Wrap Up

[Wolfie33]

My Final Thoughts

The days of 100 plus scores against the minnows can be consigned to history.
In general, they brought much improved defence & fitness level and on occasion great attacking prowess.
No doubt the increased globalisation of the game & coaching in particular has benefited the lower tier teams.

The inclusion of Argentina in the World Championship has helped them, though they didn't quite play to potential in the Cup in my view. New Super 15 teams from Japan & Argentina will help strengthen their national game, though it may take some time to filter through.

The Pacific Island teams seem to have trodden water & fallen behind somewhat. They face a good number of hurdles in improving their game, not least being small playing numbers & top level players swanning off to play elsewhere.

The 2 Most Dangerous men in Rugby

Michael Cheika  He managed to turn a disorganised rabble in to a top team in some 10 months or so.

Eddie Jones  The results of the Brave Blossoms speak volumes.

Player of the Year
Daniel Carter . . . really ?? Apart from some kicking & a couple of other things, he has done beggar all.
I don't agree. For me, over the year, either of our locks, Jerome Kaino or Maa Nonu out point Carter.

And that is it from me, but I'll leave the last word to Sir Ted . . .
       New Zealand dared and won but game of rugby was another winner at World Cup | Graham Henry | Sport | The Guardian

Cheers & Over and Out     

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