Worcester statement: Application to join the new Tier 2 league

In 2022, many still dismissed that SA team as “lucky” World Cup winners—boring, predictable, etc.

That said, the Foster-led All Blacks team that defeated SA at Ellis Park in 2022 (after their loss at Mbombela) was a stronger side than Razor’s 2024 All Blacks. That’s why they were able to bounce back and win that crucial game in SA. Something Razor's All Black Team couldn't replicate in 2024.

Foster’s ABs went on to win the Rugby Championship in both 2022 and 2023, and they finished as World Cup runners-up in 2023. Razor's ABs haven't won any prizes yet.

By most metrics, the 2022 AB team was superior to the 2024 version—especially when judged by results.

Unlike Nick, I base my opinions on clear, undeniable facts: wins. Not on subjective ideas like “how close a team is” or “how good they could be." That’s the crux of my debate with him regarding England. England are solidly 7th ranked in the world, because in 2024 they lost more games than they won. So on paper, I think it's ridiculous to think England will win the 6 Nations. "If you're not first, you're last".

Much like I think it's ridiculous to think a team is better because they have a "better coach" - without wins in the win column. I'm not saying Razor isn't a better coach, but the ABs aren't better for having him, yet. He's still got work to do. Which is fair comment. He was a rookie international coach in 2024.

And of course, I do have a solid understanding of the All Blacks’ quality—after all, the Springboks have been measuring themselves against them for over a century. You have to keep your eye on the yardstick.

* But the 2025 team may be vulnerable to personnel changes as older players move on for younger. And injuries to key players. The 2024 team, in my opinion, could very well be the peak of that generation - much like the Boks of 2009. But hopefully they maintain their winning ways. They are building well for the future. I'm not so sure we can say the same thing about Razor's ABs after 2024. 2025 could be a frustrating year for AB fans as much of the rebuilding work was delayed to 2025.

The 3-0 whitewash of France at home will, at least, put some wind in your sails. It will be telling whether Razor does or doesn't get experimental against the French B Team.

Appreciate your perspective, I didn't see that you were just talking about that. You have to acknowledge though that when it comes down to the NH perspective matters too. I'm Kiwi btw.

Toulon and LAR are well off the pace these days. If you watch the Top 14 you should know what the French throw away games. Dupont has only played twice so far this year.

Were are you from that you're able to watch the Top 14? Streams?

Not too far removed yet though CV! Anyway, I was just basing that statement on recent results. Nothing more. If Gathie can get such large numbers to click though, first, good on him, and second, I'll have to see it to believe it :)

Common Bull, I'm ready for it, hit me. Which was the better SA'n team?

I like the relation to Seturo, not sure I can see his boot as ever getting as good as his though. Nanai is surprising good with it.

It depends what you'd mean by pinnacle? England would compete at the highest level, but what if he felt more personal achievement reaching the pinnacle of Welsh history? Is it a pinnacle of his own game? Who knows which influence wins the battle, playing or training?

Is International footy the pinnacle, compared to club, because of it's parochial factor? A huge part of the All Blacks success is said to be because of desire players have put into that jersey, and it's meaning to them.

Yet you believe in the same article that the Aussie women are favourites for the title? Mmmm