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I think he's getting better, so "never hits it up" was a harsh assessment, but if you're defining greatness by excellence in all fields his running game so far in his career would leave him short (compared to: McCaw, Smith, etc.). But just to clarify: that's not how I define greatness, and I do...

I'll probably accept that. Out of interest, who would you classify as having a 'complete game' among modern-ish wingers? The only ones I can think of are converted fullbacks, or at least multi-position outside-backs (like Roff or Howlett). But then you get in the uncomfortable situation of...

He was incredible that day - Shane Williams was burned into my psyche. I disagree with this "to be great you have to be good at everything" logic. I think greatness is about being able to dominate games with some degree of regularity. Lomu couldn't defend. Pocock never hits it up. Gregan...

Bump Nanai-Williams to the wing and put Robinson at fullback. That's seriously quick, 9-15.

He's 103 kegs according to the hurricanes website, so hopefully it won't be too hard for him to bulk up a bit, mealamu-style.

My particular concern is around Luke Whitelock. He looks the goods (and could be a captain down the track himself).

My worry about Read is this: I think one of the most commonly confronted hurdles in captaincy is when there are doubts about the captain retaining their position in the side. The most fiercely contested position in the All Blacks is the back-row (or maybe the wing) and we have this habit of...

It's really going to frustrate me when he goes back to league and they describe him as an 'All Blacks superstar'. Though I'll admit that he can play a bit. Just not as much as Nonu.

I'm fine with that. Other results I would have gladly accepted include a nil-all tie with the game won on a penalty shootout, and a game won after the simultaneous heart-attacks of the entire opposition side. I don't really accept your point that the All Blacks were bad, but regardless, I've...

That's an interesting thought. Maybe they just re-signed so the NZRU could eventually get the contract bought out by some cashed up club. Probably not - particularly given the inclusion of a sabbatical clause - but still, an interesting thought.

Colin Meads baby - though McCaw has got to be catching up on him. Next time he plays a game with a broken shoulder I'll call it a tie. More on topic, Rougerie is a grub. He finally has a good game and then ruins it with this shit. Idiot.

I think Boric is more the replacement for Thorn. They're both big strong tighthead locks. He's obviously not as good, but he's still pretty solid. I think Conrad is getting to the end of his days. He'll start to lose a yard of pace, and can't afford to (hopefully he goes off to his other...

I think Beale was much better last year. He wasn't bad this year, but last year he was a freak.

ABs 25 - France 15 Wales 30 - Australia 20 (I just don't think Gold is going to get up for this one)

I hate the booing, but you really do cop shit as an away-fan anywhere. I've spent years going to Bledisloes in Sydney, and let me tell that is one looooooonely train ride home.

Absolutely - I thought that was awesome. You can say a lot of things about Giteau, but you can't deny he's a tough bastard.

I don't really think you can complain too much about not selecting more reds/waratahs. Clearly selecting a team is different from selecting the best individuals, so some people are going to miss out in the interests of balance (although I accept that there is worth is retaining champion...

Giteau? That's not too bad. You guys actually have crazy depth at 10. O'Connor, Beale... Huxley at a pinch.

I probably agree with the second one of those.

I get a little fed up with this argument about adjusting the relative worth of tries as against penalties. I understand that you want to provide an incentive for teams to go for tries, but ensuring a free-flowing game of rugby has almost nothing to do with the intent of the side in attack - it...