'South Africa's second XV beat New Zealand's first XV': 101-cap veteran

Not who has a ‘target’ or who is ‘most angry’ or other such witchcraft.

‘Keeping receipts’ doesn’t mean anything if you can’t break down a defence.

I think if Ireland make it a very physical match like Durban first half it will trouble NZ a lot.

I think the English rush will prove even more problematic than down in the July tests. In 6N that intensity and lack of space really suffocated Ireland to a large degree. Maybe the pick and go will be employed more by NZ for that one.

England want to replace you as fourth best team. Ireland are focused on NZ as our toughest match (and also don't like you that much). France need to reset a high bar and to smash a big SH team after the RWC 2023 disappointment.

Again you can't make a rugby case where NZ can win all three. But please keep up the 'best team in existence' psychosis. It will make it more fun when the toys fly.

I don't think a B team is as nece4ssary for the Boks. Rassie rotates like a helicopter in any case and Bulls/Stormers/Sharks v Leinster/Munster is virtually like a full national trial!

England - NZ is 50/50. England shoulda won the 2nd Test on tour but didn't. They have a point to prove.

I am not so sure about France. The clubs want their pound of flesh for giving Galthie extra time with the players at the WC - it ain't goin to be pretty.

I agree with your second para, NZ could end up 1-3 or as easily [well, maybe not quite] 4-0.

The task of this article was to identify spots where NZ might have been expecting to score in times gone, but now many of the same holes are being plugged as defences have improved.

The last quarter paradox is quite symbolic. The theory always used to go that the ABs would run sides off their feet in the last 20', but it worked out just the opposite at the RC!

If Aussie really wants to switch to a rush D, they have to find someone who will coach it. Laurie won't, nor can anyone else on the current staff. That means another significant body on the coaching panel.

Yes I recall the McReight/De Groot incident. NZ have been running pretty close to the edge in respect of that front man obstruction, and it's often a fine call by the ref - don't think NZ could have had too much complaint if it had been ruled out.

Yes Sotutu is fast becoming a central figure in any assessment of Razor's tenure even though he is on the outer. If he carries out his veiled threat to switch to Fiji or England it will only get worse!

The B/R you mention is a formidable looking one - I wonder if it, or anyhting like it, has been considered by the current coaching panel?