2025 Bledisloe Cup Series

[rugbyAU]

Yep if we end up losing a close game at Eden Park and then win in Perth without Skelton and JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor) everyone will be left wondering what could have been

Anyway we definitely haven’t gone into a bledisloe series for a long time with this kind of momentum;

- beat England at twickenham
- beat lions in a test
- best Springboks away
- NZ first ever loss to Argentina away
- NZ largest ever loss

time to start believing, this is the year!

Yes, but this year's Super Rugby results were again very poor and we're coming off two poor performances ourself

 

[Spamnoodle]

Yes, but this year's Super Rugby results were again very poor and we're coming off two poor performances ourself

I don't have the numbers at hand.

But the win\loss ratio with Kiwi sides has definitely been improving, with some losses being very close.
Certainly not very poor.

 

[Red Runner]

Why would RA pay for him to fly to England?
It's a requirement of his workplace to do the medical checkup. If they want him to do it, then they should be paying (like any workplace would be expected to do).
Bloody hell are they gonna bill RA for the medical too?

I hope the QRU aren't paying the flights of the QLD Wallabies returning from Perth!

 

[Spamnoodle]

I think that’s my point - the press write the story to get maximum clicks and/or to appeal to their audience.

They are necessarily reporting, or even privy to, what is actually happening. But O’Connor was quoted as saying he was happy to make a quick turn around to play Bledisloe and I’m pretty sure that quote was at least 3-4 days ago. I thought I also recall Schmidt saying last week he was looking into options to have O’Connor involved. I don’t think these apparent last minute changes of mind being reported necessarily reflect what’s actually being planned out.

At least the scribes are writing about it again.

 

[KOB1987]

Occam's Razzor re JOC (James O'Connor).

I'd say likely he had to meet certain requirements with Leicester and he made bookings some time ago that fitted in with that, allowed him to relocate himself, Bridget and the dog, and was also in a non-playing window in the RC on the off chance that he got selected. He probably could have sent Bridget over by herself too.....

Media beat up.

 

[Yoda]

I don't understand why Joe didn't come out and say that JOC (James O'Connor) is going to play in the Bledisloe from the outset? My guess is Rugby Australia have leant on Joe to make it happen? It makes no sense at all with this cloak and dagger stuff. Especially since the Leicester coach said that James was clear to play for the Bledisloe series, so no actual need for him to fly over to England. It's quite bizarre. Then Donno dropping further down the 10 rankings, now behind both Tom and Tane. Ridiculous. Hopefully now JOC (James O'Connor) starts to give us our best chance. The All Blacks will relish the chance at Eden Park to run over Tommy or Tane if Joe starts them. Surely not? Does James stick around if we lose at Eden Park? Stupid question I know! We aren't!

 

[rugbyAU]

I don't have the numbers at hand.

But the win\loss ratio with Kiwi sides has definitely been improving, with some losses being very close.
Certainly not very poor.

4 out of 19 against the Crusaders, Blues, Chiefs and Hurricanes - in a lot of those games it wasn’t close

excluding the Highlanders as last years EOYT they only had 4/69 All blacks and NZ XV players

 

[Slim 293]

I don't understand why Joe didn't come out and say that JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor) is going to play in the Bledisloe from the outset? My guess is Rugby Australia have leant on Joe to make it happen? It makes no sense at all with this cloak and dagger stuff. Especially since the Leicester coach said that James was clear to play for the Bledisloe series, so no actual need for him to fly over to England. It's quite bizarre.

Wow, this post has EVERYTHING...

 

[John S]

Wow, this post has EVERYTHING...

Everyone get your tin foil hats out

 

[Spamnoodle]

4 out of 19 against the Crusaders, Blues, Chiefs and Hurricanes - in a lot of those games it wasn’t close

excluding the Highlanders as last years EOYT they only had 4/69 All blacks and NZ XV players

If you're going to exclude one of the Kiwi teams because they're a bit shit you should exclude the Waratahs to...
We're in a lot better place thank most recent years.
It's the vibe man! Stop being Debbie Downer.

 

[Yoda]

Everyone get your tin foil hats out

Tell me why Joe told everyone James wasn't needed then does an about face after he lands in England?

 

[Slim 293]

Tell me why Joe told everyone James wasn't needed then does an about face after he lands in England?

Is that what you think happened?