Oh and btw Brendan, just how did that ramshackle of a Saders team minus their ABs and touring at the start of their own season with injured players remaining at home and meeting teams, who’s season started last year, fare in the UK??

I think the same applied to the Chiefs….but no-one seems to be complaining about either pre-season tour. In fact, scribes consider both tours were successful and will hopefully be reciprocated next season, with reverse tours….perhaps!!

The irony scrum, is that it is the players union (NZRUPA), who are the staunch group, pushing this stand-down period. So, players really can’t resent the stand-down period when their own union, is promoting it…..can they??

On that comment Brendan, you have my absolute agreement.

Did it ever occur to you that in 2022, no-one but RM himself, knew he would depart after RWC 2023…..not even Razor so imagine his absolute shock horror, that his key player was not going to be around, when he pushed for the AB HC position.

All through 2023, RM was well aware of Razor’s pursuit of the AB HC role even back in 2022, during the Irish series. If Razor is as clever as you believe others suggest, then that cleverness deserted him when RM announced, he was leaving NZ after RWC 2023.

It’s called ensuring you have depth in your team….so much of it that the Chiefs, also sent one of their up-n-coming No10s (Trask) to Japan for a season, when D-Mac returned. So IMO, you could say its Razors fault for relying too much on RM (in the Saders) and not looking ahead to the moment, he leaves.

Now, the Saders have an injured Cameron and a couple of 21yr-olds (Reihana & Kemara) who did their academy training with the Chiefs but, could not get a playing contract offer there because, Donk (McMillan) had already signed D-Mac, Ioane and the returning Trask, from his one year sabbatical in Japan, as his No10s.

Oh and the Chiefs did notice – after D-Mac’s return…..

Rubbish.

Each SR franchise now has their own academy for young players. They contract them for approx 2yrs (as non-players, unless injuries suggest otherwise) and develop them through their franchise procedures and systems. If they are unable to continue by offering these youngsters SR playing contracts, then the same players become available for any other franchise, who can use them.

Most youngsters would return to their provincial team for the NPC but at the conclusion of that competition, they would go back to their SR franchise academy, to continue their development.

Oh and just for your info, all SR coaches are in continuous discussion with the AB coaching panel about the status of player’s conditions across the board, especially ABs.

What a load of rubbish – NZR has always had an OS policy ever since rugby, went professional in 1996. Nothing has changed especially in the last 10years…..oh and not because of the crumbling international game across the ditch….but simply because NZR made a decision, to establish pathways for players, to achieve their desire and become an AB.

That desire would collapse, if there were no pathways and consequently, players would make their own choices to either stay or leave, which would be far worse. You simply, cannot create a base core of players for AB representation, if you don’t have a pathway set-up, to show them how to reach that pinnacle….and fyi, it’s not solely NZR that has this OS policy.

It just seems NZR, is the only SH test playing nation that is surviving and succeeding, with such a policy.

Gotta say – I’ve never heard of Zarn Williams. Are you referring to the Blues No15?? Is it Zarn Sullivan?? If this is the bloke then I agree with you but Cotter, is between a rock and a hard place IMO. He can’t decide if he wants SP at No10 and ZS at No15, or vice versa.

And D-Mac’s survival depends solely upon what game plan Razor formulates – if he wants to direct without taking it to the D-line, then D-Mac will survive. If he wants D-Mac to direct by taking it to the line, then he won’t survive.

They’re not NZ residents though – that is the difference. It is the current playing status in NZ which coincidentally, seems to be on the list for the new SR Commission, to pursue for change.

It isn’t the U-20s competition that is the predominant precursor for young players and their prospective rugby careers Brendan. It is the high schools 1st XV competition that draws “the line in the sand”, for a future in rugby.

The pathway begins here and it has become a very tenacious and competitive domain for youngsters, who harbour a desire to eventually become an AB. If they prove themselves here, then opportunities prevail to further their playing careers and so forth.

And please – if you are referring to Tuilagi in the second row for the national and U-20s side – yes, he was a monster in the U-20s but IMO, he was just a player in the mens team who still, has a lot to learn. He may become a locking anchor along with Meafou but that, is a question for the future – not now.

IMHO, I don’t see any concerns about the pathways established for young NZ rugby players because every youngster is aware of these and they realise, if you put in the effort and do the mahi (hard yards), the difference between each of them is what’s in their top 2″ and how talented, they are.

Now, if Tuilagi and Meafou can’t achieve that, then someone else will come along and before they know it, they’re on the outer. It happens Brendan so nothing, is a foregone conclusion no matter what sport is being played – there is always someone else, somewhere looking for a break.

Laumape left because he saw the writing on the wall – others were nipping at his heels for his AB position. He couldn’t convince Shag to continue selecting him so once an offer came from OS, he didn’t hesitate to accept. It is called “competition” Brendan and every sport-person knows what happens, when others are challenging you. You either rise to the challenge or you get swamped – Laumape chose to do neither and simply moved on. He wasn’t the first and, he certainly won’t be the last.

And, if the player’s desire is to remain and pursue an AB career, then no amount of increased wages or lack of a sabbatical, will change that individual’s mind….they will simply go out and improve upon what the AB selectors have asked of them and try again, next season.

For every player, just to be invited into the ABs changing room, is like taking a giant leap through the door – once in, it is up to that individual to prove they’re worthy of not just the invite but, of playing to ensure they remain, in that domain.

You seem to disregard when RWC was held last year – let me refresh your memory. It occurred at the end of SH’s international season and the beginning of NH’s season. Every year, NZR provides a variety of R&R periods for its ABs, over the summer break after a full season of SR, NPC (for players needing the extra run to gain or return to fitness following an injury) and test matches. For the AB players, that was 7 consecutive RWC matches following 4 RC tests and the 2023 SR competition.

You also seem adrift of those fans who can and do attend SR matches….those games do involve AB reps once they have completed their respective R&R breaks. The only ABs not in attendance, are those who are injured except Cody Taylor, who whilst uninjured, has elected to sit out most of this SR season with the AB and Saders management, fully aware and accepting of his choice.

You may laugh but NZRPA aren’t because their position IMO, would be to seek an increased R&R period, for its professional membership.

Yep, I’m with you on Reuben Love BRB…..just gotta convince Laidlaw to play him there and if not, hope that Razor has the audacity, to go against his SR coach and pick him, at No10 anyway. He seems to be the shining light, through all NZ SR teams atm. He’s giving the effort, is showing some intel/IP and is IMO, a super talented player…..at FB.

Let’s see him at No10, Mr Laidlaw.

No I don’t think they are…..must be NZ residents while plying their trade .

So, on that line of thinking Muzz, do you think Razor will spit the dummy if NZR, turns down his request to select OS players?? Where was all this talk about selecting OS players when Fozzie, was HC??

But why is that a problem….?? He’s a winning player and coach for goodness sakes so we punters, are entitled to expect him to bring those qualities and experience, onto his new team.

Currently, the rule stops players from AB selection if they’re not plying their trade in NZ so, it doesn’t matter whether you care or not. But, everyone knows this rule – coaches and players included – so, I don’t care if Razor fails to get OS players on-board.

What’s more important is he now turns his attention to what he’s got and starts formulating plans, strategies and selections with his assistants, for this new international season. At the very least, he’s about 10 steps ahead of the last AB HC – 7 SR titles and a few NPC titles, to kick off his AB HC tenure.

That’s why, I’m expecting a great season under Razor, without any OS players.

This is year-1 of the 4year RWC cycle and Razor, needs to show some patience with getting these “developing” players into players, with some test experience. Remember, there will be approx 50-60 tests played in that 4 year period – surely, enough time for Razor to get some experience, into these guys.

I like Joe Schmidt’s approach and ingredients to form a top quality team – he quips, quality players are those players who put in a whole lot of effort with a little intelligence/IP and their individual talent, will become the icing on the cake.

Joe’s job is how he brings those ingredients together and “bakes the cake”. He’s certainly proved he can “bake a decent cake” considering his involvement, with Ireland and recently, the ABs.

Now perhaps, Razor accepts what he’s got and proceeds to carry on his efforts, that he’s shown over the past 8years, with his new team over the next 4years.

From what I understand, introducing a Giteau law in the first instance, was to counter the small number of quality players available for WB selection, who were plying their trade, in RA-land.

There is no such concern like that in NZ because of these extra levels of rugby hence, there is really no requirement, for a Giteau policy.

However, any change to the current eligibility rule will IMO, dramatically change this outlook and become a genuine concern, with players leaving NZ to ply their trade and still remain eligible, for AB selection.

No he isn’t BBR. The genuine concern is that because NZ has 4 distinct levels of rugby being played below the ABs, any change to the current AB elligibility selection would cause some serious concerns within these other levels and potentially lead, to a serious breakdown in player depth, coming from these levels.

Why?? Because players at those levels, will be pursued by overseas clubs to engage in a rugby career overseas with the knowledge, that their individual dream to gain AB selection, will not be affected.

A key reason why overseas clubs aren’t overly successful engaging from these levels is because IMO, a majority of the players have dreams to play for the ABs and the only pathway atm to achieve that dream, is plying their trade in NZ.

You’re being microscopic Bf…..get out your macro lenses and look at the next 3 players, after D-Mac. Those guys could quite easily slot into the ABs environment and show their worth. It’s all about Razor showing his support and allowing his assistants, to take them through what’s required.

Except, it seems Razor’s support is narrowed on a player who currently, cannot be selected…..what do you think about how that would affect, the 3 players currently playing, in NZ???

Also Jacko, I suggest most folk seem to misunderstand the overall concept of “stay and play in NZ”. The policy IMO, was to ensure young players had a pathway through NZR’s playing system, to learn and increase their skills within that framework. That pathway extends from high school 1st XV rugby, to the U-20 juniors and then onto provincial rugby before trialling for a position, in an SR team.

Razor’s effort to select players playing overseas rather than at home, will IMO, act as encouragement for those young players to be chased by overseas rugby academies knowing full well, that AB selection will not be affected, by any departures. The flip side of this position, is leaving at such a young age, allows them to eventually qualify to represent those nations, if they live there, for 5 years plus.

IMO, that could well make NZ rugby a nursery of up-n-coming players ripe for contract negotiations, to attend academies based outside of NZ knowing that they are not only considered for AB selection but also, for selection in their adopted nation. I agree there are some youngsters who are leaving the game for a contract elsewhere but, I suggest they are the exceptions and the majority, are staying to pursue their AB dream.

So I’m pretty sure, that’s not what NZR envisages for the future…..to become a nursery for other national teams hence, the current policy to play in NZ, if you want to gain AB selection.

They call those playing trips “sabbaticals” – everyone involved knows about them and yet Razor, is still determined to pursue selections, outside of those.

You quote a match in Dunedin Coker, where Fozzie & Co made a dozen changes to that run-on team from the previous test, to put your squeeze on D-Mac. Razor continues to push an agenda that he was well aware of before becoming HC, where players not plying their trade in NZ unless on sabbatical, would not be eligible for AB selection.

Razor just needs to move on with those players he will have rather than those he thinks, he can have.

Your international cricket analogy is moot Brendan – the changes were related to game duration from 5day matches to one-day matches to 20over matches. Rugby hasn’t changed – it is still an 80minute game and has been since its inception.

International football tests are virtually non-existent outside of the WC and Continental cups. Otherwise, most nations play friendly internationals, if any at all.

And, I don’t know how 14 teams would vote Brendan but, if CVC and the like identify a potential increase in broadcast funds etc etc associated with a global competition, then I can only imagine any vote being effected by the financiers, rather than, the clubs.

It’s just like any other business deal – money talks, B-S walks.

The key Brendan was SR provided the next tier for members to choose their test teams. Once chosen, it was the RC that fine-tuned those players and teams into their respective successes.

SA’s players had left the SR environment but once chosen for the Bok team, they still played their International rugby, against their original opponents in the ABs and WBs then later, against the Pumas also.

In 50yrs time, I doubt if there will ever be hemisphere competitions, in both the club and test arenas. Global rugby will become the next tier level of rugby across the spectrum and what we are arguing today, will be non-existent.

Thing is, no-one including yourself can deny, the impact of SH test rugby on a global scale, has heavily favoured the Sth hemisphere by 9 v 1 wins. As I said earlier, it’s been 20years since that sole NH win and we may still be counting how long, to the next NH win.

Another 20years, provides 5 more competitions so I suggest, if Global rugby does kick-off by the third of these comps, we may see a new NH RWC winner, by the fifth of these 5 competitions.

You see, decision-making in WRs corridors of power, is snail-paced at best so the length of waiting for that next NH win, depends solely upon those powers deciding what or what’s not, a path for the future…..and, we both know that a global season, is the only pathway across all levels, of world rugby.