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So, no good grace displayed by Cheika and no need for it in any case.

No, I just don't accept that Barbs. Cheika's time was up at least two years ago (imo four years ago and I said as much at the time). I have no time for Clyne and see no justification in him staying on one day more no matter his reasoning. But at least to me Cheika was in precisely the same boat...

OK, Super Rugby titles in 2001, 2004, 2011 and 2014. All years in periods when the overall Wallaby win rate was lower than periods preceding them.

In that regard, he seems to have learnt something from Michael Cheika.

Should be a bit of lamb rump Cyclo?

That's an interesting postulation. One that I don't necessarily agree with. Just from the NRC this year, I can see plenty of players showing they could/would make the grade in Super Rugby. Players like, Ryan Lonergan, Nick Frost, Angus Allen, Len Ikitau, Mack Hanson at the Vikings, and Harry...

With the proviso that combinations are important. No good having the best No 9 and the best No 10 if they don't complement each other. Same could be said for the Kerevi/Kuridrani combination, and I would also say the same for the Pooper. Play the best, but only if their input and close...

A couple of observations. Maddocks and Banks are rising stars who are very likely, almost certainly, to be better than some of the fading stars who will be vying for the same spots. If they haven't already, Banks and Maddocks will overtake Beale and DHP and AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) in the next little while. As for...

I think both Maddocks and Banks have surpassed the potential stage. Just needs a coach willing to use them in their most suited positions, and they'll be in the mix. In fact, I would say Banks should be vying with DHP for the No 15 spot.

Meakes, Foketai and Simone. Maybe not as experienced as we would like, but a long way from being Rookies.

An interesting visual record Reg. As you say, the 1976-80 period was a turning point. To go from a 30% success rate to 60% in one period is remarkable and I would think really must be attributed to a, or some, specific changes being made around those times. And the improvement was really almost...

Harrison Lloyd and Angus Wagner going, literally, head to head is one of the tantalising battles to look forward to. Both will be in the opposite team next year. Other great tussles will be Henry Stowers against Pete Samu, and Issak Fines against Lachlan Lonergan as both will be vying for the...

I reckon Rassie only took half the 1/4 Final to work out how to nullify Japan.

It's my understanding that Rennie's contract doesn't expire until August next year. If that's the case, he won't be here for any of the mid-year tests and by the time he arrives the Super season will also be done and dusted. 2020 will be another wasted year if the new coach, whomever, isn't free...

BH I think there are two salient points (maybe more, but confined to Cheika). First, it was his game plan. Keep the ball in hand and run it at every opportunity. Then, his game plan was confirmed to him on the training paddock. On so many occasions when he discussed the inclusion of players...

Yes, the squad would imo have definitely been improved with a third half back to take some of the workload. The No9s must run at least twice the distance of the next runner in a match.

FP, it's true that a lot of those skills seem to have been missing or deficient in players coming into the test side for many years now. But how in hell can a national coach construct a game plan if the players can't execute it due to skills deficiencies? I would think that the coach has an...

As an outsider, I thought ALB looked out of place in the No 12 spot. After JG was replaced, ALB looked a lot more comfortable at 13. Maybe the mid field is one area where change could happen.

Well, not according to the Cheika apologists at the time. When the tide was changing about 18 months ago to get rid of Cheika, some posters were then adamant that it was too late, a song they then kept singing right through to the Cup.

Yes, first half all the officiating went the way of Japan. Second half more balanced and that's when the SA power game simply ran the Blossoms into the turf. SA game plan was uninspiring but very effective.