Roar Rookie
Joined October 2018
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Super Rugby Aotearoa concluded on the weekend in anti-climatic fashion due to the recent community transmission of COVID-19 in Auckland. This saw the Highlanders…
The return of professional rugby union is only days away with Super Rugby Aotearoa kicking off on Saturday, three months after the 2020 Super…
Following on from recent articles by Brett McKay and JD Kiwi about creating teams based on players and team units from victorious Super Rugby…
As the COVID-19 lock-down continues, the resumption of Super Rugby is on shaky ground. Rugby administrators will be desperate to find a feasible solution…
Last week the New Zealand Super Rugby franchises announced their squads for the 2020 season. Among the 195 contracted players, there are 46 new…
The All Blacks set out to become the first team to win three consecutive World Cups this year. Their international season culminated with the…
Old foes New Zealand and South Africa go head to head in Wellington this weekend in the entree to the highly anticipated Rugby World…
The abbreviated Rugby Championship starts this weekend, Argentina host New Zealand in what is set to be a very tantalising match-up in Buenos Aires.…
Earlier this week, the All Blacks Rugby Championship squad was announced with 39 players selected for their first two fixtures against Argentina and South…
Since Jerome Kaino’s last Test against the British and Irish Lions in 2017, the All Blacks have used a series of different men in…
Last week, All Black captain Kieran Read announced he will be plying his trade in Japan post World Cup. The 33-year-old will be joining…
I think Craig McGrath is the Blues defence coach. He is a top man. His son goes to the school I work at. He even helped coached our Under 15B team three years ago. Their defence has been exceptional since their loss to the Hurricanes. They have ramped their physicality up big time.
Five surprises, five disappointments and five things to figure out as Super Rugby 2024 reaches the end game
Yeah, they have been impressive. Seem to be strong right across the park. Have a front row doing well which they havent had for a number of years. Their loose forward options are superb and a potent backline.
The Roar's Super Rugby expert tips and predictions, Round 10: No love for Tahs, Crusaders and Rebels split the panel
Crusaders just have to win. It will be close but I think their desperation gets them through.
Chiefs will be too strong with a pretty strong backline.
Drua in Lautoka are too inspired and visiting teams struggle there.
The Hurricanes will continue their run. The Brumbies will be better at home and won’t play like they did against last week. However the Canes are running hot and I think they are a better team across the park.
The Force vs Highlanders is a tough one but will go Force especially if they play like they did against the Crusaders last week.
The Blues are looking very assured and will get the job done in Brisbane.
The Roar's Super Rugby expert tips and predictions, Round 10: No love for Tahs, Crusaders and Rebels split the panel
Hohepa has made a lot of basic mistakes especially with some clearance kicking going out on the full. He also doesn’t really offer any attacking spark. It is a shame as he has had a couple of good NPC seasons. It shows that some players struggle with the step up at a higher level.
Super Rugby teams round 10: Marky Mark replaces Pietsch, Rebels' LSL blow, Flook boost for Reds, Alaalatoa to start
The Crusaders have three on their books (Rivez Reihana, Riley Hohepa and Taha Kemara). All are a work in progress at Super Rugby level. Hohepa and Kemara have struggled with their opportunities they have had. Havili will offer experience in a key position.
There is a shortage of quality 10a in NZ at the moment. And the three that are likely to be in the All Black squad (Beauden Barrett, McKenzie and Perofeta), there is an argument they all play their best rugby at fullback.
Super Rugby teams round 10: Marky Mark replaces Pietsch, Rebels' LSL blow, Flook boost for Reds, Alaalatoa to start
I heard on the radio today that David Havili has been asked to be 10 cover for the Crusaders by All Black Management. If this is the case, I think he may play some games there for the remainder of the season. He has the skill set to do an admirable job there but this is really showing how short the options are at 10 in NZ at the moment.
Super Rugby teams round 10: Marky Mark replaces Pietsch, Rebels' LSL blow, Flook boost for Reds, Alaalatoa to start
The Force took advantage of what was a poor Crusaders effort. Beale had a number of classy touches as is going to be a good acquisition for the Force. I thought the Force out muscled the Crusaders at the collision zones.
The Crusaders for the last couple of weeks have been poor at kick off exits and put pressure straight on themselves after scoring points.
Beale, Rodda shine on Super Rugby return as Force smash Crusaders to keep finals hopes alive
I was expecting this game to be a lot tighter especially that it was wet conditions. It was a pretty good performance by the Blues. They controlled the game really well and it was one of their best displays this season.
Brumbies 'systematically taken apart by the Blues' in 'non-contest' as Larkham's men cop huge reality check
Thanks Geoff.
One thing I noticed in the Waratahs vs. Crusaders game was both teams struggled to do anything productive on their next kick-off receive after scoring points. This contributed to the large number of lead changes and both sides put pressure on themselves.
I was impressed with the Hurricanes support and off-loading play. They also have a solid forward pack which they have not had for a few seasons. Their loose forward depth is strong which is going to help them as the attrition rate gets higher into the season.
The European 1/4 finals also had some good rugby on the displays. Even though three of the games were comfortable wins, the teams were playing a good attacking brand of rugby.
The Wrap: Crusaders' shot clock fiasco and shhh, don’t put the moz on Darby
What made this game a good watch, as silly as it sounds was both teams were poor at the next kick-off after scoring points. That allowed the team kicking off to get themselves back in the game not long after conceding points.
Was an entertaining game. Both teams played with good endeavour.
'Last few years have been hell': Iceman 2.0 Harrison gets 'dream come true' in Tahs' stunning golden point win
The Reds will be too good for Moana Pasifika in what is likely to be a wet night in Whangarei. The wet conditions will make it tighter than expected though.
The Crusaders by 10 or so points. The win against the Chiefs was a big weight off their shoulders. In saying that was the bye a good or bad thing for them?
I have picked the Hurricanes as they are at home in a close one. This should be a great game with quality matchups across the park. If the ever improving Hurricanes forward pack dominates a strong Chiefs pack that will be a big statement. And how about the back 3 battle?
The Rebels with home advantage in another close one. They are doing better than I had realised.
The Roar's Super Rugby expert tips and predictions, Round 8: Lock in the Reds, pray for the Tahs, fear the jinx
Another great appointment. Cron is technically very good by all accounts and the Wallabies pack surely will benefit from having him on board.
This is 3 wise coaches with Cron, Fisher and Schmidt. I think this group can really make a good start on making the Wallabies more competitive again. A lot of experience and knowledge.
It would also be wise to get a couple of upcoming coaches involved if possible for succession planning. They will have some great minds to learn off.
'It can be something great': Schmidt turns to 'scrum doctor' as next step in Wallabies rebuild
I see where you are coming from
there mate and in some cases I do agree, especially if it is some like Ethan Blackadder who has only played 20 minutes of rugby since October (and not much prior).
Someone like Scott Barrett though,
I think won’t take too long to get back up to speed. This injury lay-off for him is probably a good freshener since he had a big 2023.
The Wrap: Good news and bad news for Rugby Australia as Brumbies and Rebels win local derbies
Thanks Geoff. Hope Easter has gone well for you.
A couple of results from this weekend, will do a couple of teams the world of good. The Rebels win is a good one as the playing group is getting on with what they are supposed to be doing (despite a couple for employment reasons). I would imagine the win over the Tahs gives them some good confidence moving forward.
The Crusaders needed that win and to do it over a reasonably strong Chiefs team will be very satisfying. Will this be the kick start to their season as they start getting back some key players?
The Wrap: Good news and bad news for Rugby Australia as Brumbies and Rebels win local derbies
Sorry mate. I have only seen this now. Jacomb was outstanding for Taranaki in last years NPC title win which kept Perofeta playing fullback (where I think he plays his best rugby). It was a surprise when Jacomb didn’t get a full-time Super Rugby contract.
Yeah the Crusaders haven’t been too far off the mark especially with their injury toll. That was a big win vs The Chiefs and is most likely going to kick start their campaign. You were brave picking them so well done.
Super Rugby teams week six: Foketi back after horror injury, Suli benched, Sam Carter set for debut, DMac rested
Great to see Josh Jacomb getting a start for the Chiefs. It is still bewildering how he didnt get a full-time contract after his business end form in the NPC. Hope he goes well.
Surprised the Blues are starting Evans at fullback and not Forbes after his good showing last week.
Super Rugby teams week six: Foketi back after horror injury, Suli benched, Sam Carter set for debut, DMac rested
The Hurricanes depth in their squad is looking very good. They made 14 changes and that included Shields, Perenara and Jordie Barrett coming back. They have an abundance of loosies and their tight five is much improved.
The Blues is win as an important marker despite being against a depleted Crusaders team. They have struggled with the Crusaders for a number of years and I was worried the Crusaders would play well and get themselves back into form. A worry for the Crusaders is where they go from here? They lost Strange and Crotty before kick off and Havili during the game. Their development system is definitely getting pressured.
Thanks Geoff.
The Wrap: Wallaby's brain fade that cost the Tahs, con job worthy of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
Ireland were deserving winners in the end. They were the most consistent team through the 5 rounds. In saying that Scotland put them under a lot of pressure but I think the amount of defence work they did eventually took its toll.
The try by the Italian fullback against Wales was class and so was the French first try.
Ireland hold firm to clinch Six Nations, Gatland offers to quit as Wales hit 'rock bottom', France win thriller over England
Thanks Geoff.
The Tahs vs Blues game was a hard watch with a lot of errors from both teams, but with it being such a close game I had to persevere watching it.
The Hurricanes have shown some great improvements especially with their forward pack holding their own, in particular their loose forwards. Braden Iose is enjoying more game time and is speed off the back of the scrum is a great asset.
The Wrap: Reds light up Melbourne, while it's lights out for TV over Lienert-Brown concussion
Really enjoyable read. Thanks JD for sharing.
That performance at Athletic Park was a brilliant display in those conditions. That 96/97. period was an enjoyable time to watch the All Blacks. The series in South Africa in 1996 was intense.
One other factor to throw into the mix with Ireland is that a number of their top players will have a Lions tour next year as well as their head coach (and probably some of their other staff). This can often be quite an emotional and physical time with what is a great part of rugby. The managing of the workloads will also be very important.
John Hart’s glorious Athletic Park heroes, how Australia had the last laugh, and could Ireland suffer the same fate?
I admire the strong stance the Highlanders have taken on Harmon and Withy, in setting the standards high. Will be interesting to see how Nikora Broughton goes at 7. He is athletic and skilful.
Very happy that Josh Jacomb is getting an opportunity for the Chiefs. The way he played for Taranaki last year at the business end of the NPC was outstanding. Hope he can get a decent run.
Super Rugby teams: Reds trio ruled out after brutal clash, Barrett ban revealed, Wallabies back for Tahs
Getting Laurie Fisher on board is a great move. His breakdown and defence knowledge is outstanding and I think he will work well with Schmidt. They are two very astute rugby minds.
Exclusive: Schmidt set to bring 'Lord' back to the Wallabies as first key appointment
This might sound silly but is Zarn Sullivan a future long term 12 option? Big tall body, big left foot and great skills.
Cotter must address depth and team cohesion issues to avoid first-season Blues
Ireland impressed today despite the extra man advantage they had for the majority of the game. Was really impressed with MacCarthy and Beirne around the field. Crawley equipped himself well and Aki was dangerous with ball in hand.
Six Nations 2024: 'Marseille massacre!' - solid Ireland crush 14-man France in series opener
A couple of surprises for me are:
1. The improved Hurricanes forward pack especially in the front row.
2. The Rebels being as high as they are on the table given their circumstances. I thought that would have derailed them.
3. The way, The Force dismantled the Crusaders last week. That was a good clinical display.
The one disappointment for me is some of the scheduling across the tournament. Examples include:
1. No day time games over Easter.
2. The first week of the bye rounds there was no local derbies.
3. The two teams based in capital cities are playing against each other this Saturday. This could have been an Anzac Day fixture.
Thanks for the great read Harry.
Five surprises, five disappointments and five things to figure out as Super Rugby 2024 reaches the end game