Late withdrawal forces Wales to rejig their backline

To reiterate: I like Swing Low, Sweet Chariot; I like Fields of Athenry. I do not like God Save the King. I’ll defend the former two because they are great. I won’t defend the third.

Good start no matter what anyone says.

Despite the above and the performances of the boks to date, the ABs remain firm favourites to keep there Eden Park record and, probably, to win both home tests.

This is building up to a humdinger series in NZ.

Wouldn’t be surprised if he plays by the end of the year actually. Japan. Certainly by the incoming series in 2026.

Obviously, France doesn’t have England’s depth at 10, Ntamack and Jalibert are 26 and Hastoy 28, but there’s no Sacha FM, Fin Smith or Prendergast behind for now. Reus is the closest, but I don’t see Jurd or Keletanoa (the 10s who played the U20 this year) step up.

On the other hand, in 2018, Ntamack was playing 12 and Carbonel was the big prospect at 10. A year later, Ntamack was already the new 10 at the RWC in Japan.

From what I understood, Segonds was a better tactical fit with his kicking game - long range penalties and long kicks - and Hastoy was supposed to put more dynamics and game management in the second half.

Fin Smith has the best all round game, with the least weakness in each area (but less strengths). His distribution is quick and he has get’s the most out of England’s attack, as he does with Saints.

Marcus has the best running game but is over playing those strengths and didn’t distribute enough. I actually think the Lions tour has helped focus him on rugby and he is getting better after a patchy Six Nations period.

George Ford has the best tactical kicking game, a good running game but is weak in defence.

Owen Farrell has the best defence and is the best place kicker but is the slowest and doesn’t attack as well as Fin Smith.

If you could have 1 fly half with;

Distribution (Fin Smith)

Running Game (Marcus Smith)

Defence (Owen Farrell or Fin Smith)

Place kicking (Owen Farrell)

Tactical kicking (George Ford)

. . . . That would be some player.

Ok, I see with Depoortère that you meant new players that were not part of the team before - newcomers.

I think that since Galthié has already seen 115 players since the QF against SA in 2023, the pool is already very large. It’s 115 guys who have been at least at one the 42 gatherings or the tours in Argentina and NZ. So maybe he saw more the idea of putting B/C players in a situation of high international pressure. Especially the younger ones.

I don’t think Mallez will be the new Thomas Du Toit, but they’ve earned their first cap at pretty much the same age. Late bloomers happen, and props know that very well of course.