With December 31st fast approaching, it is a time to reflect on successes. Those on the rugby field, and from the team here at LWOR. And on behalf of Last Word on Rugby (LWOR) we would like you to enjoy a variety of our First Pick XV articles of 2017. READ MORE
Tag: Beauden Barrett
Barrett Brothers had a Terrific 2017
It might be stating the obvious, but one ‘rugby family’ will have plenty to celebrate at the end of year festivities. Scott Barrett held aloft the Super Rugby title. Beauden Barrett was voted the number one player by World Rugby (for the second year running). And Jordie Barrett had breakout season, before all three Barrett brothers […] READ MORE
All Blacks Prove They’re Not Invincible
Positive news for the rest of World Rugby: the All Blacks are not as invincible as they once were. With respect, I do not say that lightly. Saturday’s win over the Barbarians at Twickenham showed glimpses of All Black magic but, it highlighted more just how vital certain personnel are to this team. A supposed […] READ MORE
Big Collisions and Fireworks in Bledisloe Cup Test a Factor of Game
When the dust settled, it was a tough, physical win for the Wallabies. A deserved one, where they were able to overcome a disjointed All Blacks team, in this third Bledisloe Cup Test on Saturday. From the evidence, the ‘big collisions and fireworks’ on the field were clear to see. Both sides leaders bore the […] READ MORE
Titanic Test Match: the Key Moments
South Africa bolstered their effort, in a titanic test match against New Zealand in Cape Town yesterday. Won by the All Blacks 24-25, it was a win for the Springboks–turning around the 57-0 thrashing. After considering the domination of the New Zealand team; who almost achieved double the competition points of the second best Walabies […] READ MORE
All Smiles for the All Blacks, but not ‘All of the Time’
Winning isn’t easy. Being successful means that you are continually looking to improve. And while it is never perfect, teams often reach near to it. The All Blacks did so against South Africa in Albany, and due to a drawn result between the Africans and Australia last week, were all smiles when hoisting The Rugby […] READ MORE
Is Beauden Barrett That Important To The All Blacks?
The All Blacks face what remains of the Rugby Championship with some doubts. Is Damian McKenzie the right substitute during Ben Smith’s sabbatical break from international rugby? Has Same Cane made himself the rightful owner of the number 7 jersey? And is there a lack of depth in the first row after the injuries of […] READ MORE
NZLvARG – Rugby by the Numbers
The Rugby Championship clash in New Plymouth was a solid game. Not as exciting as the climactic finish to NZLvAUS last month, but last nights NZLvARG match was an ideal example of ‘rugby by the numbers’. Statistics show that the four quarters of the game were each different. From an early advantage from the Argentinian side, […] READ MORE
Steve Hansen 101 “Never Assume Anything in Test Rugby My Son”
If people have had an assumption of Steve Hansen, then his answer would surely be “Never assume anything in Test rugby my son.” READ MORE
Lions Secure Super Rugby Grand Final Place Against Crusaders
In an intense semifinal at Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg, the Lions have secured a Super Rugby grand final place against the Crusaders. They have defeated the 2016 championship winning Hurricanes 44-29, to cap off their highly successful season. Reveling in the hometown support, the hosts came back from a large deficit to avenge a disappointing […] READ MORE