@westcoastie the difference with Aust. bowlers is they are all 6 foot 5 and can bowl good line and length. Our fasts are usually shorter guys who spray it around and get carted. If they were that good they would be dominating more in domestic cricket. Test cricket is often about not losing the match by being shit. You can come back into play with a good session here and there and by bowling well at the end of an innings. If we were being aggressive we would have cut Santner - he may come into play in the 2nd innings, but hard to see.

@SmokeyT shit we had a quiet season but the off season is a beauty. Thanks for injecting yourself into the debate. Hard to tell when you live in Auckland and don’t travel as much as Steven what happens so good to hear lots of views. Something has to change. We now have the best talent we have had for years and more on its way. Some one needs to wrap it up and create a team that wins, and a culture that survives a season. Tired of one season players coming and going (both imported and local). The only coach that achieved that in recent times was Bryce Woodward - twice.

Our internal talent development, retention hasn't been good. We start losing players at school boy rugby level and with the possibility of professional careers we have to position ourselves as a successful team to encourage home grown talent to stay or return.

@taniwharugby I was hoping Cam Goodhue would be involved. Some merit in Konia continuing but decision makers need to know why he persisted with midfield that didn't work

The thing that irritates is that England never have a decent squad for their end of year tests away. The players schedules are such that lots are munted. It would be good if there was some genuine test ranking based on matches that involved the major nations playing each other with a consequence worth competing for within the 4 year period (every 2 years say).

How are the seeding for World Cups determined?

@Siam Nice

Next World Cup will be more challenging.

Our Junior rugby teams have been beaten up recent years by sides with big forward packs. Development of our tight 5 depth and loose forwards that can win contact will be our challenge. We always have great footballers but size matters as the game gets tighter and defence dominates.

@sparky said in RWC: 3rd/4th game All Blacks vs Wales:

Hansen right that to be involved with the All Blacks in a manner at all: player, coach, management, a fan is a privilege.

Absolutely

@Machpants a lot of his penalties will be at ruck time. Hits a lot of rucks and makes a difference. But fair point.

@ACT-Crusader said in RWC: 3rd/4th game All Blacks vs Wales:

@kev said in RWC: 3rd/4th game All Blacks vs Wales:

Thought BBBR was lucky to get man of match. Sam Cane for me. Man he hits hard.

Cane or Bender.

Thought Scott Barrett was into it more than Retallick tonight.

Agree. Scott was our best lock across the tournament.