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Joined September 2021
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With one round to go in the Rugby Championship, it's a safe bet that some results and performances have surprised most people. So, where…
Growing up, a hope of mine was that people would become more together, not less together. The world of 2021 is perhaps more divided…
Cheers Nick, appreciate appreciate time and rigour in the analysis.
Interested in your thoughts on the Bok team – a large numbers of changes coming into the side. Is this closer to the team the Boks take to the WC? On the Wallabies side – does their injury list contribute to a situation like this or is there an issue with the fundamentals (although they have won 2 games…)
ANALYSIS: How break downs at the breakdown cost the Wallabies, and the changes needed before ABs clash
Well, in fairness – it was an unnamed played, from an unnamed source, and according to another rugby news site the school new nothing of it. If the Director of Rugby (who you would reasonably expect to know of all of the details) suggests that perhaps the facts as reported are not all accurate, perhaps there’s truth behind that?
Rugby News: Brodie back for All Blacks, Boks' wee drama, Bellamy wowed by Marika, Tahs make three signings
Agree with you PK. And as my father says – doesn’t matter how much play you have if the scoreboard still reads zip! Concern for the world is if those chances start converting. And with another 10-odd tests before the world cup, there’s every chance to think the Boks may get it right
ANALYSIS: 'Improves everyone around him': What Reece Hodge did that makes him undroppable at 15
Agree with you Numpty. Against the All Blacks in the second Test and against the Wallabies the Boks have looked to be significantly more ambitious with ball in hand – and its clear other teams are not used to it and are having trouble adjusting to this side of the game plan. RSA are known to play the long game prioritising the RWC above all else – I wonder if this is Nienaber and co adding strings to the bow with this in mind?
ANALYSIS: 'Improves everyone around him': What Reece Hodge did that makes him undroppable at 15
No. Hands are on the ball and he had moved away from ruck. Ball is in play. Can be knocked back. If knocked forward out of hands scrum gold ball.
WILL GENIA: 'I hate that's the way the game is going' - the 'atrocious and ridiculous' act in Wallabies' win
If you watch the game again, White appears to attempt to pick up the ball, before seeing Faf and dropping to pick up the ball again. Nigel Owens on Twitter correctly pointed out that de Klerk was in his rights to attempt to play the ball once White had it in his hands. He also correctly pointed out that of he were refereeing he would have regarded White’s actions as more severe.
WILL GENIA: 'I hate that's the way the game is going' - the 'atrocious and ridiculous' act in Wallabies' win
This is really crass. At their press conference the Boks did not criticise the referee. As a neutral lover of the game, this article is in exceptionally poorly argued, and leaves a bitter taste in the mouth
Boks stealing rugby’s soul, not White and Koroibete
Great read (as ever) Geoff. Very considered and well worded, thanks. I’ll share if I may another view on the Boks. It is concerning that the effort and play is not being turned into points. However, they are for me adding elements to their game that have not consistently been there for several years. The key example is their likelihood to put the ball through their hands. They are playing deep as they find their style in this regard, but even so, they opened both the Wallabies’ and ABs’ defences like tins. The more concerning element is that teams have now recognises the way to beat them is to go direct close to the ruck and force them to back pedal, whilst being a nuisance at the rucks.
The Wrap: Rugby Championship takes another weird and wonderful turn
Why the double standard between Rennie and Erasmus? In both cases, the official in question was substandard. In both cases, the arguments by the coaches were fairly reasonable. Yet one is banned from rugby for a lengthy period of time. If the integrity of officials is questioned, surely, surely the same penalty should apply? Why is Berry’s integrity and reputation any less important than Jonkers’? The double standard is disgraceful
Wallabies warned as Rennie apologises for ref rant
Just like Gatland did with Jonker in the first Test? He’s not up on the stand though. It appears you are only penalised if you provide evidence to back up your view point in this sport.
'Forever tarnished': Nic Berry reveals heavy toll of Rassie's 'character assassination'
Sounds like he needs to take time away to focus on his wellbeing. Good for him, hopefully it’s a long break given the self-reported damage done.
'Forever tarnished': Nic Berry reveals heavy toll of Rassie's 'character assassination'
In fairness, South Africa often do get the short end of the stick. Some that come to mind including the farce that was awarding France the 2023 WC, the talk of Northern hemisphere teams playing a forward-oriented game being Warrenball but when the Boks do it it’s the death of rugby, calls to remove benches after the success of the Boks’ bench…the list goes on.
Boks 'goodwill burned to ashes' by 'common thug': World reacts to Erasmus verdict, Rennie's support for Berry
Nicely reasoned Geoff, and agree with most selections. For me, a good team, but Marx to get the nod at hooker. A colossus in the set pieces and tight-loose consistently, whereas for me Codie Taylor lit up moments but also disappeared on occasions. He must also shoulder some blame for the All Blacks’ poor lineouts at times.
Your points about Aaron Smith are pertinent too. Begs the question, is he the reason the Wallabies looked so second-rate in those opening Tests?
Seven Wallabies, five All Blacks and three Boks in our Team of The Rugby Championship
Neither and build depth. If you are in a World Cup, you almost need an entire additional team to win. I think World Cups are attrition more than anything and the Wallabies need depth if they are to succeed.
What does your team need in the final round of the Rugby Championship?
Cheers Emery. Nice analysis from you too.
What does your team need in the final round of the Rugby Championship?
Glad you had a good laugh. No one gets easy wins at Test level over any side. They did win, as you point out – but the scary thing for everyone else is how much they can improve.
What does your team need in the final round of the Rugby Championship?
How do you know they are fake injuries?
'Predictable, boring and primitive' or a 'win for the Springboks'? Media reaction to Boks v All Blacks
I did not see the All Blacks take up skipping or drills during breaks in play…just a thought
Boks coach bemoans 'bounce of the ball' as youngster's massive play secures All Blacks win
Nick, I typically enjoy your work, but not all of this. Something is missing for RSA and I’m not sure it’s Erasmus. As much as it’s tempting to think of South Africa as being in the Stone Age, they have just discovered Skype. No, the Boks are falling flat mentally. And its also got nothing to do with refereeing. Both refs in the last two weeks have done a hell of a job and would have done regardless of where Erasmus was in the world. The English refs are head and shoulders above all comers. The Boks are flat mentally and perhaps not executing their game plan well, and the Wallabies were well coach against the Boks. That’s it.
How the Springboks hit an English speed bump at Suncorp
Reason why I say that is its very easy to coach a team to beat one side. For me the Wallabies’ losses to the All Blacks can’t be swept under the rug following 2 good wins against the world champs. Argentina won’t be as easy to beat physically and will likely deny the Wallabies front foot ball to the backline. A good weekend of Tests coming up for sure.
The Wrap: Wallabies rocket ahead while the Springboks are lost in space
Nice article Geoff. On all sides, a very balanced account. Thanks for writing. I am curious as to how the Wallabies go against an Argentine side that looked a little better this week. That for me is a litmus test for them. Also excited to see your upcoming article!
The Wrap: Wallabies rocket ahead while the Springboks are lost in space
Thanks Nick.
It was hard to see heights from some of those clips but will take your word for it.
It looked to me at times that the Wallabies were boring in – in the clip where the Boks are apparently moving towards the touchline, the Wallabies flank is definitely not parallel to the touchline the prop’s backside is certainly not square. Is that a separate issue to what you highlight above?
It astounds me that a Wallabies scrum that typically ends matches resembling a pretzel is suddenly holding their own against one of the best scrummaging teams in the world
Coach’s Corner Issue 26: Is Dave Rennie thinking outside the 'Boks?
Cheers Jonty. I should clarify (I posted above in the thread too) the article was originally entitled “In Defence of Diversity”. The current title is not what I would have called it and does not reflect the article’s intent. But hey, it grabbed eyeballs!
Why I don't understand the Springboks hate
Rumour has it that World Rugby will be announcing similar bans for Sexton and half the Wallabies’ side shortly
Rugby News: Rassie BANNED for sarcastic Tweets, Ireland expect 'different vibe', ABs team named