The Tight Five - Handpicked Stories From The World of Rugby

When you exclude the imports/parents/grandparents rules, I think that accurately reflects the true strength of the two nations' rugby.

The question is whether it is healthy that we have effectively allowed historically strong nations to effectively game the system via their inherent ability to recruit via overseas players basis.

But then, on the other hand, it makes it challenging for developing nations to develop, e.g. how can Georgia compete on the global stage when likes of Scotland can block their ability to access comps like the six nations when it is probably unjustified based upon the actual playing strength of the two nations.

I guess that's the challenge/quandary for World Rugby.

He sacrificed so much money remaining in NZ for over a decade to play for the All Blacks and now his reward in the twilight of his career is banishment from test rugby.

What a great selection policy NZR !

Sad for Fickou who was really in form, but maybe that will give him the opportunity to be part of the summer tour in NZ.