Joe Schmidt explains surprise Nic White selection for Bledisloe Cup clash

That turnover try was actually a great example of were Jordies boot could have been used for territory instead of attacking (contestable). Hansen talking again about 'learnings' about what part of the field they want to play in. I would have thought that would be a basic principle about how the coaches want to play and it would be a bit late now to be learning that.

Nevrtheless we wait and see. One Barretts carrying though I'd suggest he only has a mandate to bring some physicality, not in how he does it. You can see how out of kilter he gets when he tries to do anything other than a simple cart up and pop. Just look at least week when he had two players on the outside to hit in multiple ways and he just indecisively takes the tackle before giving a poor overhead pop. That he still got the pass away hints at what he is "capable of" but as you saw, with free license, its just far off the mark. I've decided Rieko is my 12 from now on. I'd like Jordie to remain primarly at 12 at the Hurricans, as I feel that's were his best alround game can be kept in good shape, and you never know perhaps he will fill into the position after a while, but I'd like to try other centers essentially. But yes, if Razor/Hansen can get both him and Dmac humming in partnership they could also essentially cover many of the fb roles which aren't Jordans strength. Also obv happy to see Rieko tried on the wing just now I think that's more likely to fail than a Rieko/Proctor midfield.

But back to the midfield discussion, I just think only one can be allowed to operate in a cohesive and lethal AB backline. Two stifles it too much to be beneficial with it's 'stability'.

Nonu couldn't kick either. He followed exactly the same positional path I'm suggesting of Rieko. He can develop some subtility, it would be a huge work for sure, but hopefully his only one (I think he has a simple enough passing game to give it to Proctor to distribute, and would be comfortable enough with 12's lines already).

I haven't seen enough of the French 5/8s, but I'd definitely put them in the Dmac class of special players. Sacha of course will be a great but you can't count him for the same reason I haven't counted Dmac.

I think you're blind Nick. The position and backline plays exactly like it is Dmacs. Is that in and of itself a criticism? I think you could fairly say it is so until Dmac goes through some big games and finds out what works or doesn't work.

I think that you live under the auspices (your favourite word) of a broken mind. It can't be from rugby though as you've clearly never played the game.

If you reference culture wars on a rugby platform, then you deserve to get called out for the utter fool that you are.

Enjoy your flat earth Eddie the duck - quack, quack.