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He plays to the strengths available (his words) and the Aussie culture (my opinion). Which is speed and pace/backs oriented. We have less emphasis on forwards and defense than kiwis. you can see that by the stick the Tahs cop in a year where they have performed extremely well in the face of...

He made 2, possibly three. I'd have to play it again to be sure. Both resulted in him being isolated for far too long due to pisspoor support. Same happened to Elsom. I have to say, he showed a lot more composure in the face of rampaging Samoans than the other new selections, and thats...

Well, assuming WJ wasn't actually in the side in question, it isn't completely correct. But I agree 100% it's his sig and if you can't barrack for your team in your sig when can you?

Oh, I thought he was being ironic.

Well played Samoa. Swarming defense that clobbered, and good tactical play reflecting professional rugby experience. Sure was a good reminder of the gulf between super rugby and test rugby. I confess I didn't have an issue with the concept of blooding the team and trying an alternate...

Here's hoping it was just a twinge and mngt are showing abundant caution. Injuries are a part of sport, but is it just me or have we copped a shelacking this year?

Tahs POTY There you go WJ and BR, seems we aren't the only ones backing the lad.

Frees RD and crew to take a long term view first thing next year developing the squad, kills off detractor distractions/politics during the 3N/RWC, and enables a steady transition to a new coach if/when. All without any debate threatening the ARU adminstration. Smooth. Got to give JON...

Ranger?

Not a kiwi stunt it seems. ERFU merchandise

poms change colours

I'm happy with the world telling the ABs they are favourites.

Crap, busted. Where's a decent first five to run interference when you need one.

Seems pretty silly to bin a coach after getting two semis in three years. I smell politics :/

never happen, and his crabbing drives me nuts. Unfortunately I also doubt BB will happen, but I think we are all fervently hoping.

Re Cipriani staying off the drink - he was pretty quick to state he isn't a big drinker, just doing stupid things. He does admit to having had to deal with depression. I have to admit I like the guy. He's taken the heat, admitted his judgement sucked and pulled his head in. Hopefully the...

Qwerty - Only because most discussions about Fainga'a / defense inevitably bring TC into the discussions. Facts are Fainga'a is in the squad, TC isn't. Had this been a non RWC year it might have been the other way round, but it isn't. Add Fainga'a's experience playing alongside QC (Quade Cooper)/Genia. I...

Here's something of interest - from the article that prompted me to run those work rate stats; Graham Henry's comments re Robbie Freuan not being selected for ABs. ...But Henry reasserted his tough love attitude around Fruean. "Everybody sees Robbie as a very explosive player with the ball...

My sincere apologies to AF and a couple of others. I revisited my calculations and identified that the work rate effectiveness percentage was applied across the board, rather than the relevant rate against the relevant stat - tackling vs running. This essentially meant specialists weren't...

Richo> FF (Folau Fainga'a) Stats. Haven't been able to corroborate them other than to find they broadly align with Rugbystats.com