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With 2017 nearing an end, we look back at some of the highlights & most viewed social media clips from the past year, including a Lions Tour diary, AK 47’s, an international upstart, and some future stars coming through the ranks in New Zealand. Enjoy!
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Eden Park Showdown
Our list starts way back in June. All eyes were on Eden Park ahead of the first test between the Lions and All Blacks. However, another high-profile event was taking place on the hallowed turf before kick-off. Two heavyweights (literally, not metaphorically) of the international game were battling it out for bragging rights.
https://www.facebook.com/therugbypod/videos/782734631886603/
The Rise of Georgian Rugby
Georgia is a growing force in the world of rugby and had it not been for some underhanded tactics from the Welsh coaching set-up, they would probably still be celebrating their first ever draw against a Tier 1 nation. Regardless, they’re on the right track and with support like this, it won’t be too long before Tiblisi becomes a more regular destination for top-tier rugby.
All Black Backline in the Making
The conveyor belt of talent coming from New Zealand is the envy of every other rugby nation on the planet. Here are some of the up and coming stars currently making their way through the system. It won’t be too long before some of these players are lining out for the All Blacks.
Respect in Rugby
Rugby is generally associated with respect and this video sums thing up nicely when it comes to our great game.
https://www.facebook.com/rugbypass/videos/1524374407635877/
All out Brawl in PNG
What’s the opposite of respect? Brawling fans, players and police officers with AK47’s on the pitch of course. This is the fallout from a very ill-tempered rugby league semi-final match in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.
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https://www.facebook.com/Hug3RugbyHits/videos/532225840499114/
Angus Gardner
While Nigel Owens may be the jester of the North, Angus Garnder is making a name for himself south of the equator. His interactions with players and commitment to a ‘slide and see’ make him our favourite whistleblower of the year.
https://www.facebook.com/rugbypass/videos/1571730166233634/
Australia’s Future
Australian rugby has been in turmoil for the past few years with playing numbers falling and results not going their way, but seeing talent like this come through the ranks should give Wallaby fans hope. Meet Jangala Bennett
The Beauty of 7’s From the Sky
Last up, the great game of sevens. The natural flow of play from the air is mesmerising amd demonstrates just how difficult it is to contain players with so much space on offer.
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Comments on RugbyPass
GOTTA MAKE ‘THE GEORGE’ HAPPEN!!!! That’s a great idea! A trans Tasman midget battle on ANZAC Day. I don’t think the ABs Wallabies game should be a one off winner takes all though, just the first match with the other two later in the year with the RC. Reason being, no one will ever shut up about how aussies couldn’t win it when it was a 3 match series.
1 Go to comments@Ben smith. Thats knock out rugby. So honeslty who cares?
145 Go to commentsIt will interesting to know which Irish players said that…
1 Go to commentsNaaaww boys will be boys! Now run along ya wee scamp! Don’t let us catch you at again😏
1 Go to commentsGreat to have Ethan Blackadder back in the Crusaders in the last few weeks. One of the best all round loose forwards around. He played so well last week against the Rebels. Fantastic attitude Ethan has and his comments are spot on.
2 Go to commentsThe author is 100% right. The Springboks know that they don't have near the natural attraction, mana, skill and mystic the All Blacks have. So, Chasing the sun 1 & 2 was concocted to overblow the Boks image on the back of a corruptly obtained “win". It's marketing ploy to force the Boks delusion as the World's Best. I guess World Rugby is also not to be believed when it came out with an apology about how the final was officiated. And if the 2023 final such a superb game by the Boks, then the Boks crying about Referee Bryce Lawrence for decades is also deserves a laugh. Chase the sun and get burned like a moth. A very well written literary piece that tore the Boks and Chasing the sun farce to shreds. 🖤All Blacks🏉
145 Go to commentsI’d say France was far more hard done by in the 2011 final than the All Blacks in this game. Joubert simply refused to call a penalty against the All Blacks in the last quarter even directing an All Black to drop a ball he picked up in an offside position rather than penalizing him. This article also totally discounts the efforts of PSTD. Ask Jordie how well he played. Or the backup flank who played hooker for the entire game. Siya was also a brilliant tackle by Richie from scoring a blinder. Pollard was also fantastic. Look I don’t like the boks style but the only thing more questionable than the content of this article is the timing of it. Get over it already
145 Go to commentsDad Marty was also a handy rugby player for Linwood back in the day. Great bloke. Sensational softball career.
2 Go to commentsWhat ifs are always dangerous. If you look at the game before Sam cane got sent of SA was dominating. You could make the argument the going down to 14 men rallied the troops and made them have to play to win which is always dangerous.
145 Go to commentsOmg… you are bruised And battered Benny. Stop crying … the scoreboard speaks. What a pathetic lover you are.. 🤣🤣🤣
145 Go to commentsPacific Lions, cry me a river
145 Go to commentsThis is the single worst piece of journalism I have ever seen since your last one. As a neutral, who really states that there should be an asterisk next to a win? You are an utter embarrassment to real AB fans, journalism and that joke of a house which pays you for this nonsense. Get a life, Ben.
145 Go to commentsGuys. Cancel the World Cup champions after this analysis. It changes everything. Ben knows. We’ll have to unengrave the Bokke off the trophy and hand it to the ABs, now that I’ve been enlightened about this illegitimate win. This needs to be done. Now!
145 Go to commentsBen is right here though, Springboks were woefully poor with the advantage they had throughout this game. The France match was heroic because that was an even contest this match had it taken place in Rugby Championship would have been an easy win for NZ. If anything this match should tell the Bok coaches that a lot of this team should be changed. They beat this same NZ team by record margin with the same circumstances but with a different core. They bring back the tried and tested guys and they nearly botch this game.
145 Go to commentsI knew who wrote this article from the first few words in the headline…lol. The red card actually did the ABs a favour. It galvanized them, only then did they step up a gear. Before that there was zero momentum.
145 Go to commentsFirstly the foul on Bongi was a planned move just like the NZ master plan with Bryce Lawrence you kiwis are filthy fux perhaps try to play a cleaner game next time I doubt that’s possible tho but don’t worry world rugby is on yr side they trying to take away all the BOKS strengths to help all you weakling as Jeremy Clarkson would say LA OO ZA ERR..🤣
145 Go to commentsAbsolutely spot on Ben. I certainly wouldn't gloat over a win like that. Frustrating as it is it's done and dusted and history will forever show the result.
145 Go to commentsHo hum.
145 Go to commentsNo question they were the better team. But that is the beauty of sport isn’t it!
145 Go to commentsEveryone is into Hurling in Ireland according to Porter, but only 11 of Ireland's 32 counties enter a team into the national competition. Same old blarney.
1 Go to comments