NPR

Lemoentjie wrote: Sat Nov 07, 2020 7:55 pm As a serious answer, I'd say since around 2017 there's been a gradual decline. Not winning the Lions tour and Barrett no longer being completely amazing started it. Maybe seeing the Lions tour infected the northern countries with new energy and confidence about playing NZ.

Before 2015, being honest, I'd say that northern teams didn't really believe they could beat the all blacks, and that if they were to win they'd have to get lucky. Now I'd say that at least England and France would start a game against the all blacks actually expecting to win, not just to 'go out there and enjoy it'. NZ seem a lot more scared of physical battles than they used to. SA manhandle them in every game from now.

When the ABs went down to 14 today, they were kak. Australia didn't even have to be that good, they were decent, but NZ made it very easy for them.

Mr Bungle wrote: Sun Nov 08, 2020 9:30 am

Lemoentjie wrote: Sat Nov 07, 2020 7:55 pm As a serious answer, I'd say since around 2017 there's been a gradual decline. Not winning the Lions tour and Barrett no longer being completely amazing started it. Maybe seeing the Lions tour infected the northern countries with new energy and confidence about playing NZ.

Before 2015, being honest, I'd say that northern teams didn't really believe they could beat the all blacks, and that if they were to win they'd have to get lucky. Now I'd say that at least England and France would start a game against the all blacks actually expecting to win, not just to 'go out there and enjoy it'. NZ seem a lot more scared of physical battles than they used to. SA manhandle them in every game from now.

When the ABs went down to 14 today, they were kak. Australia didn't even have to be that good, they were decent, but NZ made it very easy for them.

There’s fragility, and we aren’t what we were with McCaw and co, but you still talk absolute drivel. We will continue to beat the Boks more times than we lose for some time yet. 3 losses in our last 21 tests vs SA. What sort of win rate do you expect to concede utter domination of your mob?

Lemoentjie wrote: Sun Nov 08, 2020 9:34 am

Mr Bungle wrote: Sun Nov 08, 2020 9:30 am

Lemoentjie wrote: Sat Nov 07, 2020 7:55 pm As a serious answer, I'd say since around 2017 there's been a gradual decline. Not winning the Lions tour and Barrett no longer being completely amazing started it. Maybe seeing the Lions tour infected the northern countries with new energy and confidence about playing NZ.

Before 2015, being honest, I'd say that northern teams didn't really believe they could beat the all blacks, and that if they were to win they'd have to get lucky. Now I'd say that at least England and France would start a game against the all blacks actually expecting to win, not just to 'go out there and enjoy it'. NZ seem a lot more scared of physical battles than they used to. SA manhandle them in every game from now.

When the ABs went down to 14 today, they were kak. Australia didn't even have to be that good, they were decent, but NZ made it very easy for them.

There’s fragility, and we aren’t what we were with McCaw and co, but you still talk absolute drivel. We will continue to beat the Boks more times than we lose for some time yet. 3 losses in our last 21 tests vs SA. What sort of win rate do you expect to concede utter domination of your mob?

I'd imagine our mob is too busy polishing the RWC and RC trophies.