Piutau signs new one-year deal at Bristol

The MLR is FAR below NPC level. Southland and Manawatu would put 50 points on the MLR champions.

MLR is at the level of NZ premier club rugby at best.

If the US Eagles had all of their best international players available and contracted, they could put together a competitive team in Super Rugby over time. Same with Canada.

The only home nation to win a 6 Nations title(s) since the last tour should be well represented. Not to mention a slam and multiple triple crowns.

The fact that same nation has won their last 4 against Australia may have played on Farrells mind? Not least as he was part of the coaching set up for those games.

Lions to win the first game and Australia to settle into it and then view it as a 2 test series. I see them winning the next 2.

The touring schedule is too unkind to the lions.

Unfortunately two of Ireland’s top forwards have been ruled out by injury. I’m not sure they have enough depth to cope with that in the latter stages of the WC.

The performance of France at Twickenham was a surprise, you never know which French team will turn up. Having said that, for most of the match they were second best, but some slack tackling, complacency?, and their Gallic pride got them close on the scoreboard. I was there and whilst eventually grateful for the final whistle, we never felt their late flourish would prevail. When the Mexican wave starts after 25 minutes, you know the crowd thinks it’s already all over. You are right though, do not write off the French, they have strong forwards and flair in the backs. Give them an inch and they will take a mile. On their day they are a real handful for any team.

In England I think they give players more leeway to showboat and scream a bit. It’s just a cultural thing. I do understand that players are exuberant and they should be allowed to express themselves after scoring a try but, for me, players cross a line when they taunt the crowd.

You’re right - America is a different beast. Showboating is expected (and it works in NFL). Can’t see rugby ever going down that road.