England v New Zealand match thread

[quinsforever]

First topic message reminder :

2.30pm at Twickenham on Saturday.

Betfair has england 5:1 against. Sounds about right to me.

Are NZ wearing black this time? I hope so. don't think France or anyone else found the Haka quite the same performed in what looked like white gym T-shirts.

My prediction, fwiw (and i know that's not much), NZ to win by 6, england to dominate at scrums, lineouts 50:50, 60% possession England but Joubert tough (but predictable and consistent) on holding on means isolated possession gives NZ the scoring edge from penalties, and NZ classically more clinical with open/broken field possession.

Really looking forwards to it though.

Anyone going?

[GloriousEmpire]

I think England are peaking too soon. That's what I think. Like last time.

[quinsforever]

like last time they played NZ? peaking? must be joking. cant even talk about peaking until there is real continuity in selction based on merit. we still dont know who should be centres or wings...forwards we have good strength and depth, but scoring points once the ball leaves 9s hands? gonna be hard...

[Cyril]

Corbs, Yarde and Wade are all out.

Oh goody

Corbs? Really?  

[The Saint]

For this supposed depth that England have, they've looked both dazed and confused without centre's and one other winger than Ashton. Corbs would have been a useful addition against Argentina too, they seemed to have a foothold against England in that area for most of the game.

[BamBam]

Corbs, Yarde and Wade are all out.

Oh goody

Corbs? Really?  

Yep, just saw it on twitter

http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/nov/12/alex-corbisiero-injured-england-all-blacks?CMP=twt_gu

[The Saint]

What I should add, is that it's good that England have just beaten Aus and Arg like that. However I don't think they'd beat NZ and SA, and would struggle in the 6 Nations against Wales, Ireland and France.

I won't predict a loss for England this Sat either, I did that last year and ended up with egg on my face.

[Cyril]

Corbs, Yarde and Wade are all out.

Oh goody

Corbs? Really?  

Yep, just saw it on twitter

http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/nov/12/alex-corbisiero-injured-england-all-blacks?CMP=twt_gu

 I'm beginning to think (ok, not just beginning, I'm thought for a while) that we might as well get used to doing without Corbs. Real shame.

[GloriousEmpire]

Wet flannel and some dove facial scrub is what you need for that.

[Taylorman]

I'm a bit surprised at how few All Black supporters are predicting they will smash us. I suppose that makes sense. No matter how confident you might feel, its probably wiser to talk up a side's challenge if they beat you last time.

Perhaps the best way to describe England supporters right now is hopeful but fearful.

Glad to see I'm not one of them- smashed hardly reflecting my comments.
For me there are one of 3 likely outcomes...a close win by either side, or a sizeable win to the AB's if England dont turn up.

England have a very astute coach in Lancaster and its his treatment of this match that makes me wary.

If the hairs standing up on the back of my neck 4 days out from the match are anything to go by this is already feeling like the most anticipated match of the year now that we are in match week, more so than Ellis I think.

Given that, I'd love to know how the AB's and Hansen are feeling as we get near it.

Now the other matches are out of the way this match is HUGE. England represents the only loss in Hansens career as AB head coach and the one and only loss to anyone since prior to the 2011 World cup. No other side can claim that position.

Thats is what England are up against this weekend so if they get this given all that, they will well and ruly deserve it, for the AB's will be more than ready.

[jamesandimac]

Corbs is a huge blow as he gave us the edge at scrumtime in the second half on Sat.

That said, Marler did bloody well in the scrum on Sat and we had parity on our put in and only went back a little against a very impressive Argie scrum who if i remember rightly put the All Blacks under a lot of pressure here.

[Cyril]

What I should add, is that it's good that England have just beaten Aus and Arg like that. However I don't think they'd beat NZ and SA, and would struggle in the 6 Nations against Wales, Ireland and France.

England always have tough games against those sides though, Saint.

NZ and SA are always tough and Wales have our number at the moment. Ireland (and certainly France) have been beaten home and away.

I look at this England side as having plenty of potential but not moving forward as fast as we'd like.

Apart from 2000-2003 it was ever the case.

[Taylorman]

Corbs, Yarde and Wade are all out.

Oh goody

Corbs? Really?  

Yep, just saw it on twitter

http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/nov/12/alex-corbisiero-injured-england-all-blacks?CMP=twt_gu

 I'm beginning to think (ok, not just beginning, I'm thought for a while) that we might as well get used to doing without Corbs. Real shame.

Not a good sign. Several key potential match winners are out. The ABs will certainly be beefing their scrum up this week after recent criticism but I always say scrum performance in todays game is overated. We've struggeld at scrum time all year yet the results dont reflect it.

[Mad for Chelsea]

so England are missing:
- their first two choice LHs
- their first choice centres
- their first choice wings
and are about to take on the world's best side (and arguably the best ever) hell-bent on inflicting revenge for last year's thrashing. Doesn't look great on paper, does it?

Still, I remain optimistic

[englandglory4ever]

Until we lost corbs and Yarde I was feeling calm and hopeful. Not now though. Feeling decidedly down about the potential humping we could get. There is however one shred of hope I am clinging to and that is that one or two Nz players are starting to look like they have passed their peak. I thought a couple looked like they weren't so effective against France as they were in the recent past. Could be I'm seeing something that isn't there or maybe just maybe I'm right.

[The Saint]

What I should add, is that it's good that England have just beaten Aus and Arg like that. However I don't think they'd beat NZ and SA, and would struggle in the 6 Nations against Wales, Ireland and France.

England always have tough games against those sides though, Saint.

NZ and SA are always tough and Wales have our number at the moment. Ireland (and certainly France) have been beaten home and away.

I look at this England side as having plenty of potential but not moving forward as fast as we'd like.

Apart from 2000-2003 it was ever the case.

I'm not saying you don't beat any of those teams, England certainly do just that. Take the laboured win over Aus for example, England won but they struggled. If it was played in Aus they more than likely would have lost. That's probably how it would go against the current Ireland, Wales and France teams (and I'm kindly including France in the bracket because of their unpredictability).

[quinsforever]

Until we lost corbs and Yarde I was feeling calm and hopeful. Not now though. Feeling decidedly down about the potential humping we could get. There is however one shred of hope I am clinging to and that is that one or two Nz players are starting to look like they have passed their peak. I thought a couple looked like they weren't so effective against France as they were in the recent past. Could be I'm seeing something that isn't there or maybe just maybe I'm right.

yeah, that dagg bloke is rubbish. he's really slowing down...is only 50% faster than Brown now...

[quinsforever]

What I should add, is that it's good that England have just beaten Aus and Arg like that. However I don't think they'd beat NZ and SA, and would struggle in the 6 Nations against Wales, Ireland and France.

England always have tough games against those sides though, Saint.

NZ and SA are always tough and Wales have our number at the moment. Ireland (and certainly France) have been beaten home and away.

I look at this England side as having plenty of potential but not moving forward as fast as we'd like.

Apart from 2000-2003 it was ever the case.

I'm not saying you don't beat any of those teams, England certainly do just that. Take the laboured win over Aus for example, England won but they struggled. If it was played in Aus they more than likely would have lost. That's probably how it would go against the current Ireland, Wales and France teams (and I'm kindly including France in the bracket because of their unpredictability).

Come 6N (fingers crossed for Manu), England and France look to me the only two sides stronger this year than last year, so no idea where you get your confidence from Saint. of course being an england fan i am well used to either wales, ireland or scotland playing out of their socks and getting a result that is far better than their performances in the rest of the 6N. Such is the lot of an england rugby fan.

[Cyril]

What I should add, is that it's good that England have just beaten Aus and Arg like that. However I don't think they'd beat NZ and SA, and would struggle in the 6 Nations against Wales, Ireland and France.

England always have tough games against those sides though, Saint.

NZ and SA are always tough and Wales have our number at the moment. Ireland (and certainly France) have been beaten home and away.

I look at this England side as having plenty of potential but not moving forward as fast as we'd like.

Apart from 2000-2003 it was ever the case.

I'm not saying you don't beat any of those teams, England certainly do just that. Take the laboured win over Aus for example, England won but they struggled. If it was played in Aus they more than likely would have lost. That's probably how it would go against the current Ireland, Wales and France teams (and I'm kindly including France in the bracket because of their unpredictability).

To be honest, I'd still be confident of taking Ireland and France away (not Wales). France are very predictable against England

[Cyril]

so England are missing:
- their first two choice LHs
- their first choice centres
- their first choice wings
and are about to take on the world's best side (and arguably the best ever) hell-bent on inflicting revenge for last year's thrashing. Doesn't look great on paper, does it?

Still, I remain optimistic

I like your attitude

With these injuries I think we're looking at pretty much the same side as against Argentina (bar Cole coming back in probably)l

[The Saint]

What I should add, is that it's good that England have just beaten Aus and Arg like that. However I don't think they'd beat NZ and SA, and would struggle in the 6 Nations against Wales, Ireland and France.

England always have tough games against those sides though, Saint.

NZ and SA are always tough and Wales have our number at the moment. Ireland (and certainly France) have been beaten home and away.

I look at this England side as having plenty of potential but not moving forward as fast as we'd like.

Apart from 2000-2003 it was ever the case.

I'm not saying you don't beat any of those teams, England certainly do just that. Take the laboured win over Aus for example, England won but they struggled. If it was played in Aus they more than likely would have lost. That's probably how it would go against the current Ireland, Wales and France teams (and I'm kindly including France in the bracket because of their unpredictability).

Come 6N (fingers crossed for Manu), England and France look to me the only two sides stronger this year than last year, so no idea where you get your confidence from Saint. of course being an england fan i am well used to either wales, ireland or scotland playing out of their socks and getting a result that is far better than their performances in the rest of the 6N. Such is the lot of an england rugby fan.

Awkward. I'd say England are around the same level. They finished second in the 6 Nations, went toe-to-toe with Aus/SA and narrowly lost, then convingly beat the All Blacks. Aus were probably better last year and Arg aren't anywhere near SA's level, perhaps the coming NZ game will give a better indication as to whether you've gone backwards or forwards.
France, well they had a good autumn series beating Aus, Samoa and Arg, before collecting the wooden spoon in the 6 Nations. You think that now they've improved after just the one game?

[quinsforever]

What I should add, is that it's good that England have just beaten Aus and Arg like that. However I don't think they'd beat NZ and SA, and would struggle in the 6 Nations against Wales, Ireland and France.

England always have tough games against those sides though, Saint.

NZ and SA are always tough and Wales have our number at the moment. Ireland (and certainly France) have been beaten home and away.

I look at this England side as having plenty of potential but not moving forward as fast as we'd like.

Apart from 2000-2003 it was ever the case.

I'm not saying you don't beat any of those teams, England certainly do just that. Take the laboured win over Aus for example, England won but they struggled. If it was played in Aus they more than likely would have lost. That's probably how it would go against the current Ireland, Wales and France teams (and I'm kindly including France in the bracket because of their unpredictability).

Come 6N (fingers crossed for Manu), England and France look to me the only two sides stronger this year than last year, so no idea where you get your confidence from Saint. of course being an england fan i am well used to either wales, ireland or scotland playing out of their socks and getting a result that is far better than their performances in the rest of the 6N. Such is the lot of an england rugby fan.

Awkward. I'd say England are around the same level. They finished second in the 6 Nations, went toe-to-toe with Aus/SA and narrowly lost, then convingly beat the All Blacks. Aus were probably better last year and Arg aren't anywhere near SA's level, perhaps the coming NZ game will give a better indication as to whether you've gone backwards or forwards.
France, well they had a good autumn series beating Aus, Samoa and Arg, before collecting the wooden spoon in the 6 Nations. You think that now they've improved after just the one game?

i am not basing anything off france's 1 and england's 2 performances at all. i am basing it on the changes in personnel in both teams this year at this stage vs last year at the same stage, and man for man (excluding injury absences) they look to be stronger this year than last. you can't compare the first couple of internationals with the results of an entire previous season for predictive value. all you can do is look at who and where are each team stronger, which is why i said that. not awkward at all.

[The Saint]

There doesn't seem to be many changes to the squad (haven't paid much attention to France) if that's what you're referring to. That's why more recent seasons are slightly relevant. I think Wales can win their remaining games this Autumn, I'm confident that they can beat all their 6 Nations opponents too. We've beaten France and England home and away convincingly enough, it wasn't that long ago so why wouldn't they be confident? I think Ireland under Schmidt will be the most difficult task. And it's about time you stopped deluding yourself believing that team's only purpose in rugby is to beat England. You must think Wales and France purposely lost on the weekend because they weren't playing a team in a white jersey with a red rose on the chest...

[quinsforever]

There doesn't seem to be many changes to the squad (haven't paid much attention to France) if that's what you're referring to. That's why more recent seasons are slightly relevant. I think Wales can win their remaining games this Autumn, I'm confident that they can beat all their 6 Nations opponents too. We've beaten France and England home and away convincingly enough, it wasn't that long ago so why wouldn't they be confident? I think Ireland under Schmidt will be the most difficult task. And it's about time you stopped deluding yourself believing that team's only purpose in rugby is to beat England. You must think Wales and France purposely lost on the weekend because they weren't playing a team in a white jersey with a red rose on the chest...

every welshman i know (and some are in my extended family) reliably tells me there is nothing that beats defeating england to win the 6N (or 5N as then). so i'll choose to deludedly believe them rather than you. and yes i think wales did lose because they werent playing england on the weekend...they are too scared to win against the big SH sides...whereas against England its somewhat more tribal.

[Duty281]

so England are missing:
- their first two choice LHs
- their first choice centres
- their first choice wings
and are about to take on the world's best side (and arguably the best ever) hell-bent on inflicting revenge for last year's thrashing. Doesn't look great on paper, does it?

Still, I remain optimistic

Chin up lad! When in adversity, and when our backs are against the wall; that's when the Englishman is at his happiest and most dangerous. #munich2001 #edgbaston2005 #twickenham2012 #believe

[GloriousEmpire]

Until we lost corbs and Yarde I was feeling calm and hopeful. Not now though. Feeling decidedly down about the potential humping we could get. There is however one shred of hope I am clinging to and that is that one or two Nz players are starting to look like they have passed their peak. I thought a couple looked like they weren't so effective against France as they were in the recent past. Could be I'm seeing something that isn't there or maybe just maybe I'm right.

yeah, that dagg bloke is rubbish. he's really slowing down...is only 50% faster than Brown now...

If you were looking at DC then you were right. I started saying it a YEAR ago. Cruden is better at the moment. Given time Barrett will be better than Cruden. DC is NZ's BoD and we need to collectively get over it (those with selectorial power, fastest, I suggest).

It's like Mils and Dagg at the RWC all over again. They'll name DC, he'll have a shocker for 60 minutes whilst celebrating his 100th game by contributing to another lacklustre performance. If you want to know why NZ's performance dropped against Japan and France. Look no further.

[The Saint]

There doesn't seem to be many changes to the squad (haven't paid much attention to France) if that's what you're referring to. That's why more recent seasons are slightly relevant. I think Wales can win their remaining games this Autumn, I'm confident that they can beat all their 6 Nations opponents too. We've beaten France and England home and away convincingly enough, it wasn't that long ago so why wouldn't they be confident? I think Ireland under Schmidt will be the most difficult task. [b]And it's about time you stopped deluding yourself believing that team's only purpose in rugby is to beat England. You must think Wales and France purposely lost on the weekend because they weren't playing a team in a white jersey with a red rose on the chest...

[b]every welshman i know (and some are in my extended family) reliably tells me there is nothing that beats defeating england to win the 6N (or 5N as then).so i'll choose to deludedly believe them rather than you. and yes i think wales did lose because they werent playing england on the weekend...they are too scared to win against the big SH sides...whereas against England its somewhat more tribal.

You seem very happy living in a delusional little bubble. I'll leave you to it, just don't be too upset when it gets burst.

[GloriousEmpire]

I think starting with "every Welshman..." Probably tells the tale. 17 matches without a win over the SANZAR sides now? Probably hardly a Welshman who recalls beating anyone other than England...

[Taylorman]

It's like Mils and Dagg at the RWC all over again. They'll name DC, he'll have a shocker for 60 minutes whilst celebrating his 100th game by contributing to another lacklustre performance. If you want to know why NZ's performance dropped against Japan and France. Look no further.

Have to agree with that. DC can't keep using test matches to 'find his feet'. He was average vs both Japan and France and needs to fire this week. Don't know whether we can tolerate a whole half of DC just going through the motions. We have to start from the kick off with alarm bells ringing and get into England like theres no tomorrow.
Cruden is the man for that. Get the Nonu's, Daggs, Saveas and Piataus running at them full throttle, with the Reads and Messams feeding off the scraps. Its how weve won all year and lately its just been too slow in coming, DC the common factor in both.

[Cyril]

Is Carter really 'yesterday's man'? I'm seeing a fair bit of comment on here that he needs replacing. According to some press I read he was taken off against France to save him for England.

[GloriousEmpire]

He just hasn't offered much. NZs best games in the last few years? Ellis park? The 60-0 over Ireland? The nilling of Australia? All Cruden or Cruden/Barrett. Whenever we've looked wobbly or off the pace it's been DC at 10 and the blame being sprayed everywhere else.

Last good game when DC was the greatest around was the France pool match in 2011

[Poorfour]

There doesn't seem to be many changes to the squad (haven't paid much attention to France) if that's what you're referring to. That's why more recent seasons are slightly relevant. I think Wales can win their remaining games this Autumn, I'm confident that they can beat all their 6 Nations opponents too. We've beaten France and England home and away convincingly enough, it wasn't that long ago so why wouldn't they be confident? I think Ireland under Schmidt will be the most difficult task. And it's about time you stopped deluding yourself believing that team's only purpose in rugby is to beat England. You must think Wales and France purposely lost on the weekend because they weren't playing a team in a white jersey with a red rose on the chest...

every welshman i know (and some are in my extended family) reliably tells me there is nothing that beats defeating england to win the 6N (or 5N as then). so i'll choose to deludedly believe them rather than you. and yes i think wales did lose because they werent playing england on the weekend...they are too scared to win against the big SH sides...whereas against England its somewhat more tribal.

If that's really the case, why doesn't Gatland just get a hypnotist in to convince them that whomsoever they face actually *is* England? It's not that big a step beyond cryotherapy.

But seriously, I just don't buy the "it's all psychological" argument. It just doesn't hold water. These guys are professional sportsmen, lifelong competitors and proud Welshmen. They are supported by tacticians, psychologists and all the rest. Most of them have now featured in a Lions series win. If they can only raise their game reliably to beat England, they need some serious therapy.

[Hood83]

The English midfield will be Englands downfall this weekend. Last year it was the primary reason for their ability to breakthrough the line, mainly Manu T and Barritt. Without those two its back to pick and go stuff. Cant see the English opening up the game because of that. Love the confidence of Brown and 36 and also the thinking that the AB scrum can be made advantage of. I think theyll be rather surprised.

Scrum depends on who we pick in the front-row. Our centres are woeful as a combination, compounded by a less than great 9 and 10. Everything arrives through treacle. Eastmond is a 12 and should be developed as one as we have naff all other than 36, who could be good, could be poop. KE isn't as quick as people seem to think but his distribution is good, but he isn't going to truck it up. At 13, Trinder and JJ are better than Tomkins, and Daly, if he goes back there, will be excellent...none of these players will get picked ahead of Tomkins or Manu though.

[aucklandlaurie]

Is Carter really 'yesterday's man'? I'm seeing a fair bit of comment on here that he needs replacing. According to some press I read he was taken off against France to save him for England.

Cyril the issue is more that at the moment Hansen is picking him for his goalkicking and his rank in the AB camp, he had a very limited season with both the Crusaders (Tom Taylor stepped in there) and he has only played a handfull of tests in the last year and in those he has been somewhat gunshy.

The two replacements (Cruden and Barrett)have had big years, not only in super 15 but also deputising for the Carter at International level, and have shown a lot of form apart from maybe goal kicking.

For the All Blacks to beat England we must have a World Class goal kicker on the field but we must also look to the future and any New Zealand first five needs to have experienced playing England on Twickenham.

[Taylorman]

Gunshy's a good word- the injuries just are not giving him the same confidence.. He's playing within himself thats for sure. I'd say Hansen will have given him the hard word and he knows himself things arent great- probably the reason hes making sure the goals all go over- its his best card at the moment.
Its only Kiwis that are going to criticise his play as the 2005 series and his career in general seem to have him permanently in the stratosphere regardless of what he does.
Great player but he's got to get 100% fit and confident too outpoint two very eager guns lining up behind him..just the way it is and we (including DC) wouldnt have it any other way. Its just whether Hansen can make that call, and he's generally shown he can, and does.

Dont be surprised if hes not selected...

[nganboy]

Sad but true. Prince Dan is dead. I said it last year Barrett will the the winning first five in 2015.

RWC final 2015 Final Moments
Ardie Savea steals the ball from a ruck (legally of course), and passes to Perenara who flicks it out to Barrett, Barrett takes it up a couple of steps before popping a short pass to a charging Nonu, Nonu cuts back in and breaks the line before passing to an aging but brilliant Smith who draws two defenders before passing on to an aging but brilliant Jane who puts on a beautiful fend before chipping ahead for Julian Savea to score his hattrick try under the posts. Barrett kicks the conversion. Final score NZ 58 Scotland (my second team)6.

Sadly the Hurricanes come mid table in the Super 16 and Wellington lose the Final of the ITM cup because we have no decent locks.

[Hound of Harrow]

Injuries, hah. I wouldn't want us getting our excuses in before, or after, the game.

[aucklandlaurie]

My only advice Hound is dont use the food poisoning excuse.

[Taylorman]

My only advice Hound is dont use the food poisoning excuse.

Or the Noro or Barnes (the Joubert version)...other than that...injuries is pretty good one actually...shame so many English are out. Oz and SA to an extent have had this problem all year (well 2-3 years).

Other than Conrad we look back to full strength it seems.

[Guest]

Uh oh, Rowntree has just admitted the ABs are there for the taking. Seems like the poms really believe in themselves. I'm sure the ABs will be amused at all this trash talk. This is the 4th 'we can beat the ABs' articles I've read. Quite funny. You never hear the ABs trying to convince themselves that they'll win a game.

From stuff.co.nz.....

When the BBC asked Rowntree if the Kiwi pack "were there for the taking?", the man with the famous cauliflower ears didn't blink. "Yes, we believe so," he declared.

[Taylorman]

Really a matter of whether you want to read or worse believe the tabloids...its going to get much worse:drumroll: 

[Taylorman]

This ones a funny one...

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/newzealand/10441511/England-v-New-Zealand-Ten-myths-about-the-All-Blacks-to-debunk-in-Talking-Rugby.html

Love this bit:

"Accolades of greatness are not to be easily granted. Wales and the British and Irish Lions in the early seventies"

Wales lost every test to the ABs in the 70's, the Lions won a series by the least possible margin.

"Buck Shelford’s All Blacks of the late eighties, Sean Fitzpatrick’s of the mid-nineties and Woodward’s England – these teams deserve to be on rugby’s Mount Rushmore"

"For all the statistical milestones, Richie McCaw’s side has yet to accede to that pinnacle"

Why exactly is that? What did those sides do that this hasnt?

"They are very good but not yet great. Their dominance is a reflection on the relative paucity in quality of the opposition. The Springboks are closing the gap, England too."

How was that arrived at? And this 'mythical closing gap' that everyone so yawningly preaches everywhere:

The Boks have won one test in the last 9, and that was when the ABs set aside 9 W cup certaintys to let others get some gameplay. Is there a bigger gap in history between the ABs and the Boks? I doubt it very much. England have won one in 10 years. How is that a 'gap' closing?

Paranoia has well and truly kicked in for some...I thought this was the daily funny until I saw there was no punchline...

Well done Mick...looking forward to more..

[Guest]

Ha, that is hilarious!

The poms are constructing a nice little rod for their backs with all this huffing and puffing. Shame we don't play them twice as they'd surely go No 1.

[Taylorman]

Does look like this match is going to throw up a lot of this between now and the match. You could go nuts if you take every one in but its sure a sign of the tension building...people are going to come up with all sorts of things.

The only 'real' issue is the English injuries to Corbs, Vunipola, Marler, Yarde, Wade etc is going to hurt England and thats a shame.

For NZ Carters selection will be interesting and it would be just like him to turn it up this weekend.

[kiakahaaotearoa]

Keep those articles coming! Hansen doesn't have to speak in the changing room then. Good to get the blood boiling. As the ABs are in London, they should come out with Mind the Gap shirts on and then proceed to show England that mind the gap is a clear and ever present danger... sometimes... depending on the station (strangely and in a very sinister way often in the stations where mind the gap is not broadcasted on the platform)

Match day must be getting closer. Blood pressure is rising. Since August 2011 NZ has lost one match and drawn one. The gap is closing. Mind the gap. Mind the black. They are coming. You better fecking believe it.

[aucklandlaurie]

Ive never really understood all this talk about "closing the gap".

If one looks at the IRB rankings there are 100 teams listed, hence there must be 99 gaps. Of those 99 gaps the largest one, is the one between New Zealand and South Africa, a gap of 4.69.

Surely the other 98 gaps would fall more into the realms of "closing" than the largest one.

[Taylorman]

Mind the gap shirts...love it...

[Taylorman]

Keep those articles coming! Hansen doesn't have to speak in the changing room then. Good to get the blood boiling. As the ABs are in London, they should come out with Mind the Gap shirts on and then proceed to show England that mind the gap is a clear and ever present danger... sometimes... depending on the station (strangely and in a very sinister way often in the stations where mind the gap is not broadcasted on the platform)

Match day must be getting closer. Blood pressure is rising. Since August 2011 NZ has lost one match and drawn one. The gap is closing. Mind the gap. Mind the black. They are coming. You better fecking believe it.

Heres another beauty...

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/article-2501698/Sick-Kiwi-The-inside-story-big-upset-Twickenham--REVEALED.html

The timing of this is impeccable...

[kiakahaaotearoa]

You can always count on The Daily Bile to stir up trouble. I love the comments at the bottom of the page about whinging Kiwis when all the quotes from AB management say England played better and deserved the win and the English media are seeking out this angle.

[Alex_Germany]

Yeah - like the All blacks are really going to read the Mail and The Telegraph.

The article actually shows the All Blacks in a good light. And yes, they're a great team.

[nganboy]

I don't think they're great. Just very good in parts.

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