SA Rugby issue public and 'in person' apology amid haka storm

Aussie has to increase its win % from sub 50% to be taken seriously, and that means widening the selection base. It will also encourage the use of sabbaticals to the UK where players can broaden their experience while remaining eligible for the WBs.

1. Farrell got his team selections all wrong, and nearly lost a series he should never have been in a position to lose.

2. Australia rugby needs to take a long hard look in the mirror and ask themselves if it is worth it trying to copy the failed New Zealand model they have been following of only selecting “local based” players. They only have 4 professional teams fielding about 160 players. By selecting overseas based players they can increase their professional player pool to about 200 players. It’s a no brainier decision. Abolish all restriction rules and fill the Wallabies with only the best players regardless of where they earn a living. Follow Rassie.

Van Staden and Kwagga are genuine ball poachers in the Pokock mould.

I feel bad for Lynagh. The full spectrum in the last few weeks - first test caps, first test PTS, first test win and first failed HIA. Such is the modern game.

On the Porter stuff, I totally get that the LHP can be drawn into what looks like a boring-in position by a THP, or a 3 on 2 where an entire front row attacks opposing hooker and THP. However, it is also a way to depower and destabilize an opposing THP, which can often result in a penalty in your favor. For a LHP with good crouching stability there is a likelihood that the THP will go down or lose bind before you do. In the case of Porter it happens all the time, against different teams and THPs, including power front rows that have no need to do anything other than drive hard and square. I will watch it more closely, but right now I am not at all convinced that Porter is not the instigator.

The conditions did not favor flamboyant wide attack but great teams adjust, and both teams had plenty of time to do so.

The Boks games are going to be fascinating, especially the last 20m.

Parker has the added attraction of being another tall loosie who can play 6 too.

I don’t believe Parker’s selection has any impact on Va’ai remaining at blindside.

6 Va’ai, Finau

7 Savea, Lakai, Kirifi

8 Sititi, Parker

Obviously Parker off the bench can cover both 6 and 8, just as Lakai can cover 7 and 8.

Josh Lord’s selection as Jacobson’s injury cover earmarks Va’ai remaining as a blindside who covers lock.

So we’re agreed that the starting XV was therefore very close to a full B team?

16 Taukeo’aho, 17 Williams, 18 Tosi, 19 Parker, 20 Lakai, 21 Christie, 22 Tavatavanawai, 23 Love

Williams is expected to be fit for first test. But I expect they will manage him and have him play him the last 30 minutes off the bench along with Tosi. Two monster reserve props who are mobile, along with Taukeo’aho.

Lakai played too well vs France’s top team in November not to be on the bench and is younger, bigger, more explosive than Kirifi.

Parker is bigger, tougher, meaner than Finau.

Ruben Love outperformed McKenzie in Hamilton and will get the bench 10/15 spot.