Comments on: Kiwi rugby in rude health as Baby Blacks hammer France

By: Stu

Stu — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 05:39:05 +0000

Not too many older guys in England camp at the moment but I would like to think SL would be looking 4 years ahead so will want to get a few guys capped and experienced ready for 2019 – something I’m not sure has deliberately happened in the run up to this RWC.

By: Don P

Don P — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 14:39:24 +0000

In NZ’s case most 30+s will likely depart & indeed many have already signed.

In England’s case, are there m/any over 30?!

If they take cricket’s example though & depending on how they do in the W Cup, expect a few will come through.

However, just because guys are young, there’s no guarantee that they’ll succeed. Age is a relative thing for me, but in any case, it’s coaching nous that’s more, or @ least as, important for a team.

By: Stu

Stu — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 04:57:11 +0000

Often after RWC you see a few retirements or change in guard as the coach looks to the future, I wonder if this won’t give some of these players a chance? The likes of Itoje, Ford, George etc have come through relatively quickly after starring in U20 so there is a good pathway for them

By: Don P

Don P — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 16:18:30 +0000

Hope you’re right Stu, but I thought that the BB’s’d go further last yr too.

The future may tell us more after the WC in respect of talent?

By: Stu

Stu — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 17:29:54 +0000

I think this is the baby Blacks to lose, boasts well for the future of both nations though – some real talents on display for both teams.

By: Don P

Don P — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 15:31:57 +0000

Well, we’ll have to see how the final goes as it’s back to square 1 for both teams @ kick off, but, perhaps the Baby Blacks may not be quite so on the wane as the jaundiced Jones of the S Times opined.

6 tries v France who previously BEAT England suggests that the NZ juniors may just have a sniff of a chance?