumbleConquerorOfIreland 52 minutes ago

The 'turning point' Andy Farrell rued in Ireland's All Blacks loss

Well done on not blocking me though. Shows growth in your discussion ability.

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Willardi 55 minutes ago

Jake White: If I was England coach, I’d have been livid

Really like your articles Jake.

With the rule changes I’m astonished at the regularity of Union rule changes. Other sports take it nice and slow and even then it’s a mess e.g VAR. I think the French saying is “plus ca change, plus ca meme choise “

The split bench. Its hilarious. I’m think you are my vintage and you may recall the formidable West Indies bowling attack in the 70’s. If Stephen Jones or Beaumont were commenting on that they would say let’s change the rules as these 6ft7 seamers are ripping into our top and middle order.

Its mad.

Rassie went with a 5-3 split to demonstrate whatever the make up of our bench we are still going to be very difficult to beat. For heavens sake Wilco Louw is our 4 choice tight head. Good grief.

France suffer double injury blow ahead of All Blacks clash

GrandDisse 1 hour ago

More mobile indeed, but far less experienced at this level atm, in particular for Tatafu. I believe Flament is also quite above his replacement choices, but anyway he will play.

Great team overall, although I'm leaning toward a AB victory as they had the whole season to build together.

Veterans return for All Blacks as team to play France named

RiekoTheHumbleConquerorOfIreland 1 hour ago

I find Cortez a bit quiet chat wise; TJ and Nuggy were very vocal, knew how to draw attention to players killing our ball and that sort of thing.

It’s just experience.

Jake White: If I was England coach, I’d have been livid

JB 1 hour ago

Great article as an England fan. I can't get my head around how poor we are at the moment with all our resources.

Wales 'in one of their deepest holes for a long time'

RiekoTheHumbleConquerorOfIreland 1 hour ago

Need some new coaching blood that’s for sure. Someone willing to bleed for Wales, not someone looking forward to a glass of wine on the beach after they get fired.

Veterans return for All Blacks as team to play France named

LRB 1 hour ago

I think you might be right, especially if the AB's win. Mind you, the Ireland Argentina should be juicy.!

Four Ireland talking points as Aki axed and two rookies make bench

Cantab 1 hour ago

Unfortunately NZ lacks a centre field pairing that can break the line like Bundee can even though otherwise defensively sound. Argentina could well be a banana skin team for the Irish. Underestimate at their peril.

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CO 1 hour ago

Forget Ireland, the All Blacks face the real alpha of Europe next

Exactly

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Hellhound 1 hour ago

Forget Ireland, the All Blacks face the real alpha of Europe next

As I said, a good player doesn't mean a good person. That is a very good example of why he is a great player, but not a GOAT and why he never will be. Rugby is a team sport, not an individual sport. If he thinks he can beat the AB's on his own, the French is in for a massive hiding. Especially if there is sour grapes in the team, because they won't play as one unit, but rather like seperate pieces. Instead of passing, they will go it alone and the AB's will destroy them. The real joke of this whole article is calling the French the real Alpha of the North.

72 Go to comments

B 1 hour ago

Scott Robertson explains the new halves pairing for the All Blacks ahead of France

Taylor must have passed the medical and trained well enough for Jason to start him.

The replays of him staggering and stumbling over didn't look good for mine and had the similarity to a punch drunk pugilist in need of more time to fully recover.

Anyways if he can play as good as he normally does for as long as he can, Aumua and co. will definitely get the All Blacks over the line.

Cam and Damian also showed how in sync they are leading up Aumua's try assist pass to Jordan where Beauden would have gone kick pass and most likely stuffed it up.

Go the All Blacks...Wallace Sititi to score a try for Sammy...onwards and upwards...