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SVNS Series 2023/24

The Ghost of Raelene

Simon Poidevin (60)
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TSR

Andrew Slack (58)
That was a bit of rocks and diamonds from the men - blown off the park by NZ but comfortably dealt with Samoa and took care of Canada. Which sounds on face value as pretty much how you would expect results to go, but given NZ lost to Samoa & Canada it was a bit of a crazy pool. Lawson was good but we are missing Patterson and it will be good to see Hutchinson back in the mix (hoping he comes back to previous form quickly). It’ll be interesting how quickly Hooper gets up to speed but they look like they need extra firepower out wide more than anything. Roache seems not quite his best at present and Palmer still has some way to go (though early days for him so not saying he won’t get there). McGregor looks like someone’s teenage son that has wandered onto the pitch - but to his credit has been solid enough so far.

The women were excellent once again. Whilst there is a bigger gap between the best and the rest in the women’s games credit has to go to the Aussie and NZ women in particular for that as their level of skill and athleticism is simply phenomenal. There are a couple of other teams like France and the US who can certainly match it with them on their day, but those two teams are very consistent as well.
 

Hawko

Tony Shaw (54)
The women were excellent once again. Whilst there is a bigger gap between the best and the rest in the women’s games credit has to go to the Aussie and NZ women in particular for that as their level of skill and athleticism is simply phenomenal. There are a couple of other teams like France and the US who can certainly match it with them on their day, but those two teams are very consistent as well.
Agree. The Australian and New Zealand teams are in a different league to the other 10. France or the USA might snag one win against them over the entire season, but I reckon that will be it. I don't think any other team will beat either of them this year.

Watching them both is exhilarating. I was watching at 3am last night and was jumping up and down in my seat. Been a while since I have had that reaction watching rugby in 15's. And the passing and catching skills are just awesome.
 

dusk

Vay Wilson (31)
Incredible rugby by the Aussie mes against Fiji. Attack and defense were amazing. #2 was MOTM imo
 

The Ghost of Raelene

Simon Poidevin (60)
Men into the final after knocking over Fiji
This is a step in the right direction.

Last few years has always seemed like the size of the Fijians has had our number (as they do most) not saying they have turned a corner as this is how the Men play. Very up and down but good to bank wins v SA, Fiji
 

TSR

Andrew Slack (58)
I know they got dusted in the final - but that is a pretty amazing turnaround by the men. Last week they looked like a few of them really weren’t at this level. This week beating SA at home & Fiji to get to the final was bloody impressive. They are more workman like than flashy and I think the fact that Nathan Lawson is our highest try scorer shows we are lacking a bit of firepower in our backs but their performance fhis weekend seems like something they can build from.

The French almost made me eat my words from only a day ago, but well done to the Aussie girls. Great try by the youngster Kaitlin Shave to give them the buffer they needed. Beautiful footwork to beat her player.
 

The Ghost of Raelene

Simon Poidevin (60)
French Women's side will win a tournament throughout the series. They epitomise the traditional French Rugby form guide.

Did the Men benefit from the back to back tournaments? You sides can only get better playing and to get back into it might have been the best thing for them. You're right re Lawson showing our lack of firepower. He had a good tournament but this side could really use the Corey Toole, Darby Lancaster out wide. Good depth building though with Hutchison, Hooper, Icely, Gonzalez out who would be favourites for the top squad when fit.
 
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