He's better than Collins.

I'll take it.

@NTA He was fairly quiet but not surprising given his time out of the game this year. Good to get that run out of the way.

Looks like Wallabies best starting XV to me.

@kiwiinmelb good thought.

How's Hamish McKay feeling?

I like that team a lot.

My only issue is Barrett starting ahead of Tuipulotu. Would have swapped that.

Pleased they have gone with ALB at 13 - he was brilliant at Eden Park and I think he offers a lot more explosiveness in attack than Goodhue.

@Daffy-Jaffy said in RWC: Japan v Russia (pool A):

@Siam He also must be the shortest international lock ever, listed at 1.87m. That's shorter than Joe moody!

incoming Ardie joke.....

@rustycruiser The latest weather predictions don't look like a rain deluge.

Eli Manning's career looks like it is over. He has benched for rookie Daniel Jones.

@Hooroo said in RWC All Blacks v South Africa:

If my calculations are correct and what I have read is accurate, the team will be named at 9:45pm, Wednesday night...

.... unless @SouthernMann

From Stuff

The All Blacks will name their team at their Tokyo hotel on Thursday.

@Cyclops said in NFL 2019:

@KiwiMurph said in NFL 2019:

I don't mind the Dolphin approach. They've been mediocre for 20 years since Marino retired - constantly competitive but never good. It has got them nowhere.

The problem is it takes years to build a franchise. One draft just isn't enough to rebuild a team. Just look how long the Browns have stunk for. Even now with multiple number one overalls, first round picks and stud free agents/trades they're only middle of the pack.

It takes more than 1 draft but not that much more - the key is you have to hit on your draft picks.

The Miami Dolphins have set themselves up with a total of 5 first round picks across the next 2 drafts. If they hit on those they will be well on their way.

The issue with the Browns was they were constantly failing on their draft picks year after year - they passed on Carson Wentz - they took the likes of Johnny Manziel and Brandon Weeden.

You can turn things around in 2-3 drafts. The 49ers were absolute garbage when Shanahan/Lynch took over 2.5 years ago - they've replaced every starter other than 1 on offense (Staley) and 1 on defense (Buckner). Everyone else has been replaced. Now the 49ers legitimately look like a playoff team.

The Dolphins are probably eyeing up 2-3 years time when Brady is gone and set themselves up for long term.

It will only work if they hit on their draft picks but I understand the logic.

Tanking has been successful in other sports - the Sixers tanked in the NBA and are now a playoff team - the Astros tanked in MLB and are now the best team in the sport.