Rugbology August 26 2024

Quicktaps : Rangi drops himself : ABs head for the republic & hopeful of a 1All result : NPC always good value & anyone been to an NPC game yet ? : new Chc stadium too small.

Whilst it was a relief to have the ABs back at a more acceptable level certainly in the first 45 minutes last Sat - the last 35 was not pretty as the ABs, after smashing the Argies with 35 points in the first 40 plus Will Jordan slipping through for his 33rd try in 33 tests early in the second, scored zero. Yes, halftime can kill the best of first half moods but the attack failed to get out of 3rd gear and as the second half drew to a close the crowd were unimpressed.

What we all now know is Razor and Rangi were already tinkering with the attack gearbox and Razor was lining up a change of oil but without Rangi as the mechanic. Whilst no one knows exactly what specific issues or coaching philosophies were part of their robust discussions, I reckon a bit goes back to the English series where its pretty clear Razor wasn’t happy with Reikos inability to distribute at centre. Also the wingers were not attacking the line by running straight and hard. Caleb Clarke and Will Jordan both do this and Telea, who’s apparently one of Rangis favs, doesn’t. These 2 shortfalls don’t help an attack coach to shine.

Anyway, it’s clear the 2 coaches were at odds so very maturely, Rangi walked away. In my view its a good thing as there are clearly far too many coaches and I personally think Razor needs to be more hands on at least this season. Also he and Rangi haven’t coached together for 4+ years and have both developed independently to the point they are both head coaches by choice. We can all speculate further but lets not and look forward to next Saturday in Joburg.

2 years ago Fozzy was in a similar boat, admittedly sitting lower in the water after a historic home series loss to Ireland but nonetheless heading to tangle with the Boks with the NZ rugby public unconvinced and nervous. Fozzy got dicked in the first test but then turned around, with the axe swinging over his head, and tipped up the Boks at Ellis Park. Razor will be aiming at 2 wins but if he got a 1 all result I reckon he and we would be happy. The Boks at home are always brutal and at the moment are as strong as ever with apparent vast depth across all positions. Whilst we struggle to develop depth via a SR lite comp, SA Rugby have all their top 2-300 players pounding away up North over a longer and more intense season plus the next provincial tiers coming through their Currie Cop comp and the Boks still get to play us as well. I think they are winning the “where in the world do we play” future.

Now I’m not saying we can’t win in Jo’burg but I’m not convinced we are ready and too many of the newer ABs have never played in SA before let alone Ellis park. Maybe we get lucky and a Bok or two get over aroused and red carded !

So for the ABs, who plays? The tight 5 select themselves although assuming Scooter starts, I’d insert Josh Lord on the bench as not satisfied with Vaai. Ethan deGroot will be missed (as will Taukei’aho despite Aumuas robustness) although it’s taken a while to decide Ethans unavailability - mind you with properly designed modern props it does take a while to locate the neck and therefore the actual injury.

We are still small in the loosies department but expect same trio as Eden park although I hope Razor starts Cane and puts Dalton and Samipeni on the bench in a 6-2 split. In my view the hype around the bomb squad is inflated nonsense - all teams have at least 5 top forwards on their bench including a full frontrow and can release them all at the same time if desired. 1 extra forward ain’t that big of a deal and the bomb squad is a phycological missile rather than a winning edge as all benches should contain fresh impact.

Listening to a Murray Mexted podcast last week, he echoes my concerns - we really need a couple of big, tough guys at 6 and 8 but just do not have them and don’t seem to be trying to breed them. I did spot a big slab of number 8 going really well for Otago by the name of Will Stodart - 6’5” and 115kg but only 20 but already played for NZU20 so for christ sakes lets just develop him at 8 and stop any lock nonsense. Jesus that Fabian Holland is a huge slab too and will be in the ABs next year.

As for the backs for next Sat, expect ALB at 13, Perenara at 9, Jordan and Clarke on the wing, BB at 15, JB at 12 and Dmac at 10 with Ratima and Reiko on the bench - yep 6 forwards on bench as we will need them !

The NPC is always enjoyable and this year its a pretty even comp although Auckland starting with 3 losses is a bit of a surprise which really turns to worry as they’ve deserved all 3 defeats. Maybe Rangi MacDonald can help ?

The Magpies are as is their tradition loving defending the log of wood, Hori BOP have looked very slick although failed to deal with a fast finishing Otago last Sat under the roof in Dunners, Wellington unbeaten although they found the Turbos a real handful last Sat, The Mako have also win all their opening 3 matches plus the Naki, Canterbury and Otago would all be very happy with their start. Auckland, Counties and Manawatu all winless ……….. even the Penguinrooters have had a win, hmmmmmmm.

There will be new talent to get excited about but I’d recommend waiting for another 3 or 4 rounds before any deep analysis.

Pass it on - go the ABs !!!