George Bell named in All Blacks team to face Ireland

If he can maintain that in 2025 and even part of 2026, it will make the Boks very difficult opponents to dethrone come WC 2027

Add Jerry Collins, Christian Cullen, and a few dozen other All Black greats who played during the 1991, 1995, 1999, 2003, and 2007 RWCs as worthless players since they did not win a World Cup.

It’s ridiculous to argue a player at any position was a failure if he he did not win a World Cup during his career.

I enjoy banter, but you just posted alot of crap

I thought overall he had a very good game. Was especially impressed by his passing, the timing and accuracy. Very good long passer. He kicks well out of hand, and strikes the ball well off the tee. His one miss could have been costly, but I would not put too much on that.

I did feel he did not pose a running threat, did to carry into contact enough, so the WB's defence was spared that worry.

I fully agree with you that Cullen now needs to give Sam and extended run at 10 for Leinster, not necessarily starting him in every game, but making sure he always gets significant game time, week in, week out.

I'm interested in your comment "if he had a bit more pace he’d have the potential to have sextons brains and bods skills." That would be some combination !

I also had a look at his background. I knew he was a Newbridge College lad, and see he played for them in the Cup Campaign that was never finished due to Covid restrictions. I remember that year well....pity as that was an all Kildare Final, with Clongowes the opponent. The big Dublin schools for once not featuring.

Same happened up in Ulster, two schools outside Belfast in the Final...Wallace and Armagh Royal. I follow Armagh from out here in Qld, as Kenny Hooks(6 caps for Ireland) had built a small school up to being one of the best in Ulster over 40 plus years coaching there. I coached Kenny for five years...Medallion/U 15 and first XV.. at Bangor GS.

Signing off, just hope and pray Sam Prendergast remains free of any serious injury, and we see him develop over the next 10 plus years.