Big talking points re: officials.
Frizzel card was farcical - and he played well despite what the predictable SF detractors say.
Forearm to head from BOKs not even looked at.
Kolisi was red all day..
And they know it..
PSDT MOTM deservingly.
I really feel for Sam Cane but it was correct call. He also played well all tournament.
Irish tears are the tastiest
Savea is a great player, but when he plays so loose... It utterly fucks the make up of our loosies..
Ardie just floats in games like this ... lots of tackle assists, 1 jackal but missing in the tight stuff-- outshone by his opposite for mine
The GOAT of referees has spoken
The legendary referee provides his expert analysis of the incident that has dominated headlines this week
Official's
New Zealand v Ireland
Referee: Wayne Barnes (RFU)
ARs: Karl Dickson (RFU) & Christophe Ridley (RFU)
TMO: Tom Foley (RFU
Have to say I'm pretty keen to see Barnes in the middle after his performance in the MAB vs IRE 1st Test. I thought he managed that game well.
Chekia spoke very well.... "its not over yet we want 3rd! --- love it.
@Kirwan said in RWC Final: All Blacks v Springboks:
@Mattasaurus said in RWC Final: All Blacks v Springboks:
Big talking points re: officials.
Frizzel card was farcical - and he played well despite what the predictable SF detractors say.
Forearm to head from BOKs not even looked at.
Kolisi was red all day..
And they know it..PSDT MOTM deservingly.
I really feel for Sam Cane but it was correct call. He also played well all tournament.
Frizzell is a grub, always has been. He knew what he was doing, the Bok must have reminded him of a chick.
You're clearly emotional and deluded if you think that was deliberate.
@Kiwiwomble said in Rugby World Cup news:
@canefan the more i think about it the more i do wonder if something corrupt went on, getting cleared for that tackle when other people get bans for complete accidents seems impossible
Yup - my first reaction to the down grading was that it reeked of corruption and I have seen nothing from todays decision to change my mind.... case and point below
"player’s acceptance of foul play," was seen as mitigation -- acceptance my arse - he pleaded not guilty and contested it blatantly .. at no stage has he accepted it was foul play - these are just weasel words to justify doing the bare possible minimum.
Too many of the Blues ABs simply haven't stood up when it counted.
So many low percentage options.
Don't think I've seen us leave so many tries on the field through very poor options, the rugby instinct of some of these guys is astonishingly poor.
Very Razorish.. finding a way to win.
Not bad for 3 weeks together really.
They will only get better.
Think a lot of people not giving enough England credit.... Their defensive pressure was immense.
Watching replay and highlights etc - the way The English and Irish celebrate knock ons, penalties , free kicks etc -- literally running to flex in front of the cameras at times ..... very cringe
Huge amount of penalties from the Blues tonight - BB just like he does to the ABs - kicks possession away far too much.
Chiefs played well fwds were very good and I thought Tupaea played particularly well - - but game changed with Ratima to 9 and Dmac to 10 imo
Taylor and Roigard returning make a massive difference to the ABs.
Taylor is very important to the set pieces, very big gap back to the next in line both in scrummaging and lineout accuracy. ( how he is not the AB captain is beyond me)
Roigrard speed of pass and accuracy of kicking changes the feel of the tactical game.
The loss of Valentini is a big blow to the Aussies.... But McReight and Hooper are absolute pests at the break down and led by Wilson who appears to be a great talismanic leader - the kind players lift for and follow ..... kind of missing in ABs in recent years.
I like JOC at 10 for them particularly with his composure, reading of the game and his passing, with Ikitau and Suaalii outside him (in very good form and only getting better) and the raw pace they have out wide they are as dangerous and exciting Aussie back line I have seen in years.
My two concerns with the ABs
1.) I have massive questions over the ABs attack and as others have pointed out earlier Jason Holland has been down right underwhelming....
2.) 10 is a constant issue for me - Inconsistent and poor option taking is the norm for BB. DMac doesn't fill me with confidence either --- at what point do we take a punt on one of the next generation as the two incumbent's are well beyond their best and in the twilight of their careers, if I am generous both can still have the the odd moment of brilliance -- the loyalty shown to BB just does my head in.
I expect to see an AB win but I wouldn't be overly surprised to see the Aussies get up. (TMO Jonker will be sure to get involved)
Frizell ,Christie and CC .... I just don't see what they have done to get picked.
And yet the ARU are the ones making all the demands of NZRFU regarding SR and RC - i say fark off you are dragging us down with you
Discipline has been awesome from both teams. No cards - not even a warning
BOK reffed very well - one of his best i think. (I genuinely feel an English or French ref would have made this a very different game)
Cracking game as a neutral - ( my dislike of Sexton makes me want him to lose)
Ireland celebrating like they just won the cup - long way to go yet...... Goal kicking was the difference for me.
BB literally avoiding contact... Should not be starting in the blues.
Sullivan shows what happens when you run hard and with purpose.
Bloody awful game to watch -
But Fossie should be watching .... basic shit - territory game , make your tackles and kick your penalties - if these Muppets can do it....