Tonga end World Cup on a high with win over United States

Watching back a replay of Eddie's Semi victory in 2019 I was surprised to see that picture you describe to be fair. First rewatch (years later) I was recalling an expectation of seeing some dynamic attack, NZ being blown away by it speed and power, but I didn't get that on rewatch of course (result was likely far more about NZ steady decline at that stage, and thinking the Final was the previous week). So I can accept you're bully dominance description of that era.

Ultimately I think you're right that there is just too much between our perspectives to find common ground. While I obviously don't get my fill day to day with English rugby I was happy to see some optimism finally developing around this side after the 6N. When I did watch those games I was even more surprised at how optimistic that optimism was!

I didn't think it was a great level, and wasn't surprised when NZ looked so dangerous against them in their first game. I'm hoping, for my own side as well, that you will start to understand how tough those games were soon though, and how good your side again looks against slightly easier opposition. With the type of attitude that you and everyone else are showing though, I'm just not sure England will get there in time. Before too many pitchforks take the stuffing out everyone. Which is a real shame, I think the rugby world could do with a powerful England game, domestically and internationally.

So while I can see where you're coming from and where you want to go, I just don't see their being anyway those perspectives find common ground, either.

Beard looks like a great player, but he's yet another 13, when what we really need is a 12. I'm also concerned that he's a player who thrives in loose games, when he's given lots of space to run, which is what he'll get against Japan. So if Bortwick picks him he'll probably play really well, but that actually won't tell us anything about whether he's international standard or not. Wales in the 6N might be an even easier game than Japan, but its likely to be more structured, so would give Beard a tougher test.

It probably would be good to see Clark and Willis given a shot. England really need a better number 8 option than Dombrandt, and a solid 4th choice second row - I'm not sure if Clark is that yet, but he's young so good grow into the role. Unfortunately he's never played 6 before, but I don't think that's an issue given that Martin, Itoje, and Chessum all have a lot of game time there.

Players milking penalties and injuries isn't new to rugby, to lambast Ireland for it is ridiculous. Clearly he hasnt watched many games with nic white, Farrell, Aaron smith, FAF or any other halfbacks. Let's not forget Sexton and his legendary dives. Players will always look to get an advantage on the field, it's literally their job.

What is it with kiwi pundits and thinking the timing of the call matters more than the offense. A knock after 5 phases is still a knock on. A high hit after 3 phases is still a high hit. First whinging about the RWC forward pass in 2007 not being picked up. Now everything is picked up and it's ruining the game. Pick a side.

However, the other side of the coin.... Galthie is basically doing what Rassie did and still do. He doesn't care now about between the WC. He wants to win the BIG ONE, the WC. So he is sending a younger team to NZ, and as much as we say or think they won't be ready because they didn't play the AB's, we are wrong.

Those same youngsters going on tour will eventually be playing for France and they are getting the experience needed on tour against top teams. Those same youngsters we may even see in the WC in 2027.

Seems like Galthie wants to concentrate on building depth for France. Who am I to say they are wrong in sending a young team, when I absolutely agree with what Rassie is doing?

Look at the Boks. The absolute monster depth they have and the talent coming through will be future stars. Why is it right for the Boks to build depth but not France? I know it will be a contentious subject because everyone wants to see the best teams go at it hammer and tongs.

And because I don't like kiwi coaches in Australia (Schmidt isn't even in Australia) I'm anti Australian rugby ? What the hell is wrong with you people ? You are so up yourselves.