The SA & France results do need to be taken with a grain of salt. Jordie Barrett is a bit of a sleeper reputation wise but my impression is that his selection at 12 is what really nails the ABs best backline. Obviously 9 & 10 are critical positions, but Barrett at 12 both stiffens the defence, provides a big body to run it up on attack and gives a great kicking option (off the tee for long distance ones too).
In the forwards, as much as I hate his presence in the team, Frizell does make a huge difference. He's as big as Akira Ioane but uses his size in a very physical way. Akira probably ought to have played in the backs as a centre in hindsight, but its far too late now. Frizell takes a huge amount of the workload off Savea, and that lets us have another jackal which is critical.
One other selection that I think made a difference was on the left wing. Telea was playing too well to drop; but Fainga'anuku is less prone to break too far from support and is very strong in the rucks. Telea ruling himself out through misbehaviour has potentially lost him his place for all of the finals.
I had to stop watching just before half time after my watch warned me about my heart rate. I'll risk injury for my Mapgies next week against the Bulls - and wanted to get some work done on my boat :)
What I did watch I thought was decent rugby; up until what I believe was a very harsh yellow card to Aaron Smith. I think Barnes could have forced Ireland to play on a bit more rapidly. A lot of huddling, walking to line outs and delayed kicks. Ireland controlled the tempo after the first 15 or so and that's what got them back into the game.
Anyway, who cares about the RWC, my 'pies are playing in the first ever First Division final next week and I am FIZZING.
Not sure I’ll be able to catch the first game, but it’s the least interesting from a neutral point of view imo. Argentina have been poor, and wales have been pretty decent. Don’t see that going anything but a comfortable wales win.
Ireland should be too strong for the ABs, especially with Telea dropped. But let’s face it, they’re reigning RC champions for a reason. They might not be the ABS of 2015, but they’re no slouches. For Ireland, they won’t want any more injuries regardless of what happens.
Is anybody actually worried about Ireland being able to maintain this level for the next World Cup and intervening years? You don't get that good by not having the proper support thru age groups and clubs. That and the glamour of winning a test series in New Zealand, I think they'll be just fine. I'm more inclined to worry about England ever being able to win the 6N again.
Ireland will be fine. But the other nations will keep improving too, and so this may well have been the best attempt they could have had
England will rise again too. Too many good players to languish for too long. Can Wales and Scotland be able to compete again? Will Italy win more than 1 match in the next 5?
I think they figured them out before the kick off. Chips over devastating them. Targetting that lineout hard too. Kicking game neutralised. ABs looking unassailable
The heck was that? Intentionally shoulder barged him to the deck, nowhere near the ball. Could have got a concussion on hitting the ground. Ref says it's "just" a cheap shot. How is it not a red card?