Tide has completely turned now.
France completely dominant for the last ten minutes.
France completely dominant for the last ten minutes.
Rugby Union 21/22/23 Discussion | RWC time!
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Retallick! The most skilled sasquatch in modern day rugby.
I've been out of rugby for a long time. The last time I watched NZ were the best. A year before that they were the best too. Come to think of it, they've always been the best. So, what the hell happened?
Whyd France not get that 50 22? They didn't explain that well at all
Now the linesman 
It was from a mark?
I also can't recall seeing a NZ team with so few ideas out there.
Hmmmm probably just a penalty this time.
We actually got a replay
We actually got a replay
Ah I missed that. 2nd question, why was the lino running back, It clearly bounced in field, did the ref over rule him there?
Its been a slow slide, the last few years horribly so. We had a chance to change coach but the old guard couldnt read the warnings and Foster was retained.
Alldritt is definitely on the list of "Lads that you wouldn't want running at you".
He had a brain flub.
Jeez, NZ are underwhelming.
I can see them being knocked out by Italy if they keep on playing like this.
What a ridiculous try that would have been.
France have been sensational in the second half. Their forwards have dominated the game
Do you blame it more on a slide from the New Zealand, or teams like Ireland, France and even for a bit under Eddie, England all playing consistently at or near the highest level they've ever played at all in the same(ish) time frame of this generation of New Zealand?
It's both. Ireland and France probably have their best teams ever, South Africa has one of their best team ever while the Blacks don't have their best team ever.
Yeah, this team really doesn't seem as complete and physical as previous All Black teams.
France look good.
A fitting ending for France, clearly the better side overall. They're going to be very tough to beat on home soil.
Pathetic. The knives ought to be out against Ian Foster after this.
Epic win. Delighted for France.
Close enough.
Wow. Only watch Rugby when the WC comes around so i'm not current but what the hell happened to NZ? Their number 10 in particular has been shocking all night.
I think teams like France, Ireland and South Africa have been improving really well and they deserve to be among the favourites. Their position and success isnt because NZ have regressed.
NZ's slide shouldnt take away from the improvements other countries have made. NZs slide is stagnation on display i think. We deserve to be where we sit.
New Zealand won’t lose to Italy but if the best version of the Italians show up and NZ play like this they could at least have a scare.
France as good as expected.
France as good as expected.
The ABs need space, only phase play provides that. The other countries have upped and matched their fitness levels and therefore making the commitment on defence count.
Fantastic game.
I think the scoreline flattered France. The started slow (stage fright maybe?) and New Zealand exposed a few holes in their game, or more specifically their rush defence, with the little chip kicks and inside balls.
France just blew them away in the end though, their 16-23 made a huge difference. Woki shouldn’t start.
I think the scoreline flattered France. The started slow (stage fright maybe?) and New Zealand exposed a few holes in their game, or more specifically their rush defence, with the little chip kicks and inside balls.
France just blew them away in the end though, their 16-23 made a huge difference. Woki shouldn’t start.
Yeah the try-saving tackle but he missed two conversions and wasn't great at much else.The number 10 probably has the highlight of the game..... albeit in vein
It's karma for not starting Brad Weber even though he has been the best kiwi scrum half in the past two seasons.
And no I'm not saying that because I support the Chiefs.
Very convincing second half from France. So it’s between France, SA and possibly Ireland (depending on how beat up they get in the pool games).
Yeah, I still feel if I'm gonna watch NZ, I'm going to see pretty gung ho stuff and at least to win while piling in tries. But as shown by today, they clearly had 4 opportunities that I think any 'older' generation likely would of converted 3, if not all 4. Whereas they only converted 2 of them today, and quite frankly, weren't massively convincing on the other 2 for me, you kinda felt France would hold out.... you never used to think that. Just fine margin stuff they aren't as clinical with right now.
Plus the aura's just not there.... I mean, I'm pretty sure it's only Wales who haven't beaten in them in past 4 years? Absurd.
The first half defense isn't normal. Some players were leaving their feet for no reason and the All Blacks didn't expose it, they just randomly benefitted from stupidity and I would point the finger at Woki and Fikou. Also Vincent is likely the best defender in the backline, when fit he should start.
I think we looking at a France WC win. Dominant performance. This home advantage can’t be underestimated
Very likely
Jesus I wouldn't call that game fantastic. Loads of kicking back and forth, no attacking impetus from NZ, France just over powered them.
I think that's a poor start to a world cup in such a big game.
You probably by now know that I have a massive hard-on for Danty, I think he makes that backline sing as he always gets the team over the gainline. But his turnover threat in midfield is outrageous as well.
I think France are better with at least one monster lock and if Willemse isn’t fit they should start Taofefinoa next to Flament.
You must be pleased as hell overall though?
Well you must have a higher standard of rugby expectation than me. Mind you, I’m English, so that’s very likely at the moment. Anything that doesn’t involve 35 handling errors per game is good for me
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