Jerome Kaino and Joe Tekori sign on for more at Toulouse - reports

Argentina by multiple leagues of magnitude played better than Ireland today. Striking away a try in the 2nd minute did not necessarily lead to Arg demise, but as we all know, rugby is such an emotional game that then to be down 12-0 over nothing is gut-wrenching, especially as it was effectively a 19 point swing. Argentina’s fight back throughout the rest of the match was laudable.

A howl of great sadness for a beautiful sport that has criminal administrators, feckless refs, foppish TMOs, idiotic tv pundits, et al. attempting to collectively suicide the whole thing. No fault of the players or coaches necessarily. We have a situation where punitive cards that detract away from the essence and loftiness of the game itself are celebrated to a degree that is pathologically purblind. Rugby has created for itself a fetish for punishment rather than simply allowing the game to be played. Shameful.

Interesting.

We finished 2023 with 85% and a World Cup. On track for 80% in 2024 plus an RC.

Rassie’s the only guy who has any hope of getting close to that AB record.

What was Henry’s record up until 2011? Everyone knows how great the ABs were between 2007 and 2015. But there was a period of building that got them there that seems to get overlooked.

Rassie and Nienaber took a 7th ranked team to number one. Henry inherited the All Blacks from Mitchell (with an 82% win rate). Much easier job than turning water into wine.

I guess I can’t blame you for holding on so dearly to that itch. Those AB glory days are well and truly behind you. It’s all you’ve got to hang on to.

Good luck with France tomorrow. 🥴