The Rugby Thread

[Irishnev]

Buzzo's right Nev' that might be the end of Munster's interest.

Nailed on for Exeter to be in the same group as Glasgow wasn't it. These things seem to be almost guaranteed to occur in sport.

I dont think they have ever failed to get out of the group (maybe once?) but odds stacked against them now. Racing with Zebo and Ryan also brings the old boys back.

No new players on the horizon for Munster but Larkham, Rowntree and possibly Howley being added to the back room team

[Irishnev]

[ame="https://twitter.com/indosport/status/1144485644451766272"]https://twitter.com/indosport/status/1144485644451766272[/ame]

I get how successful he has been with the Lions and I fully expect a series win in ZA next time round but surely that should be it for Gatland...? 3 tours should be enough and he’ll be in the Southern Hemisphere for the Australia tour.

[Buzzo]

The entire point of the Lions should be that freshness and change of management, approach and players.

Just giving it to the same NZ guy every 4 years is dull.

Still, should be a nice summer off for whomever the best Scottish players are.

[Cormack74]

The entire point of the Lions should be that freshness and change of management, approach and players.

Just giving it to the same NZ guy every 4 years is dull.

Still, should be a nice summer off for whomever the best Scottish players are.

[Irishnev]

Just watched highlights of the super rugby semi finals:

Crusaders in the final again, they beat the Hurricanes in a tight game.
The Jaguares hammered the Brumbies in Buenos Aries - Argentinan rugby really on the up. They’ll be very dangerous in the WC

You ha e to imagine the Crusaders will have too much for them in the final

[Zapater]

Crusaders got out of jail a little bit there at the end. They're imperious though, keep on churning out players and wins; year after year. Really hope the Jaguares win.

Pleased that Super Rugby helped them, the Sunwolves were probably a couple years too soon. I think they only looked at it from a financial perspective instead of on the pitch. I'm sure the franchise could be reintroduced in a couple of years when Asian rugby is in a slightly better position, especially if they could get a few imports in.

The competition will look pretty different over the next couple of seasons. It's hard to imagine any SA franchise being overly competitive with the new open contract system. Everyone will be plying their trade in Europe, Japan and possibly even opens up prospects of playing in Australia/NZ with coaches like Plumtree and Wessels who know SA Rugby inside out there. It's weird, some ancient players are returning home, which makes it a reversal from the usual where Europe/Japan was traditionally the retirement home/graveyard for Super Rugby players. The Bulls had a strong squad, but they'll be going into next season missing 10 starters. I'm sure Sharks and Lions will suffer similar fates.

Good looking Bok camp assembled prior to the Rugby Championship. Hope Frans Steyn is back for good, would make a huge impact in the WC.

[Buzzo]

A great moment for the big man.

[ame]https://twitter.com/itvborder/status/1146055823505801217[/ame]

[Zapater]

****, Jaguares are throwing this away.

[Irishnev]

****, Jaguares are throwing this away.

Like Munster - good to a point but against the elite sides they’ll come up short behind the scrum. Crusaders can do the physical game no problem and wee streetwise enough to win it easily in the end

[Zapater]

They dominated the scrum, even so the Jaguares could have taken advantage of their best moments, but handling errors at key moments cost them. Given the conditions were pretty bad, when an NZ team are struggling, you know the ball is like a bar of soap, but that's always going to be the case in NZ due to constant ****/unpredictable weather.

At least we got to see Robertson do another breakdancing routine. Looks like he's slipping a bit, he was outstanding in the others

[Irishnev]

They dominated the scrum, even so the Jaguares could have taken advantage of their best moments, but handling errors at key moments cost them. Given the conditions were pretty bad, when an NZ team are struggling, you know the ball is like a bar of soap, but that's always going to be the case in NZ due to constant ****/unpredictable weather.

At least we got to see Robertson do another breakdancing routine. Looks like he's slipping a bit, he was outstanding in the others

[ame="https://twitter.com/superrugbynz/status/1147441902981017600"]https://twitter.com/superrugbynz/status/1147441902981017600[/ame]

[Zapater]

Going to Ellis Park this evening to see Boks C team play Australia, should be a good one regardless. Not sure about the double Jantjies pivot, but great to see Frans Steyn back - would have him starting at 12, but I guess this Rugby Championship is to experiment before the WC. Winning this and having a poor WC campaign would be hollow.

[Buzzo]

That all went quite well for you then.

Pumas ran the ABs close also.

[Irishnev]

That all went quite well for you then.

Pumas ran the ABs close also.

England France and Argentina is a tough group. The rugby championship and super rugby has really improved Argentina

[Buzzo]

Yeah was thinking that myself.

The French were starting to figure out an effective 15 come the end of the 6ns, and the Pumas are ferocious and improving no matter what.

England will need to be at their absolute best.