The Rugby Championship - Buildup

by Pete C (Kiwireddevil) Mon 24 Jul 2017, 10:23 am

First topic message reminder :

Seeing as there's only 3 matches left in Super Rugby, time to start thinking about TRC

Fixtures:

The Australian squad are already in camp (except for their Brumbies' players), with all their Super Rugby commitments finished - Quade Cooper and Scott Higginbotham notable squad omissions, thought Quade may get a reprieve as Karmichael Hunt is out for the next 2 months

Wallabies Squad:

by Gwlad Wed 13 Sep 2017, 6:53 pm

No Kaino, wonder why?

by No 7&1/2 Wed 13 Sep 2017, 7:59 pm

How bad is your memory?

by Guest Thu 14 Sep 2017, 8:38 am

Rory_Gallagher wrote:
ebop wrote:Point being they are 'on the border of the rules' and get away with it. Is that any different to the ABs and how they 'apparently' get away with things (whatever 'things' means). Eirebilly hit the nail on the head though. Everyone focuses on the ABs and look for every little thing. Some douche bags even worry more about what they do off the field because they have sad pathetic lives.

To be fair, it's pretty important to have a team of integrity that isn't riddled with womanising, scandals or worse. These things are important, no matter how much the libertarians on here try to pretend otherwise.

I guess that makes the NZRFU douche bags for caring what their players do off the field and trying to address it.

To be fair, I think you should learn to read mate thumbsup

by BamBam Thu 14 Sep 2017, 9:57 am

Fifita looked great last time, surprised to see him dropped

by Gwlad Thu 14 Sep 2017, 4:56 pm

ebop wrote:
Rory_Gallagher wrote:
ebop wrote:Point being they are 'on the border of the rules' and get away with it. Is that any different to the ABs and how they 'apparently' get away with things (whatever 'things' means). Eirebilly hit the nail on the head though. Everyone focuses on the ABs and look for every little thing. Some douche bags even worry more about what they do off the field because they have sad pathetic lives.

To be fair, it's pretty important to have a team of integrity that isn't riddled with womanising, scandals or worse. These things are important, no matter how much the libertarians on here try to pretend otherwise.

I guess that makes the NZRFU douche bags for caring what their players do off the field and trying to address it.

~~To be fair, I think you should learn to read mate~~

It's important to most normal people for sure and certainly thiose that care about Brand All Black, not to neanderthals though.

by **Galted** Thu 14 Sep 2017, 5:19 pm

Gwlad wrote:
It's important to most normal people for sure and certainly thiose that care about Brand All Black, not to neanderthals though.

Shame.

by **Galted** Thu 14 Sep 2017, 5:20 pm

Gwlad wrote:

It's important to most normal people for sure and certainly thiose that care about Brand All Black, not to neanderthals though.

by Taylorman Fri 15 Sep 2017, 1:41 am

GunsGermsV2 wrote:
chewed_mintie wrote:
GunsGermsV2 wrote:ABs probably think SA is still the pinnacle because for many many years SA was the best team in the world and NZ couldn't beat them. There was a 10 year period in the 40s when NZ couldnt beat them at all. So desperate were NZ to win that they put former Heavy weight boxing champion Kevin Skinner in the front row to face SA. He admitted to punching all SA front rows at least once in the face (some things never change).

Since then although NZ have reversed the dominance SA have won their fair share of key games. However, not withstanding all of that they definitely are not your biggest rival at the moment. A record 15 – 57 win for New Zealand in Durban in last years rugby championship surely confirms that. In fact this was easily the biggest thrashing NZ put on any top tier team in 2016.

Thanks for the fairly inaccurate history lesson.....

You are the Kiwi, which bit dont you agree with?

Which bit guns?
First of all that SA was the best team in the world for many years?

Which period guns?

Assuming it excludes 1990 onwards up to 1990 SA had a 64% win re ird against allcomers. NZ had 71%.
So after 100 years of rugby, no, SA were not the worlds best.

Or is it your take that the best gap of 18-13 tests by SA over that period over NZ makes them worlds best?
Regardless of their not beating other sides

Surely you flatter us?

You say they couldnt beat them?

We beat them in the tours to NZ in 56, 65, and 81. They hadnt won here since 1937, their only series win here.

'Couldnt beat them' best describes Irelands effort over NZ until last year.

Even Ireland beat SA in that period.

So which bit dont I agree with?
Practically all of it.

by Taylorman Fri 15 Sep 2017, 1:50 am

Taylorman wrote:
GunsGermsV2 wrote:
chewed_mintie wrote:
GunsGermsV2 wrote:ABs probably think SA is still the pinnacle because for many many years SA was the best team in the world and NZ couldn't beat them. There was a 10 year period in the 40s when NZ couldnt beat them at all. So desperate were NZ to win that they put former Heavy weight boxing champion Kevin Skinner in the front row to face SA. He admitted to punching all SA front rows at least once in the face (some things never change).

Since then although NZ have reversed the dominance SA have won their fair share of key games. However, not withstanding all of that they definitely are not your biggest rival at the moment. A record 15 – 57 win for New Zealand in Durban in last years rugby championship surely confirms that. In fact this was easily the biggest thrashing NZ put on any top tier team in 2016.

Thanks for the fairly inaccurate history lesson.....

You are the Kiwi, which bit dont you agree with?

Which bit guns?
First of all that SA was the best team in the world for many years?

Which period guns?

Assuming it excludes 1990 onwards up to 1990 SA had a 64% win re ird against allcomers. NZ had 71%.
So after 100 years of rugby, no, SA were not the worlds best.

Or is it your take that the best gap of 18-13 tests by SA over that period over NZ makes them worlds best?
Regardless of their not beating other sides

Surely you flatter us?

You say they couldnt beat them?

We beat them in the tours to NZ in 56, 65, and 81. They hadnt won here since 1937, their only series win here.

'Couldnt beat them' best describes Irelands effort over NZ until last year.

Even Ireland beat SA in that period.

So which bit dont I agree with?
Practically all of it.
And youre really desperate enough to drudge up the war torn years of the 40s?
Geez, talk about a poor argument.

by Taylorman Fri 15 Sep 2017, 1:55 am

BamBam wrote:Fifita looked great last time, surprised to see him dropped

All in the experimenting, we need to build depth. Hansen put seven changes out last week.

Hes both deploying and backing his depth.

No longer about whos best for the job because being best doesnt mean you wont get injured.

by Gwlad Fri 15 Sep 2017, 8:12 am

If the ABs continue to show disregard for off the field discipline it will come back to haunt them as it did in 2007. 2003 etc etc. Any true fan - on here they live on the hubris - would recognize that the NZ team lives on discipline on and off the field. Richie knew but read is a facsimile o him......t was the recognition of that humility that finally brought them success in 2011. Based on what i see now England will do of them in 2019.

Sucker fans live on the results but they care little for ho whey were produced...plenty of ebops and lauries on here will illustrate that.

by No 7&1/2 Fri 15 Sep 2017, 8:16 am

England? Surely another team with the same off field distractions? I know those teams remain best and 2nd best in the world though see you're point in that respect.

by Guest Fri 15 Sep 2017, 8:33 am

Gwlad needs to lay off the sauce

The Rugby Championship - Buildup - Page 7 6fc618568ac5e7e61ebcfbb8a1d4c4c2

by aucklandlaurie Fri 15 Sep 2017, 9:40 am

Gwlad wrote:If the ABs continue to show disregard for off the field discipline it will come back to haunt them as it did in 2007. 2003 etc etc. Any true fan - on here they live on the hubris - would recognize that the NZ team lives on discipline on and off the field. Richie knew but read is a facsimile o him......t was the recognition of that humility that finally brought them success in 2011. Based on what i see now England will do of them in 2019.

Sucker fans live on the results but they care little for ho whey were produced...plenty of ebops and lauries on here will illustrate that.

Personally I see no point in worrying about off field discipline when we've got you to do it for us Gwlad.

by Rory_Gallagher Fri 15 Sep 2017, 10:05 am

Taylorman wrote:
Taylorman wrote:
GunsGermsV2 wrote:
chewed_mintie wrote:
GunsGermsV2 wrote:ABs probably think SA is still the pinnacle because for many many years SA was the best team in the world and NZ couldn't beat them. There was a 10 year period in the 40s when NZ couldnt beat them at all. So desperate were NZ to win that they put former Heavy weight boxing champion Kevin Skinner in the front row to face SA. He admitted to punching all SA front rows at least once in the face (some things never change).

Since then although NZ have reversed the dominance SA have won their fair share of key games. However, not withstanding all of that they definitely are not your biggest rival at the moment. A record 15 – 57 win for New Zealand in Durban in last years rugby championship surely confirms that. In fact this was easily the biggest thrashing NZ put on any top tier team in 2016.

Thanks for the fairly inaccurate history lesson.....

You are the Kiwi, which bit dont you agree with?

Which bit guns?
First of all that SA was the best team in the world for many years?

Which period guns?

Assuming it excludes 1990 onwards up to 1990 SA had a 64% win re ird against allcomers. NZ had 71%.
So after 100 years of rugby, no, SA were not the worlds best.

Or is it your take that the best gap of 18-13 tests by SA over that period over NZ makes them worlds best?
Regardless of their not beating other sides

Surely you flatter us?

You say they couldnt beat them?

We beat them in the tours to NZ in 56, 65, and 81. They hadnt won here since 1937, their only series win here.

'Couldnt beat them' best describes Irelands effort over NZ until last year.

Even Ireland beat SA in that period.

So which bit dont I agree with?
Practically all of it.
And youre really desperate enough to drudge up the war torn years of the 40s?
Geez, talk about a poor argument.

You're one bitter Kiwi.

by Collapse2005 Fri 15 Sep 2017, 10:47 am

There is a lot of bitterness in that response Shocked

by Guest Fri 15 Sep 2017, 10:59 am

Gwlad wrote:If the ABs continue to show disregard for off the field discipline it will come back to haunt them as it did in 2007. 2003 etc etc. Any true fan - on here they live on the hubris - would recognize that the NZ team lives on discipline on and off the field. Richie knew but read is a facsimile o him......t was the recognition of that humility that finally brought them success in 2011. Based on what i see now England will do of them in 2019.

Sucker fans live on the results but they care little for ho whey were produced...plenty of ebops and lauries on here will illustrate that.

Serious question

Has anyone checked on gwlad to see if he's ok?

I think he was having a stroke

Mods???!!

911

by Collapse2005 Fri 15 Sep 2017, 11:03 am

This years championship has been much better than last years IMO. I think that SA, Australia and Argentina have all improved a bit from last year albeit there were all dreadful last year.

I dont think NZ have improved that much but are still a good bit ahead of each side in the championship and should win fairly convincingly. Thankfully though they arent beating everyone by 20 points plus this time around though.

by Guest Fri 15 Sep 2017, 11:29 am

The spotlight is on the ABs. We know this. Some douche bag autists are even sidetracked enough to try and beat up a couple of minor off field issues as if it's important. Maybe the ABs are underplaying their hand because they know everyone is scrutinising their every move? Why play all the cards now? No need. Learn how to attack the rush defence by not kicking away possession? We'll chip away, take the so-called 'close' wins.

by Taylorman Fri 15 Sep 2017, 11:42 am

Rory_Gallagher wrote:
Taylorman wrote:
Taylorman wrote:
GunsGermsV2 wrote:
chewed_mintie wrote:
GunsGermsV2 wrote:ABs probably think SA is still the pinnacle because for many many years SA was the best team in the world and NZ couldn't beat them. There was a 10 year period in the 40s when NZ couldnt beat them at all. So desperate were NZ to win that they put former Heavy weight boxing champion Kevin Skinner in the front row to face SA. He admitted to punching all SA front rows at least once in the face (some things never change).

Since then although NZ have reversed the dominance SA have won their fair share of key games. However, not withstanding all of that they definitely are not your biggest rival at the moment. A record 15 – 57 win for New Zealand in Durban in last years rugby championship surely confirms that. In fact this was easily the biggest thrashing NZ put on any top tier team in 2016.

Thanks for the fairly inaccurate history lesson.....

You are the Kiwi, which bit dont you agree with?

Which bit guns?
First of all that SA was the best team in the world for many years?

Which period guns?

Assuming it excludes 1990 onwards up to 1990 SA had a 64% win re ird against allcomers. NZ had 71%.
So after 100 years of rugby, no, SA were not the worlds best.

Or is it your take that the best gap of 18-13 tests by SA over that period over NZ makes them worlds best?
Regardless of their not beating other sides

Surely you flatter us?

You say they couldnt beat them?

We beat them in the tours to NZ in 56, 65, and 81. They hadnt won here since 1937, their only series win here.

'Couldnt beat them' best describes Irelands effort over NZ until last year.

Even Ireland beat SA in that period.

So which bit dont I agree with?
Practically all of it.
And youre really desperate enough to drudge up the war torn years of the 40s?
Geez, talk about a poor argument.

You're one bitter Kiwi.

No Rory, just setting the usual story right. Same old guns same old rory nothing new there.

Boy that chicago win must have been soul cleansing for you two he he.

by Rory_Gallagher Fri 15 Sep 2017, 12:06 pm

I think those two sentences read "yes, I am".

by Rory_Gallagher Fri 15 Sep 2017, 12:06 pm

Collapse2005 wrote:There is a lot of bitterness in that response

by **Biltong** Fri 15 Sep 2017, 1:12 pm

Gentlemen, your continuous negative attitude towards New Zealand is really beginning to look like jealousy and sour grapes.

The time wasted in scouring news stands, outhouses, doghouses, web pages, private rugby blogs, news channels just to find something negative to say about the All Blacks are beginning to wear thin.

So you don't like them, get over it.

by Collapse2005 Fri 15 Sep 2017, 1:14 pm

Jeez there was very little bashing of NZ in that post. Dear god.

by **Biltong** Fri 15 Sep 2017, 1:28 pm

Collapse2005 wrote:Jeez there was very little bashing of NZ in that post. Dear god.

Only some mate, not everyone, but there hasbeen a pattern forming over a few new Zealand threads

by emack2 Fri 15 Sep 2017, 1:36 pm

This thread is supposed to be about the Rugby Championship,Nz has suffered it`s
worst crop of injuries since 2009.This year reminds me of 2014 when the AB`s
seemed to be going through the motions.{i commented on it at the time]
Finifitta,and Dagg plus Moody the latest casualties Kaino is back in the squad but
not match fit.
No team not even NZ can lose 800 caps experience and not feel it,this year lots
of new faces/combinations.
The team named isn`t exactly weak,the Scrum is the equal of anyones starting
100% on own ball.95% Lineout ditto bench isn`t as strong as i`d like but
still useful.
A win b y 8 points or more will probably mean another RC win,with due respect
to Argentina can`t see them winning at home.
If any side bar NZ h beaten Argentina by 17 points,6 tries to 1 they`d have called
it a thrashing.

by No 7&1/2 Fri 15 Sep 2017, 1:53 pm

Wow. Pretty much in agreement for once. NZ were always going to be asked questions losing so many top players with all that experience. We've seen them be slow to adapt and look rattled more than we have been used to I'm recent years. The downward trend of sa and Australia doss help this transition but they may well find some trouble brewing in the AI s.

by Collapse2005 Fri 15 Sep 2017, 1:54 pm

Biltong wrote:
Collapse2005 wrote:Jeez there was very little bashing of NZ in that post. Dear god.

Only some mate, not everyone, but there hasbeen a pattern forming over a few new Zealand threads

It was just ones persons view of the history of the rivalry between NZ and SA. It amazes me that people found that commentary offensive.

by Rory_Gallagher Fri 15 Sep 2017, 2:13 pm

I think I'll continue to enjoy mocking the exceeding arrogance of some NZ posters when it arises. This forum can be boring sometimes and if there is one thing that is easy, quick and fun, it is blaspheming against (also known as criticising) New Zealand and enduring the wave of angry Kiwis.

by emack2 Fri 15 Sep 2017, 3:21 pm

Enjoy your WUM`s,as a SA Coach recently said you measure yourself against
the best.To be the best currently means beating NZ consistently home and
away.
Not the odd match here and there,ANY side given the current laws could have
a game lost because of a card.
England have the best record over the last two years and may well be the
best now.I`d give them a 60/40 chance at home v NZ with a NH ref,whether
they can repeat the dose as the 2003 side or the Boks under PDV 2008-9
remains to b e seen.

by No 7&1/2 Fri 15 Sep 2017, 3:24 pm

Agree again. We're on a roll. England are probably slightly better which is why it's frustrating for the next game to ge so far away. I'd also say ireland are pretty much neck and neck. Then wales and scotland not too far behind. Strength of depth is going to be a factor there though.

by emack2 Fri 15 Sep 2017, 3:41 pm

Since the sides last year Australia since RWC an SA were so poor and England built
a reputation on them too its hard to judge.The AI`s this year will be very interesting
England may well lose to SA or even Aus because both look like they are getting it
together.
NZ next year with a fully fit squad,Franks,Moody,Todd,Ben Smith,Dagg,Jordie Barrett
all back in contention fresh then think England would be very lucky to win.

by Collapse2005 Fri 15 Sep 2017, 3:45 pm

Its hard to know who would win when NZ play England. I dont think there is much evidence to suggest England are better but I wouldnt be surprised if they did beat NZ at home. Shame they arent playing in Nov. My guess is that NZ would shade it, they usually find a way as they are just that bit better drilled and have more belief. England's whitewash of Argentina in the summer was pretty impressive though.

by No 7&1/2 Fri 15 Sep 2017, 3:45 pm

Nah. Should be fine by then. Sa and Australia are pretty weak still.

by Collapse2005 Fri 15 Sep 2017, 3:50 pm

I reckon if NZ did play England in Nov they would make a lot of ground through Farrell and Ford who aren't defensively that strong and this would possibly negate any success England might get from a rush defense.

by No 7&1/2 Fri 15 Sep 2017, 3:58 pm

Yeah I've only heard this for the last 2 years now.

by Collapse2005 Fri 15 Sep 2017, 4:02 pm

it must be true then

by No 7&1/2 Fri 15 Sep 2017, 4:16 pm

Yup. Second it happens. Must be true.

by **Biltong** Fri 15 Sep 2017, 5:55 pm

South Africa is going to get a spanking tomorrow, they aren't "getting anything together"

They have a weak back line, their back three will be exploited tomorrow for their inability to compete for high balls, their aerial skills is inferior to most teams and defensively they are going to be exposed.

The Springboks though do have a good mobile pack.

However Frans Mlherbe, Warren Whiteley and Jaco Kriel's injuries weaken the depth.

Not looking forward to tomorrow

by Guest Fri 15 Sep 2017, 7:11 pm

No 7&1/2 wrote:Agree again. We're on a roll. England are probably slightly better which is why it's frustrating for the next game to ge so far away. I'd also say ireland are pretty much neck and neck. Then wales and scotland not too far behind. Strength of depth is going to be a factor there though.

Correct me if I'm wrong,

You're saying England are the best team now?

And 2nd best is a toss up between Ireland and ABs

Then Wales and Scotland?

by eirebilly Fri 15 Sep 2017, 7:17 pm

I would hope to think that SA have a decent chance to beat the AB's tomorrow. They will probably be there or thereabouts after 60mins. What the AB's have, which I do not see in many other teams (except England right now) is an incredible ability not to panic. The amount of games that the AB's have won in the last 20mins after looking under extreme pressure is very impressive.

I can see this pattern happening with SA against the AB's tomorrow, very much in the game but blown away by the AB's in the last 20mins to lose by 2 clear scores.

Hope I am wrong but I simply cant see it any other way, the AB's are just too good.

by eirebilly Fri 15 Sep 2017, 7:25 pm

No 7&1/2 wrote:Agree again. We're on a roll. England are probably slightly better which is why it's frustrating for the next game to ge so far away. I'd also say ireland are pretty much neck and neck. Then wales and scotland not too far behind. Strength of depth is going to be a factor there though.

Its hard to say that England are better than the AB's but I do think that would be the best game to watch right now. Until England and the AB's play, we will never know but while the AB's are the number 1 team in the world, they stay there.

As a passionate Irish fan, I cant agree that Ireland are as close as you may think. Ireland are very much an 'on their day team'. They lack far too much consistency to be considered in the same sentence as England or they AB's in my opinion.

by Taylorman Fri 15 Sep 2017, 8:23 pm

Rory_Gallagher wrote:I think I'll continue to enjoy mocking the exceeding arrogance of some NZ posters when it arises. This forum can be boring sometimes and if there is one thing that is easy, quick and fun, it is blaspheming against (also known as criticising) New Zealand and enduring the wave of angry Kiwis.

Very true Rory, mini moaner BODs everywhere, the envy is literally dripping.

by Taylorman Fri 15 Sep 2017, 8:25 pm

Collapse2005 wrote:Jeez there was very little bashing of NZ in that post. Dear god.

I was merely answering Guns question. Guns usually gets the same things wrong so best remind him.

by Taylorman Fri 15 Sep 2017, 8:38 pm

ebop wrote:
No 7&1/2 wrote:Agree again. We're on a roll. England are probably slightly better which is why it's frustrating for the next game to ge so far away. I'd also say ireland are pretty much neck and neck. Then wales and scotland not too far behind. Strength of depth is going to be a factor there though.
Correct me if I'm wrong,

You're saying England are the best team now?

And 2nd best is a toss up between Ireland and ABs

Then Wales and Scotland?

I can see an argument for that though results wise theyre similar. Look at the comparative results between England and oz last year, the most common foe so far and NZ fealt with them much more convincingly.

Since then weve lost more key members yes you guessed it, to the good old NH club scene.

So if England were to take a steady stream of three or four 20-30 plus tests every season then they might struggle as well.

Cruden Faumuona and Luatua in one go, bench is shot.

So we have to find more players yet again, hence Hansen making seven changes last week, and unearthing Fifita as a new six option.

England havent really played its full side since Ireland but their depth is impressive.

To say 'better' is a bit of a stretch as England wins are still strictly one every ten years or so so on paper better doesnt mean a lot.

On paper, NZ are clear no.1, the only paper that matters, though it doesnt mean much for me.

by Taylorman Fri 15 Sep 2017, 8:44 pm

eirebilly wrote:I would hope to think that SA have a decent chance to beat the AB's tomorrow. They will probably be there or thereabouts after 60mins. What the AB's have, which I do not see in many other teams (except England right now) is an incredible ability not to panic. The amount of games that the AB's have won in the last 20mins after looking under extreme pressure is very impressive.

I can see this pattern happening with SA against the AB's tomorrow, very much in the game but blown away by the AB's in the last 20mins to lose by 2 clear scores.

Hope I am wrong but I simply cant see it any other way, the AB's are just too good.

Boks have been fun here this week. They have a more positive vibe so I think theyre gaining confidence.

Looking forward to it. NZ back three must be the smallest for decades with DMac and Milner Skudder.

Still have concerns about Barrett at 10, I would play him at FB with Sapoaga at 10

by Rory_Gallagher Fri 15 Sep 2017, 8:54 pm

Taylorman wrote:
Rory_Gallagher wrote:I think I'll continue to enjoy mocking the exceeding arrogance of some NZ posters when it arises. This forum can be boring sometimes and if there is one thing that is easy, quick and fun, it is blaspheming against (also known as criticising) New Zealand and enduring the wave of angry Kiwis.

Very true Rory, mini moaner BODs everywhere, the envy is literally dripping.

Is it your intent to prove my point? Laugh

by Taylorman Fri 15 Sep 2017, 8:54 pm

Collapse2005 wrote:I reckon if NZ did play England in Nov they would make a lot of ground through Farrell and Ford who aren't defensively that strong and this would possibly negate any success England might get from a rush defense.

Id say England would probably beat NZ if they played this year. ABs are rebuilding and with Ben Smith, Cruden, Faumuina, moody, jordie barrett, Luatua gone for 2017 theres vulnerability. The Lions exposed a lack of coping when Smith and Crotty both went at once. If England can get close to applying similar pressure then a loss is on the cards.

Next year is twelve months away and Hansen is already fast looking at back up players and in some cases finding them so too far away to compare, the ABs at least could look very different next year.

by aucklandlaurie Fri 15 Sep 2017, 9:22 pm

Biltong wrote:South Africa is going to get a spanking tomorrow, they aren't "getting anything together"

They have a weak back line, their back three will be exploited tomorrow for their inability to compete for high balls, their aerial skills is inferior to most teams and defensively they are going to be exposed.

The Springboks though do have a good mobile pack.

However Frans Mlherbe, Warren Whiteley and Jaco Kriel's injuries weaken the depth.

Not looking forward to tomorrow

If New Zealand win tonight then it will not be a spanking.

Kriel is a big loss for South Africa, I would rate him as one of the most improved players in World Rugby over the last year. the loss of Oosthuizen doesnt help the cause either.

This Springbok team of 2017 is nothing like the Springbok team of 2016, and anyone that takes this South African team lightly does so at their peril.

On another point it has rained here in Auckland solid for the last 24 hours, although the surface over at harbour is good it is going to be a very slippery ball and grass, in the meantime I'm sure you all will feel sorry for me as I'm in the uncovered stand.

by eirebilly Sat 16 Sep 2017, 8:26 am

Man for man, SA do not seem that weak opposed to the AB's...

by Sponsored content

Day & Date	Match	Venue	Match Official	Kick Off (Local)
Week One
Saturday 19-Aug-17	Australia v New Zealand	ANZ Stadium, Sydney	Jerome Garces (FFR)	20:00
Saturday 19-Aug-17	South Africa v Argentina	Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth	Romain Poite (FFR)	17.05
Week Two
Saturday 26-Aug-17	New Zealand v Australia	Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin	Wayne Barnes (RFU)	19.35
Saturday 26-Aug-17	Argentina v South Africa	Estadio Padre Ernesto Marlearena, Salta	Pascal Gauzere (FFR)	16.40
Week Three
Saturday 09-Sep-17	Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth	Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth	Angus Gardner (ARU)	19.35
Saturday 09-Sep-17	Australia v South Africa	NIB Stadium, Perth	Glen Jackson (NZR)	18.00
Week Four
Saturday 16-Sep-17	New Zealand v South Africa	QBE Stadium, Albany	Nigel Owens (WRU)	19.30
Saturday 16-Sep-17	Australia v Argentina	Nib Stadium, Perth	John Lacey (IRFU)	20:00
Week Five
Saturday 30-Sep-17	South Africa v Australia	Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein	Ben O’Keeffe (NZR)	17.05
Saturday 30-Sep-17	Argentina v New Zealand	Estadio Velez Sarsfield, Buenos Aires	Jaco Peyper (SARU)	19.30
Week Six
Saturday 07-Oct-17	South Africa v New Zealand	Newlands, Cape Town	Jerome Garces (FFR)	17.05
Saturday 07-Oct-17	Argentina v Australia	Estadio Malvinas Argentinas, Mendoza	Mathieu Raynal (FFR)	19.30
Extra Bledisloe Cup
Saturday 21-Oct-17	Australia v New Zealand	Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane	Wayne Barnes (RFU)	19.00