They'll be much worse. ABs to crack the ton in that game for mineCan't see it from the Aussies; Saffers look good for a game though. Hopefully we'll see some games where teams actually field XV international class players. That'd be a start.
I wonder if Canada next week will be as poor as this French side
Christ, that's harsh. Look how vastly improved the scrum ball was last week when So'oialo came on, while tonight, his workrate was again outstanding. Couple that with clever options and great clean-outs at the rucks, and I'd say he was one of the ABs' best.
Maybe, but still think guys like him and Lauaki have the raw talent and brute strength and Graeme and co might be able to get the best out of them somehow
Well said mate. So'oialo is terribly under-rated by the majority of the New Zealand public, especially by the columnists who don't seem to realise how much work he gets through and how vital he is to the All Blacks as a unit.
You're quoting something that I said during the first half, and he hadn't been involved much at all at that point. I have split loyalities with Rodders. He runs out for the Canes, which is obviously a plus for a Lower Hutt boy, but he has played some dreadful games in Black - especially that test in South Africa last year where he seemed to pass the ball to the Yarpies more than to his own players. That said, I'd like to see him be successful, just his inconsistency riles me when you know how well he's able to play
Pretty frustrating tbh...but it's rugby...and guys wearing a black jersey
He'd be behind Nallet & Thion for mine, but given how much Laporte chops & changes he could well be.
JAB's probably a lot quicker than Aus A. Maybe it was Aus A's plan to take it a bit easy vs. Japan because they seemed to be very relaxed at time and didn't seem like they were pumping it.