NPR

SaintK wrote: Mon Nov 01, 2021 1:22 pm

eldanielfire wrote: Mon Nov 01, 2021 11:45 am

Ymx wrote: Sun Oct 31, 2021 4:24 pm Black ferns got tonked 43-12

Tough game, looked undercooked. Which is strange because they had a training game against Wales.

Thought I read that they had 9 newcomers in their team and actually hadn't played for nearly 2 years

eldanielfire wrote: Mon Nov 01, 2021 3:26 pm

SaintK wrote: Mon Nov 01, 2021 1:22 pm

eldanielfire wrote: Mon Nov 01, 2021 11:45 am

Tough game, looked undercooked. Which is strange because they had a training game against Wales.

Thought I read that they had 9 newcomers in their team and actually hadn't played for nearly 2 years

They did. Though they did have a warm-up game against Wales a week ago. However their domestic league has been going.

Dinsdale Piranha wrote: Mon Nov 01, 2021 4:16 pm Any full match replays anywhere?

SaintK wrote: Mon Nov 01, 2021 3:50 pm

eldanielfire wrote: Mon Nov 01, 2021 3:26 pm

SaintK wrote: Mon Nov 01, 2021 1:22 pm
Thought I read that they had 9 newcomers in their team and actually hadn't played for nearly 2 years

They did. Though they did have a warm-up game against Wales a week ago. However their domestic league has been going.

Aahh, thanks
My little club's fly half had a seriously good match!

SaintK wrote: Mon Nov 01, 2021 4:53 pm

Dinsdale Piranha wrote: Mon Nov 01, 2021 4:16 pm Any full match replays anywhere?

It was on BBC so may be on iPlayer

Niegs wrote: Tue Nov 02, 2021 3:41 am Canada beats USA 15-9. US were picking and going in the final 5 and got held up. Goal line dropout sent them back.

Canada had some good moments, and could have had more but the final pass was inaccurate / killed the move. Too often, scrum half and fly half were throwing anywhere but in front of the hands.

US seem to rely too heavily on a few people to do stuff with the rest looking very average, indeed.

Hopefully the next match is a better encounter. I forget who the US is playing after, but I reckon even England reserves are going to wreck Canada.

eldanielfire wrote: Tue Nov 02, 2021 9:31 am

Niegs wrote: Tue Nov 02, 2021 3:41 am Canada beats USA 15-9. US were picking and going in the final 5 and got held up. Goal line dropout sent them back.

Canada had some good moments, and could have had more but the final pass was inaccurate / killed the move. Too often, scrum half and fly half were throwing anywhere but in front of the hands.

US seem to rely too heavily on a few people to do stuff with the rest looking very average, indeed.

Hopefully the next match is a better encounter. I forget who the US is playing after, but I reckon even England reserves are going to wreck Canada.

It seems to me, broadly, the USA and Canada have stayed in place but England, France and New Zealand have kicked on. They had a bit of parity before but it does feel a gap is opening up.

eldanielfire wrote: Mon Nov 01, 2021 6:44 pm

SaintK wrote: Mon Nov 01, 2021 3:50 pm

eldanielfire wrote: Mon Nov 01, 2021 3:26 pm

They did. Though they did have a warm-up game against Wales a week ago. However their domestic league has been going.

Aahh, thanks
My little club's fly half had a seriously good match!

I was a bit of a critic, as I wasn't keen on some of the long loopy passes England threw, but her reading fo the game and her kicking where unmathed by the opposition. and there was that one pass to the feet of Botterman.

I said a few years ago I felt like she hadn't brought her Sarries game level to the test stage. She certainly did today. Her passing was quick, her hands were great, she took a couple of kicks from the BFs right out the air no problem. She read the game and the opposition like a pro. I think McLean's retirement actually has given her confidence now it's her and Rowland and Meg Jones battling for it, she has the competition to push her, but not the shadow of an England legend to compete with.

BTW, your club clearly isn't a little club, it's a monster power house factory for talent

Niegs wrote: Tue Nov 02, 2021 11:53 am Eldan, I saw this on twitter without specific reference to the woman on the left, but is that our former Quins winger Holly Myers?

SaintK wrote: Tue Nov 02, 2021 11:40 am

eldanielfire wrote: Mon Nov 01, 2021 6:44 pm

SaintK wrote: Mon Nov 01, 2021 3:50 pm
Aahh, thanks
My little club's fly half had a seriously good match!

I was a bit of a critic, as I wasn't keen on some of the long loopy passes England threw, but her reading fo the game and her kicking where unmathed by the opposition. and there was that one pass to the feet of Botterman.

I said a few years ago I felt like she hadn't brought her Sarries game level to the test stage. She certainly did today. Her passing was quick, her hands were great, she took a couple of kicks from the BFs right out the air no problem. She read the game and the opposition like a pro. I think McLean's retirement actually has given her confidence now it's her and Rowland and Meg Jones battling for it, she has the competition to push her, but not the shadow of an England legend to compete with.

BTW, your club clearly isn't a little club, it's a monster power house factory for talent

Interesting point regarding McClean's retirement and Harrison stepping up in confidence, hopefully she will only get better.
Helena Rowland was at the club two Sundays ago to coach the U11 and U13 girls. She is a smashing, charming young lady and was brilliant with them. She also presentedf us with signed England and GB Sevens shirts to add to our growing collection on the clubhouse walls.
It is interesting (and worrying) to note that we now run two more girls sides than we do senior mens!!!

eldanielfire wrote: Tue Nov 02, 2021 12:07 pm

SaintK wrote: Tue Nov 02, 2021 11:40 am

eldanielfire wrote: Mon Nov 01, 2021 6:44 pm



I was a bit of a critic, as I wasn't keen on some of the long loopy passes England threw, but her reading fo the game and her kicking where unmathed by the opposition. and there was that one pass to the feet of Botterman.

I said a few years ago I felt like she hadn't brought her Sarries game level to the test stage. She certainly did today. Her passing was quick, her hands were great, she took a couple of kicks from the BFs right out the air no problem. She read the game and the opposition like a pro. I think McLean's retirement actually has given her confidence now it's her and Rowland and Meg Jones battling for it, she has the competition to push her, but not the shadow of an England legend to compete with.

BTW, your club clearly isn't a little club, it's a monster power house factory for talent

Interesting point regarding McClean's retirement and Harrison stepping up in confidence, hopefully she will only get better.
Helena Rowland was at the club two Sundays ago to coach the U11 and U13 girls. She is a smashing, charming young lady and was brilliant with them. She also presentedf us with signed England and GB Sevens shirts to add to our growing collection on the clubhouse walls.
It is interesting (and worrying) to note that we now run two more girls sides than we do senior mens!!!

Interesting, is that more due to a drop in the men's numbers as well as a growth in the girls? Or is it just girls growth alone? Exciting if it is just the latter of course.

eldanielfire wrote: Tue Nov 02, 2021 12:07 pm

SaintK wrote: Tue Nov 02, 2021 11:40 am

eldanielfire wrote: Mon Nov 01, 2021 6:44 pm



I was a bit of a critic, as I wasn't keen on some of the long loopy passes England threw, but her reading fo the game and her kicking where unmathed by the opposition. and there was that one pass to the feet of Botterman.

I said a few years ago I felt like she hadn't brought her Sarries game level to the test stage. She certainly did today. Her passing was quick, her hands were great, she took a couple of kicks from the BFs right out the air no problem. She read the game and the opposition like a pro. I think McLean's retirement actually has given her confidence now it's her and Rowland and Meg Jones battling for it, she has the competition to push her, but not the shadow of an England legend to compete with.

BTW, your club clearly isn't a little club, it's a monster power house factory for talent

Interesting point regarding McClean's retirement and Harrison stepping up in confidence, hopefully she will only get better.
Helena Rowland was at the club two Sundays ago to coach the U11 and U13 girls. She is a smashing, charming young lady and was brilliant with them. She also presentedf us with signed England and GB Sevens shirts to add to our growing collection on the clubhouse walls.
It is interesting (and worrying) to note that we now run two more girls sides than we do senior mens!!!

Interesting, is that more due to a drop in the men's numbers as well as a growth in the girls? Or is it just girls growth alone? Exciting if it is just the latter of course.

SaintK wrote: Tue Nov 02, 2021 1:02 pm

eldanielfire wrote: Tue Nov 02, 2021 12:07 pm

SaintK wrote: Tue Nov 02, 2021 11:40 am
Interesting point regarding McClean's retirement and Harrison stepping up in confidence, hopefully she will only get better.
Helena Rowland was at the club two Sundays ago to coach the U11 and U13 girls. She is a smashing, charming young lady and was brilliant with them. She also presentedf us with signed England and GB Sevens shirts to add to our growing collection on the clubhouse walls.
It is interesting (and worrying) to note that we now run two more girls sides than we do senior mens!!!

Interesting, is that more due to a drop in the men's numbers as well as a growth in the girls? Or is it just girls growth alone? Exciting if it is just the latter of course.

Unfortunately it is due to the drop in mens numbers. From at least 3 teams plus vets pre covid we are just about getting 2 teams out with a struggle. We appear to have "lost" a complete colts year plus a lot of the early and mid 30's have stopped playing for family reasons. Next season could be extremely serious as there are not enough younger players coming through despite all our efforts.
We are not alone with this situation
The womens and girls sections are booming and we are nearly back at pre-covid numbers in the M/J section.

The union has agreed a structure with the Wales Women playing squad with 12 month contracts offered to some 25 female international players.

There will be up to 10 professional contracts and up to 15 retainer contracts. In addition, there will be match and training fees. The contracts are currently being drawn up which will include a set of performance criteria and standards players will be expected to meet. They are set to be in place from Jan 1 2022.

WRU Performance Director, Nigel Walker said, “I’m delighted to be able to establish the first contracts for our female players. We are committed to making the women’s programme one of the best in the world and this announcement is a first but major step in the right direction.

“The players have had a key role to play in this process to date and we feel this is the best way to make real gains on the world stage in the short and longer term. The players and coaches will now get on with the job in hand of preparing for three exciting autumn international matches before the first set of contracts are offered to the players who, the coaches feel, have the most potential to be as competitive as possible at next year’s Rugby World Cup. I’m optimistic about what can be achieved in the next 12 months.”

Wales captain Siwan Lillicrap said, “As players, we feel this is the best model for us at this stage. It’s a structure that gives us an opportunity to prepare for the Rugby World Cup in a better place. It will allow some of our players to commit to being professional athletes and also take charge of certain tasks on behalf of the team, for example around analysis, and others to make decisions around their personal circumstances that will allow them to train and recover in a more manageable way so that we can make strides forward as a group.”

Head coach Ioan Cunningham added, “We firmly believe this new way of working will make a huge difference to how competitive we can be at next year’s Rugby World Cup. We will be able to go from catching up with players at weekend training camps and one midweek session to training up to four times a week. We will be able to develop individual performance plans for the players to manage and maximise their potential.”

In terms of the international women’s programme, in addition to player contracts, there are set to be further staff appointments around performance lifestyle advice, psychology and other sciences, along with initiatives to grow the top end of the game in Wales.

Walker added, “This is only one, albeit important, part of the jigsaw as we look to ensure we have a first class international women’s programme. We will continue to add expertise to the management structure and we are also working hard behind the scenes on steps to make sure we have a robust player pathway to underpin the top level. We are in the process of recruiting a Head of Age Grade (male and female) along with coaches to run U18 and U20 sides for both the male and female game, and establishing the best competition structure to develop those players.”

WRU CEO Steve Phillips added: “This is a hugely positive step in the right direction for Wales Women, along with significant investment in staff and facilities. Involving the current playing squad in the consultation process for establishing the first set of contracts, and agreeing a payment structure which will work for the squad as a whole, has been of paramount importance and I would like to thank Nigel, Ioan, Siwan and all of the players involved for their hard work in this area.

“Whilst contracts are by no means a guarantee for immediate success for the women’s game in Wales they are, however, a key part of the WRU’s strategic approach and we will continue to make ambitious improvements to raise standards across the board.”

Wales Women autumn internationals, Cardiff Arms Park
Wales Women v Japan Sunday – Sunday 7 Nov 5pm
Wales Women v South Africa – Saturday 13 Nov 12.15pm
Wales Women v Canada – Sunday 21 Nov 5pm]

For tickets go to www.wru.wales/waleswomen

Wales to bring in professional contracts for women’s rugby team in £2m annual investment
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Jessica Hayden
Wednesday November 03 2021, 5.00pm, The Times
Rugby union

CHRIS FAIRWEATHER/SPORTSFILE
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The Wales women’s rugby team are to be offered professional contracts for the first time as part of a £2 million annual investment.

Up to ten players will be awarded full-time contracts, starting on January 1, the Welsh Rugby Union has announced. Up to a further 15 players will be put on retainer contracts that are broadly similar to the part-time contracts available to some of the England squad who wish to play elite rugby alongside their careers.

The value of the specific contracts is undisclosed, but was described as “not life changing” by Nigel Walker, the WRU’s new performance director. While Walker refused to give a specific figure, he said that the full-time annual contracts are below the £25,000 offered by France and New Zealand to their national women’s players.


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The contracts will include a set of performance and standards criteria including maintaining fitness, on-pitch performance, and attending training sessions, according to Ioan Cunningham, the Wales Women head coach. The criteria will be specific to each player.

The deal was described as “democratic” by Walker, who says that the WRU offered the players a number of deals and the whole squad, led by a leadership group, decided the package they would like.

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Players will also receive match pay and training fees for the first time as part of the new deal. At present, Wales Women are not paid to train or play for their country and the majority have full-time jobs, using annual leave to represent their country. The result is a two-year losing streak for Wales Women, who are preparing to face Japan, South Africa and Canada this autumn.

In comparison, England, the world No 1-ranked side, have 28 contracted players and have a winning streak of 15 matches including their 43-12 win against New Zealand on Sunday.

Ioan Cunningham, the Wales Women head coach, says that the contracts will make a “huge difference” to how competitive his team can be as they approach the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand next year.

“We will be able to go from catching up with players at weekend training camps and one midweek session to training up to four times a week. We will be able to develop individual performance plans for the players to manage and maximise their potential,” he said.

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Siwan Lillicrap, the Wales captain, said: “It will allow some of our players to commit to being professional athletes and also take charge of certain tasks on behalf of the team, for example around analysis, and others to make decisions around their personal circumstances that will allow them to train and recover in a more manageable way.”

The move comes after the Team GB sevens star and Wales 15s player Jasmine Joyce tweeted about having to return to work as a personal trainer and teacher trainee after her funding runs out in December. “I love being part of Great Britain and playing on the world series, but unfortunately after the Dubai in December, it will go back to England. Meaning I will no longer be living the dream as a full time rugby player, but balancing both a full time job and rugby,” Joyce wrote.

In response to the tweet Nigel Walker, the WRU’s new performance director, said that he would meet with Joyce to discuss her situation, and revealed that the WRU’s external review into its performance strategy had recommended contracts for Wales Women.

“This is only one, albeit important, part of the jigsaw as we look to ensure we have a first class international women’s programme,” Walker said.

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“We will continue to add expertise to the management structure and we are also working hard behind the scenes on steps to make sure we have a robust player pathway to underpin the top level. We are in the process of recruiting a head of age grade [male and female] along with coaches to run under-18 and under-20 sides for both the male and female game, and establishing the best competition structure to develop those players.”

Steve Phillips, the chief executive of the WRU, called it a “hugely positive step in the right direction” for Wales Women, also highlighting the significant investment in staff and facilities.

“Involving the current playing squad in the consultation process for establishing the first set of contracts, and agreeing a payment structure which will work for the squad as a whole, has been of paramount importance and I would like to thank Nigel, Ioan, Siwan and all of the players involved for their hard work in this area,” Phillips said.

“While contracts are by no means a guarantee for immediate success for the women’s game in Wales they are, however, a key part of the WRU’s strategic approach and we will continue to make ambitious improvements to raise standards across the board.”

Niegs wrote: Tue Nov 02, 2021 11:10 am

eldanielfire wrote: Tue Nov 02, 2021 9:31 am

Niegs wrote: Tue Nov 02, 2021 3:41 am Canada beats USA 15-9. US were picking and going in the final 5 and got held up. Goal line dropout sent them back.

Canada had some good moments, and could have had more but the final pass was inaccurate / killed the move. Too often, scrum half and fly half were throwing anywhere but in front of the hands.

US seem to rely too heavily on a few people to do stuff with the rest looking very average, indeed.

Hopefully the next match is a better encounter. I forget who the US is playing after, but I reckon even England reserves are going to wreck Canada.

It seems to me, broadly, the USA and Canada have stayed in place but England, France and New Zealand have kicked on. They had a bit of parity before but it does feel a gap is opening up.

I can't speak for the US, but most of ours won't have played league matches since 2019. But even without, there are some head-scratcher selections. 9 who can't pass accurately consistently and offers nothing else (not a runner, nor that special a kicker - the lock/8 DeGoode took over the tee when she came on). It's so common here for high schools to put their best back at 9 that there MUST be better ones around the country. The 10 also doesn't offer much running, nor does she kick especially well either. The full back used to be a 10 and I think should be given another shot there before the WC. 13 is very fast and elusive, moved in from the wing, but the 12 might never have passed the ball to her... and not that she's just a crashball centre either, she was in the 7s program for years. Wings looked rapid and elusive, took their chances well. I'd be trying to get them more involved, as well as the FB.

Not much complaint about the forwards, but they almost never offload. The 'tip' passes (hate that term as its used) almost always put someone away, but many didn't go to hand. I'd keep working on those and add more offloads. Lots of power, especially from the props, the lock who plays for Saracens and the entire backrow, but as soon as they get the ball, they basically tuck it, head down, charge straight into the defence to set up the ruck.

Scrumqueens - Women’s Rugby
@ScrumQueens
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3h
Games this weekend (times GMT)
USA v Canada, Fri midnight
Czechia v Finland, Sat 11.30am
France v South Africa, Sat 2pm
NED v Belgium, Sat 6.30pm
Eng v NZ, Sun 2.45pm
Wal v Japan Sun 5pm

England Women team to play New Zealand

15 Ellie Kildunne (Harlequins, 16 caps), 14 Lydia Thompson (Worcester Warriors, 48 caps), 13 Holly Aitchison (Saracens, 1 cap), 12 Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning, 7 caps), 11 Abby Dow (Wasps, 19 caps), 10 Zoe Harrison (Saracens, 31 caps), 9 Leanne Infante (VC; Bristol Bears, 45 caps); 1 Vickii Cornborough (Harlequins, 61 caps), 2 Amy Cokayne (Harlequins, 58 caps), 3 Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears, 37 caps), 4 Zoe Aldcroft (Gloucester-Hartpury, 25 caps), 5 Abbie Ward (Bristol Bears, 48 caps), 6 Alex Matthews (Worcester Warriors, 42 caps), 7 Marlie Packer (Saracens, 77 caps), 8 Poppy Cleall (C; Saracens, 48 caps),

Subs: 16 Lark Davies (Loughborough Lightning, 32 caps), 17 Hannah Botterman (Saracens, 23 caps), 18 Maud Muir (Wasps, 1 cap), 19 Harriet Millar-Mills (Wasps, 63 caps), 20 Sarah Hunter (Loughborough Lightning, 127 caps), 21 Claudia MacDonald (Wasps, 16 caps), 22 Lagi Tuima (Harlequins, 9 caps), 23 Sarah McKenna (Saracens, 37 caps)
NPR: Florence Long (Worcester Warriors, uncapped)

eldanielfire wrote: Fri Nov 05, 2021 11:36 am England team for the next test::

England Women team to play New Zealand

15 Ellie Kildunne (Harlequins, 16 caps), 14 Lydia Thompson (Worcester Warriors, 48 caps), 13 Holly Aitchison (Saracens, 1 cap), 12 Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning, 7 caps), 11 Abby Dow (Wasps, 19 caps), 10 Zoe Harrison (Saracens, 31 caps), 9 Leanne Infante (VC; Bristol Bears, 45 caps); 1 Vickii Cornborough (Harlequins, 61 caps), 2 Amy Cokayne (Harlequins, 58 caps), 3 Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears, 37 caps), 4 Zoe Aldcroft (Gloucester-Hartpury, 25 caps), 5 Abbie Ward (Bristol Bears, 48 caps), 6 Alex Matthews (Worcester Warriors, 42 caps), 7 Marlie Packer (Saracens, 77 caps), 8 Poppy Cleall (C; Saracens, 48 caps),

Subs: 16 Lark Davies (Loughborough Lightning, 32 caps), 17 Hannah Botterman (Saracens, 23 caps), 18 Maud Muir (Wasps, 1 cap), 19 Harriet Millar-Mills (Wasps, 63 caps), 20 Sarah Hunter (Loughborough Lightning, 127 caps), 21 Claudia MacDonald (Wasps, 16 caps), 22 Lagi Tuima (Harlequins, 9 caps), 23 Sarah McKenna (Saracens, 37 caps)
NPR: Florence Long (Worcester Warriors, uncapped)

Niegs wrote: Fri Nov 05, 2021 1:51 pm

eldanielfire wrote: Fri Nov 05, 2021 11:36 am England team for the next test::

England Women team to play New Zealand

15 Ellie Kildunne (Harlequins, 16 caps), 14 Lydia Thompson (Worcester Warriors, 48 caps), 13 Holly Aitchison (Saracens, 1 cap), 12 Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning, 7 caps), 11 Abby Dow (Wasps, 19 caps), 10 Zoe Harrison (Saracens, 31 caps), 9 Leanne Infante (VC; Bristol Bears, 45 caps); 1 Vickii Cornborough (Harlequins, 61 caps), 2 Amy Cokayne (Harlequins, 58 caps), 3 Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears, 37 caps), 4 Zoe Aldcroft (Gloucester-Hartpury, 25 caps), 5 Abbie Ward (Bristol Bears, 48 caps), 6 Alex Matthews (Worcester Warriors, 42 caps), 7 Marlie Packer (Saracens, 77 caps), 8 Poppy Cleall (C; Saracens, 48 caps),

Subs: 16 Lark Davies (Loughborough Lightning, 32 caps), 17 Hannah Botterman (Saracens, 23 caps), 18 Maud Muir (Wasps, 1 cap), 19 Harriet Millar-Mills (Wasps, 63 caps), 20 Sarah Hunter (Loughborough Lightning, 127 caps), 21 Claudia MacDonald (Wasps, 16 caps), 22 Lagi Tuima (Harlequins, 9 caps), 23 Sarah McKenna (Saracens, 37 caps)
NPR: Florence Long (Worcester Warriors, uncapped)

Yikes for New Zealand! Looks stronger... what's the scouting report on Flo Long? I can't say I've ever noticed her.

laurent wrote: Sun Nov 07, 2021 7:27 am The French had a simple game in Vannes. Only watched first half and the South African ladies were too limited to be a threat

FalseBayFC wrote: Sun Nov 07, 2021 2:29 pm Our ladies rugby still has a long way to go. They do enjoy their rugby though. Check out this awesome combined team effort after yesterdays match.

Dinsdale Piranha wrote: Sun Nov 07, 2021 3:11 pm England currently deciding that last week's reaming wasn't good enough.. Let's see if they can keep it up.

Dinsdale Piranha wrote: Sun Nov 07, 2021 4:45 pm

Dinsdale Piranha wrote: Sun Nov 07, 2021 3:11 pm England currently deciding that last week's reaming wasn't good enough.. Let's see if they can keep it up.

That will be a yes.

Also, 8/8 conversions from England vs 0/4 from NZ.

Lobby wrote: Sun Nov 07, 2021 4:50 pm

Dinsdale Piranha wrote: Sun Nov 07, 2021 4:45 pm

Dinsdale Piranha wrote: Sun Nov 07, 2021 3:11 pm England currently deciding that last week's reaming wasn't good enough.. Let's see if they can keep it up.

That will be a yes.

Also, 8/8 conversions from England vs 0/4 from NZ.

0/3 for NZ

Back to back record scores for England, and the first time the Black Ferns have ever conceded 50+ points.

Canada and USA to come for England. If what Niegs says is true about the current state of Canada and USA, I doubt they will relish games against England in this form.

Niegs wrote: Sun Nov 07, 2021 5:38 pm Canada's maul defence should be better. Lots of big bodies in our pack. Backs are weaker than NZ’s though.