John Mitchell: 'It’s never personal – it became really clear in my own stomach'

I have not argued that the 5:3 is sacrosanct. I have argued that it is the intention of the law. The intention of the law should be sacrosanct.

Again, the WR board need to verify what the intention of the law was (relevant legal advice will clear it up). If it backs what Doyle claims then subs should be used in the 5:3 format. If others on the board want to change the law to allow for other splits they should use the appropriate method to do so.

Finally of there is doubt about the interpretation of a law International Unions should consult with World Rugby before loopholing the law. Rassie knew exactly what he was doing. He knew if he inquired about a non 5-3 split then he would be asked to wait for clarification. He deserves blame here.

Lots of nations do this Nick. NZ for example has guys like Dmac and Reece and then a few 140kg props. Sadly its the “average” weight of each position from 20 years ago that has changed the game, with many players now 10-15kg heavier than the 80-90s

I love the concept of less swaps and would love to see something bought in to ensure we see more true fatique in the game. The thing I dislike is that a team coach like Razor can complain that he wants the game sped up, but when NZ gets a penalty or free kick the opportunity to go quickly isnt often taken. I suppose Im saying that even with the current 8 man bench of replacements there is still opportunities to speed the game up even before we change the subs laws.

Rieko has been having ‘quiet’ games for the Blues and ABs for years now. So this is hardly news.

Rieko (for some reason) has a mortgage on that 13 jersey, and given Proctor is off contract soon I’d say he’ll be gone. With the returning Leicester Fainga’anuku playing 13 in the NH, and apparently no way past Ioane and ALB (no matter how poorly they both play) who would blame Proctor if he did leave.

And let’s face it—Ireland’s “Project” Player plan was so on the nose that WR moved from a 3- to 5-year residency just to address what Ireland was doing.

Whilst you highlight how the players improved because of the coaching they received in Ireland, I think that, to a large part, you can ask how they would have developed in NZ if they had remained?

Aki was on the AB radar and JGP and Lowe were Super Level and Maori ABs, I think all of those players if they had remained in NZ, would have pushed for National Honours, but it’s one of those woulda, coulda moments.

However, they are an example of what has and is occurring in NZ.

And that is Mid-tier players can’t afford to wait around and hope they develop into ABs. They give it a go for a number of years, but there comes a time when they need to bank some money to build some financial security.

A prime example is Folau Fakatava. If he can’t crack the ABs (think his contract ends this year), I would expect him to head offshore, and then, like JGP, as he ages and gains further experience, I would bet that he turns into the WC player he has the potential to be.

Market forces etc - not great for NZ or Oz, but a simple reality of life.

For me I think 10 goes to Tom Lynagh and then toss up between BD & NL . No 8 is slightly more difficult. I think 2 of the players mentioned need to be either in the starting line up & the other 2 on the bench. Plus we still have Tom Hooper.

One thing I have noticed is that Fraser McR hasn’t been as dominant since his injury will Harry W bounce back with limited game time.

If you look back at the England series here in 2022 English forwards seem to bully the WBs both in the forwards and inside backs (9&10) and the pressure told. Throw in a few mad Irishmen & Scots it will only go up a gear. Our tight 5 and outside backs will withstand the pressure as they have matured its our back 3 (Bobby V can’t do it on his own) and 9 & 10. Jake Gordon at 9 is tough enough but Nick White will get distracted by the BS from the BIL forwards not sure about Tate

Both found a way to enjoy their rugby careers in ways other than just via pure God-given talent!