Valentini (born in Melbourne) is better than every AB loose forward except Savea. He's a great player.With the Aussie being NZ born no doubt.
Agree. Codie Taylor is past it and not a great thrower, Tuipolutu is a poor lineout option, and Scott Barrett is only adequate. There's a young Dutch guy (ironically called Fabian HOLLAND) who came here in high school who will be a great lock, but isn't eligible yet.NZ lineout was dire though
Played really well, came close to picking up a try, looked like he belonged.Didn't see the Oz-Wales game. How did Botham's grandson go?
18 months ago, England would've been in the Aus/Wales group but have advanced so much since Jones left, he really was quite toxic.Good win for Argentina, good series - of course probably a very different outcome with the 'A' team for France, but still some great games.
These last 2 weekends have been fantastic, every game has been enjoyable, in different ways. Pretty clear gulf between Aus/Wales/Arg and the level above of ENG/NZ/SA/IRE - France can't really comment on as clearly the reserves came out.
Oh and Scotland of course doing their North American tour...because...yeah.
Next week should be fun as well, though suspect some blowouts for Fiji (v NZ) and Portugal (v SA). Very interested to see how Georgia do v Wallabies, think they could do a number as the tight 5 is usually very solid.
Wales v the Queensland Reds on Friday is on as well...would of preferred just a 3rd Aus v Wales but sure.
Already working his magic with the Cherry Blossoms.18 months ago, England would've been in the Aus/Wales group but have advanced so much since Jones left, he really was quite toxic.