2018 Rugby Champeens Thred

[Lizard]

There’s a lot to say about the Pumas’ impressive win, but Great Zeus, Etzebeth is a shit-bag isn’t he?

[morepork]

The Bok defensive acumen, especially out wide, has just collapsed in the past year or so.

[paddy no 11]

For a long time I thought Sanchez was a flake but he's playing great

Good to see matters playing well and the puma win

Are nz playing with the ball enough? What happens when Ireland play 70% keep ball?

[morepork]

For a long time I thought Sanchez was a flake but he's playing great

Good to see matters playing well and the puma win

Are nz playing with the ball enough? What happens when Ireland play 70% keep ball?

We hit them with UV light via the stadium lights and they burst into flames.

[Lizard]

Are nz playing with the ball enough? What happens when Ireland play 70% keep ball?

Ireland lose.

In their last meeting (19 November 2016, Lansdowne Rd), Ireland had 66% of the ball and 70% of the territory and still lost 9 - 21.

The difference was that NZ were more than twice as effective with ball in hand (Ireland ran 170 times for 361m, or 2.1m/run while the All Blacks ran 104 times for 470m - 4.5m/run) and better on defence (Ireland missed 23/93 tackles, while NZ missed only 1 more despite attempting 193).

[paddy no 11]

Ireland have improved a bit since then getting heaslip off the team amd dan leavy and james ryan are serious additions

I'm no Ireland fanboy, just raising the question if NZ are playing with the ball enough. It'll be a good contest if they do meet at the WC

[zer0]

He's not really a bolter. We're down to just picking whoever is left standing. As it is, I'd rather we put Tu'ungufasi at LH and found another TH prop to sit on the bench. Namely either Alaalatoa -- who I'm pretty sure must be eligible now -- or Laulala, if he's back from injury.

[bruce]

As good as Folau is, which he showed for his try, he absolutely butchered the opportunity to win that game at the death.