WXV 3 and the most unusual change of rugby position?

Misconduct 18.4 (b)     acting in an abusive, insulting, intimidating or offensive manner towards referees, assistant referees, Citing Commissioners, members of Disciplinary Tribunals or other officials or any person associated with the Host Union, the Rugby Body or the Unions participating in the Match or spectators;

Sexton was banned for abusing/disrespecting Peyper in what was the identical version of this for the Chamions League competition.

As Ioane made derogatory gestures two times towards Irish spectators in Stade De France, he is citable under the same misconduct regulation.

Finally individual Unions have reponsibility for their players actions:

18.5           Unions are responsible and accountable for the conduct of their Players and all Persons within their jurisdiction. Unions, Players and Persons must conduct themselves in a disciplined and sporting manner and ensure that they do not commit any act(s) of Misconduct.

World Rugby does not agree with your 'Sticks and Stones' view. Sexton's actions to Peyper was misconduct, and for the exact same reason Ioane's actions to Irish supporters are citable as misconduct.

Let's review what happenned again: After the final whistle when players were shaking hands Ioane shouted 'Enjoy the flight home you c**t' at the back of the Irish team captain's head. Retallick also shouts 'Four more years, f**kwit' to the Irish.

This absolutely contravenes the paramount principle of respect.

Ioane also makes disrespectful gestures to the Irish crowd twice, which is a citable offense and misconduct under the same regulation that Sexton was disciplined for abusing Peyper.

NZ are responsible and accountable for the conduct of their players. Foster did not appear to understand this when he defended Ioane. He obliquely referenced Sexton's incident with Peyper seemingly unaware that Ioane was citable under the exact same offence.

In short, NZ rugby did not take responsibility for the disrespect shown to Irish players, Irish supporters and Ireland. They actually double down on it.

The reason they were not made accountable is that Ireland did not bother to cite Ioane. Irish rugby left the stage quietly. That is why you didn't hear of this incident.

Given the hoopla in NZ over O'Mahony sledging Cane, if Ireland had simlarly abused NZ players and supporters after one of the matches in the test series we can assume the uproar would have been heard from space.

The upshot is that NZ have demeaned themselves and their tradition of humility in victory and defeat by their disrespect and mocking of another rugby nation after beating them. If you believe the Irish players have forgotten, then read Mack Hansens intreview on this website. Would NZ forget?

Finally you have lost the respect of a lot of the Irish rugby community. That's neither here nor there because NZ rugby and their fans (if this site is a reflection) don't value our respect.

See you in Dublin. We will shake hands afterwards. Hopefully NZ will respect us enough to do likelwise without abusing Irish players or abusing our amazing supporters again.

A lot of excuses here tbh, Scotland really aren't that good. A decent side to be sure, but you shouldn't be blaming them for getting your ar$e handed to you the next week.

There will absolutely be a fear of losing, thats why you guys choke all the time.

Everyone should!

They also are producing a steady stream of positive drug tests.

Definitely admire some of their play, the blend of attacking flair coming through makes them better to watch than last year.

As an Allblacks supporter I don't give much thought to a second team to support. I thought England played tremendously well this year and were unlucky to lose both tests to the Allblacks by a whisker.

Argentina have really lifted their peak but are still troughing straight after their highs.

Fiji are always a great watch.

But for sheer technical brilliance and quality with a small player base the Irish would be first pick if it wasn't for the poaching of overseas professionals and the bitter Sexton.

So, with some brilliance, all legit homegrown talent, brilliant backs, quality homegrown coach with Contempi, tough warriors like Matera and the even more terrifying loose forward it would have to be Argentina. The puma on the jersey being a cool touch.

The Puma's will definitely win RWC and it's not far away. They are not afraid of any team, have beaten all the other top sides and their country are prolific football talent with football giving the rugby team a real boost with footwork, goal kicking, clearance.

They regularly make the semis and yes they choked against the Allblacks at RWC but NZ rugby is rapidly weakening as evidenced by it's top super side signing a retired Wallaby at ten due to its lack of confidence in it's homegrown pivots and it's increasingly one dimensional player depth.

It would be of no surprise that the Puma's dominate the Allblacks within a decade of the direction of travel continues as expected.

McReight is undoubtedly a good player, but given the context, so what?

Take SA for example . Players are starting to head back to franchises. Yes they are older but standards are being driven. Tricks of the trade being taught.

WI'll there be teething problems. Yes. Short term local franchises weakened. Long-term franchises will reap the rewards of players coming back.

Perhap the AB website should be updated to reflect who now are?

Humble heroes

Despite their ferocity on the rugby field and their superstar status in the eyes of fans around the world, the All Blacks are known for being humble.