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Rugby Union
Rugby World Cup 2023
[RWC2019][Semi-Final 1] England vs. New Zealand (26/10/2019)
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<blockquote data-quote="Bruce_ma gooshvili" data-source="post: 974156" data-attributes="member: 74121"><p>They have been punching above their weight as a union for at least a decade. I dont see any reason why a NZ union, coach and players should ever be considered as automatic favourites in a world where far larger countries, that are also rugby mad and have a lot more money in the game, like England, France and (to a lesser extent) South Africa are playing the same sport. </p><p></p><p>I dont agree with quite a few things Hansen tried in the last couple of years, but ultimately I think he was unlucky to have his best players ageing and the next generation not being as strong - it has caught him in two minds. The next generation just didnt stick their hands up in national colours. Coaches cant choose when in the four year cycle a RWC falls and the timing was bad for NZ like it was for Ireland. </p><p></p><p>I'd be tempted to say NZ could end up spending a few years in the wilderness (e.g, outside the top 2 in the world), but they've a very capable new coach in Robertson and you cannot rule out their union from finding a way to stay at, or very close to, the pinnacle of the sport. It was a decent defence of their ***le and if they lose out to the eventual champions there is no shame in that.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Bruce_ma gooshvili, post: 974156, member: 74121"] They have been punching above their weight as a union for at least a decade. I dont see any reason why a NZ union, coach and players should ever be considered as automatic favourites in a world where far larger countries, that are also rugby mad and have a lot more money in the game, like England, France and (to a lesser extent) South Africa are playing the same sport. I dont agree with quite a few things Hansen tried in the last couple of years, but ultimately I think he was unlucky to have his best players ageing and the next generation not being as strong - it has caught him in two minds. The next generation just didnt stick their hands up in national colours. Coaches cant choose when in the four year cycle a RWC falls and the timing was bad for NZ like it was for Ireland. I'd be tempted to say NZ could end up spending a few years in the wilderness (e.g, outside the top 2 in the world), but they've a very capable new coach in Robertson and you cannot rule out their union from finding a way to stay at, or very close to, the pinnacle of the sport. It was a decent defence of their ***le and if they lose out to the eventual champions there is no shame in that. [/QUOTE]
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Rugby Union
Rugby World Cup 2023
[RWC2019][Semi-Final 1] England vs. New Zealand (26/10/2019)
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