Scrumhalf Nic Groom leaves Northampton Saints with 'immediate effect'

Indeed, a 6-2 with Gailleton means that Barré would take the fly-half position, he played around 35/40% of his games at this position at Stade Français.

He’s closer to a Jalibert than a Ntamack, but he knows that position.

The only issue here is that without Hastoy or Le Garrec, I’m not sure who’d be the kicker.

Painfully excellent. It’s like all they’ve been good at today.

But no, that was a thrashing, there’s no mitigating that. The ABs too are trying out new combos, have introduced rookies, have 4 starters from our pack out injured, & are still finding our feet.

I expect the ABs will be chomping at the bit in the 3rd test & the French to be playing with one foot on the plane.

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. 1 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.