The Rugby Thread

[Cormack74]

I didn't think SA tried to get the ball to Kolbe nearly often enough, but equally although he had a couple of moments of brilliance I couldn't help thinking he's lost some pace.

He looks bulkier - maybe that has something to do with it or has he had an injury?

[Cormack74]

Should have scored there. Le Roux has been a liability today. Thought Smith may have lost it forward there. Brilliant kick from Barrett, relieved they didn't score again haha.

He was **** for Wasps all last season and half the season before. I'm amazed there's no one better?

[Zapater]

I didn't think SA tried to get the ball to Kolbe nearly often enough, but equally although he had a couple of moments of brilliance I couldn't help thinking he's lost some pace.

He looks bulkier - maybe that has something to do with it or has he had an injury?

Not sure about him losing pace, he was the quickest player on the pitch. Think he couldn't convert due to isolation and final pass received being a bit ****. Huge fan of his and he was outstanding yesterday. Hopefully it isn't a serious injury. He's always been given a bit of a ride, should have been in the Boks squad on his Stormers form years ago.

He was **** for Wasps all last season and half the season before. I'm amazed there's no one better?

When he first broke onto the scene he was magic, people were comparing him to Campese and Hennie le Roux. The running and stepping have disappeared these last 5 years. He's never been the best aerially but should bring other aspects to play. He's played basically every game for Rassie and think Rassie wants consistency in his selection and possibly experience with the other fullbacks and wings haven't played a ton of test rugby.

Gelant is the only natural option he is a talented player, but doubt he'll play as he's young and inexperienced at this level. Other obvious option would be moving Kolbe to fullback and play Nkosi on the wing which would add more physicality too.

I don't think Steyn has played fullback in a million years, but could be a shout. I'd actually try Jesse Kriel at fullback and see how he goes. Most of his rugby has come at centre and occasionally the wing, but he could definitely add something at 15. Willie doesn't deserve to start after this game.

Standards have dropped some bit since the days of Andre Joubert and Percy Montgomery. Would maybe have brought Dillyn Leyds in ahead of Gelant but he blows hot and cold, Combrink is a good option but he is often injured and Willemse is more of a flyhalf.

[Irishnev]

Good luck Buzzo - for the next few hours I’m going to shout abuse at your countrymen but I really do like the Scots

[Buzzo]

Yeah, you lot frequently get the luck. I’ll be hoping everything goes our way today!

Hoping for a good game.

[Buzzo]

Hmm.

Just clinical from Ireland. We can’t get going at all.

Wasn’t sure about the grounding there though?

[Irishnev]

Hmm.

Just clinical from Ireland. We can’t get going at all.

Wasn’t sure about the grounding there though?

Grounding was fine Buzzo

[RichC]

Ireland have been excellent so far, clinical when the chances have come up.

[Zapater]

Predictable.

[Irishnev]

Watson looks ****ed - such a pity. Hope it isn't too serious but he's had knee issues before

[RichC]

Excellent first half from Ireland. Crushed the life out of Scotland there, didn’t allow them into the game at all.

See if they can do anything for the second half, it’ll be a tall order though.

[Buzzo]

Typical second half mountain to climb.

Ireland too streetwise for us. And clinical.

Agree with most of the commentary. We only have one way of playing, and it’s high risk stuff so when it’s not happening we don’t have anything else.

We should have gone through the phases when we had territory, but the Irish look so strong at the breakdown.

This game pretty much sums up our Rugby under Townsend where you could argue we’ve gone backwards since Vern Cotter.

I’d be tempted to get Ali Price on sooner rather than later.

[Irishnev]

Excellent first half from Ireland. Crushed the life out of Scotland there, didn’t allow them into the game at all.

See if they can do anything for the second half, it’ll be a tall order though.

Ya we need more of the same but it is attritional out there, POM off, Sexton can't goal kick and other players banged. Scotland have to go for it and we saw vs England how dangerous they can be.

Our bench is strong though, especially up front.

[Buzzo]

Chasing the game in heavy rain.

Miracle required.

[Buzzo]

No idea why Seymour is getting in ahead of Darcy Graham just now?