2015 Shadow show?

On past experience it is difficult to judge 2015 pre RWC for example Super Rugby starts in January RC squad players.

Won`t start till February matches which finishes in July players in NZ at least will be managed to minimise injuries.
Only injury players like Carter and Romano,Woodcock etc.starting the pre-season stuff.

Those writing of Dan Carter should consider Jonny Wilkinson periods 2003-7-11-14 and all the injuries he overcame
Carter is just as determined.

The Tests such as they are a warmup,3 RC matches,plus a friendly if there is such a thing on past experience
2007-11,Sa and NZ will sacrifice it for the RWC with weak sides.Afterall no 3N winner has won a RWC same year.

No ones won back to back World cups and the AB's haven't won away so history's there to be made so why not go for it all. Injuries and wanting to give players last chances made 2011 a litle sacrificial and it was only for the one match Alan.

Latest is hansen think theres 20 % improvement in this AB's side through better execution and decision making and is pleased with the seasons results, the side fronting several times and avoiding losses in all but the Ellis park match. 20% on this year I would hope so. That might equate to something like last year. But the climate next year is different, coping mechanisms well and truly about to be tested.

Since Nz 2003 Mitchell and 2011 3 Wise men and SA ,White 2007and PDV 2011 sacrificed
the 3 Ns[2007/11 any way.

What to expect the stiffs v Samoa,real deal first two Rc with the bledisloe on the line
then mix and match[both sides[ellis park?].

I think SA are placing a big emphasis on winning the RC this year, otherwise they'd have had the AB test at Newlands instead of EP.

Hansen's already committed the best side to Samoa next year though that could be watered down I agree. A world cup year anything can happen.

disneychilly wrote:I think SA are placing a big emphasis on winning the RC this year, otherwise they'd have had the AB test at Newlands instead of EP.

I dont think anyone is in any particular hurry to host the All blacks at Newlands in any year.Far too many Cape Crusaders and bad memories. The 18-0 defeat several years back comes to mind. And the WP bosses are difficult and havent earned themselves any favours by repeatedly blocking attempts to host exhibition rugby matches at Greenpoint .

Geez it happens quickly. Feels like we've just finished the last tournament here. Within 11 months we'll have the next (and hopefuly the same ) champion...time flies...

Taylorman wrote:Geez it happens quickly. Feels like we've just finished the last tournament here. Within 11 months we'll have the next (and hopefuly the same   ) champion...time flies...

It truly does.  Just for the record, it doesn't mean you are getting older..............

doctor_grey wrote:

Taylorman wrote:Geez it happens quickly. Feels like we've just finished the last tournament here. Within 11 months we'll have the next (and hopefuly the same   ) champion...time flies...

It truly does.  Just for the record, it doesn't mean you are getting older..............

That's true Doc...I just checked- I look exactly the same as I did a minute ago...aging is sooooo over-rated...