General Rugby Discussion 3

This format, if I remember correctly, was only introduced in 2022 where you play 2 matches against each team but instead of a home and away, you play one team away twice, one team home twice and the other home and away. Not sure which bright spark thought this was a good idea, then again this is the same people that were in charge when they thought having South Africa leave Super Rugby is a good idea and that now think they can introduce a test series against New Zealand and South Africa again and somehow fit it in the calendar.

We will have to see, they have been used to such a high standard for so long, yet we forget they were not that great in 2009 in the Tri Nations and lost 3 in a row against South Africa that year as well. There will be a time of rebuilding for them to do but they will always be good. New Zealand rugby though needs a reset of some sorts and the turmoil off the field will not help but from memory Robertson's Crusaders teams weren't the best in one area of the game. They did everything though to a high standard as a team which made them the best, if they can get close to that then I have no doubt they will be around the top again in a couple of years time.

Argentina just ran rings around Australia, that was some impressive attacking rugby from them. Attacking the space and keeping the ball in play, will be interesting to see if they can continue this against SA.

When Argentina turn it on , they play great entertaing rugby

It was on the left side of the field where Kolbe was playing. It free'd up Malcolm Marx to join the line out and maul straight away, he didnt have to run in from the line. And then Kolbe just falls into his position, on the left side line anyways. Not really innovative, but different.

My brother lives over there and reckons crowds will be sparse especially at the games v regional sides.

Cricket and NRL rule the roost ahead of Aussie Rules

Realistically - Wales by themselves would put it up to Australia over a 3 test series, and I think Scotland would expect to win down there right now. Ireland and England would absolutely expect to whitewash them right now.

It's shaping up to be the least competitive Lions series in as long as I can remember. The 2013 tour to Australia wasn't great, but that Aussie team went on to be RWC finalists a couple of years later.

SA Squad being sent to Argentina (copied from an article, thus the club names):

Props: Thomas du Toit (Bath), Vincent Koch (Sharks), Ox Nche (Sharks), Gerhard Steenekamp (Bulls).

Hookers: Johan Grobbelaar (Bulls), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears).

Locks: Eben Etzebeth (Sharks), Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg (Montpellier), Salmaan Moerat (Stormers), Ruan Nortje (Bulls).

Loose forwards: Ben-Jason Dixon (Stormers), Siya Kolisi (Sharks), Elrigh Louw (Bulls), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), Marco van Staden (Bulls), Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks).

Utility forward: Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Bulls).

Scrumhalves: Jaden Hendrikse (Sharks), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier), Grant Williams (Sharks).

Flyhalves: Manie Libbok (Stormers), Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers).

Centres: Lukhanyo Am (Sharks), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles).

Outside backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse (Bulls), Aphelele Fassi (Sharks), Makazole Mapimpi (Sharks).

Utility back: Canan Moodie (Bulls).

On a 6/2 split like you say, you need 9 backs and 14 forwards. They have 11 and 17. Must feel its adequate and not worth the risk to bring more players just in case, with the jet lag and all it entails. Roll the dice. Go all out for the home game. Surprised Kolisi is going, wouldve thought its the ideal time to give him a weekend off to get his nose sorted and be ready for the home game. Both Am and Moerat have led the team before and couldve done so again.

Very late start though, 23:00 over here, not ideal having the game finish at 01:00 but least its a sunday then so not too much of a problem.

3rd or 4th time this year?