The US team has got to 5 finals in a row? Wow, I didn’t realise they had got that good.5 finals in a row. I'm not sure what the record is but that must be close.
Wow this really is awesome! As if I wasn’t already a big enough fan of this dude.Yo, @Iceman
Okay. Now I have to be a Jason Momoa fan ! Check this out.
Actor Jason Momoa's All Blacks jersey once belonged to Zinzan Brooke
Not only is he supporting our team but wearing a jersey that belonged to a rugby legend - Zinzan Brooke !
I didn’t see this earlier but it’s all over now and Wales have done it, grand slam winners!How's the 6 Nations shaping up ?
I believe that England and Wales are about to duke it out - with Wales hopes of a Grand Slam on the line. Is that right ?
Down here the local derby Highlanders vs Crusaders has a massive shadow cast over it by yesterdays terror attack in Christchurch. Still looking forward to the game.....which has now been cancelled. That's a good thing, a sign of respect for the victims TBH the whole country is in mourning at the moment.
Awful tragedy. Senseless. RIP to those who we've lost & our thoughts and prayers to the families affected.
There was a minutes silence as a mark of respect in the games I believe. Touched home for some in Wales, given our NZ connection through Gatland & Hadleigh Parkes.
Fantastic achievement though, which puts us in good form for the WC.
thank you my friend, the whole world is behind you guys.
The WC will be interesting, as you said, we don't have an easy path after the groups, but as our form shows, we've almost forgotten how to lose and that comes from Gatland. I know plenty of people who would have seen him gone years ago, but he's got the team so well drilled & confident in themselves, that I think in a one off game, we could actually beat anyone. If we get NH teams up to the semi's, we might have a chance.
The biggest threat will be pre-tournament injuries and selection issues with several key players not playing in Wales.
You guys are still obviously clear favourites. How's your preparation coming?
Good question. The Crusaders, our top super rugby team were on a 19 game winning streak until the massacre- after which the next game was cancelled and they took a draw. Last week they lost to the Warratahs, and looked very flat, and were missing s couple of key players. This week they were back to their form and crushed the Hurricanes 32 -8.
I mention the Crusaders as they are currently our best indication of preparedness - no AllBlack matches until later in the year.
The other Nz super rugby sides are hit and miss.
As such we have the personnel to retain the cup, but will we gel as a team at the right time. Unlike 2015 we don't have McCaw and Carter who were talismanic players - they could change a game by themselves and lifted the rest of the team.
I suspect that if we had a couple of key injuries and faced an inspired top level Northern hemisphere team and had a key ref call go against us ( try disallowed or yellow/red card) then we would go down in a quarter or semi. If we make it to the final we'll likely win.
While we're the favourites going in I'll be surprised if we win.
Cheers !
Red the report about the NSW Waratahs. Their upturn in defense is being credited to Steve Tandy, who had several uninspiring years as Ospreys head coach. Good to see him rebuilding his career there.
I have relatives in Australia who support NSW, so always look out for them. Love the RL state of origin games too.
Looks like Warren Gatland will oversee his third Lions Tour when they visit South Africa in 2021.
Warren Gatland agrees deal to coach British and Irish Lions for 2021 South Africa tour
I’m looking forward to it a lot.Gats was a hot favorite for All Blacks coach when Hansen retires after RWC 2019.
Maybe this means the NZRFU are looking at Scott Robertson ( world champion win as coach of Nz under 20s and back to back super rugby titles with the Crusaders).
2021 is a little way off - although the last Lions side that came down here ( in 2017) had a lot of class I wonder what sort of personnel Gats will have - aren't some key Welsh and Irish players likely to have retired by then ?
Very excited for RWC 2019 - I'm picking a northern vs southern hemisphere final. Hoping a northern team will take it, as it would be good for the game.
On that note, holy crap ! the USA Men's 7s team are ranked number 1 in the world. Definitely the team to watch at the Olympics.
I’m looking forward to it a lot.
Also the US winning the 7s could also be good for the game.
I really want to go to an international rugby union match at Twickenham again soon. Got a friend who's interested now.