Sam Gilbert handed another run at 10 in Highlanders side to play Waratahs

There was an inbetween first wasn’t their, a simple split pool (two) system?

But what do you think about the ladder system in rugby, with its four points each game and bonus points? I just had a look at the table and Toulouse clearly show their class. Is it better to have a fake final and give UBB a chance? Or is it like the All Blacks and you need to win the match that matters, and not all those in between, that proves you’re the best?

With both on the same wins though, I could easily see a ladder system removing redundant table points, simply worrying about wins and loses, being successful and driving a lot of interest and excitement myself. “ladder” being a top of the table format wins all format, no finals footy (and hence not conflict).

No I'm not, and i’ve provided links to prove this further down and even NB wrote another article taking this into account.

Why are TOP14 fans bemoaning the lack of star signings these days (after a more commonsense approach became accepted) if not for the lack of $$$ given to them to come? Is the french game loosing money to have changed so.. no no no.

I think everyone (all world leagues) is in the same boat and yeah, T14 is more stable now, kudos. That’s now, though

“never mind a short tour at the end of the season making a difference.”

Well, the fact it is at the end of the season makes a huge difference. If I really doubt the number of matches per year metric, having a proper break to recover is really important.

But France is taking part in reciprocal tours, so I don’t see any reason why they should be kicked out of the Tier 1 bracket. They have the right to select whichever player they want. Were you also asking to kick out South Africa, when they sent a B team to Argentina last year?

The kick line pressure was good, no real clear cut opportunities for a makeshift fullback to take advantage of. They clearly want Jordan to remain at the back tonight, so we’ll see if the kick chase can handle him.

They will want to improve their contestable game (and should with the replacements) as they didn’t do to well in the air (lucky for them neither did NZ).

Really interesting to see why side of the opinions the outcome of all these changes will swing on. They really missed some class in last weeks group imo, so they should be better this week. Might be hard to quantify that though.

If you’re after compassion and understanding, you’ve got it, but there needs to be an acknowledgement from your side. Otherwise you are going to alienate yourselves further and further from the International game.

It’s all the same attitude, Canal can’t even be bothered with an English broadcast of its games (like hiring Merths!)! Look at the NRL and NFL, they are taking their game to the world and trying to gain every viewer in a competitive market, but France is happy to be insular, right?

No, no one is going to boycott anybody. It is a matter for WR to sort out with FFR.

Nar, I’m afraid the problem is now that Galthie has come out and admitted they aren’t trying to fulfil their obligation (exclusion of a premium group), you are stuck between a rock and a hard place. If you had of just keep going the way you were you’d be able to continue (not that that was their aim, these are only short term selection policies) resting the half a dozen that look like they need it. WR have just released new player welfare initiatives, and one section looks directly related to this subject. You know how you guys are providing info on why players aren’t available, that would need to be done in detail to WR, and catch all these examples well outside of the welfare excuse.

They might allow the FFR to have their own metrics, but it’s hard to see given they’re making their own.

When you are overstretched and can’t do everything with the means at your disposal, the best way is to rank those tasks and assign your best forces following priorities:

- WC knock out game

- 6 Nations Chelem or decider game

- WC pool game

- (…)

- November International

- July International

Strongly disagree. Either 6N is at the top alone, or its at the bottom of the list. The worst thing you can do for the French game is only concentrate on beating the same 5 opponents every year. If you’re serious about being a good team you need to target those key internationals against the best teams.

I know it’s seem tough in the past, but I believe you can do it (so does HammerHead). Takata, you’ve seemed/been the one to talk the most commonsense on the issue, and I’m afraid I don’t believe you’re honestly believe what you just wrote.