Hibbard's 'shock' about the new season already starting

It doesn’t say anything, particularly. No10 isn’t the only position in a team and not the sole determiner of who wins or loses.

Another 24 minutes ago

I agree that people should count their chickens about the France squad until it is actually picked and shouldn’t underestimate them regardless. I think Toulouse will probably make the final though.

YeowNotEven 28 minutes ago

Peter Lakai is our seven, Wallace at 8, Samipeni will own SR and take the 6.

Ardie the bench option if he performs. He’s on the way out.

Another 29 minutes ago

"It seems like the idea of Ardie Savea moving to openside flanker is no longer on the table"

Says who? Savea was picked on the open side, with Wallace Sititi at 8, against France. It makes no difference to Savea’s game, whatsoever and allows Sititi to play in his preferred position. It also provides an option to bring in a third loose forward that may provide a better lineout option and a big body to compete with some of the big bodies found in other teams.

It was unfortunate that Finau was injured so early on against France before he had a chance to show how he might combine with Savea and Sititi, and there is still a possibility that Hoskins Sotutu might be effective alongside them too.

Don’t count out viable options.

The All Blacks don't need overseas-based players

Another 34 minutes ago

The manner of all these comments is that it doesn’t matter who plays No10 for the All Blacks, apparently they are all rubbish!

Seriously, people need to get a grip and stop obsessing over every tiny error made from an overscrutinised position. DMac was good this year for the most part, as was Beauden Barrett. Mo’unga was good last year and would be an asset in the group if he did come back. I don’t see it as an area of concern.

The main concern in 2025 is finding another world class lock and loose forward, followed by some scrutiny over the midfield combination in my view.

96 Go to comments

RedWarrior 6 hours ago

Loose Leinster scrape by Connacht to extend winning run

I was at this match. Jordie Barrett earned his money with a massive hit to slow a connaught attack to win the math when Leinster had 14 in the last few mins. Mack Hansen had a real go at the refereeing after citing a serious head hits on Iaone and Aki.

connaught were up for this. Snyman tried a trademark dirty after, and the onnaught 4 and the onnaught pack absolutely laid into him.

Leinster hose to kick to the corner when only winning by 5 with 10 left and qith only 2 tries scored. onnaught should have punisihed them for that utter stupidity after they broke out and Leinster yellowed to stop the attack.

13 changes from last week. It seems teams are scoring about 10 points less against Leinster this year. With Neinaber in his second year, the new attack coah established, surely they will be a bigger threat in champions up? Or will the attack recgress further.

They must adopt the SA philosophy of take your 3 pointers and the bonus points will come.

connaught back line inluding Iaone, Murphy, Aki, Forde, cordero is the seond best in Ireland surely. Leinster were lucky here

3 Go to comments

Tom 6 hours ago

David Ribbans: 'It's the reason why I'm here, not still in England'

Should have played more for England but he jumped ship just as he was breaking through.

Bath vs Saracens | Live & Latest Rugby Union Scores & Results | RugbyPass

SA!! 6 hours ago

I feel like this is going to be a tough game for both teams, but I think that Bath is going to win.

Bath vs Saracens | Live & Latest Rugby Union Scores & Results | RugbyPass

SA!! 6 hours ago

Crazy play for Bath.

World Rugby U20 Championship: The RugbyPass team of the tournament

nN 7 hours ago

Not 1 Irish player in the 23 ? They came 4th, joke

Derek Murray 11 hours ago

Good point re the kicking quality/length. I recall now that we discussed that very thing at the game. When they did kick they gained a handful of metres only.

It makes the women’s game consider a different set of options if kicking provides such small benefit.

SK 12 hours ago

Set pieces are important and the way teams use them is a great indication of how they play the game. No team is showcasing their revolution more than the Springboks. This year they have mauled less and primarily in the attacking third. Otherwise they have tended to set like they are going to maul and then play around the corner or shove the ball out the back. They arent also hitting the crash ball carrier constantly but instead they are choosing to use their width or a big carrying forward in wider areas. While their maul is varied the scrum is still a blunt instrument winning penalties before the backs have a go. Some teams have chosen to blunt their set piece game for more control. The All Blacks are kicking more penalties and are using their powerful scrum as an attacking tool choosing that set piece as an attacking weapon. Their willingness to maul more and in different positions is also becoming more prominent. The French continue to play conservative rugby off the set piece using their big bruisers frequently. The set piece is used differently by different teams. Different teams play different ways and can be successful regardless. They can win games with little territory and possession or smash teams with plenty of both. The game of rugby is for all types and sizes and thats true in the modern era. I hope that administrators keep it that way and dont go further towards a Rugby League style situation. Some administrators are of the opinion that rugby is too slow and needs to be sped up. Why not rather empower teams to choose how they want to play and create a framework that favours neither size nor agility. That favours neither slow tempo play or rock n roll rugby. Create a game that favour both and challenge teams to execute their plans. If World Rugby can create a game like that then it will be the ultimate winner.

Tk 12 hours ago

A new axis at 10, 12 & 13 is needed. And to start blooding young players who may be good enough to win us a world cup rather than stick with known players who won't.

NB 12 hours ago

I can see England beating France at Twickers...

NB 12 hours ago

HC to you too Mitch and thanks for all your involvements. Yes, though they always tended to be way ahead in terms of content!

NB 12 hours ago

Too true Tom.

NB 12 hours ago

yep ideal👍

Mitch 14 hours ago

Merry Christmas, Nick. Thanks for all your articles.

For all the doom and gloom around super rugby, its stats are very similar to the Gallagher Premiership with the exception of ball in play time.

Mitch 16 hours ago

The Boks will remain formidable while Rassie is running the show. Can't see England beating the French anytime soon. New Zealand will be OK as long as they don't get complacent about rugby League's efforts to make serious inroads in New Zealand.