Comments on: The Rugby Championship 2019: Round 2 Predictions

By: Don P

Don P — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 22:48:42 +0000

Well BSB, it might be interesting, esp coming off the shocker of not having lost yet. Take it you’re English & looking fwd to yr nxt up matches then?

By: BSB

BSB — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 13:25:37 +0000

Going to be interesting to see how NZ bounce back against Aus in a few weeks. Playing away and coming off of a bit of a shocker, another potential upset on the cards?

By: Don P

Don P — Tue, 30 Jul 2019 21:22:24 +0000

I’ll pass yr sentiments on to SF Steve, although he may be a tad dissappointed, as he usually speaks v highly of you. SA may be encouraged by their performances over the past 2 wks. They may well be WC contenders. However, they, like NZ, will need to cut their error rate.. & also learn how to construct tries.

By: Don P

Don P — Tue, 30 Jul 2019 21:05:43 +0000

No need, you just did Leon, although a bit defensive aren’t you? NZ’s ‘D’ hasn’t been under performing, wouldn’t you agree? And you may wish to read Hansen’s comments re their performances.

By: steve

steve — Tue, 30 Jul 2019 16:13:26 +0000

Fitzy has been past his sell by date for years. He has seldom said anything interesting or perceptive.
SA should be greatly encouraged by their performances over the last 2 weeks. They look like a side on the up, have some excellent players finding some form, have good depth and are clearly being well directed by their coaching team.
They will be a force at the WC.

By: Leon

Leon — Tue, 30 Jul 2019 10:12:11 +0000

Can’t be arsed to say anything about NZ under performing just for you to shoot it down with a comment about how form is temporary and NZ will bounce back once they cut the error count.

Retallick injury is a blow for NZ RWC campaign hope its not too serious

By: Don P

Don P — Mon, 29 Jul 2019 13:40:51 +0000

Interesting that this article’s tesponses have all drawn a blank?! They’re potential WC opponents folks!

By: Don P

Don P — Sat, 27 Jul 2019 10:23:56 +0000

Well, got that wrong. Oddly, NZ HAVEN’T sorted out their error count. This is based on 2 games & therefore too little to draw definitive conclusions from. There’s also time to rectify this issue. However, with defences dominating, this too must still be of concern to NZ. Additionally, their tries have dried up. SA too for that matter. The NH will likely conclude that 2 swallows DO make a summer & accordingly take heart from these results for their WC chances. OTOH, better that theses concerns are exposed now, rather than in Japan. Will NZ continue with their profligacy in turnovers, dropped balls & knock ons? They have a history of analysing & fixing things that go awry, so we’ll see. Another area Hansen will need to address is getting 6 & 7 right. They’ll have to improve here to have a shot @ the WC. Cane & Squire? Also & which is affected by the loosies’ performance @ breakdown, is the opposition’s early, concerted rush defence. This must be countered. Maybe with Crotty, Goodhue? SBW was largely ineffective today. Some kicking was also substandard. Additionally, I think Sean Fitz is past his commentary sell by in stating stuff like; ‘ SA did well against a v good AB team’. What, with a NZ error count of c.15 was it? Should stick to after din dins speaking! Both need to wake up.

By: Don P

Don P — Sat, 27 Jul 2019 00:41:46 +0000

Bit like yr 1 day cricket team Hammy?

By: Hammy

Hammy — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 15:14:01 +0000

I have an idea that the Argies hope to destroy the Aussies to morrow. I watched the KIwi vs Argies more closely than I have watched a game in years. I think the Kiwis got out of jail, Just.

By: Don P

Don P — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 13:01:49 +0000

Blimey! A Reply box this week as well! With the return of much of the incumbent AB pack, they’ll surely look to do a nullifying number on the Boks up front. Aiming to starve them of ball, it’ll also be interesting to see how Frizell & Todd go. Still trying different combos in the 1/2’s, but with a potential 1st choice midfield, the odd pick is BB @ 15. Although BB had played f back for NZ whilst being groomed as Carter’s successor, maybe Hansen’s looking to test an interchangeable 2 fly1/2 system again? Or looking to all out attack from the back? We’ll see. Also Hansen may have in mind last yr’s missed shots @ goal? Whatever, I still don’t see BB’s 15 as a WC 1st choice. Strong SA team, possibly a WC starting one, Kolisi apart, although I’m less sure of Am & Mapimpi in the backs & even Kolisi himself for that matter. More punch the way it currently is. Still, a trial in one up manship & in fact. Expect NZ to have worked previous errors out of their system & NOT throw 2 more intercepts tomorrow. Therefore, NZ by 12-14? Dunno about Oz v Argentina. If the ref keeps out of it this week, Oz could just sneak a tight one. A game that both really must win, it’s a tricky pick that could (& will) go either way. Oz will need to be pretty much error free, not least in defence, whilst Argentina will need more invention in their backline. Although they pushed NZ, especially later on in the 2nd 1/2, The AB’s only had a 3rd of their 1st team out. That won’t likely happen in the WC & these TRC games aren’t really rehearsals. Oz by 3-5? Hmmm? Maybe.