The Rugby Championship

It starts again tomorrow. As ever the interest will wane quickly if the ABs resume their usual dismantling of all opposition. They look extremely strong with Retallick and Whitelock back in harness. Their strength in depth at 10 is frightening. The Aussies do have Pocock back, but hard to look beyond another comfortable AB win.

Argentina away in SA will be interesting I think. SA look like they are improving and Argentina play some good rugby - one to watch I think.

Hoping that somebody pushes the ABs and an Aussie win tomorrow would be the perfect tonic for the tournament, however unlikely that is.

According to some vocal people on here, the ABs management do not do mind games, so I assume we must take Hansen at face value when he says Australia are favourites?

Hansen desperately trying to stir up some interest for this game I think.

Funnily all the news outlets out here have pretty much laughed in his face about his underdog claims. Everyone expects a good AB win and tbh even the kiwis are pretty bored of this tournament.

If it is a repeat of last year and all over by half time I think the tournament will really struggle. An annual tournament that is not competitive and totally predictable is just plain boring. The 6Ns on the other hand is not predictable and therefore much more exciting albeit the quality may not be better.

Yeah you’re right, the 6Ns is not predictable but it is pretty boring for the neutral. None of these 6N teams push the envelope. They’re too worried about not losing and the rugby is pretty drab. Maybe it explains why they choke at RWCs, too scared of losing.

LondonTiger wrote:According to some vocal people on here, the ABs management do not do mind games, so I assume we must take Hansen at face value when he says Australia are favourites?

I wouldnt be too quick at dismissing this Wallaby side, on current form I would regard the Australian front row, back row, mid field as being more than capable in matching their AB equivalents.

As far as mind games go, Michael Cheka has had some prior experience in this area.

Really hope Jack Goodhue can show us what he can do at a higher level, He must close down Hodge for a full 80 and link both outer channels which I felt didnt happen against France.

ebop wrote:Yeah you’re right, the 6Ns is not predictable but it is pretty boring for the neutral. None of these 6N teams push the envelope. They’re too worried about not losing and the rugby is pretty drab. Maybe it explains why they choke at RWCs, too scared of losing.

Ooooooft someone has cast their fishing line far and wide this afternoon!

I'll bite - surely you've seen Scotland play? From sublime to imploding in the space of 2 minutes, can't exactly be called boring!

Also if we are talking about choking at RWCs... surely the all blacks have been the favourite for every single one and yet only have 3? a measly 3 at that.

That record of course would be because the NH sides demean the World Cup with their very presence - therefore for the Great ABs, the WC isn't worth winning.  It's a demeaned event, just like the Six Nations.
But sometimes you're blessed with being so good that even your least interested performances are still good enough to win a poxy WC or three. How cruel fate can be 

ebop wrote: Maybe it explains why they choke at RWCs, too scared of losing.

Are you suggesting that the NH teams were good enough to win all the world cups?

France and Australia were joint favourites 1987,and England 2003,Australia probably in 1991 and 1999.
3 out of 8,plus a 4th final isn`t a bad record.
Being beaten by a better team on the day in a knockout comp is hardly choking.only failing to
reach semis in 1 out of 8 is hardly choking.
As to the RC PEYPER,POITE,OR BARNES,means endless scrum resets,penalties by guesswork and
probably yellow cards.

Home advantage is a big thing IF NZ win without conceding a bonus point then series will probably

be over by 4th game.

New Zealand started very sluggishly - took them about 30 minutes to get going - but Australia couldn't properly capitalise, and in the end it was a very comfortable 38-13 win for the All Blacks.

Was a good first half effort from Australia. But what about that Australian scrum and lineout? Pretty dodgy. Even England could have made hay. When the ABs cranked it up in the 2nd half the Wallabies were floundering about like a bunch of drugged up clamydia infested koalas.

ebop wrote:Was a good first half effort from Australia. But what about that Australian scrum and lineout? Pretty dodgy. Even England could have made hay. When the ABs cranked it up in the 2nd half the Wallabies were floundering about like a bunch of drugged up clamydia infested koalas.

Xibu b qmbol zpv usvmz bsf. Czf czf.

hugehandoff wrote:If it is a repeat of last year and all over by half time I think the tournament will really struggle. An annual tournament that is not competitive and totally predictable is just plain boring. The 6Ns on the other hand is not predictable and therefore much more exciting albeit the quality may not be better.

Well when youve had more grand slams than Ireland or Scotland who have a go every year its hard to get excited about it.

Final Score:

South Africa 34...Argentina 21. (6 tries to 3.)

Taylorman wrote:

hugehandoff wrote:If it is a repeat of last year and all over by half time I think the tournament will really struggle. An annual tournament that is not competitive and totally predictable is just plain boring. The 6Ns on the other hand is not predictable and therefore much more exciting albeit the quality may not be better.

Well when youve had more grand slams than Ireland or Scotland who have a go every year its hard to get excited about it.

Exactly. Winning can become very boring. Predictably is the enemy of any sporting championship (which is what we're talking about here).


This year's hurling Championship has been tremendous. 7 genuine contenders who can all beat each other. The hurling Championship was dying for about a decade from around 2004 to 2014 because Kilkenny were miles better than everyone else. They put in a structure that set up a conveyor belt of players that none of the other teams could match at that time. Everyone else has caught up and now the championship has come alive again.


By contrast, the Gaelic football championship is fairly dire these last few years because Dublin are too good. The GAA pumped a lot of resources into making Dublin strong (because Dublin have big attendances) but now even Dublin fans are getting bored.


The problem for the rugby championship now is it looks like the NZ dominance will continue for at least another decade. That's a depressing thought for Aus and SA fans..

Why did Israel Folau just walk off the pitch when he picked up an injury. A minute later the ABs scored a try. At least stay on and try to make a tackle. Terrible professional.

That kind of sums the Wallabies up at the moment, lots of talent but they really seem to lack professionalism and go missing for large spells.

Folau rolled his ankle as he was about to jump for a high ball. He was in no state to do anything. People should remember this Australian team were on a par with Ireland in June.

ebop wrote:Folau rolled his ankle as he was about to jump for a high ball. He was in no state to do anything. People should remember this Australian team were on a par with Ireland in June.

He walked off the pitch you dope, not stretchered. Regardless of whether he rolled his ankle he is a professional rugby player. You don't just walk off the pitch when there is a chance you can still throw in a tackle until you are subbed. Rory Best was tackling players and hitting rucks against NZ in 2013 when he broke his arm. Most players would.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79hv2zxddSg

Also Australia lost the series at home to a reasonably underperforming Ireland side. Not sure that counts as on par. The one test Australia won, a bit like their one Bledisloe win last year Irelands first choice 10 wasn't starting and Australia faced Ireland's 4th choice 7 for most of the series.

The drawn Lions series in NZ was "on par" Irelands summer tour was a loss for Australia.

Who said he was stretcheted? Did you see him limp off? He could barely walk. Ireland and Australia were evenly matched in June. Ireland were very underwhelming and it’s easy to see they’re at their glass ceiling. Same old stuff game after game.

Yes I saw him limp off and then limp down the tunnel while the ABs scored through the gap he left. Very poor pro. I thought the Bledlesloe meant something to these guys?

The aggregate score for the last 3 AB Ireland games is a 2 point win for the AB. Seems pretty close to me so even if Ireland are close to their glass ceiling they are still NZs biggest threat of the last few years and probably into the RWC. No chance Ireland would have crumbled like all RC teams do v NZ, no chance you would see them limp off the pitch at key moments either.

Really impressed by Retallick at the weekend, James Ryan usurping him as the worlds premier lock has really got under his skin.

Yeah nice dummy and some great steals at the lineout.

Collapse2005 wrote:Yeah nice dummy and some great steals at the lineout.  

If he took the place kicks he'd be the complete player.

Collapse2005 wrote:Yes I saw him limp off and then limp down the tunnel while the ABs scored through the gap he left. Very poor pro. I thought the Bledlesloe meant something to these guys?

The aggregate score for the last 3 AB Ireland games is a 2 point win for the AB. Seems pretty close to me so even if Ireland are close to their glass ceiling they are still NZs biggest threat of the last few years and probably into the RWC. No chance Ireland would have crumbled like all RC teams do v NZ, no chance you would see them limp off the pitch at key moments either.

Dream on, Ireland have collapsed many, many times to the ABs in the past, far more than Oz have, and they will many, many times more. Youve hit the biggest purple patch in their history and it wont last, these never do. Love it when these experts come out and try and set the scene. English fans did it all last year. Well look at them now. Ireland will lose two or three players and everything will fold. Guarantee it.

Under Schmidt 6 nations champs Ireland were soundly...soundly...beaten by last...yes last.(RC) ...placed Argentina in the last world cup. No chance they would have crumbled?

Thats what they excel at, crumbling. What is it? Eight quarter finals now? Geez, they wrote the book on crumbling.

rodders wrote:Really impressed by Retallick at the weekend, James Ryan usurping him as the worlds premier lock has really got under his skin.

Whos James Ryan?

ebop wrote:Who said he was stretcheted? Did you see him limp off? He could barely walk. Ireland and Australia were evenly matched in June. Ireland were very underwhelming and it’s easy to see they’re at their glass ceiling. Same old stuff game after game.

Yep...no idea. Should have made the tackle...ha ha. Goose.

Collapse2005 wrote:No chance Ireland would have crumbled like all RC teams do v NZ, no chance you would see them limp off the pitch at key moments either.

When you say ‘no chance’, do you exclude the 60-0 drubbing the last time Ireland played in NZ? What happened there? Australia would never capitulate to that level of meltdown. Now that we’re comparing, Australia matched Ireland’s so-called elite set piece in June whilst the ABs monstered them on Saturday.

It's funny that only the kiwis (and the odd South African) always bring up Ireland's past record. God knows why. We're all aware that Ireland were not the best in the past. What's yer point?


As for world cups, if they were in January do you think the SH nations would be as dominant. That's your pre season isn't it? Guess what time of year the NH pre season is.

Guns brought up the past record. But his past only stretches to three games.

profitius wrote:It's funny that only the kiwis (and the odd South African) always bring up Ireland's past record. God knows why. We're all aware that Ireland were not the best in the past. What's yer point?


As for world cups, if they were in January do you think the SH nations would be as dominant. That's your pre season isn't it? Guess what time of year the NH pre season is.

Oh, so all this times its been all about when its held? Gosh, thats a new one. Might have been a bit blunt but if I had a dollar for every fan of a side that claims to be the latest threat and that never eventuates... the past you mention only happens to be over a hundred years bar the last 18 months.

What inevitably happens is something causes it to come crashing down, and that is usually when new players are introduced, or when injuries take their toll. With a good side theres a mistake of assuming there is depth to back it up, when realising that depth, while trying to maintain a winning record, becomes far more difficult. Easy to experiment when youre losing.

We were told with Englands under 20 side success last few years that was going to see them okay. Well, it hasnt, regardless of the reason, the coach and his selections etc.

Schmidt will find it very difficult over time to start dropping key players when theyre past it, especially if theyre losing.

If Ireland are still at number 2 or even 1 in five years then you can claim something more substantive. But as Ireland will find its much harder staying up there than it is getting there. And that took over a century.

ebop wrote:

Collapse2005 wrote:No chance Ireland would have crumbled like all RC teams do v NZ, no chance you would see them limp off the pitch at key moments either.

When you say ‘no chance’, do you exclude the 60-0 drubbing the last time Ireland played in NZ? What happened there? Australia would never capitulate to that level of meltdown. Now that we’re comparing, Australia matched Ireland’s so-called elite set piece in June whilst the ABs monstered them on Saturday.

Different team different coach. I was obviously talking about the current Ireland team. Quite slow Ebop arent you. The last few rugby championships all teams have lost to NZ in all but a couple of games by 20 plus points. That hasnt happened to Ireland under Schmidt. Go check the results you dope.

ebop wrote:Guns brought up the past record. But his past only stretches to three games.

Cry me a river. Whinging Kiwi.

The significance of the three games is obviously the three matches under Schmidt. Wake up Ebop.

Taylorman wrote:

Collapse2005 wrote:Yes I saw him limp off and then limp down the tunnel while the ABs scored through the gap he left. Very poor pro. I thought the Bledlesloe meant something to these guys?

The aggregate score for the last 3 AB Ireland games is a 2 point win for the AB. Seems pretty close to me so even if Ireland are close to their glass ceiling they are still NZs biggest threat of the last few years and probably into the RWC. No chance Ireland would have crumbled like all RC teams do v NZ, no chance you would see them limp off the pitch at key moments either.

Dream on, Ireland have collapsed many, many times to the ABs in the past, far more than Oz have, and they will many, many times more. Youve hit the biggest purple patch in their history and it wont last, these never do. Love it when these experts come out and try and set the scene. English fans did it all last year. Well look at them now. Ireland will lose two or three players and everything will fold. Guarantee it.

Under Schmidt 6 nations champs Ireland were soundly...soundly...beaten by last...yes last.(RC) ...placed Argentina in the last world cup. No chance they would have crumbled?

Thats what they excel at, crumbling. What is it? Eight quarter finals now? Geez, they wrote the book on crumbling.

Thats pretty much one of aboutb2 games game under Schmidt Ireland have been totally outplayed. Missing Sexton, Sean OBrien, Paul OConnell and Peter OMahony to injury and suspension nothing to do with it?

Take Barrett, SBW, Read and Retallick out of the ABs and they would lose to some of their rivals too as they did v Australia last year without Barrett.

It doesnt take much to set a whinging Kiwi off. Lol.

Collapse2005 wrote:

ebop wrote:Guns brought up the past record. But his past only stretches to three games.

Cry me a river. Whinging Kiwi.

The significance of the three games is obviously the three matches under Schmidt. Wake up Ebop.

That’s not a whinge, that’s making fun of you, 60 - 0

Three games where the ABs play Ireland away. When Ireland travel south they get the yips. Losing to Australia and scraping home in two others by the skin of their teeth doesn’t scream world beaters.

No kiwis are whinging guns. But you are winding yourself up into a tizz. Reality is, Ireland are pretty good at the moment and that’s about it. Solid and consistent enough to be #2.

ebop wrote:

Collapse2005 wrote:

ebop wrote:Guns brought up the past record. But his past only stretches to three games.

Cry me a river. Whinging Kiwi.

The significance of the three games is obviously the three matches under Schmidt. Wake up Ebop.

That’s not a whinge, that’s making fun of you, 60 - 0

Three games where the ABs play Ireland away. When Ireland travel south they get the yips. Losing to Australia and scraping home in two others by the skin of their teeth doesn’t scream world beaters.

Wow big deal. New Zealand once lost to Zimbabwe. A bit like your whingy arguement nothing to do with the point being made.

ebop wrote:No kiwis are whinging guns. But you are winding yourself up into a tizz. Reality is, Ireland are pretty good at the moment and that’s about it. Solid and consistent enough to be #2.

You do come across as a whinge Ebop.

So you only want to count away games, how convenient. If anyone is whinging and making excuses it is you. Oh our players were out, blah blah blah, so we lost to Australia. Where’s your depth? Non-existent is where. That’ll be the undoing of your team when it matters. You know it to because that’s why you make sooky bubba excuses.

ebop wrote:So you only want to count away games, how convenient. If anyone is whinging and making excuses it is you. Oh our players were out, blah blah blah, so we lost to Australia. Where’s your depth? Non-existent is where. That’ll be the undoing of your team when it matters. You know it to because that’s why you make sooky bubba excuses.

You are really showing your ignorance. Maybe you are thick?

Ignorance? I’m just reading what you’re saying. Like this sooky bubba excuse below. You don’t even have a half decent back up first five. Take your half back out and your team is very average. Wouldn’t be surprised if he burns out the minutes he logs.

Collapse2005 wrote:Thats pretty much one of aboutb2 games game under Schmidt Ireland have been totally outplayed. Missing Sexton, Sean OBrien, Paul OConnell and Peter OMahony to injury and suspension nothing to do with it?

NZ lost to Australia last year without Barrett. Whats the difference? Does McKenzie at 10 represent great depth to you?

You do seem to love a good whinge Ebop.

More depth than what Ireland could dream to have. Richie Mo’unga in the wings as well. Think maybe you are the ignorant one. Who’s the Irish backup? Carbery the ‘kiwi’, lol

ebop wrote:More depth than what Ireland could dream to have. Richie Mo’unga in the wings as well. Think maybe you are the ignorant one. Who’s the Irish backup? Carbery the ‘kiwi’, lol

Id love to see McKensie get picked at 10 v Ireland in November. There isnt a hope Hansen would do it however Carbery already has a win as sub v NZ.

The point is you remove four of any teams best players and they arent the same team. Even NZ would struggle. You are either too thick or ignorant to realise that.

Collapse2005 wrote:

ebop wrote:More depth than what Ireland could dream to have. Richie Mo’unga in the wings as well. Think maybe you are the ignorant one. Who’s the Irish backup? Carbery the ‘kiwi’, lol

Id love to see McKensie get picked at 10 v Ireland in November. There isnt a hope Hansen would do it however Carbery already has a win as sub v NZ.

I’m sure you’ll get to see McKenzie carve up you big lumbering forwards. Probably in the 2nd half after Ireland have tired. Carbey, was he first five when Australia beat Ireland? Looked pretty clueless and ineffectual from memory. That’s your back up, yeouch. Better hope Sexton doesn’t get injured as he’s prone to be.

Collapse2005 wrote:NZ lost to Australia last year without Barrett. Whats the difference? Does McKenzie at 10 represent great depth to you?

You do seem to love a good whinge Ebop.

Sopoaga was the first five in that game. Showing your ignorance again. Do some research before posting nonsense

The facts about the first Rc match,maybe Crottys injury upset the AB`s game plan he`s the brains.
Pocock maybe the best loose forward in Rugby but an 8 he isn`t,no lineout skills,poor a base of scrum.
Good to see most tactical kicking was to touch NOT down BEALE AND FOALUS throat fitness is key
every AB is expected to play 80 plus minutes if required.

Collapse2005 wrote:

Taylorman wrote:

Collapse2005 wrote:Yes I saw him limp off and then limp down the tunnel while the ABs scored through the gap he left. Very poor pro. I thought the Bledlesloe meant something to these guys?

The aggregate score for the last 3 AB Ireland games is a 2 point win for the AB. Seems pretty close to me so even if Ireland are close to their glass ceiling they are still NZs biggest threat of the last few years and probably into the RWC. No chance Ireland would have crumbled like all RC teams do v NZ, no chance you would see them limp off the pitch at key moments either.

Dream on, Ireland have collapsed many, many times to the ABs in the past, far more than Oz have, and they will many, many times more. Youve hit the biggest purple patch in their history and it wont last, these never do. Love it when these experts come out and try and set the scene. English fans did it all last year. Well look at them now. Ireland will lose two or three players and everything will fold. Guarantee it.

Under Schmidt 6 nations champs Ireland were soundly...soundly...beaten by last...yes last.(RC) ...placed Argentina in the last world cup. No chance they would have crumbled?

Thats what they excel at, crumbling. What is it? Eight quarter finals now? Geez, they wrote the book on crumbling.

Thats pretty much one of aboutb2 games game under Schmidt Ireland have been totally outplayed. Missing Sexton, Sean OBrien, Paul OConnell and Peter OMahony to injury and suspension nothing to do with it?

Take Barrett, SBW, Read and Retallick out of the ABs and they would lose to some of their rivals too as they did v Australia last year without Barrett.

It doesnt take much to set a whinging Kiwi off. Lol.

Fact is Schmidt failed his biggest test yet. The quarter vs Argie. He gets another chance next year and with a current ranking of 2  Ireland would be a failure again if they dont make the final.

6 N doesnt count, the no.1 side is not at it.

In saying that you seem to rely on Schmidt a bit to much. Hes just a coach. Irelands strength needs to come from its playing base and up until recently thats not been the case and to not become a case like England in 2003 where a lot of very good players all appeared on the scene at once then it all disappeared with them. There appears to be depth, there appears to be good club systems in place.

But that doesnt guarantee longevity at the top of the pile.  If they can remain at 2, or 1, while replacing their entire squad over time...then you have something worth crowing about. Until then, theyre just a bunch of good players

The second bledisloe is tomorrow,Cane is a maybe,pity they didn't reward Todds loyalty better he`d
be starting.Wallabies Scrum should go better but lineout is still a problem with unbalanced back row,
Wayne Barnes in control. Scrums constant resets,penalties by guess work there,early yellow cards.

As to Nz v Ireland ABS have lost 24 test matches to NH sides [Lions excepted] since 1903and have a

at least 50-50 percent away record.They are capable with parity up front to kill you out wide,thru

the middle,off set plays,on the counter.With good selectionsthey`ve the goal kicking fixed too.

Half an hour gone 7 - 7...

and no death threats to Wayne Barnes yet.