I don't share the same antipathy towards Ratima that many do. I think he's a decent talent with a big upside to his game and he'll improve off a pretty good starting platform. He's in the cauldron at the moment playing the best sides at home. While it's frustrating to see mistakes or slip ups happen in his game, he'll be better for the experience and we as a team will benefit.
I think some patience is in order.
Otherwise it'll be Canterbury product Noah Hotham into the mix and the Waikato massive will risk a trolling induced health incident.
France vs All Blacks
I hate it whenever the ABs lose but as you say, the team is growing really well through the season and there are a lot of seriously talented youngsters making their mark now. I hate to disappoint all the Ratima haters but I still am glad he is in the team as he has heaps of potential and will be a great deputy to Roigard over the next few seasons. Not forgetting young Noah Hotham making great strides with the NZ XV, who should be in the AB squad for 2025, more competition for the 9 spot.Guy Smiley wrote: Sat Nov 16, 2024 10:23 pmWe don't have access to player data like the coaching box does. Roigard is still coming back from an injury layoff and it's likely they wanted to maintain pace pressure on Dupont.Torquemada 1420 wrote: Sat Nov 16, 2024 10:18 pmWell Razor isn't so smart after allMoral Dilemma wrote: Sat Nov 16, 2024 10:15 pm Straight sub - at least from what I can gather going back and watching it again. Roigard was moving fine.![]()
It's frustrating but the overall improvement in this team throughout the season along with the introduction of new players with real flair suggests the ABs are in good hands and on the right track.
Lakai and Sititi are both really young but look totally at home in test rugby, in the cauldron that was Stade de France.
Reece could have played his last test, as he has lost a lot of pace, though he still works bloody hard all over the field.
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I don't dislike Ratima - in fact I think he's a good prospect - I just would have preferred to close this particular test out with TJP.
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See folks, this is a graceful piece of forumming. Subtle, balanced and ruthlessly effective.JM2K6 wrote: Sun Nov 17, 2024 12:44 am I think I agree with Guy's assertion that the final scoreline ultimately is the result of Canterbury coaching
a quick link to the best game summary ever
https://actu.fr/sports/rugby/xv-de-fran ... 78769.html
and a poor translation
https://actu-fr.translate.goog/sports/r ... r_pto=wapp
https://actu.fr/sports/rugby/xv-de-fran ... 78769.html
and a poor translation
https://actu-fr.translate.goog/sports/r ... r_pto=wapp
laurent wrote: Tue Nov 19, 2024 12:09 pm a quick link to the best game summary ever
https://actu.fr/sports/rugby/xv-de-fran ... 78769.html
and a poor translation
https://actu-fr.translate.goog/sports/r ... r_pto=wapp

Some absolutely spectacular turns of phrase in therelaurent wrote: Tue Nov 19, 2024 12:09 pm a quick link to the best game summary ever
https://actu.fr/sports/rugby/xv-de-fran ... 78769.html
and a poor translation
https://actu-fr.translate.goog/sports/r ... r_pto=wapp
Ovale masqué is brilliantJM2K6 wrote: Wed Nov 20, 2024 12:33 amSome absolutely spectacular turns of phrase in therelaurent wrote: Tue Nov 19, 2024 12:09 pm a quick link to the best game summary ever
https://actu.fr/sports/rugby/xv-de-fran ... 78769.html
and a poor translation
https://actu-fr.translate.goog/sports/r ... r_pto=wapp