Official Rugby Thread

[_Ed_]

Former All Black Norm Hewitt dies at the age of 55

Hewitt was also a stalwart of Hurricanes and Māori All Blacks rugby, an advocate for troubled youth and Dancing with the Stars winner .

www.rnz.co.nz

 

[Brook's side]

RIP Norm. You did your jersey proud.

On a different subject, I was just looking at the England post match huddle at Eden Park.

The vibe I get is kind of satisfied with another good performance.

Don't get me wrong, big picture I think that is the right perspective on the tour. I think they did themselves proud, particularly in the 1st test, and that there's a lot of positives to take out. With hindsight that's the right way to look at it, but immediately after the game I'm not so sure.

I don't think you would ever see a New Zealand huddle like that. My understanding of their culture is that they are there to play for every All Black who's ever worn their number, and that every single defeat is hugely painful. Or for that matter an England side under Martin Johnson (who of course lived in New Zealand for some time) or Dallaglio.
England did not lack courage, effort or commitment in those two test matches, but I wonder whether a similar culture might be enough to get them over the line in some very close games.

 

[Brook's side]

Incidentally, on the All Blacks, in case anyone has never seen it, this was a proper rugby tour, and a great side with several absolute legends.

So far as I'm aware this was the original sports fly on the wall.

 

[ripper868]

Wales pick up an international win*

 

[Molehill]

Already working his magic with the Cherry Blossoms.

Congrats also to our U20 chaps who backed up their defeat of the Baby Boks in the group stage by beating Ireland in the semi and who will now face Le Petit Bleus in the final after they turned around an earlier 1 point loss to NZ in their pool game pretty spectacularly with a 55-31 thrashing in the other semi.

A very comfortable win by the English boys, look like some talented boys coming through, especially in the pack.

 

[ashley bach]

Georgia often punch above their weight.

Steady Eddie under the gun which is nice to see tbh

 

[James]

Anyone else watch the Fiji game? First thing that struck me was how good the stadium looked, perfect for watching.
All the young guns proved their worth and although there were a few mistakes, impressive by the all blacks.

 

[ripper868]

Just about to get up for the Wallabies game.

From everything I've heard the Reds v Wales game is worth a replay.

I really wish the 2 test series we had the previous weekends were all 3 tests, but also happy the 'tier 2' nations get a crack.

South Africa v Portugal may get a little bit out of control I fear.

 

[ripper868]

Wow,first ref I've seen actually enforce the 'use it' from a ruck base. Wonder if he'd blow the same as quickly for the 'big boys' especially as Georgian 9 had his hands on and was .5 of a second away from play continuing.

 

[ripper868]

Also of note, first game where we get the Aus comms feed. Maloney and Horan are fine, Harrison is terrible.

 

[James]

Great direct running from the Wallabies isn't it. Hope these games against Wales and Georgia will hold them in good stead against SA/NZ with their plans and combinations.

 

[ripper868]

Georgia certainly doing their best to hang on here, neat little try...oh pulled back, forward pass was it?

 

[ripper868]

And 14 panicked there with thr line open.

Side note, think it's only been 1 scrum this whole half.

And deserved try for Georgia.

Physically they are getting belted, but they aren't going away quietly for sure.

 

[ripper868]

Bad one by Daugunu there. Had plenty of time to bring his knee down, and he's looking at the player. I think this will be red.

 

[ripper868]

And yep, red card. Which means 20 minutes of 14 players and then a sub comes on.

I understand the not wanting to ruin a game with a red card, but think there needs to be some care in implementing what is essentially a 20 minute sin bin, especially if you end up with malicious deliberate red card acts on key players. I don't think that happens ever, but a potential slippery slope for me.

 

[ripper868]

Haha that is a wild try to start the half.

 

[ripper868]

Try of the year contender. Simply beautiful from Georgia.

 

[Spark]

First time I've watched the Wallabies in a long time. Obviously it's not marquee oppo but I do like what I see so far.

 

[ripper868]

Some great tries by Georgia tonight. Good signs for them in many areas, somewhat surprisingly seems their pack has taken a step backwards since the likes of Gorgodze from 2015. (Appreciate that's 9 years ago!)

 

[Heboric]

Nice workout for the Bok up and comers. I guess being down to 14 for 77 munutes and down to 13 for 20 minutes made them work harder. Poor Am doing double duty at centre