The Rugby Championship to determine the REAL Champions of the Rugby, for 2024

[morepork]

We are in dire need of a fluid 9-10-12 axis.

[Banquo]

We are in dire need of a fluid 9-10-12 axis.

bb410

[J Dory]

I don't like this, losing. Can we start winning again please?

[Cameo]

If I was a kiwi, I'd be disappointed but not overly worried about the future. They were well in both games and should have won them really.

For all the criticism of Mackenzie (who I am not convinced by at 10), they also showed a good ability to break down the rushed defence even if it didn't lead to any tries yesterday. In a year's time, I wouldn't be surprised to see Roigard and Mo'unga at 9 and 10 though, which would be tasty.

Sititi was good in attack, but did seem to miss a few tackles.

[Cameo]

Oh, and Bongi Mbonambi going down to give the team a rest when it was getting a bit for SA then jogging happily to the lineout was a joke.

I don't have an answer for it that wouldn't risk meaning players who need checking up on aren't, but I hate it.

I'm sure SA would say this was a valid injury concern, and they may even be right on this occassion (though I doubt it) but the pattern is clear.

[Banquo]

Oh, and Bongi Mbonambi going down to give the team a rest when it was getting a bit for SA then jogging happily to the lineout was a joke.

I don't have an answer for it that wouldn't risk meaning players who need checking up on aren't, but I hate it.

I'm sure SA would say this was a valid injury concern, and they may even be right on this occassion (though I doubt it) but the pattern is clear.

quite a hard side to like, even if a very impressive array of players with lots of ways to win

[Puja]

Oh, and Bongi Mbonambi going down to give the team a rest when it was getting a bit for SA then jogging happily to the lineout was a joke.

I don't have an answer for it that wouldn't risk meaning players who need checking up on aren't, but I hate it.

I'm sure SA would say this was a valid injury concern, and they may even be right on this occassion (though I doubt it) but the pattern is clear.

I feel like I can't criticise this, considering that taking a knee for an "injury" (often right where the penalty was awarded) is a go-to move of mine in my 3rd XV games.

Puja

[Spiffy]

Oh, and Bongi Mbonambi going down to give the team a rest when it was getting a bit for SA then jogging happily to the lineout was a joke.

I don't have an answer for it that wouldn't risk meaning players who need checking up on aren't, but I hate it.

I'm sure SA would say this was a valid injury concern, and they may even be right on this occassion (though I doubt it) but the pattern is clear.

quite a hard side to like, even if a very impressive array of players with lots of ways to win

Both the Boks and ABs are cynical teams who will do anything they can get away with (like most others.) The ABs may be a just a little more subtle in their blocking, flopping etc.. but they are at it.

[Cameo]

Oh, and Bongi Mbonambi going down to give the team a rest when it was getting a bit for SA then jogging happily to the lineout was a joke.

I don't have an answer for it that wouldn't risk meaning players who need checking up on aren't, but I hate it.

I'm sure SA would say this was a valid injury concern, and they may even be right on this occassion (though I doubt it) but the pattern is clear.

quite a hard side to like, even if a very impressive array of players with lots of ways to win

Both the Boks and ABs are cynical teams who will do anything they can get away with (like most others.) The ABs may be a just a little more subtle in their blocking, flopping etc.. but they are at it.

The flopping and blocking are, unfortunately, part of the game. I don't like it but I see it as up to refs to penalise it (though I wouldn't put the All Blacks up there with Ireland and South Africa).

The timewasting I just find tedious - though I get your point Puja! The difference is at your level (and mine), tiredness really can feel like a life threatening injury.

[paddy no 11]

Oh, and Bongi Mbonambi going down to give the team a rest when it was getting a bit for SA then jogging happily to the lineout was a joke.

I don't have an answer for it that wouldn't risk meaning players who need checking up on aren't, but I hate it.

I'm sure SA would say this was a valid injury concern, and they may even be right on this occassion (though I doubt it) but the pattern is clear.

I feel like I can't criticise this, considering that taking a knee for an "injury" (often right where the penalty was awarded) is a go-to move of mine in my 3rd XV games.

Puja

Yup, we'd a prop who done this to maximum effect, it was just smart in our eyes!

[Banquo]

Oh, and Bongi Mbonambi going down to give the team a rest when it was getting a bit for SA then jogging happily to the lineout was a joke.

I don't have an answer for it that wouldn't risk meaning players who need checking up on aren't, but I hate it.

I'm sure SA would say this was a valid injury concern, and they may even be right on this occassion (though I doubt it) but the pattern is clear.

quite a hard side to like, even if a very impressive array of players with lots of ways to win

Both the Boks and ABs are cynical teams who will do anything they can get away with (like most others.) The ABs may be a just a little more subtle in their blocking, flopping etc.. but they are at it.

Think SA take cynicism to the nth degree in every aspect, esp under Erasmus.


Yes most sides are cynical at the breakdown, none more so than Ireland tbh.

[Cameo]

Solid win from New Zealand though nothing unexpected. Huge autumn tour coming up for Australia. They have some promise, but also have some quite average players in places.

I presume Argentina need something ridiculous to win the championship, but would be amazing if they could get another win.

[paddy no 11]

How is kwagga Smith allowed walk round the opposite side of a ruck, give the ball a couple of kicks, while the ref watches on and says that's all good

Did they change the rule that says you can't kick a ball out of a ruck???

He's not the only one at this craic

[paddy no 11]

Kolbe is one of the greatest wingers of all time?

[Cameo]

Solid win from New Zealand though nothing unexpected. Huge autumn tour coming up for Australia. They have some promise, but also have some quite average players in places.

I presume Argentina need something ridiculous to win the championship, but would be amazing if they could get another win.

I've seen some reports taking this as proof BB is the answer at 10. Same way the D-Mac fans will have taken the big win against Argentina second time round as proof he is the answer. To me, both have their strengths and weaknesses. My main concern would be the range on their kicking. I'd probs stick with Mackenzie unless they can get Mo'unga back.

Agree on Kolbe btw. He's got everything. A few great wingers about at the moment.