Dave Rennie is always scrambling because he neither has the dept or available talent. If he had both at his figure tips, he would not be trying to attract the return of offshore experienced talent. As good as DR is, once the team encounters injury or some other personal issue, the match day 23, starts to look vulnerable. We all see improvement but proposed Wallabies should all arrive into camp with appropriate abilities and some players are not at that level. Neither, the coaching staff or projected player is time rich.

SW, a very thoughtful and abstemious article, great read, which highlights much about the NZ rugby public. Interestingly, from where I sit, Foster is on the wrong side of the creek. But as enthusiasts, we all have to acknowledge the Hansen / Foster combination did the Kiwi’s proud for about ten years. Sadly the elephant in the room is the floundering NZRFU, who since Mark Robinson have been less than professional with both the players and media. This level of disarray never ends well as many of the AB’s, staff & families have a vested interest, in the hypocrisy and decisions made by others. Whatever happens moving forward will be a calculated risk, as there is nothing that warms the heart like success.

Who would be a coach, the cat’s whiskers one minute and the dogs breakfast the next. Although the Wallaby performance was less than encouraging, regardless of the fact DR’s team was hampered by injury. Their commitment and execution was just above pitiful which make the SA match like climbing Mount Everest. Sadly the hypocrisy displayed by Mark Robinson in NZ and his disrespect towards Foster, when such conversation should be highlighted behind closed doors. Is a reflection that answers many questions about the NZ, CEO;s ability? Coupled with their crippling sarcastic media, rubbishing the AB’s including the coaching staff before & after the SA tour, offers and insight into the limited journalistic skill available at the NZ Herald.

Smoothy, you are correct NZ have a plethora of talented players sitting on the shelf. Although perhaps not all these players are gold plated. Rennie and the Wallabies don’t have such luxury but had the ability to dig deep after a competitive first stanza against the Puma’s. As conveyed in your supermarket shopping specials, the AB’s struggled in the Republic, didn’t remain focused and has lost that single minded approach that identifies their playing style. We all acknowledge they have concerns and I would like the disgruntlement, to stay on their side of the creek,

At times we all become lost in the rhetoric and the synopsis of slobber and opinion. SA has always been a challenge particularly at home; therefore nothing has changed for the visitors to this competitive cauldron. Both teams will leave it all on the paddock and one will depart with self satisfaction.

The trials & tribulation the AB’s are experiencing has been building for some time. If you consider the amount for player time they were separated from their families due to Covd. Including the end of season, northern hemisphere tour, no player to my knowledge was thrilled about. It’s simple to develop dissention among the players, as this season could be a repeat. To further destabilize the brand, they have a CEO Mark Robinson who is disingenuous, arrogant and a poor communicator who struggles to find a welcoming face within the senior player group. Now with a third party buying a 100m stake in the AB brand, with most of the details still not made public. Supporters and players perhaps have justification to be frustrated? Rubbishing, Henry & Hansen is a big call, as they are the two most successful coaches the AB ‘s have experienced to date. Razor is a great candidate but a little early, as NZ have a number of accomplished international coaches who have the acumen to restore self assurance.

Sounds like the NZR and Mark Robinson in particular has taken historic pages out of the Wallaby play book. When past Australian rugby CEO’s failed to remember they were the guardians of a sports code that had a very proud history. What has become apparent from across the stream is administrative hypocrisy and crippling stupidity involving senior NZR board members, as AB’s are about to board the flight to SA. With unsavory results and connotations for all involved. Although at a different level, a friend coach’s a very junior girls AFL team who have not enjoyed a great season to date. Watching from the sideline, he only offers encouragement, support and ways to improve their performance. Regardless of the result, attending parents become extremely energetic and excited when something positive takes place. But, in NZ you have the media, journalists, fans, past players and armchair experts all rubbishing the AB’s and coaching staff with their dribble. Further, if the AB’s struggle to obtain positive results on tour, these same morons will request more changes without accepting they are the problem not the solution.

Reading low level dribble and opinion is never based on fact. It’s also fascinating how some of the Northern Hemisphere rodomontade rubbish journalists are also adding to the disquiet. Travelling to SA, carrying so much baggage is far from a winning formula, regardless of the coaching changes. For the record, each player had a one on one with a review panel and were all asked the same pertinent questions. That is why, Foster is still appreciated but the other two folk were apparently not valued. Although the prognosis is perhaps not idyllic for most AB faithful, the low point will arrive if DR makes Wallaby fans smile.

From what I understand, CEO Mark Robinson is the negative catalyst associated with most of the dysfunctional media speculation. According to what I understand from folk who witnessed his positive dribble to players in the changing room after the match. Then, on Sunday rubbishing the team’s performance, coaching staff, team captain and certain players to the media Sunday morning is not a good look. All his double talk in my opinion is more than harmful and extremely unconstructive. Particularly from a person who has never played the game at its highest level, a person who arranged a financial partnership with a third party, That few of the AB players understand completely as all the weasel words have not been made public. Further, is a person few players respect and I would think after reading the damaging remarks in print, team members would be pessimistic and subdued. Then with Strachan flapping his gums, only frustrates and creates more anxiously. Just what a team desires before travelling to SA.

Willie L, Arm chair experts ‘God Bless them’ opinions are precisely that, one persons’s private thoughts made public. Why doesn’t our expert ask Dave Rennie, if Foster should be removed and discuss his future at the same time? I talked to a disgruntled Kiwi across the creek after the match. Although he had skin in that game his response was much more philosophical. Mate, NZ have only lost 3 home series in 138 years, tell me what other international team has that kind of record?

Highlander, sorry mate you can be very hypocritical as the AB pack struggled in the second test and perhaps made a fundamental blunder in team selection when reduced to 14. In my opinion it is very difficult to play front foot rugby, when the pack has been compromised particularly a prop. The Irish took advantage of their good fortune and played the complete game. Sadly the AB’s, lost impetus and never had a workable contingently plan when reduced to 13 players. Give BB a break, as it’s very physically arduous being the play maker when the team has limited traction.

Whether you agree with the article or not, draconian asinine law changes, to the game are on a multiplier. We can all offer good examples of idiotic decisions. Endorsed by officials, that dampen your desire to enjoy the spectacle. If you look at general rule numbers, rugby contains about 187 and league 87. Interestingly if league utilized the same administrative laws as union, after 30 minutes you would be left with very few players left on the paddock.
We all endorse player safety, but, no professional player intentionally has callous insensitive desires, as red cards affect all concerned, the team, his future and the nation’s ability to collect silver ware. Watching an international match with 13 players protecting the team goal-line is the pits, there need to be a new balance. The frustration is like looking through your back room window and becoming unbalance watching a white butter fly, land on a lettuce leaf. When the neighbours dog is swing on your suit pants leg, which is airing on the clothesline.

Skomo, as a rugby enthusiast I find your comments somewhat disingenuous and deficient in any level of cultural understanding. For the record, recreational fishing is by far the most popular pass time in NZ. With friends travel to NZ regularly to enjoy their hospitality and take pleasure watching quality rugby. AFL will never be an international sport and rugby league struggles to find traction outside OZ /UK, making their WC something of a shaggy dog story. To be honest it would give me satisfaction to see the Wallabies more competitive against their cousins. But, the fact still remains for a country that has a population less than a 5th of Australia’s; they have this ability to strut their stuff in numerous sports.

It is not very often I would consider agreeing with Mr Kearns. But considering the disingenuous arrogant comments made by Steve Hansen regarding Razor’s abilities compared to Foster and the cronyism displayed upon Fosters appointment. The NZ Rugby Union Board has little to cheer about. Alas, Kearns is partly correct, because at the elite level politics and supporting the privileged few, is very much the order of business. Robertson is ready for the next level and is flexing his options. With that said, Dave Rennie is an astute insightful coach who is always struggling for player depth. Which make coaching the Wallabies continual work in progress? What I discovered, he is extremely softly spoken and I believe a non-drinker which is uncommon within the community I support. I enjoy his style. For Robertson after the world cup, a number of home countries would probably welcome his services. Let’s be frank, how many senior coaches do you know who can break-dance?

To be truthful, we are yet to see Foster introduce his own values or playing style, it all appears to be taken from the Hansen / Henry play book. Sadly this play book has been universally distributed and is in every coaches back pocket. Robertson continues to impress, his team management approach delivers results, many say the Crusader are the best and most exciting regional franchisers in the world of rugby. They have an extraordinary following particularly in Europe. To be open-minder I don’t give a rats about Razors break-dancing or bias commences about unorthodox thinking, at his level it’s all about results and in my mind he continues to deliver. Not so much, Foster and friends.

Yes Hugh, in my opinion, for the Wallaroo’s. Sustaining, high- intensity rugby, for 80 minutes is still and elusive product to deliver. But when that happens they will become of age. When I first watched a match a few years back, it was all very ordinary and playing the Ferns during that period must have been a daunting, demoralizing assignment for some. That is no-longer the case, there will almost certainly be more that one disclosure during the forthcoming WC for some teams, including positives for others. We could be the surprise.

To be honest I struggle with this defeatist approach but what makes me smile. Australia has just captured the right to showcase the 2027 RWC and we have folk talking about decreasing the codes foot print. The removal of the Force achieved what, nothing, the code in the West felt they had been extremely poorly treated. Senior players looked for greener pastures and the Australian Rugby Union continued to tread walk and squander funds by giving named players, paid sabbaticals. Further, bending to appease certain sponsors and evading their responsibility to support the grass root juniors who are the future of the sport. The Melbourne Storm is one of the league’s premier teams, why, because they win games and premierships, maybe that a great starting point for the Rebels.

Mate, Although I struggle to agree with your position, judgment day is coming and perhaps we will have a different story next year. But what I do agree with, both antipodean teams have selection issues and need to start penciling in the word possible and feasible.

Highlander, NZ’s historical dominance is quickly becoming weather –beaten, we in OZ permit experienced players to look for greener fields and NZ’s biggest rugby export are extremely astute coaching staff. World rugby has eyes and ears and is acclimatizing to the modern game. With the continual rules changes, the challenge for most teams is a red card. Regardless of what we all may think of Reiko defensive skills, he is cherished internationally and the fact remains few international teams have a 13 of his ability or caliber. Although I’m not a member of the Foster fan club, senior coaches review statistics, to move forward, make small adjustments, and not become lost on details that happened 2 years ago. While the article is interesting it is also somewhat disingenuous, as Reiko is probably very much aware, his value to the team is based on performance. There are most certainly, 2 perhaps, 3 players waiting for their opportunity.

This assignment for Cheika involves a collective assortment of headaches with very few simple fixes. The Los Pumas scrummaging and lineout, have been deteriorating for a few seasons and for some reason they preferred increases of 3 instead of 5 or 7. If you add the handicap of European based players and health restrictions, this season will probably be an optimum test for Cheika’s coaching ability. Sadly, Michael also has deficiencies and if he believes he has the acumen to be the lone wolf, his responsibilities, will quickly eat his lunch.

Fox, I share the sentiments in many of the examples you have quantified. What makes me smile; the rugby union fathers have changed and added rules to make the sport more visually appealing, faster and engaging. There are about 187 rules total I believe, yet the game is not flowing as planned. The ref manages concerning aspects of the match by committee. The TMO needs to play a more restrictive role; the scrums need to be sorted and if red cards remain the flavour of the day, players should be at liberty to have their lawyer sitting on the sideline. Rugby, is now played in the boardroom where the money men reside, During an average super rugby weekend only 1 red card is administered and if there are 350 tackles throughout a contest, on a multiplier the number is small. Meaning there are numerous ways to address the situation without completely destroying the match game integrity. With the cost of ticket access, paying patrons need to enjoy a contest but that appears to be eroding.

Jim, according to some influential friends across the ditch, protecting the integrity of their player base for a more robust season and perhaps place a few more supporters within the stadium is called financial survival. Regardless of history, in this environment such venues are challenging to organize and disruptive, for little reward.
In reality, perhaps a couple of lower grade teams of both sexes (college) would offer and interesting concept as some of these kids are extremely skilled and innovative and would provide a contest.

Lukas, a very passionate article but for the enthusiast you offer opinion with no clear direction forward. Governments, administrators and powers in authority can legislate to their hearts content but you can’t legislate against morons. A few evenings ago watched a league game and I realized, after 20 minutes, had this been a union match, there would be only two folk left on the field, the ref and one other.
All sports have dynamics and the dynamics associated with rugby are critical to the flow of play. But, what union needs to avoid is the Goldilocks and the three bear’s scenario, cold porridge. Therefore, finding a balance must be a nightmare for the more innovative coaching staff, watching players been carded for extremely mirror indecision’s. Yes, players need to be protected from malpractice and negligence but here is the rub. There are more people, killed, eaten or injured for life surfing than playing rugby. Soccer is another example of head concern’s, there are hundreds of ex players filing suits. Sadly soccer would be nothing without a header near the goal. In all professional team sports, you require a few uncompromising players who are forceful otherwise winning becomes a project. There is a difference between an assertive player and a thug, these folk needs to be removed from the scene permanently, not red carded. Refs are not consistent, they are paid administers and need to be more accountable. The third review ref should only offer facts not his opinion. High contact areas like the scum and maul require further review because if we continue to erode the fundamentals and skill level and frustratingly watch the ref shuffle cards for 80 minutes, the game will become inflexible.

Dear me! Abusing ref Wayne Barnes may not be that difficult. But, the club owner in his wisdom reiterated Tolu Latu has a alcohol problems which appears they are addressing, with minimal care and attention. I don’t believe any professional rugby player would be tolerated in the changing room under the influence and would never make the pitch. Further, a club has numerous ways to manage player injudiciousness and one is probably not in public because if his transgressions are that noticeable the red flag should have been identified upon signing or soon after. Like ghastly head altercations, his illness requires astute support from the nucleus within the club and if not forthcoming he should return home for medical assistance.

The Black Fern performance last year in Europe regardless of health restraints was unequivocally cheerless and ordinary. Smith is the master of instilling technical excellence and ascertaining if players have skills & abilities not previously acknowledged. The girls need to recognize how lucky they are; perhaps Foster could attend some of his training sessions and stop watching old Hansen replays.