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Naisa was beast all game. Naisa and Pete Samu the stand-out performers for me so far this season.

Something not smelling right here. He seems like such a good prospect, so why aren't league clubs interested in him? I fear there is some behaviour issues behind the scene's we don't know about.

I'd imagine JJ really only came into serious contention after the RWC and the success of Japan. Not sure he was a top list candidate before then. I'd imagine the names would have been Foster, Rennie, and Robertson as the realistic top candidates. Post RWC more came into contention with contracts...

I agree that success in the third year has pretty much 100% of the head coach markings after implementing his culture, coaching, and selections etc. He should peak in year 3. But still needs success in year 1 and 2 (he clearly hasn't). Many coaches leave there stamp on the game earlier then...

What general rule say's that? I would say 2 years is enough. At least if you compare it to recent successful coaching stints in similar "building" phases. Jake White being the number 1 example. Only took 2 years (first year just missed out on finals by 1 game too btw) to reach the Final with...

I love how there is so much emphasis on the assistant coaches. This is a key area which seemed to be missing in past coaches. I can't recall any "wish lists" or selection process for the assistants. They seemed to just throw a few people in who were available. This is building to be a really...

In case you haven't seen these. Sounds like a smart bloke, speaks well, and has a well-balanced approach to the game.

A great signing. The more I look into Rennie the more I like him. It's going to be tough for him next year coming in so late, but I'm keen to see what he can do with the talent, and very curious which players he selects. I'm very optimistic about this. I hope all those criticizing his...

Great news, congrats to those players. I hope they get some solid game-time against Fiji and Wales. Brazil sounds like a great idea for a game too.

This was pretty intense.

I agree Lorenzo, to an extent, I think taking the mentality of selecting the best available starting 15 whether or not players are leaving or retiring the following year should be primary. It creates a winning culture. However, you do need to develop depth, so when it comes to the bench, I...

It will lead to a fight. Like it did it in the past which is why they put in place the distance rule in the first place.

Remember there was that one year with 4 Bledisloe matches, now that was overkill. I'm happy with 1 or 3.

I disagree. Twice is perfect. One home and one away. I see your point on a 3 match comp though, after reading this thread I'm on board for a one-match Bledisloe.

He was World Player of the Year. I'm not sure their is an official RWC player of the tournament?

This is pretty consistent every year though. Wouldn't say it was specific for this tournament. Definitely agree that the sideline ref's needs to step up their game on the offside line.

Pieter-Steph du Toit wins! - not a bad winner given his consistency this year, and winning the RWC. Still would have liked to see Itoje get nominated. He should have got some recognition for a great year.

I thought the reffing all round during the knock-out stages was fine. Even from Skeen.

6 Halfbacks seems excessive, especially with White returning the next year. Kata listed as wing, and Wright now listed as centre (I think he started wing this year?)