Olap
Scottish loon sometimes in Caithness, usually in Edinburgh. Likes rugby, F1, reading, cooking, and irn bru
Some tasty match ups going on paper. Getting to a game yourself?
Love the reversal on the usual meme
Hey, they are the All Blacks for a reason! I was surprised when they get a less than perfect season too. But the rugby world has clearly been levelled with the kicking changes and tweaks to the breakdown, and South Africa (and Rassie in particular) have adapted best and pushed the rules and spirit hardest.
SA in the URC has helped Sco, Ire, and Ita (perhaps not Wales). But I do suspect that super rugby isn’t to blame, we have conferences, and travel too. Our season being longer may have something to do with it, or maybe it’s the coaching and cash that the NH has (not just head coaching). Not sure how that translates to SA though.
And of course, this is all just the professional game. The amateur game is struggling around the world from what I can learn - player numbers being held up by the growth of the women’s game is to be both commended and worried about. When did your local club last field a 3rds? Do they even manage 2nds?
It has to be pretty high. They can’t go North as they are, they’re going to get gubbed. But what choice do they have really? Players clearly not up for it, will a new coach pull them out a doldrum? This is also the team to host the Lions next year and 3-0 a distinct possibility.
Argentina game is a cracker so far. 50minutes in and a 1 score game! Both sides looking hungry for it
