They butchered some chances but by the same token, it was nice to see some dogged scramble defence - how Sleightholme got across to force the ball inside from BB is a mystery to me.
Look, I can understand he's maybe better than I give him credit for - but what drugs do you have to be on to think he's the best fullback in the world? I want some.
I think it's because he "looks" good.
Runs very smoothly.
Hair always in place.
Nice looking guy who gets all the chicks etc.
Alternatively, a lot of rugby commentators are just what they are when they were playing - absolute meatheads.
for those who dont know who benazzi is
he had a match winning try disallowed in WC95 semi vs SA
monsoon game, he definitely scored imo
no tmo in those days
would have meant a NZ v france final, and whole different rugby history
i wasn't concerned at the time, thought we were easily good enough to beat anyone
It certainly was close.
Having watched that game and that incident a few times - not sure whether he did or did not score.
Unlike Reuben Kruger in the final though 😛
Kruger didn't score ... it's not on the score sheet ...
As for Benazzi, agree it was not "clear and obvious". I recall he talked about it afterward (press conference?) and kind of played it down. Said something like "it was 'this' close".
@Dodge yeah but the ref shouldn't have to study Ford's kicking style. He stands and lines it up, then takes a step to the left, to what...line it up again? That's how most kickers begin their approach. If it quacks like a duck then go for it I say.
World Rugby has officially announced the full schedule for the Pacific Nations Cup 2025 (22 August - 20 September), the second edition of the revitalised and expanded competition that is fast becoming a pillar of the international rugby calendar.
allblacks 🚨 SQUAD UPDATES | Unfortunately @samcane7 & Dane Coles will be returning to New Zealand after picking up injuries in last nights match. Sam - fractured cheekbone, Dane - calf. All the best with your recovery fellas 💪
@pattytuips, @damianmckenzie_, @tuivasasheck & @braydonennor will join the @allblacksxv in Dublin
@leicester_f will rejoin the squad and @billy_harmon has been called in.
Telea and @asafoaumua will stay with the squad.
That stuff article posted in other threads clearly missed a bit of info.
They must be confident Retallick will escape suspension if they’re sending Tuipulotu to AB XV.
Positive is Papali’i will get an extended run in the 7 jersey. He was dynamite off the bench last night.
Happy for Aumua. Keeping Coles around has hindered his development.
Was he? I’m not sure I can watch it again, but I didn’t think he stood out (other than the hair of course).
I’m a fan of what he can bring though.
If we assume that Ardie is going to start all three tests, the question they may be considering is, do we start Papali’i or Sotutu? It’s not beyond the possibility with Cane injured that they move Ardie. They’ve done it before.
Papali'i was very good, I think 9 tackles in 14 mins plus the turnover which iced the game. He and Tuipulotu (as with most of the bench) did their job in bringing energy.
I think to reduce disruption they'll straight swap Papali'i for Cane and keep Ardie at 8. That way they can free up a bench spot for Sotutu who I thought, barring the turnover on the tryline was generally good.
I can't see Frizell backing up against Wales. He's turning into the modern day Reuben Thorne which is not all bad, you need solid blindsides who do the dirty work, make their tackles, solid carries, rucks/mauls. Akira does that and provides much more with ball-in hand.
Love Papalii but not sure I can cope with our open side flanker looking like Billy Idol.
Hopefully he doesn’t miss the starting XV after putting in the hard yards at training: tries without a place.
Eddie Jones: Le Bomb squad criticism 'plain daft', Ireland sorely missed their 'glitter man' and the 'elephant in the room' regarding Antoine Dupont
Pacific Nations Cup 2025 set to deliver high-stakes action with direct qualification path to Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 | World Rugby
