Nathan Johns

And because there is that speed and competitiveness, it all works together in the top 14.

You're right.

It's a hell of a competition and loads of people want to win it.

Whereas if the URC doesn't have that competitive edge until the latter age of the season, it doesn't have the same gravitas.

Yeah, I don't think they've announced that, but I remember reading somewhere.

I think they have got him for a third season.

Yeah, he is staying around.

Leo's already said they're not signing a Barrett-Juani equivalent.

Slimani's leaving.

He wasn't a factor in Europe really, the latter stages of Europe.

No, basically all Blacks don't leave the country in World Cup years.

You know, they get to go off and have their fun in Europe 2024, 2025, 2026.

But, you know, with their World Cup season, they basically all need to be in New Zealand in February when the Super Rugby season starts, February 27.

Oh yeah, there are other players out there.

I think just generally speaking, it's hard to, it's hard.

Guys don't come out of contracts 12 months out from a World Cup or just over 12 months out from a World Cup.

That tends not to be the way things happen.

I'm glad you said that because that was going to be my final big picture question to you.

as currently constituted with the game plan that they have because it looks because they played a lot more with the ball this season whereas in previous years they've kicked the leather of it and they've gone full south africa mode and backing their defense this year they held on they made 60 more carries for example from bordo in this game it looks like they're trying to combine make a mess of the rook which they didn't get anywhere near doing on saturday with line speed

versus trying to have that structured phase play attack and hold on to the ball a little bit more.