Ulster statement: The trialling of Ireland Olympian Zac Ward

Saying that Osborn has had a great season and is knocking at the door.

You see New Zealand as South Africa’s greatest threat to raining on your sunshine in 2027 so you denigrate them to reassure yourself the rain won’t come soon, just as Kiwis did in the 2010s.

Enjoy the sunshine while it lasts.

However, even my secondary school 10s know that if the opposition want to play with only one defender in the backfield, it’s like taking candy from a baby- kick to space, chase hard and regather, and if the lone defender does manage to get to the ball first then flood the breakdown and win the penalty!

It was shocking Ratima and McKenzie kicked so little, especially after the success of Jordan’s try. Baffling!

I like Lio-Willie a lot. He had a very good season with the Crusaders. But he was not an original squad selection for the France series and was injury cover until Sititi was ruled out.

Realistically CLW is the fourth choice 8 behind Sititi (injured), Lakai (injured), Jacobson (injured).

I don’t agree with ‘only Fischer’: Brennan proved he’s a great 4/7 utility player, and Galthié likes those very much (Woki or Flament). He’s 23, playing for Toulouse with high concurrence, so the prospect is good. I rate him higher than Auradou, who had a few games in the 6 Nations.

For Depoortère, he had a more silent season than the previous one - injured at the worst moment during the Autumn Tests series - but came back strong with a Champions Cup and a solid partnership with Moefana. What could save him would be to start playing as a 12 when Moefana isn’t there, bulking up and become the new Jauzion.

But he’s 22 and an incredible talent at 13. His height makes me think he had more potential than your fan favorite Costes or the utility player that is Gailleton.

As for Montagne or Mallez, with the lack of quality in props, they could find a spot!

Especially Mallez who’s got a good spot to get behind Baille at Toulouse. Neti isn’t the youngest and hasn’t an international level.

And again, as Ugo Mola said, you never play with your best team.

So 30-32 player is more of a 38-40, so you need back-ups.

France knows very well how useful they can be during RWCs.

It has always been the case. Club rugby dominates in Argentina. If you are very good and can turn pro, you go abroad.

I even had a French (paid) coach in the mid 70s in Argentina, when it was technically not allowed. “Ne joue pas avec le pied! Tu a un grand tête!” Plus other curse words…. Sorry my misspelling, I can converse better than write.

The following players are already world class (the best one or two players in their position in world rugby): 1 Tamatai Williams, 2 Cody Taylor, 7 Ardie Savea, 9 Cam Roigard, 12 Jordie Barrett, and 15 Will Jordan.

And the following young players could very well establish themselves as world class by the end of this year or next: 3 Fletcher Newell, 5 Fabian Holland, 6 Tupou Va’ai, 8 Wallace Sititi.

Additionally, Richie Mo’unga, despite being criticized in NZ by those resentful of his Super Rugby success with Crusaders, is widely regarded by the rest of world rugby as the best 10 in the world alongside Finn Russell.

Really just need to find a very good and consistent 13 and some wings with truly elite pace.

I really hope that:

-Ntamack will get his knee back. The surgery went well. He wasn’t the most elusive player in the world, but he was capable of amazing rushes like the one against NZ in 2021 or the Brennus-winning try in 2023.

-Jalibert will continue to improve his defense. He started working hard since March (after his defensive disaster against England) with a XIII specialist, and I’ve seen great moments, especially against Ntamack in the SF of the Champions Cup. It’s never too late. And it would be a great signal for Galthié.

-Hastoy will build up his partnership with Le Garrec, that La Rochelle will start a new phase with them and Niniashvili, Alldritt, Atonio, Boudehent, Jegou, Bosmorin, Bourgarit, Nowell, Wardi, Daunivucu, Kaddouri, Pacôme…

Hey Rugby Pass management, give me this guy's job and I'll write some non-depressing player ratings. The Lions tours are supposed to be a bit of fun, but this prat is symptomatic of how miserable the whole experience has been, so much bitterness jeez.

In 2024-25, he played 23 matches (all 23 starts at #13) and scored 7 tries.

In 2023-24, he played 17 matches (9 starts at #13, 5 starts at wing, 3 off the bench) and scored 9 tries (5 playing #13 and 4 at wing).

In total, Fainga’anuka played 40 matches, started 32 at #13, and scored 16 tries (12 tries playing #13).

32 matches starting at #13 in two seasons is more than enough to conclude Fainga’anuka has fully transitioned to a #13 and he still has the ability to score tries (1 every 3 matches is a very impressive strike rate for a #13).

Not the biggest fan of him but he’s a real warrior and has been instrumental for England and the Lions before

Couldn’t the player ratings article not be enough?

Get over yourself Fissler

🤭