Recent content by Joe Blow

Maybe our blokes are fit and battle hardened. The Boks fell off badly in the last quarter.

O’Connor looked out of place early but played himself into the game. Solid defense and a few nice touches. The pace initially was frenetic. They could not keep it up.

He will need them. Good opportunity for both JOC (James O'Connor) and him to show what they have got. Hope they go well.

True. Both replacements have faired better behind a stronger performance all around. Pietsch missing out was odd. Both selections were pretty close I imagine? There is a reason why he keeps going away from Donaldson starting. Fiji perhaps? I don’t know.

You two have been calling for Donaldson to start over both Lolesio and Lynagh, but his form has not commanded it and obviously the coaches have felt he is not the one to start right now. Further confirmed by this selection. No coach is infallible but Joe Schmidt knows what he is doing. I think...

Yes. Not ideal but it is going to be as rough a test match atmosphere as is possible. I think he is better equipped to deal with it than the other two. If he fails then it’s not the end of the world. Maybe Donno comes on early if it’s going well? Who knows. Losing Lolesio and then Lynagh in...

JOC (James O'Connor) is a lot more robust than any of the other options. His defence is good and he can stick to a basic game plan. Better for him to do that for 50-60 minutes and let Donaldson come in when the game opens up.

No. His game is not solid enough to control the game. JOCs is limited but he has been around the block a few times. Its a good choice in this situation.

I don’t know. For the Tahs he is in everything, much like Gordon. He looks strong as well. Werchon is stronger but maybe not as quick and intuitive yet.

Agree. You know Pietsch might be decent in the centres? Worth a look down the road. Defence was much better in the last test. JAS made some beastly tackles, including the one that led to the Jorgo try. The Lenny Ikitau/JAS partnership is improving.

Pick initially from within Super Rugby and then players remain eligible when they go offshore if they have already been in the squad and represented. It expands our player base and brings continuity to the national setup. It works very well for SA and Argentina and creates more professional...

Donaldson s kicking was poor and his decision making off. He got the job done but it was easy to see why Lynagh was preferred to start. Not sure what we do for the RC. Hope Lynagh is OK and can carry on but how many more head knocks before he cannot?

Understandable but ultimately it is a game. We may not win it but we have acquitted ourselves better than most expected us to. If we lose, we lose. If we win then great. It is a very good well drilled side. I reckon the ABs and Boks would also struggle with them a little, but probably take the...

Younger is not always better. Frost is just coming into his own as a test lock now and will be around for a while.

Is Skelton not sticking around for the RC? Frost is getting better with each game and coming into his own physically. Future captain? Understands the game well and has humility.