Scott Robertson explains why Beauden Barrett was selected ahead of McKenzie

As I pointed out NZ was the only country where rugby was the main sport so we don't know if that record is pathetic or otherwise. NZ was no1 for 80% of RWC history but continually failed in tight battles. In the last 5 years Ire, SAs and Fra H2H with NZ is superior indicating that NZ don't do well if there is creditible opposition. Maybe its NZ who are relatively pathetic for a nation with Rugby uniquely as its no1 sport?

Looking forward to the "pathetic" nations of England, Ireland and France taking you on. The English seem to be stirring something but I have a feeling the Irish won't be giving a second thought to the Haka, don't you?

And the selection policy makes perfect sense if you simply apply your mind.

The Springboks have for some time now restricted themselves to squads no greater in size than 33/34.

When Wessels got injured - he was replaced by a prop and a hooker. Wessels would have been cover for Malherbe who needn’t be replaced by ANOTHER prop as one just came in AND Du Toit can cover tight head and loose head.

In the event they need another front rower - he will fly in and join the team. Not rocket science.

The two positions that became available were simply filled by two young players to give them the chance to get into the side sooner than next year. The opportunity had presented itself sooner. Take it.

It’s very clever and a great way to balance blooding new players, maintaining a strong experienced group and sticking to a restricted squad of 33/34 Ala RWC where you don’t have the luxury of massive squads.

Or the budgets of France who have an over sized squad of 49 players (imagine the logistics of managing such a big squad).

Lean and mean and well thought out.

Not to mention cost effective. It doesn’t make sense for us to burn cash on flights and hotels when we can call players in off a waiting list.

A poor article. Casting aspersions and making mountains from molehills since declaring early on in the year “prepare for the wheels to come off”.

Bravo, Mr Marler.

Mihaka tried it again in 1986 when QE toured but was unsuccessful. The cops stopped him from getting close but some of his supporters chucked eggs at her. Apparently he was planning to ram her motorcade but his old van adorned with an enlarged photo of his bare behind & other such protest paraphernalia, was unsurprisingly easy for security to spot lmfao.

Buttock bearing is a ritual known as whakapohane, in Maori culture. It's the ultimate diss.

Anyone in their right mind knows that Marler’s remarks were offensive to an entire nation and culture, he’s written the AB’s team talk for them and hasn’t helped his teammates one bit after he left camp for personal reasons earlier in the week.

I don't want to speak out of turn here - but I would be hugely surprised if anyone in the NZ training camp gives a flying f__k what Marler said. Maybe I'm wrong.

And I'm sure Kiwis are a lot more thick-skinned than AG is suggesting.

In SA - we flew Airbuses, set off fireworks, turned up the disco base and downed 2 litre jugs of brandy and coke during the haka and it wasn't even nearly as bad as AG is suggesting. So I'm sure it's fine.

This is Borthwick’s 25th Test in charge and he has a 54 per cent win ratio, which clearly isn’t good enough for an England head coach, so we’re at a stage now where he needs results as well as signs of progress.

Yup!

Now is the time for this England side to start putting a stake in the ground and winning big games and they won’t have it all their own way by any means but I expect them to get the job done with a four-point win.

Nope. ABS. 7.