The Breakdown, March 5, 2023

The Breakdown crew tackle all the news and results from the last week in the world of rugby.

CREDIT: Sky Sport NZ

[dejay]

Awesome to see the break down back on..
Kia Ora from Australia

[CraighJonas]

It was great having TJ back on! 🙌 It made me miss the good old Reunion days.🏉

[Saiyaneva]

Bates makes a great point on the difference of how beautifully & consistently Ireland is playing compared to that of the Abs even though the Abs have a better allround athlete, "What makes Ireland great is their structures in attack & defense & around the ball carrier implied by their coach's Farrel & Co & how they're able to execute them by it being drilled into their game plays time after time until its perfected, shows you can have all the talent in the world but If you don't have the right structures & systems in place at the elite level you will get exposed, why I knew from the start Foster wasn't the right man for the job due to the fact he had a poor record as head coach, never won any titles at any level before the Abs in which theres no surprises why the Abs have been consistently poor under Foster & why I am happy he's finally being replaced but this whole fiasco could've been solved last year if only the NZR wouldve admitt to fault that they got it wrong, picked their ballz up & sacked Foster, Abs wouldn't be in this position they're in now & would've went into this world cup feeling alot more confident!

[SB-thuc]

I don't think Ian Foster has done well in the role, but I also feel that NZR have behaved poorly. Very unprofessional and, from the outside looking in, looks like there's a lack of unity. Strange times.

[ciaranbrk]

Ireland played their last game without Sexton and Ross Byrne conducted it beautifully. Ireland left 2 try’s behind them just because of bad finishing. you also have to remember That Ireland played that game without Furlong, Ringrose, Henshaw, Gibson Park, Healy, Hearing and Beirne and rested O’Mahony on the bench. They still left points behind them due to finishing. They did this with an inexperienced centre partnership and half back combo. They came away from an Italy a team who should have beaten France and did so with a bonus point try. Also how can you say France is the best team in the world when Ireland broke them down scored a bonus point try only leaked one try and gave them a grand total of 45 seconds in their 22 the whole game without some of their best players even on the pitch.

[Knowyourintent]

Great to see Tony Johnson, former host of the show, when it was called "Reunion", on the panel.
Steven Bates is also a welcome guest.

[Camcolito]

It used to be 'Le Crunch' but now it's 'O'Crunch'

[RugbyLover]

After The Black Jersey ripped Fozzie’s tactics against Ireland to shreds there was no coming back for him

[Kris]

You should get 2 cents rugby on your show. His analysis and neutral viewpoints are nice to watch.

[frankcronin]

Yes, Ireland without Sexton is a slight drop, but France without Dupont are maybe worse off??

[otagogold]

Congrats to Kelly brazier for her 200th game!

[shads_]

AB’s should be the easiest sports team in the world to manage! NZR just created this ridiculous situation with their hideous decision making

[brendantindall]

Whoever did this opening video package deserves a pay rise this was magnificent and Sir John Kirwan deserves an Oscar 👍

[justinmaddock]

Well the media need to take some responsibility for the mess they had a hand in creating.

[Thembisile]

Fozzie was never the right guy, however, NZ Rugby have been absolutely shocking. I feel for the man. It’s obvious they want Razor why don’t they just keep things behind closed doors allow Razor to sign some initial contract for 2024? As an All Black fan we won’t win the World Cup therefore I’ll be the most relaxed ever!

[fatareupenafaavaoga]

Jamie Joseph is the Best Man to Coach the ABs after the World Cup

[LeMerch]

Benetton Rugby won the Pro14 Rainbow Cup, a transitional 'spring league' conference-based tournament that took place between the Pro14 and URC incarnations of the competition. The victory is recognised as an official title for the Italians, the first ever won by a team from that country, but is not recognised as part of the annual continuity of the main tournament.

Ireland beat France without Sexton so I've no clue what these guys are talking about, they also have the athletes they have in New Zealand - what a strange thing to say. When Sexton doesn't play, its not making such a big difference anymore so these guys need to keep up to date!

Scotland wasn't even mentioned after a monstrous game against the French in Paris. Ireland playing Scotland will be a classic. The Scots play with a wild heart and have some seriously skilled backs.

France have 100s of top class players in their domestic league to pick from and some of their top talent would make New Zealand and Ireland combined teams look like school boy outfits in comparison. Whats coming down the line at us all from France is truly incredible - this is really only their first generation of a new era coming through and already its scary!

Italy are much improved but have yet to worry me at all. Ireland played a very average game with their second team against them and never looked like losing.

England are always in the mix. Dark horses but could as easily stay in the shadows come the world cup if they don't start making further strides.

Wales. I really hope their RFU get their act together because the demise of Welsh rugby is really sad to witness right now. Their players are putting everything into it but their domestic system is in big trouble and there's a huge gap between the older guard and whats coming through. They will be drifting off out into the wilderness for a few years unless something is done soon.

[shehansenanayaka]

JK FINE HOST . SIR JOHN KIRWAN IS BRILLIANT. tony Johnson one of the best ever in aotearoa. sky breakdown one of my fav things. brilliant both of them .

[brianbetz]

Great to hear Distracted Sports podcast mentioned at the start of this show!

[Camcolito]

JK still saying France are the best team in the world after Ireland spanked them with about 6 of their best players missing and Johnny Sexton only playing half the game. Righto Jonno.