Dupont-less France limit changes to three for final game with Japan

What remains baffling though is how world rugby has their TMO setup, it made the world cup final crazy with more TMO interventions than ever before, stifled the flow of the game which suited the Bok style. Again they won it fair and square, you can only play what's in front of you, conditions, officials, etc.

In this case there was no TMO intervention for a clear knock on that everyone watching the same screen saw, there are many other instances that other teams have also clearly got lucky or been robbed.

World rugby needs to sort out the TMO, the Paris bunker for the world cup final was disastrous, never heard of that before or after that final. It came across as a weird, quirky world rugby experiment.

There should only be one TMO and they should be a top level, experienced referee for these big games that's no longer field reffing like a Kaplan, Owens, etc.

When they consistently get it going for the 80 mins they can certainly be a force.

I think the general standard in the URC is up year on year and is a great league to develop in.

They've some savage young talent coming straight through their own academy.

Would be sitting a lot more comfortable with Lord and Parker on the bench but think the game will be a cracker.

I've heard Mike Catt talk about getting steamed rolled too. He took it in good humour to be fair although maybe not at the time.

I recently re-watched that crazy Bledisloe cup game from 2000 on YouTube.

Jesus he was unplayable. Even with the health issues weighing him down.

I for one would welcome more news in English of what is going on in France (& to a lesser degree Italy) given we play them throughout the 6N but also the Champions Cup & Challenge Cup. Let’s know how our exiles are doing.

Ignomy Definition: public shame, disgrace, or humiliation. It refers to a state of dishonor or a situation that causes shame and embarrassment.

You must respect opponents. Not a coincidence that NZ improved when Joe Schmidt, an actual humble man, came on board and grounded the team in reality.

Yes it’s curious because Aussie always used to take a punt on these guys previosuly, and they always had great contrasts and quality at 10 - witness Michael Lynagh and Mark Ella back in the day…

Now there is far more saminess about the whoel exercise. As you say the diamonds are there to be polished, not replaced by quartz.

As for marquee players, pretty sure they were a one-at-a-time kinda deal and not all at once, a la Leinster? Oh and Tommy Seymour only played for Ulster (with his 7 appearances!) while he was eligible for Ireland so not an import, now who’s being disingenuous? And if Simon Danielli is part of your argument then you really are clutching at straws, unless ofc you’re talking about his time starring with Scotland when they absolutely dominated the 6N…🤣