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I'm splitting hairs but I don't think Pocock was a management failure, or even JOC (James O'Connor), but rather management's inability to put in place the things those two were seeking beyond money. Graham wasn't a big loss other than bizarre timing that makes you wonder. For me Genia followed by Cheika was...

I think he did say the reasons. He certainly mentioned a few; family, travel distance, new opportunities, right decision for him and his wife, playing for White, and specifically acknowledging the limited success there. Pretty honest from where I sit. What would have been served by pointing...

Be careful what you wish for Scorz, those Sharks have been looking magic for a while now, with plenty in the tank. That said... Go Chiefs!

As a Victorian, I was a little cynical of ARU motives when Perth won the franchise bid over what at the time was reportedly a far more compelling business case by Melbourne. I couldn't help thinking the ARU thought they needed to grab Perth now and that Melbourne would still be there in a few...

Quite right, it doesn't. Doesn't change the point however. JOC (James O'Connor) played 577 minutes this year and was in the top 10 for metres per game. I can't understand the people who would bench him.

Don't underestimate McCabe he has only been playing inside centre for what, 15 months? He may not be a Nonu or SBW, Smith or Fourie yet, but he just keeps getting steadily better. Horne and McCabe are not slicers in attack, but they can and do chop people in defense. Pretty important with...

Even with a limited season JOC (James O'Connor) has managed to be in the top 10 players for metres gained per game, with 75m, more than Ioane or Andre Taylor for example. And that from mainly midfield positions. If hes fit I would be benching AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper), Horne or Mitchell.

I'd opt Cooper myself, assuming he was performing well in drills and fitness tests. But I can see the argument for the safer option of Barnes and Deans is a big believer in rewarding players who perform. Which clearly Archie's Dad did. Wonder if Deans would consider Barnes at 13 instead of...

I'd also be wary of Cooper comparing a 'good' game vs Wales in a playoff to playing the All Blacks in the semis 1 week after an extremely tough game vs the Boks. I would also question the logic in the Irish game, but in that game Barnes could have made a big difference with some judicious...

I must have missed that in my post RWC anti-rugby phase ><

Tahs had a dismal year, and Rebels while still very inconsistent showed they could go toe to toe with the best teams in the game, pushing the bulls hard, beating the crusaders and coming very close to defeating top of the table Stormers at home. Force lost their coach, Reds had the curse of the...

The main advantage of McCabe outside Cooper is it reinforces the 10 12 defensive channels. Cooper is a better defender this year, 69% from iirc 57 odd, but he is still a gaping hole compared to JOC (James O'Connor), barnes or beale. It is also imo better to have a line straightener at 12 over 13. Anyways I...

The current centre pairing didnt start until the RWC, and then with Ant and AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) alternating in. Not even vaguely'2 or 3 years ago'. McCabe started v Samoa and has played every game he was fit for since. Couple of points I have: - McCabe is an attacking defender, ie dominant tackles, clear...

yup, little chance of more injuries either.

Doubt the kiwis will get too misty eyed, a country that could cut loose Buck Shelford at his peak undefeated as an All Black captain is capable of saying 'sorry but' to McCaw and Carter when the time comes and even before it comes. McCaw certainly was impressive at 8 last night, no doubt we...

No doubt Sharks were the better team, Reds played a shocker first 30 and Sharks grew and grew. Kaplan was awful (again) and I wonder how the game would have gone under Joubers, it might have been poor form but Genia had a point, it could have been a different game. But it wasn't Joubers and...

Kirwan made a big difference to Italy and Japan, understands what a team like the Blues need, and has the kudos to get what he needs. Don't worry about them, worry about the Tahs.

No one was accused of conspiracy. Incompetence, chickenshit yes. Still no citation for Elstadt, bloody appalling. What do the damn citation commission do, get drunk?