If winning isn’t incentive for a team, then I think «mid-level» is appropriate - a loss to Argentina and to the WBs, with 2 wins (one only just) seems about right

Thought it was a surprisingly competitive series. A dominant 1st half of the first test by the Lions, a too-passive defence giving BIL easy points in test 1 and 2 - and despite this, a 50/50 2nd test, could have gone either way - and a dominant WBs today. WBs better than expected, Lions poorer.

As opposed to all those laugh-a-minute types who are getting their hair in a tizz about a couple of statements from an ex-player or two.

As for quality, I think this is the best LF selection for some years. Focus on mobility, turnovers, ball playing, but still size at 6 & 8. Some risk - Finau has potential but is raw, Kirifi is a debutant - but the potential is there. And finally a Retallick replacement at lock (Holland)

Easy to do, and agreed without him we would’ve light on test experience there. It’s an interesting and somewhat unexpected team - but we are finally pushing towards an AB identity in the loose forwards. Only 5 selected but it is for a home series, and a 6th is training with them as injury cover

Light at tighthead with Lomax and Newel?

Yes, it’s on the balance sheet, no, it does not reduce profits (it doesn’t go in the P&L)

Yarvin and his comrades are immature man-babies whose intellectual and moral development ceased when they were 17. Like many 17 year-olds they are convinced they’ve discovered the world, and no one else could possibly know what they know. Like most 17 year-olds their ideas are banal and often wrong

And a comedy of errors at the end. This year they are not a smart rugby team #BLUvFOR

3. Oppose everything the govt does. Even if you might agree slightly, they will get any benefit. You will not. In the long run, your constituents will be worse off if you cave.
4. Present a coordinated consistent face to the public. No in-fighting.
5. Ruthless discipline on all of the above. 2/2.

The Democratic Party sucks at opposition. Learn from opposition parties in parliamentary democracies.
1. Chose a leader, who is the face of the opposition
2. Have spokespeople for various “areas” (ed, health, economics etc) who publicly oppose the govt and present alternatives /1

Ackman knows this - which is why he says it’s “advisors” who have “made mistakes”. It’s not your fault boss, it’s those idiots who are failing you. But the eggshell strategy won’t work - it just enables Trump and makes those trying it look weak (to Trump specifically)

To be fair, the Brits never voted for Truss

It’s because they’ve never really stood for anything - rather they’re simply there to enjoy the position. When it comes time to actually stand up and be counted they don’t know how.

… pull out Le Pencil.