Rugby championship

Brave predictions as usual Nathan. You still cannot get over the fact that many of your stars are getting past their sell by date. To add insult to injury you are now suggesting an Irish world cup win in 2027. May I remind you that despite your team clearly being the best in the world for some time according to you of course they have never been beyond the last 8. FFS even us Welsh have got to the last 4.

As for Australia - they are now showing the form they would probably have displayed with some better prep for the Lions. An Irish loaded Lions will go down as one the worst squads in my memory despite winning the series. 

And many of Irelands stars will be in their prime come 2027, you think Ireland have an “issue” with their aging stars well…on the basis of yesterday they are clearly in a much better position in this area than SA are. Ireland only have 16 players +30 in their squad…SA have 24. Like I said in a previous post, Ireland’s “old XV” in 2027 will be the same age that SA are right now…that should highlight the scale of the issue facing SA.

At this point, looking at the projected squads come 2027 I would have Ireland as the 2nd most likely behind France. 

SA and NZL are too reliant on older/younger players, won’t have enough players in their prime in 2027 of real quality compared to France & Ireland.

Of the rest the most likely are Australia who come 2027 will have a squad full of players in their prime.

Of course they will in your eyes, they still won the series! It’s likely the only trophy the home nations will win for the forseable future so enjoy it!

Keep trying Nathan - say it often enough & you may convince yourself. A lot of the above depends on what you call prime age. Aki 37, Lowe 35, Gibson-Park 35, Furlong 35, Bealham 36, Tadgh Beine 35 Van der Flier 34. Its not really the overall number which is the most worrying its the quality of that player & their importance to the Irish team. 

Despite what you consider to be ready made replacements waiting in the wings I fail to see any that I would consider anywhere near the quality of the above. Time of course will tell but my top 4 contenders for the 2027 World Cup would be South Africa, New Zealand, France & England. 

Time will tell Nathan. As for South Africa they will be smarting after last Saturday for sure. They have a great nack of peaking at big tournaments & their age grade teams over the past few years are pretty successful. I would expect to see some new blood soon.

As for your comment on England - thats the same team who finishing above Ireland in the 6 nations last season is it not? The list of Irish players you quoted does not answer my question - where are the replacements for the 7 players I mentioned. I don't watch many games featuring the Irish teams but I cannot think of anyone who could slot in seamlessly & please don't suggest Casey & Osborne.

A written off aussie side...22-0 down after 17 minutes away to the world champs at ellis park at altitude...with an aging fly half making a comeback after 3 years....

But then score 38 unanswered points to hammer the boks with 6 tries? 

They defended with their lives they looked to counter attack at every opportunity and just never gave up never gave an inch....Yes the boks imploded to a degree gifting a few intercepts and wasting some chances.. but I dont think it was a fluke it was some brilliant rugby....

Boks players and fans absolutely shell shocked.