L'Italien Nicotera (Stade Français) suspendu quatre semaines

Agree, the trio needs to work. Skills sets where one of the trio is weaker can be made up from the other two, or even the other forwards (but that’s getting on a slippery slope - tight forwards need to be dominant in their core roles first).

The All Blacks will probably settle on two all rounders, at 7 and 8; and a bruiser who can jump at 6. We’ll see. You never know what Robertson has planned. I think last year he was a bit conservative and this year (which might be his last, if results are the same as last year) could be his last chance to stamp his mark on the team.

Agree re the BF7s. Superb, both on & off the field.

Kiwi teams haven’t played the Aussies much. Six games over the first six rounds. The Landers lost two, the Blues lost one. The Chiefs dealt to the Brumbies by 15pts & we thrashed both the Reds & the Force.

Hardly an indication of ABs being “outplayed by their counterparts”. Then again, it IS the Breakdown, where tongues are regularly in gear before brains are engaged.

He’d for sure take the 6 jersey. Like we’ve already deduced, it doesn’t matter what number is on their jerseys these days, my whole point is it’s not a good trio.

WJ has been unbelievably good this season, easily the ABs first choice 15, and Sevu has just been playing out of his skin these last few seasons.

I’ll remind you that James O’Connor has also been outstanding off the bench, just watch his decision making under pressure and clutch kicking.

Bye anomaly? Didn’t the Landers gain a spot during their bye, is it only half points not a full four they get?

In 2024, everyone worked out he is a liability under the high ball and he lost a step of his pace.

Still a good Super Rugby wing but at 28, his test days are coming to an end.