Maybe RT but on the evidence of their previous games, both the Blues and Canes will need to be awol in the top 2” and my lads to bring some more starch into their tactics, for any chance of upsetting them.

Laidlaw and Cotter have got their respective teams in brutal form atm and IMO, it would need a massive uplift in physicality for my Chiefs, to hope for an upset or two.

It just seems the Chiefs are pursuing an LQB game plan but that, will always come unstuck if your pack, is lacking starch.

Exactly GP…..I realise the early stages of a match are used as a sounding board for both sides, to suss out their opponents before trying their hand and those simple errors of not taking points on offer, tap play variations and constantly going down the short side, were baffling.

I don’t know whether at that early stage with a Blues player in the bin, the Brumbies were fatiguing or whether their simple errors, gave the Blues some purpose to initiate their strategy of pick-n-go plays but a difference perhaps, was the Blues played to the available conditions – go physical, take the tackle, clean out the Brumbies forwards, win the ruck and reset, to repeat.

The ground made by those one-off carriers was simply immense and the visitors, had no clear answer to counter this strategy and as the game progressed, so did the Blues confidence with that physicality. It just seemed the bedrock foundation for them, through the rest of the match.

Heya RT

I have to disagree with you on best game of Rd 9. I pick your boys match against the Brums as the best of the round. The weather gods opened up all day so it was a game of strategies, from the get-go and no-one can deny the handling skills and intent, displayed by the Blues across the paddock.

For once I agreed with Marshall – once the Blues physical game was initiated, the inter-passing and their defence, just battered whatever aerobic capacity the Brumbies thought they possessed to such a point, that their fatigue levels were causing problems for their decision makers and their leaders. Uncharacteristic perhaps but, the weather pattern determined strategies before kick-off and the Brumbies IMO, missed that boat from the outset.

The Blues were simply rampant while the visitors, were simply missing.

I am salivating at the prospect of seeing your boys and the Canes match-up – two very physical sides with abundant flair and attack out wide, to set the barometers heading into red-zone eruptions. My only wish, is that they belt the living daylights out of each other cos it may be the only opportunity that my lads, get to prevail over either side.

If I was a fan of either southern franchise KH then I’d also, be disgruntled about what those teams are serving up, at the mo’.

But, I don’t know if a mid-season HC change would help either franchise simply because, there aren’t that many experienced coaches around, to take on the HC mantle knowing full well that the cattle stocks in both regions, are suffering injuries.

However, I do have a grumble about Dermody – isn’t this his 2nd/3rd season in the hot seat and still, the Landers are playing like headless chooks. I don’t understand what Jamie Joseph (as their DoR) is looking for in this side but, they’re definitely missing the beat somewhere and perhaps, its in the coaching box rather than, on the paddock.

And, I’m having a hard time coming to terms with Penney because he is IMO, definitely wandering down struggle street and this pathway will only end, with the ignominious departure of ways for him not through sacking but, him falling on his own sword. Unfortunate indeed but, batting a third strike means the batter has struck out and his prior exposures in Europe and Australia, already raised 2 previous strikes (sackings).

It is a conundrum for both franchises – is it better to deal with the devil you know or the devil you don’t???

That’s quite the wish-list item you ask JD, about Rangi and Jace…….even Razor may be quietly hoping also considering who his counterpart over the ditch, is signing up.

I mean, Joe is bringing in oodles of experience as his assistants – now, he will be looking to forge a team from the cattle available and with those assistants, Im sure he’ll be excited about what he could/can/will do, heading into this coming RC.

It’s all on the table now and the cards are dealt – its the challenge about which team of wisemen, will prevail??

I agree Brendan. There are some young guns lining up for a shot at the AB No9 jersey and looking towards TJ would IMO, offer them another choice to venture OS, earlier than planned. It was the same with considering Sam Whitelock – he made the right choice by retiring rather then extending another season or two. And yes, TJ is playing some superb rugby at present but father time, just isn’t on his side when you consider planning, for 2027.

Razor needs to accept, that he has to select new players from this current roll call and give them every opportunity, to expand their abilities in a black jersey. I mean, he has to be encouraged with having Christie, Ratema, Roe, Fakatava, Hotham and Roigard (on return) to choose from because, that seems to be the work-on for every new coach, who has just seen his predecessor’s roster decrease, with retirements and OS transfers.

And with his pedigree, I’m sure he (Razor) will be just as successful as before his promotion to AB HC.

I don’t know if there is an unwillingness amongst the incumbent Executive, to stand down BRB because I do think, a phasing out period of current Executive members, would be far more helpful to the new Independent Executive rather than, a complete change with a blanket issue of DCM’s.

Surely, there needs to be some transition between current and future Board Executives to allow this hand-over, to proceed without any intended “relentless incompetence”. Perhaps, start with the top two positions, which is normally what happens in Boardrooms – replace the Chair and CEO – then gradually, progress through the remainder.

You said BRB – “Given the almost relentless incompetence of the NZR board and the Provincial unions since the game went professional, such lethal consequences are a real possibility.” Your comment simplifies what IMO are the reasons, for the Review’s recommendations….to be rid of that relentless incompetence.

Hence, it stands to reason why an Independent Executive, has to be established. I understand the current Executive, are prepared to fall on their sword once the Review recommendations are accepted, in full, by the PUs and MAB.

Problem is IMO, some voters want to continue, with that “relentless incompetence”.

I don’t think the “gulf in class” comment is the problem – I would suggest it is a “gulf in skill” – if that is what you mean savant.

The passing interplay between Blues backs and forwards was exceptional and whilst the Force chanced their arm, it just seemed or looked like a dropped pass, was going to be the only outcome and of course, we then all saw what the Blues would/could do, from advantage play.

The biggest concern for Cron, is improving his front-line defence, across the paddock. No side can ever expect to succeed, if their defence is bleeding up front. Once that is broken, it becomes a free-for-all and last night’s effort, was exactly that.

For all their efforts Mike when Force had the ball, it all came unstuck when a simple dropped pass or intercept, allowed advantage play to play-on. The Blues would immediately find another gear with short passing and offloads between backs and forwards, that just split open what minimal defence the Force could muster, after trying to launch an attack.

But I agree, the Force’s first up D-line amongst the pack and out in the backs, was virtually non-existent and the Blues, took full advantage of that fault.

I totally agree with NZR’s position. The issue is between the voting members (PU’s and MAB) and the current Executive. There seems to be some partial agreement amongst the voting members but, the final decision requires, more consensus.

It doesn’t need Rob Nicol and the RUPA group, making these distractive calls to sack the Executive but I sense that Nicol, is concerned because he and his Union, could be shut out totally from all future considerations and discussions…..unless it involves player salaries, conditions and long-term player health and safety programs.

When this review was commissioned, I understood that all concerned were in agreement to allow the review to proceed and that whatever recommendations were released, would be wholeheartedly agreed and accepted.

We all await with bated breath…..

Maybe you are right….well done!!

Get your facts right Brendan. SBW is a dual RWC medal winner….2011 and 2015. As usual, you like to spin a whole truck load of BS. Do us all a favour and pee off cos you definitely, missed the boat on SBW’s AB career.
And if you thought his journey to the Roosters in 2012 mattered, trust me it didn’t cos he always had intentions of returning, for 2015 RWC. Except, he was once again, doing a cross code deal with NZR……not the same as a returning AB after an RU stint overseas.

There was no issue with SBW cos he was not, a returning AB from OS Brendan.

He was finishing his french contract after leaving NRL and his signature, was more important than getting game time, in an NZ domestic season.

It just so happened, he signed a couple of weeks before an NH tour and was immediately selected, for that tour as a new AB, on debut.

The rules are not unclear – they are established rules and everyone is fully aware of them…..including Razor.

Players on sabbatical, can return from a season in Japan as per the terms of that contract and are immediately available, for AB selection. That condition is included in sabbatical contracts. Players who have signed OS contracts, unlike a sabbatical contract and return, must complete a domestic season in NZ (SR or NPC), before being available for AB selection.

Razor isn’t worried about players on sabbatical because he knows they are immediately available upon return. It is those players, who are not on sabbatical that he is trying to get NZR approval, to select.

From the players you’ve listed, I think only Cane, Savea and BB are on sabbatical but, I stand to be corrected. All others, are on an OS contract for either 1 (Frizell), 2 (Whitelock) or 3 (Mounga) seasons. If your listed CT is Cody Taylor, then he is not on either an OS or sabbatical contract and remains contracted, to NZR. He is not available as requested and agreed by NZR and is on, an extended R&R break.

However, in this particular instance, Razor is only pursuing 2 players (ex-Saders) – Mounga and Whitelock – and no-one else. But, why isn’t he pursuing Frizell – perhaps, some players still in NZ aren’t the rubbish, that you perceive??

Razor didn’t use the media to gain the HC job Brendan…..Fozzie just kept opening the door for Razor, to walk in and the media just found the next head-line after the Irish series and SB 1st test, in the Republic.

When NZR invited applications for the HC role, Fozzie decided not to be involved with that process and effectively resigned, at the completion of RWC 2023.

Are you suggesting that Razor’s last 4 SR title wins, included a current crop of rubbish players Brendan because, that’s exactly who he has to choose from now, with the exception of two players (RM/SW), who chose to go overseas.

You can do better than that Brendan…..because all the SR sides know already, who is and who isn’t staying….according to you, the current crop are rubbish, in Razor’s eyes.

What is there to find out Muzz apart from what we actually know now??? Razor asked once before and was told, the policy remains unchanged. It seems to me, Razor doesn’t know what the word “No” actually means.
He said after that NZR response, that the door should remain open for further discussion between himself and NZR regarding this matter. He didn’t ask – he stated!!
Now, we are hearing the same approach by Razor except, it’s not from on-going discussions between himself and NZR, it is actually through discussions between Razor and the media.
There’s nothing to get involved with when this, is the only action happening – Razor and the media venting, their frustrations.

It’s not my solution Brendan – do you know what is really at stake here???

It isn’t Sam W returning to NZ. It is the persistent challenge, against the NZR Board’s current policy of selecting players who play their domestic rugby, within NZ.

The coach knows this policy exists. He knew when he pursued this role as AB HC. And each time he has raised the matter with NZR, he has been advised that the policy, remains unchanged.

So, he has now decided to pursue public support by releasing excerpts through the media, to support his position. First, he announces he wants to select a player who does not meet the NZR policy criteria, for selection. Then, he announces his interest in another player, who as it stands, isn’t as convinced that his decision to leave last November and play overseas, was the correct decision so, he’s seriously considering whether or not, to action his contract option to play another season, overseas.

The issue here is if Sam W does return, he is still unable to meet AB selection because the policy requires players, to complete a full internal season of domestic rugby (SR or NPC) before being able to gain selection, for the ABs.

Razor is already aware of NZR’s position on this selection policy and their last denial, of his request. He once told media that the matter should continue to be a discussion point between him and NZR – well lately, it seems to be a discussion between him and the media.

It is interesting to note the difference, one year can make.

Last year, it was EJ making all the noise and Fozzie keeping a low profile. This year, it seems Razor has grabbed hold of EJ’s bit while Joe, has quietly done an interview or two, about his intentions.

Razor wants to rock the boat while Joe, wants to just get his boat into calmer waters.

I think the simple question you should be asking yourself USR is “How can a country of 5million people (NZ), become so successful in the international rugby union cauldron.”

If you’re able to answer that simple query then, you may find the answers as to why other nations, have also placed these self-imposed rules, upon themselves.

NZ is not the only rugby nation, with these rules.

I’m surprised that you regard this as an on-going issue. From what I can recall, no previous AB coach has come out and essentially sought this option. All of them knew that it was not available when they pursued the HC job.

It should never have got to this stage. The Board have already told him this option is not on the table but, we still get the sense that Razor considers himself to be above that denial and continues, to pursue the matter.

Just as much as all and sundry were telling Fozzie, how enlightening his coaching record was with the ABs then IMO, it is incumbent upon all and sundry to tell Razor that he is pushing turds uphill, on this matter. There is a lot more on NZR’s plate to sort out with none more so, then what’s happening behind the scenes between the Unions and the Board.

For all of that, Razor should just get on with the job and start looking within, to choose his first AB squad.

I agree on their independent capability….they have both succeeded on that venture.

Yep – former AB, MAB, inter-island rep and Canterbury lock. His son Stan, played basketball for NZ, I think??

oooops….I wonder if Stevenson would want to be scrambling, amongst the darkness of forwards, rucking and mauling?? Cheers for this correction.

That’s him…..a decent sized unit but plagued by injury, when it mattered.