The Silver Fern

Apparently Foster said in an interview after the game ‘we haven’t become a bad team overnight’ Yeah it’s taken the couple of years with you in charge!

Well said Beaver, even more of a legend

https://www.planetrugby.com/news/this-springboks-argument-will-never-wash-with-me-ex-all-blacks-epic-rant-in-response-to-scott-robertsons-plea

Good news

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/128674150/highlanders-halfback-folau-fakatava-cleared-to-play-for-all-blacks-as-eligibility-case-is-settled

@Rancid-Schnitzel said in Foster, Robertson etc:

Just out of curiosity, is there anyone who would actually like to see Foster continue?

There are actually a fair few...

oh and

This from Eddie Osullivan
“That’s a strong New Zealand backline but it’s not the perfect backline. I’m really happy about Barrett being at 15 because I don’t think he’s going to get his hands on the ball as much. I don’t think he gets his hands on the ball as much when he’s at 15. It’s practically impossible to bring him into the game as much as Richie Mo’unga will be. Joe’s got a very predictable, very solid, very experienced XV, compared to the All Blacks XV which is not as experienced and I would say not quite as solid. Richie Mo’unga has not a great kicking game. He’s not as astute at exploiting (the space) in the back field. That’s good for us. Especially, if it’s wet. It’s another weakness. It’s hard to believe we’re talking about All Black weaknesses. When you compare them to Sexton, if it comes down to a drop goal or a late penalty in a one-score game, that gives us an edge there”.

21 - Beauden Barrett made 21 carries in #NZLvIRE, the most ever by an @AllBlacks player in a @rugbyworldcup match, surpassing the previous best tally set by John Kirwan and Buck Shelford who both made 20 against Italy in 1987.
Key.
#RWC2019

So cool that we never had camera phones or social media in my stupid drinking years

Good to see NZR sticking to their guns

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/new-zealand-rugby-hold-ground-over-all-blacks-eligibility-rules-despite-failed-swoop-for-richie-mounga/NNYV347SXNC6ZNP5LEDSSQMMKU/

@antipodean said in Blues v Crusaders:

How the fuck is rugby not essential?

It is but they can only play socially distanced in the workplace (2m ideally, 1m min). So that means only the Chiefs defence qualify to play under Level 3

@Yeetyaah said in RWC Jerseys 2019:

They're smaller fitting again. Had to get 2 sizes bigger than usual.

@billy-tell said in All Blacks vs Pumas I (yay we’re not playing the Aussies again):

Finally got a chance to watch the game. Based on this forum, I was expecting Bridge to have had a 'mare. In fact he was fine, one knock on in the 79 minute excepted. Too many people stroking each other off over bridge "say it louder baby, bridge is hopeless, that's right give me that upvote". Will never be an AB great, but he is hardly in the basket case category either.

ABs are waaaay better this season. Starts with selection, which is much better than last year. Forwards more direct. I think the ABs should ditch Coles who is now 34, 36 in 2023. The 2 hookers both had very solid games. I think the best AB loose trio would be Ioane, Cane and Jacobson, with Savea on the bench. Jacobson is a really class player.

BB, RI and BBBR were probably my 3 top players, but no-one disgraced themselves. There is great depth, if we have a weakness I'd say lock: Barrett is already a step down, I really don't rate PT at international level. The sprinbok and NH tests will be a good litmus test - teams that thrive on 10 man rugby and would be more than happy to claim an AB scalp playing that way.

Like Mealamu in 2015? Nah, if you’re good enough you’re not too old.

About Bridge, he wasn’t pointed out as crap. Just having been totally nothing as a winger. ABs wingers are X factor awesome, or amazing 2nd fullbacks (more recently) Bridge is meh. He is fine, but there are better options to go for long term. Everything about him says Journeyman, break out in case of emergency

You insult me, Sir! I, a ferner, read the article? You with withdraw that slanderous accusation or you will be hearing from my second!

Foster is an absolute fluffybunny, I hate him so much as a coach. The worst, by quite some margin, of any ABs coach of a decent period of time, with so many shitty records to his name. And he can't own up when his team puts what is objectively the worst performance ever in black

"I think both teams deserve a lot of credit, they put a lot into that game and it was a great spectacle."

What the actual fucking planet is he on? In what way do the ABs deserve credit? For bending over and taking it hard without lube?

"So, I’d rather have those lessons today, a couple of weeks out than in a fortnight"

Except they are the same lesson the ABs have been getting since c2017 and you and your fucking bunch of numpties have not learned. STOP FUCKING KICKING ANYTHING BUT LONG IN YOUR 22. Even just that would improve their performance, and the fact it is done every single match means it is your fucking idea. Earn the right to go wide, paly off nine some times, and stop picking obviously past it players. Get a captain with some fucking personality (I know that would just show him up).

Jesus, I can't wait until next year, a coach with a proven record as head and something beyond the personality of a fucking turnip

yes I have been drinking

@antipodean if foster just stopped his tactic fucking about in the 22 as default, even against set defences, I would feel much better. That is a killer, works versus minnows and a loose Australia. It worked beyond belief this year versus SA, but that realty is an anomaly. But it is dumb as fuck play, and I hope to never see it again as default. That's not brain fwrts, or poor execution by the players. It is a default 'exit strategy' under foster.

@Billy-Tell said in RWC warmup - Ireland v England:

One side of the draw is crying out for a pacific side to reach the semi finals.

Hopefully NZ

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/126150378/i-want-it-in-writing-rugby-australia-in-5-million-bledisloe-threat-to-nz-rugby

Contradict yourself then, what a tosser

“I sent him two messages asking not to make a public statement until such time as we have consulted our stakeholders and I had absolutely no response until 2.30pm.

“I’m not denying the fact they made their position quite clear, I would never deny that, what I am really disappointed about is that they chose to make a public statement on a postponement or cancellation that involved us, without telling us at all.”

Like NZ are going to pony up five million either. Maaaaaaaate you're dreaming

I've finally realised what Jordie's do reminds me of

@Tim said in Super Rugby 2024:

What was done to Harbour will never be forgiven.

Thanks for finally telling us what the actual fuck you were ranting about haha, I had no idea

@chimoaus said in Bledisloe 1:

How the fuck is that a penalty.

@Frank said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:

Squad named by Robertson on June 24th.

Surprised it wasn't the second, most of his players will be available then