Is the the end of the ABs dominance? (Spoilers)

[Vespula Vulgaris]

Argentina's fly half scores 25 points to beat the ABs for the first time!

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/54942697

[westwaleswasp]

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.

[coddy]

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.

[hookender]

What sort of team did NZ put out? New Faces?

[Shugs]

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.

[Rossm]

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.

[Bloke in North Dorset]

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.

[Shugs]

Agreed. They both look seriously blunt in attack.

[backdoc]

They both persevere with ageing players too long IMO.

[HDAWG]

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.

[hookender]

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

[hookender]

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

Ever been to oil city?

[Rossm]

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

Ever been to oil city?

I just thought it was time for a change