I really struggled with watching SA vs Romania. It was actively unpleasant watching to be honest. I knew the result before I started, which didn't help, but it was just so lopsided. Hard to blame SA players, as they are still competing for places in match-day squads.

I find it amusing the number of people who are saying sacking Rennie was a massive mistake. Neither him or EJ were likely to take a Squad to France with a really decent chance of winning the RWC. The likely difference is a quarterfinals exit vs a potential pool match exit. Rennie was gone at the end of this term, and EJ has a focus on the longer-term goals. I am not saying EJ is going to work magic with Australia, but in terms of development and outcomes, EJ's plan looks better long term.

On current performance, we look like we will struggle to get past the Quarters. I really hope we will, but we will need the performance of the year to get past SA or Ireland, though I'd prefer Ireland slightly over SA.  We can absolutely beat both teams, but we would need a significant improvement in various parts of our game. If we are foxing right now, we are leaving our run pretty late.

I don't think we can win a straight physical battle with SA. Our focus needs to be on tiring their big slow forwards out, better kicking and better kick chase. Territory will be important. We need to impress on the referee we don't want continual stoppages, and keep the ball in play. If they play Willie Le Roux at full back, he is exploitable under pressure. IMO we will really struggle without Sam Cane and as much as it makes me gag, Frizzell, playing at the level he has shown he can this year.