Here he comes Ardie aka Muttley of the wacky races

To all our rugby brothers in arms....
Congrats to Bokke you were magnificent - bokke supporters - party hard and party long!
Comisserations to England and all supporters....we know how gutted and emptyyou must be feeling...
Thank you Japan for a great tournament - you were brilliant hosts
Roll on 2020!

Lesson for Sky Sport NZ - don't ever invite Wheeler back to comms, he sounds as boneheaded as they come. Seemed happier than A Smith

I fuckin hate super-tyhoons

I'd like to see a return to the JABS - would be a handy gauge on guys like Big Red, Sotutu, Miaele-Tu, Parkinson, Grace, Fakatava (if he ever takes the field) and ye - even Akira.

@SammyC - Excellent post.
On Whetu Douglas - I wasn't sure of how good he would be. Started season slowly, but has become an increasingly important lynchpin to the pack. Looks to be a useful and effective option at 8.
On Big Red - I also like watching him play, you know exactly what you're going to get from him. He's young and urgent and raw and above all else HUNGRY.
On Akira - Man I would love to see him totally dominate, but he just dips in and out of games too often for my liking.
On Nonu - Hate to say it, but his time in Black has come and gone I fear. He'.s been invaluable for the Blues this season, with his experence and leadership, but perhaps just too much of a logjam in his position for a WC berth.

Sevu Reece scores but of course the TMO wwill call..............forward
Ahem your gold watch is on the counter sir

On Akira - I didn't see it as 'niggle' I saw it as character. Good to see some passion for the Blues jersey.

Funny hearing Poi E blast out over Japanese speakers

Whlist I feel for Lomax )then again maybe not) players are aware of the laws amd these days a tucked shoulder is a complete no-no. A tackling technique 101 class mandatory for all Canes players this week methinks.
My beef is really with TJ. He is just not the right fit for Canes captain currently. When he should have been circling the wagons and taking stock, calming things down, he was too busy playing the wronged party like a spolt schoolboy to be effective in his core duties. Bro, guys are looking to YOU for leadership and guidance. Bit of maturity wouldn't have gone amiss here. Sadly, the cupboard was bare, and the Canes to their cost, paid the full price.

@Bovidae Yes I feel for Ah Kuoi and Va'a who have been tossed into the arena and and left for dead having been told to fight beasts without the armour of experience, knowledge or protection. Both A Kuoi and Brown were pretty decent I thought, against the Saders best - but without BBBR's heart , ethos and management in that area, man we look fragile. Hopefully Ah Kuoi and Va'a will stay and take on this SRA seasons learnings, and kick on. But I guess nothing is a given these days.
Wainui who was outstanding and Cane were the Chiefs best I thought.

Cane excepted, why is it all the other Chiefs ABs have yet to find any meaningful form - in fact look like they're in the doldrums - yet the Saders and Blues ABs look as if they haven't missed a beat.

Struggling to think what Parsons adds?

Mmmmmm a mouthwatering clash between Sotutu and MikaeleTu'u in the North v South

Nice work Blues!!
Where has this vintage been??

Jeez these Landers wont go away

Macca and co sweat patches
Great TO!

Has to be the LO

@ACT-Crusader Agreed. Absence of any attacking plays were noticeable tonight - disappointing. The coaches box looked pretty flat. too Would have thought Randle might have brought some fresh ideas. to the party

@ACT-Crusader With that in mind, maybe we should revisit the wrestling techniques that Henry favored. All about centre of gravity and positioning.