RFU statement: Wasps' relegation confirmed

Fabian Holland was once again immense and certainly has secured a starting lock jersey as not only does he dominate the line-out but has been the leading tackler in both tests of the year and a strong ball carrier with some nice off loads.

Tupou Va’ai was excellent at blindside flanker on both sides of the ball and hopefully he stays their for the Rugby Championship and All Blacks can bring in Sam Darry, if fit, as fourth lock (I always assume Josh Lord is injured).

However, of the reserve forwards, only Norris and Tosi impressed as they scrummed well and are both huge, mobile props in open play. Taukeo’aho for the second test in a row did not play to his previous 2023 form (it’s noticeable he was out injured all of 2024). Samipeni Finau simply provides no impact at all despite his massive frame and athleticism. And for the second week in a row, Duplessis Kirifi had no steals, big carries, and did nothing to dispel the fears that he is too small for test rugby.

A few standouts from the boks which is very pleasing. Apart from Edwill’s two tries, Grant Williams reminds me of Fourie du Preez. Gets the boks going so well.

Canan is playing out of his skin at 13. Very pleased as he is a natural 13.

Manie’s kicks haven’t been easy but his passing game has been brilliant.

Maybe Esterhuisen to go to flank to make up for our missing 8. Keep Manie on the field and play SFM at 12. Would love to see that combination.

Thomas du Toit had a nightmare - Ox showing his value to the team.

Brace is still letting the Italians get away with murder at the breakdown - there’s always a body part in the way and they are lucky not too have got a yellow by now. But credit to them for disrupting the boks flow at the breakdown again.

The no. Objective for the next half is to keep the Italians try less. Defence last week in the second half was poor.

Also, Miller’s a current Sevens superstar, not a “former” one. She, Risi, Stacey, & Theresa, return to SVNS, once the RWC campaign ends. I expect all four to be named.

The Black Ferns are looking promising at T minus 43. Selection is key.

Let’s see what they have to offer for the 3rd test!

I’d think of the following team (quite close to J W’s!):

Beria-Bourgarit-Montagne

Brennan-Duguid

Fischer-Tixeront-Guillard

Le Garrec-Hastoy

Fickou-Barassi

Attissogbe-Villière

Barré

Mallez-Marchand-Bamba

Taofifenua-Woki

Bochaton

Jauneau-Gailleton

Woki or not Woki as a starter? No idea.

But I’d be happy for him to come back to the level and potential he was growing on before moving to Racing92.

Every chance Roigard is the best out and out #9 around by the next season or two.

He is an exceptional rugby player.

Huge fan from day one on the back of all the kiwis on this site praising him.

The ABs looked on it front and back. Granted the gods did favour them in the 50/50 stuff.

It think it was around 61 or 62 mins their last try was converted. Shut out after that.

Game was long won though.

Here is a tentative team for next week :

Starting XV

Beria / Bourgarit / Montagne

Woki / Duguid

Fischer / Guillard / Vergnes

Le Garrec / Hastoy

Villière (?) / Fickou / Depoortere / Gailleton

Attissogbe

Bench

Barlot / Mallez / Bamba

Brennan / Taofifenua / Tixeront

Jaunneau (?) / Berdeu (?)