The Rugby Thread

[PeteC]

Ireland is the real deal. With the All Blacks I think you'll see a new captain and new management before the RWC.

[pharvey]

Incredible game - massive first half from Ireland and an incredible fight back from NZ. Have to say, I was a tad nervous when NZ banged in two early tries in the second half and with Ireland's Yellow Card!!

Hats off though - they'll be celebrating in the Emerald Isle for a while yet!!

With the All Blacks I think you'll see a new captain and new management before the RWC.

Oh, there'll certainly be changes - Foster has been under pressure for a while now. NZ (like Wales) are a rugby mad nation with huge expectations put on the players and coaching staff. I can't however see changes being made before the RWC, but you never know - the fallout from a series loss at home will be huge.

[PeteC]

Cane is not a leader, and neither was Reid IMO. Granted, it's impossible to recreate a Richie McKaw but from what I've seen Ardie Savea has done way better when we was filling in than Cane or Reid.

[pharvey]

Cane is not a leader, and neither was Reid IMO. Granted, it's impossible to recreate a Richie McKaw but from what I've seen Ardie Savea has done way better when we was filling in than Cane or Reid.

Fair comment, you may well see a change in captaincy - the "Blackness" have a few leaders! But, as I mentioned above, I honestly don't see much of a change in coaching staff so close to the RWC...

1-0 for the Northern Hemisphere vs Southern Hemisphere so far today though!!

Hate to say it, but I'll be supporting the Lillywhites......

[pharvey]

1-0 for the Northern Hemisphere vs Southern Hemisphere so far today though!!

Make that 2-0!! Fair shout to the Lillywhites, you've kept my "Accumulator Bet" on!!

[dtaai-maai]

Wales just not good enough on the day...
Shame. <straight face> <well, maybe just a tiny smirk>...

[dtaai-maai]

Don't think I can be bothered with Argentina v Scotland. I'm a bit rugbyed out and, frankly, I don't really care who wins.

[pharvey]

Wales just not good enough on the day...
Shame. <straight face> <well, maybe just a tiny smirk>...

Oh, I'm sure the smirk will be there...

Wales were outclassed, but thankfully not embarrassed.

Winning the Second Test and being close on the First Test was a huge achievement - and whilst Pivac will take the credit, has zip, zero, c^ck all to do with him!! Huge credit to the players, huge credit to the defence (trying). We have zero clue in attack, we have zero tactics... And unfortunately zero Front Row.... For the love of God (Ihe's Welsh), PLEASE sort things out!!! PIVAC NEEDS TO GO!!!! Unfortunately Jones as the Attack Coach as well.....

All aside, George North was cracking today IMHO!!

[dtaai-maai]

And unfortunately zero Front Row....

Certainly been unimpressed with the replacement hooker, whose name escapes me. Can't even get the basics right.

[pharvey]

And unfortunately zero Front Row....

Certainly been unimpressed with the replacement hooker, whose name escapes me. Can't even get the basics right.

I guess you're thinking Dewi Lake? Not the best of days to say the least, but not a poor player on his day - unfortunately not in the same league as the Saffers. I don't think any side let alone Wales can compete with SA's "Bomb Squad" - Christ, any international side would love to have SA's second string Front Row!!

We missed a few players and unfortunately don't have the strength in depth of the major teams, but the guys gave their all and whilst disappointed with the result, very proud of their performance (despite our coach!!).

Can't even blame the refereeing today.......

[dtaai-maai]

Can't even blame the refereeing today.......

Well of course, he was English!!

[PeteC]

The Superbru league for the Rugby Championship has been created. Those who played last year will automatically receive an invitation. Others who may want to play please go to the below.

Pharvey, please invite any other partners in crime from your end who may want to join.

Join HHAD Rugby Championship Predictor league on Superbru! You can find the pool here:

https://www.superbru.com/rugbychampions ... p=12471531

or by downloading the Superbru app and searching for the pool with code:

missfeed

[PeteC]

I'm not really expecting the All Blacks to recover and do especially well in the upcoming Rugby Championship. Their house is in total disarray it appears. Ian Foster is not going to last at the helm much longer.

All Blacks announce new coaching changes as assistants let go

https://www.rugbypass.com/news/all-blac ... aign=NEWSL

'A total cop out' - Twitter reacts to axing of All Blacks coaching staff

https://www.rugbypass.com/news/a-total- ... ead-coach/

[pharvey]

I'm not really expecting the All Blacks to recover and do especially well in the upcoming Rugby Championship. Their house is in total disarray it appears. Ian Foster is not going to last at the helm much longer.

All Blacks announce new coaching changes as assistants let go

https://www.rugbypass.com/news/all-blac ... aign=NEWSL

'A total cop out' - Twitter reacts to axing of All Blacks coaching staff

https://www.rugbypass.com/news/a-total- ... ead-coach/

Seems a little like trying to placate the NZ Rugby public by getting rid of the assistants whilst keeping Foster. Must admit, getting rid of the Head Coach this close to the RWC would have surprised me, but who knows.....

The Blackness certainly have a tough start to the Championship with SA away.....

[PeteC]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scott_Rob ... gby_union)

That guy is waiting in the wings and I'd be surprised if he didn't get the job. He's done an incredible job with the Crusaders for years. If he doesn't get it, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leon_MacDonald probably will.