2023 RWC Buildup, Squads, Fixtures 'etc'

Dude you need to get a grip. You signed up to a NZ rugby forum to troll (you know what I’m talking about, unless there’s a second bluedex out there) and you’re clearly hurt and aggrieved. It’s only a game of rugby. Let it go. No amount of bitterness will overturn the 1/4 final result just like nothing will change SA 12 NZ 11.

Personally I love the NZ - Irish rivalry, the games are really intense and hard fought these days. Bring the next one on!

i don’t know if Rieko said what he’s alleged to have said but if so, it’s poor sport. But no different to what some Irish players said. If I was a top player I’d do my talking on the field. That’s what counts.

Trust me, bitterness will get you nothing.

Depends how you read the tone, to me it sounds like ‘I didn’t see you release but I now understand you did’, otherwise why say anything, other than his initial no release comment when awarding the penalty. He’s clearly responding to the replay, maybe he didn’t look at it but crowd and player reaction maybe persuaded him. No reason for him to say anything otherwise. And it wasn’t really a tight call, Savea didn’t dramatically raise his hands above his head but both his hands are clearly separated before the tackled play hits the ground.

There were 50 minutes left at that point. If SA had needed a try or penalty or drop goal or whatever there’s no way to know they would not have had the tactical smarts to make it happen. Their whole World Cup was delivering under the pump.

N.Z are always cocky and smug, imo. They are as bad as England, imo. In 2019 when they were hammered by England, I was delighted. Not because they had murdered us in the qf but, because they didn't fire a shot. They were completely outclassed. When England lost to the boks, I was chuffed. I think both are insufferable winners. I am very disappointed with our world cup. We fell short, imo. Our best chance ever, but we couldn't clear the hurdle. N.Z couldn't clear a hurdle this weekend. Their smugness was short again.

It's just my opinion. I don't like the kiwis or their cultural dancing prior to the match. I don't like any teams cultural dancing prior to kick off.

For what its worth, SA beating NZ means Ireland moves up to 2nd place in the rankings.

You're welcome.

Could you imagine how smug and arrogant you'd be had Ireland won a world cup?

How the hell is Dupont in it?

Aaron Smith was head and shoulders above any other scrum-half.

Yeah definitely. I thought Smith was holding NZ together at times on Saturday, never seems to make a bad decision.

McKenzie will be fine at outhalf, he was brilliant this season.

Rassie stepping in as Springbok head coach (did he ever really step out?) while they look for a replacement for Jacques Nienaber.

Is Eddie Jones not available? Heard he quit the Aussies.

lol I was only joking. Wouldnt want him near us.

Realistically though, who can step in to be SA head coach? Talk of Stormers coach John Dobson, but they tried that before with Alistair Coetzee and it didnt work out at all. Jake White would probably throw his name in the hat, but cant see him wanting to work under Rassie and not really being in charge. Think Peter de Villiers could be tempted out of politics to make a return...

Political figures shouldn't be allowed near the pitch at all after finals. Fair enough being in the stand as a distinguished guest or whatever but no politician should be allowed to piggyback on any sports person's/team's achievements.

The worst was the 2018 soccer WC. It was disgusting enough having that evil bastard Putin there for the presentation but there was also the hypocrisy of Xaha having been disciplined earlier in the tournament for a "political gesture" as sport is apolitical. WR should not be copying FIFAs way of doing things.

I would refer you to my post 2 above yours.

But no idea really. Macron was there, but its his country at least. Idk who the NZ prime minister is or if they were there, assume not.