WXV: Ireland come from behind to beat USA in Vancouver

My unedited comments history will confirm this.

It's a hugely tough ask for the kid generally, he's done ok though and definitely improved throughout his 160 mins.

Finn Russell has been one of the biggest points of difference between the teams though. The gulf in class and experience at 10 is a big deal. Lynagh did ok for a young man and he is looking more confident with every minute.

Their treatment of anything below Super Rugby, and their stubbornness around overseas player selection (even if it’s something like Aussies policy) is what’s really hurt the lower levels, and that filters upwards.

We lose players to other counties because those nations know they can ‘project player’ them because of the NZR policy, and the players moving into Super and AB levels are coming from a relatively poor NPC, in terms of player quality at least. Everyone could benefit from all the ABs being released to play, especially those who would learn and improve from playing alongside or against them.

Yes, the constant taking of talent by Japan and the NH doesn’t help, but the NZR is playing a large part in making sure the top of the house is ‘strong’, while neglecting the foundation it’s built on. Eventually the house starts to topple, as it’s slowly been doing for years now.