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Number of NZ players in the 36 man England squad recently selected for the 6 Nations – 0
Number of NZ players in the England U-20 squad that won the last RWC – 0
Not sure England is entirely dependent on Kiwi development pathways.
Rugby's rotten flaw: Why it's time for World Rugby to protect southern nations from northern raiders
It must be difficult for you watching the ‘cynicism’ of the NH Unions when you’re used to the Corinthian altruism of the Aussie and Kiwi Unions concerned, as they are, solely with the benefit of global rugby as a whole.
Rugby's rotten flaw: Why it's time for World Rugby to protect southern nations from northern raiders
There’s only ‘no comparison’ because you’ve artificially created the boundaries that lead to that conclusion. In rugby every national side is just that – a different national team regardless of geographical proximity to others.
It’s difficult to get away from the belief that you’ve created a convoluted set of ‘parameters’ to reach a predetermined preferred ‘answer.’
Rugby's rotten flaw: Why it's time for World Rugby to protect southern nations from northern raiders
Farrell’s been injured for almost his entire time at Racing. It’s a bit hard to shine from the treatment room.
Rugby's rotten flaw: Why it's time for World Rugby to protect southern nations from northern raiders
The English? They’ve just named a squad of 36 for the 6 Nations. There are more UK born players in the NZ squad than NZ born players in the England squad – seeing as the number in the England squad is 0.
Rugby's rotten flaw: Why it's time for World Rugby to protect southern nations from northern raiders
But, all Oz and NZ are trying to fill is 4 or 5 rosters – so 9 or 10 overall – not 38.
Rugby's rotten flaw: Why it's time for World Rugby to protect southern nations from northern raiders
It depends, doesn’t it? If you’re trying to fill the rosters of 14 teams in a league to compete for the European Cup then that league requires about 700 players at or not too far away from international standard, and realistically needs supplementation. There are three main leagues consisting of 38 teams.
If you’re trying to fill four or five ‘franchises’ like Oz or NZ, you don’t.
Rugby's rotten flaw: Why it's time for World Rugby to protect southern nations from northern raiders
…and Munster have beaten the All Blacks. What’s your point?
Rugby's rotten flaw: Why it's time for World Rugby to protect southern nations from northern raiders
But, those Island kids coming for ‘educational opportunities’ on scholarships to NZ schools (who just happen to be star rugby players) is fine and dandy?
Rugby's rotten flaw: Why it's time for World Rugby to protect southern nations from northern raiders
Australia’s ‘success?’
You must have a very long-term view of the past.
Rugby's rotten flaw: Why it's time for World Rugby to protect southern nations from northern raiders
It wasn’t that long ago the Aussies came close to fielding an entire backline not born in Australia.
That wasn’t a ‘problem’, though.
Rugby's rotten flaw: Why it's time for World Rugby to protect southern nations from northern raiders
Well, Brad Shields has English parents and achieved the princely sum of 9 caps. Mostly off the bench, seven years ago, and went back to NZ because he couldn’t get a club contract he could live with after Wasps went bust.
Sotutu I believe also has an English parent. Though moaning abut something that hasn’t happened seems a bit strange, and given the hoovering up of talent from the islands over the years, a little hypocritical.
Rugby's rotten flaw: Why it's time for World Rugby to protect southern nations from northern raiders
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So, let me get this right. If you put in a complex and detailed four point definitional framework of a VERY specific kind, Australia and New Zealand are totally blameless?
Right, got you.
Rugby's rotten flaw: Why it's time for World Rugby to protect southern nations from northern raiders
The 2nd Aussie win in 12 in one of the weirdest games of rugby I’ve ever seen, with England all over the shop defensively trying to continue with a defensive system put in by a coach who had left abruptly in controversial circumstances, and you sneer at the talent in the England squad?
OK, let’s see how the next few years pan out.
Borthwick dumps skipper in bid to boost England's Six Nations challenge
That’s about the first time he’s done it in a 10 year international career. Th idea that this should rule him out of captaincy is barking.
Borthwick dumps skipper in bid to boost England's Six Nations challenge
Really? She’s my new sporting heroine. Graceless Aussie crowd gives her dog’s abuse all game and rather than just take it she gives it back to them and, typically, Aussies than clutch their pearls.
You go girl…
'They're paying my bills': American villain trolls crowd, trash talks after downing Aussie hopeful
It’s strange, Ben. As an England cricket fan I watch these sides (India, New Zealand, South Africa, West Indies, Pakistan, Sri Lanka) come to England and, win lose or draw, the test matches appear to be hard fought but played in reasonably good spirit.
Yet, all these sides seem to ‘cause’ problems when they visit Australia.
It’s a mystery.
'Big tough man, Virat': Kohli blasted for airport run-in with journo as Indian media match boycott adds to growing tension
‘I’d like to think in our team that we wouldn’t do that. It’s not how I would like to play the game, and I feel like my teammates are the same.’
You’ve got to almost admire the laughable gall of the average Aussie international cricketer given their reputation.
ICC verdict in for Siraj vs Head stoush as another Aussie star sticks up for Indian hothead
They’ve won a series in Australia far more recently than Australia have won a series in England.
'Player that we need': McDonald maintains Marnus is still the man at No.3 as Adelaide squad revealed
I’ve watched England for a LONG time.
The current squad with what’s coming through as well, will mean they will be the most talented England squad since 2003 by 2027.
If poor coaching wastes that there will be a little ‘unhappiness.’
'Painful days': Boks hand England fifth straight defeat as pressure builds on Borthwick, Kolbe scores stunner
Well, it’s driving this Pom loopy.
'Painful days': Boks hand England fifth straight defeat as pressure builds on Borthwick, Kolbe scores stunner
What, you think he should pick a team that doesn’t take account of the rule change?
'Don't turn rugby into Aussie rules': Borthwick worried about aerial duels as England ring in changes for Boks battle
Great win for the WBs last week. Was drunk watching it so rewatched it a few days later. One of the more bizarre England test matches I’ve seen. Reminded me very much of the 38-38 draw with Scotland in 2019 with a similar pattern.
First 20 mins went as most punters predicted with England getting over the gain line with relative ease and building a comfortable lead.
Then the intensity drops 5-10% and they allow the opposition to turn it into a 50-50 game of ‘7’s’. Throw in all the errors and Itoje dropping a ball from the restart at the end for the first time since he was about 12 and they deservedly lose.
Questions for both teams. The England defence has to rebuild after the loss of Felix Jones. But, the questions for Oz might be more profound. I can’t see how the WBs are going to win series or tournaments with this style. They’ll have big wins and big losses. That will raise the excitement level around rugby which is important for Oz, but a style that means almost certainly you can never win a RWC, RC, or Lions series seems a high price to pay.
Exclusive: Wallabies selection twist as Schmidt set to bench Suaalii, surprise tip for Wilson replacement
Yes, I’ve made better predictions. 😊
All Blacks snap Ireland's 19-match unbeaten streak at home after DMac masterclass, Aumua finally arrives
As a little known coach called Graham Henry said when he was coach of Wales.
NZ would select an Eskimo if they thought it would improve the ABs.
Rugby's rotten flaw: Why it's time for World Rugby to protect southern nations from northern raiders