Always a Wasp

General Category => Wasps Rugby Discussion => Topic started by: Vespula Vulgaris on November 14, 2020, 09:18:34 AM

Title: Is the the end of the ABs dominance? (Spoilers)
Post by: Vespula Vulgaris on November 14, 2020, 09:18:34 AM
Argentina's fly half scores 25 points to beat the ABs for the first time!

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/54942697
Title: Re: Is the the end of the ABs dominance? (Spoilers)
Post by: westwaleswasp on November 14, 2020, 09:38:43 AM
I guess the spoilers were already in the title rather than the post, at least if you knew the fixture list.... :)
Still this is a rugby forum.

In answer to the title, probably not by itself. However, taken in terms of last week and the world cup semi (which could have been a 30 point stuffing).....Australia and Argentina are not top 3 sides, and right now I think France, England and SA would be delighted to to host the ABs in a 3 match series.
I would love a period of NZ not dominating, suffering as we did in 2018. I suspect it won't be anything like as bad as that. Will be interesting  ahead for sure.
Title: Re: Is the the end of the ABs dominance? (Spoilers)
Post by: coddy on November 14, 2020, 10:03:26 AM
Too early to make that call, lets see how it pans out with Coronavirus conquered and crowds back. I suspect New Zealand will again be the team to beat come the World Cup in France.
Title: Re: Is the the end of the ABs dominance? (Spoilers)
Post by: hookender on November 14, 2020, 11:27:58 AM
What sort of team did NZ put out? New Faces?
Title: Re: Is the the end of the ABs dominance? (Spoilers)
Post by: Shugs on November 14, 2020, 11:41:47 AM
No, it was pretty much first choice. I think they've slipped a little over the last couple of years. They still take a lot of beating but it is getting done quite regularly. I think it's a good thing. Any of the top tier international teams can now expect wins against each other. Personally I think of those teams the two in most serious decline are Ireland and Wales.
Title: Re: Is the the end of the ABs dominance? (Spoilers)
Post by: Rossm on November 14, 2020, 11:53:25 AM
Too early to make that call, lets see how it pans out with Coronavirus conquered and crowds back. I suspect New Zealand will again be the team to beat come the World Cup in France.

Maybe they've been sussed out? So they'll tinker with things a bit. That's what the best teams do.
Title: Re: Is the the end of the ABs dominance? (Spoilers)
Post by: Bloke in North Dorset on November 14, 2020, 12:00:43 PM
No, it was pretty much first choice. I think they've slipped a little over the last couple of years. They still take a lot of beating but it is getting done quite regularly. I think it's a good thing. Any of the top tier international teams can now expect wins against each other. Personally I think of those teams the two in most serious decline are Ireland and Wales.

Judging by last night's game I don't think many will dispute that statement. The ref didn't help but it was a tedious game, at best.
Title: Re: Is the the end of the ABs dominance? (Spoilers)
Post by: Shugs on November 14, 2020, 12:51:48 PM
Agreed. They both look seriously blunt in attack.
Title: Re: Is the the end of the ABs dominance? (Spoilers)
Post by: backdoc on November 14, 2020, 01:48:44 PM
They both persevere with ageing players too long IMO.

Title: Re: Is the the end of the ABs dominance? (Spoilers)
Post by: HDAWG on November 14, 2020, 08:39:25 PM
I'd argue NZ have persevered with the same coaching system and coach generation system for too long. It's an idea that worked for them from Henry to Hansen. But in a game with developing new ideas, it my be restrictive. I'd argue not hiring Scott Robertson was a mistake by NZ, he'd have been a risk at international level, but he shows creativity and clever tactical decisions. I reckon that's what NZ are missing, new ideas.

Also Rossm, I'll miss your Bart Simpson profile picture.
Title: Re: Is the the end of the ABs dominance? (Spoilers)
Post by: hookender on November 14, 2020, 09:07:48 PM
They both persevere with ageing players too long IMO.

Good point. Average age for six nations squads were:

Ireland        26.9
Wales.         26.7
Italy.           26.6
Scotland.     26.3
England.      25.6
France.        23..1
Title: Re: Is the the end of the ABs dominance? (Spoilers)
Post by: hookender on November 14, 2020, 09:20:37 PM


Also Rossm, I'll miss your Bart Simpson profile picture.

Ever been to oil city?
Title: Re: Is the the end of the ABs dominance? (Spoilers)
Post by: Rossm on November 14, 2020, 09:40:49 PM


Also Rossm, I'll miss your Bart Simpson profile picture.

Ever been to oil city?

I just thought it was time for a change :-[