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I do not fully agree with you, because the Sunwolves system has its limits.
Playing with the same players all year, then add to that a world cup preparation, some very exhausting and under pressure games (Opening game at home, Ireland, and then Ireland) against opposition much topher than club rugby, also with the same players, is definitely IMO leading to a collapsing moment around quarter or semi-finals, and I believe South Africa should be in much better shape after playing their tophest game of the pool stage for opening.
Hear me well, I don't wish it as I very much enjoy the rugby they produce, the Japanese spirit, and they very well deserve the qualification considering their efforts, progression and the games they performed (even more after 3 wins and no qualifying last world cup) but it is just my personal point of view on their system.
Same with the Jaguares, perfomed well all season of super rugby, argentina collapsed during championship being exhausted showing an incredible poor rate for tackling of around 50% of tackles missed against NZ
paulbiche-
Isn't this exactly the point of difference between the Sunwolves and the Jaguares? Apparently the Japan players on the pitch on Scotland had played an average of 90 mins of Super Rugby each, whereas the Argentinians had averages 900 mins. Because Jamie Joseph has ultimate control he rested the players and totally structured their appearances and playing appearances, whereas the Jaguares went all out. They got to the final, which is great, but they look shot in this world cup.
I don't follow you're argument re the Japanese - I'm not saying they'll beat SA, but if they don't I can't imagine it will be because of exhaustion following the Super Rugby season!
owl
Doesn't help that we spent the first half kicking away what little possession we had.
They will. Do you know the secret to their success? Every player in the squad plays for the sunwolves, and their coach is also DOR at the sunwolves. They are essentially a club team and have had at a minimum double the amount of time together that any other squad has.
Don't be. Scotland's issues fall at the feet of 2 people Mark Dodson and Gregor Townsend. Dodson because he should have told Toonie to fuck away off and boil his heed when the later started threatening to go to France unless he got Cotter's job and Townsend for thinking that he could do better than stern Vern. One of the two of those must go now my preference is Townsend to be replaced by either Cockers or Dave Rennie.