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Yes, absolutely. And they didn't need the ref to hurry them up, it was just expected. I think scrums slowed right down when they went to the crouch-touch-pause-engage cadence, because the hit was so important, packs wanted to be perfectly set. But the change to the current cadence hasn't...

Yep, I'll go for the 2000 Bledisloe as the greatest of all time. I was in one of the end stands of the stadium, and I just remember sitting with my head in my hands as the ABs went over for their third try after, what, 8 minutes? Surrounded by cheering Kiwis of course. What I also remember...

Yeah, I think 25-18 might have been generous to the Tahs, given how the Brums took their chances cf the Tahs. But yeah, the refereeing was very frustrating, that forward pass in the second B try was rank. I don't think I can agree that Aus rugby is bumping along the bottom though - there are...

I watched the first half live, but only now caught up on the second half. Funny how the score is so similar to the Chiefs game, yet I feel much more positive after the Brumbies game. Perhaps with the score, I was expecting a similar shambles, but it wasn't. The bamtamweight Tahs pack got over...

So - if RA was to take on the production of all the content, and sell that on to Fox, Optus, or whoever - does that really end up costing RA? The Pandaram article suggests Optus would include the production costs in their offer to RA - but of course, Fox would do the same. If it's all outsourced...

Yes, RA and the Super teams have tried various types of these campaigns in the past, and yes, no doubt it costs a bomb to create a doco series like Drive to Survive. Of course, there's a variety of ways to do it - the old Tah Talk podcast (way before podcasts were cool) was one of the main...

Yeah, nah. The hardcore fan may interested in all those visualisations, etc, but that group will be watching regardless. If you want to draw in new fans, or bring back the lapsed, spend the money on something like F1's Drive To Survive on Netflix - a great doco showing the people and stories...

So what is Ewen doing these days? I know he wanted to drop off the radar after 2014, but has he re-surfaced anywhere?

Seems News Corp are deploying their NRL news-style to the rugby TV rights fight - 24/7 disaster/outrage/freakout. Works for them, I guess. However, I'll take it as a good sign that there doesn't seem to have been any rash response from RA about this - just a steady message and no change in their...

Yes, it's a dangerous time - I think it's a dangerous time to be either a sports broadcaster, or a sport relying on TV rights funding, unless you're absolutely dominant in your market. The AFL and NRL will still get good money from networks that simply can't afford to lose them, but everyone...

I think a commitment to FTA is only worthwhile if the network involved can commit to heavy promotion of the games, something similar to what we see for AFL, NRL, or the cricket - not just the occasional advert or billboard, but heavy cross-promotion in other programs, etc. That's the only way we...

Oh yes. Damned if he doesn't look like the Hollywood version of a 10. Even has the Hollywood girlfriend.

Perhaps Fox just realises that people aren't buying subscriptions to watch mid-week rugby shows? I do feel for McArdle, but I don't think there will be too many cancellations on the basis of losing mid-week shows and a panel discussion before and after games - it all hinges on whether they keep...

Interesting, given the previous talk about Beale starting the season at 10. Hopefully the change is because Harrison and Mason have impressed at training, rather than the opposite...But yeah, it would be huge for either Harrison or Mason to have to handle that role at the Crusaders in Round 1.

Given the Tahs side is almost full-strength, I'm surprised Beale's not playing 10. If he's going to play there for Round 1, he needs a good warm-up - if his last appearances at 10 in the Wallabies are any indication. Or perhaps Penney genuinely thinks Harrison could start there right away?

I think there's some real leadership talent coming through, but there's no need to add that pressure to them now. 1-2 years with Simmons would be ideal, whilst checking out the next generation. Hooper looked pretty worn down at the RWC last year, a freshen-up might be good for everyone. But...

I'd suggest Luke Burgess for 9. Big bloke for a scrum half, well-proportioned, more a "half-forward" than a half-back. Unfortunately, passing skills often more like a front-row forward too.

A really interesting question Dan. For me: 1. Ability to attract and inspire quality assistant coaches: I think this is critical to the success of any senior manager, but especially here. A national head coach shouldn't need to focus on the day to day coaching of the national squad, in terms...

All true, but we inevitably focus on the players who perform really well overseas. Are they the exception, or the norm? Are there more players who under-perform in Europe or Japan, but we simply don't hear about them?

Good for existing fans, if it included overseas comps as well. But no good for attracting new fans.