The 2019th Annual Champions of Rugby Championships Competition for 2019 Thread

[J Dory]

Thanks Cas.

Looking forward to seeing the new guys running out against Argentina, especially given it will be in my timezone.

[Lizard]

Man, that Aussie squad is weak. Outside of the midfield, none of them would even be in the conversation in NZ.

That said, Hansen is on record that he doesn’t give a shit about the RC. It’s RWC first and Bledisloe second.

To be fair, that’s the right call. Winning the RC in a RWC year is usually a bad omen for us.

[Puja]

Notable that Argentina are now picking overseas players again, albiet only 5 of them at a time. They'll be a much better team for it, as it's got them two tighthead props who'll fill 3 and 19, a starting fly-half, their best 8, and their best winger.

Annoying that they were crap when the ranking for the RWC draw happened and, as soon as they became the third team in England's group, they start to rise again. I wouldn't be surprised if they got a first NZ win this tournament.

Puja

[J Dory]

Teams for ABs vs Springboks, lots of changes......

All Blacks:

1. Joe Moody
2. Codie Taylor
3. Owen Franks
4. Brodie Retallick
5. Samuel Whitelock
6. Shannon Frizell
7. Matt Todd
8. Kieran Read (c)
9. TJ Perenara
10. Richie Mo'unga
11. Rieko Ioane
12. Sonny Bill Williams
13. Jack Goodhue
14. Ben Smith
15. Beauden Barrett

Reserves: 16. Dane Coles, 17. Ofa Tuungafasi, 18. Angus Ta'avao, 19. Vaea Fifita, 20. Dalton Papalii, 21. Aaron Smith, 22. Anton Lienert-Brown, 23. George Bridge.

Springboks:

1. Steven Kitshoff
2. Malcolm Marx
3. Frans Malherbe
4. Eben Etzebeth
5. Franco Mostert
6. Kwagga Smith
7. Pieter-Steph du Toit
8. Duane Vermeulen (c)
9. Faf de Klerk
10. Handré Pollard
11. Makazole Mapimpi
12. Damian de Allende
13. Lukhanyo Am
14. Cheslin Kolbe
15. Willie le Roux

Reserves: 16. Bongi Mbonamb, 17. Tendai Mtawarira, 18. Trevor Nyakane, 19. RG Snyman, 20. Francois Louw, 21. Herschel Jantjies, 22. Frans Steyn, 23. Jesse Kriel.

[paddy no 11]

.......looks weak



Should be a ripper, NZ by 7

[paddy no 11]

Etzebeth jumped there? Penalty other way

[Eugene Wrayburn]

Etzebeth jumped there? Penalty other way

And the fucking obvious forward pass before it. Sucked all the momentum out of the Pumas.

[paddy no 11]

Argentina at nothing, puja sleep easy yer in the qf's

[Puja]

Argentina at nothing, puja sleep easy yer in the qf's

Yeah, I'm certainly feeling a lot better about our group after watching the Rugby Championship this year. Even with the European based players back, they look toothless and devoid of ideas. Inditement of the coaching team actually, as they've got the players to be a decent side.

Puja

[paddy no 11]

I think they're probably underpowered only matera seems able to compete physically