2023 RWC Buildup, Squads, Fixtures 'etc'

I think there should be big questions asked of Rassie. They just about squeaked over the line so he’ll avoid it, but that was definitely not a masterclass.

Why repeatedly kick high to Steward? He’s world class at that single aspect of the game. It gave England an easy in to the game. If you want to play a tactical kicking game, why not start Pollard? Why not target Daly? Why not alter your starting 15 6 days after that incredibly high intensity game with France?

For a man who was happy to throw out the line that certain teams had clocked up too many minutes, he made the exact same error and was lucky to get away with it. On another note, how much does Mbonambi have left in the tank? Reckon next week could be a game too far for him.

I can’t see beyond a NZ win next week unless he changes up his team and gets some fresh legs and minds out there. Will Libbock make the 23? You wonder how his confidence is after that. Expect Pollard will start at 10. Might see LeRoux come in at 15, Wilhemse to the bench covering 10 with someone like Am or Moodie getting the 23 shirt.

Genuinely not sure who will win this thing.

Very much depends on which SA team shows up. If the same SA team that started and played most of that game last night, turn up, NZ will be out of sight unlike England were able to do. If the one that turned up to play France arrive then we are in for a great final.

Agree with this. Although SA have the advantage of having incredible depth in their pack replacements which takes the edge of a bit.

But thinking back to 2019 I thought this was a factor in the final as well. SA got to the final after beating Japan and Wales in the knockouts where as England had to play Australia (I think) and NZ, was it therefore really a surprise that SA pulled away a bit in the final 20 minutes of that match.

With that in mind it's definitely advantage NZ in my opinion.

Overall I thought England were bit better and stronger, but to only score 3 points in the second half, SA probably deserving winners. They got their try

My predictions so far :

South Africa not to score in the last 20 minutes yesterday.

PP northern hemisphere treble in the quarter final.

Oh well.

As for the final I believe.... 😁😁😁

I just want to say that Ox Nché is the most underrated player in rugby. His performances too often get lumped in together with the overall impact of the bomb squad, when in reality his destructive scrummaging makes the bomb squad what it is. Best scrummaging loose-head in the world for me.

He just looks so friendly, nobody considers him the true force he his.

he really should be starting

Last season when Premiership clubs were going bust. Dallaglio said Wasps should be treated differently to Worcester, because they were a bigger club and should escape relegation.

Not a good take to be honest.

Shame we couldn't find a place for Felix Jones somewhere in Ireland. He must be doing something well.

Would be annoying if he somehow managed to revitalise England's game 😂

In fairness you are wrong.

That was an excellent performance by England - first class scrummaging until Cole and Marler came off. Apart from backchat Farrell behaved himself and that drop-goal was a thing of beauty. Overall, however, I think the better team won.

The event hasnt taken place yet.