Townsend left with Scotland void to fill as AB Zondagh set to exit

If push comes to shove and it becomes ‘either/or’, it would be better if Les stayed at the Reds and looks to finish what he has started there. Then as you say bring Lancaster or similar after TRC.

The lineout may get no bigger blowtorch applied than it will this weekend, with the Brumbies the best lineout stealers in the comp - and you only have to think about what the Force did a few weeks ago.

I like your point about the breakdown and pressure on 9s. I’ve done any analysis to know who is and isn’t enjoying quick ball, but what that pressure is highlighting amongst the Australian 9s is the difference between getting to the ruck quickly and quick service. The good passers are standing out more, and you can see the teams that are playing with quicker, better ball.

Thanks for the kind words on the interview - I’ll have something on Western Force no.2 Nic Dolly next week!

I wouldnt take him on the Lions tour as it stands, but would probably be my first injury replacement.

Also he is a 10 not a 15, he can cover 15 in a pinch but should not start games there nor should he considered for his versatility

I have come around to the idea of keeping the current super rugby coaches remaining in situ, hopefully producing well coached and winning teams with a top international coach coming in to take the Wallabies job post the Rugby Championship.

The ABs had the 2021 loss in Dublin to reference in their prep and the damage started there. They would also have analysed Ireland’s 2022 6N extensively before hte tour.

No international team goes on the field with the idea of concealing fundamental playing patterns from the opposition after the coaches have asked the players to ‘trust their systems’ all year long. It’s a ludicrous notion.

That quarter final wasn’t even set up until a week before, when Ireland had overcome Scotland.

Yep wet weather, adapt your plan!