Roar Pro
Joined January 2014
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Allow me to fasten my mental armour. I am a New Zealander and I want England to beat Australia on Sunday. I realise this…
As the World Cup approaches, rugby's haves and have-nots come into stark contrast. The haves are Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and the teams…
Looking at the Blues' record and prospects for the rest of this Super Rugby season is a grim exercise. I can see only the…
I read with a strange mixture of disbelief and resignation the 18-team model proposed for Super Rugby from 2016. Having watched the New Zealand…
And everyone is over the hill
All Blacks CONFIRMED: Fozzie's HUGE Rugby World Cup gamble, Retallick to miss France opener
Also player XYZ is a ch…
All Blacks CONFIRMED: Fozzie's HUGE Rugby World Cup gamble, Retallick to miss France opener
You had me scrolling to see if Papali’i was there. I would consider him a specialist openside these days.
All Blacks CONFIRMED: Fozzie's HUGE Rugby World Cup gamble, Retallick to miss France opener
I have a theory that sides like Georgia and Fiji, who have players from various pro clubs, get stronger as the tournament goes on and they play more games together and gel as a team. So maybe drawing them earlier is good.
However, with the rise of drua and black lion and the busier program of warm up tests that might be less true this time.
All Blacks CONFIRMED: Fozzie's HUGE Rugby World Cup gamble, Retallick to miss France opener
Especially given Retallick might not be available for many of the pool games.
All Blacks CONFIRMED: Fozzie's HUGE Rugby World Cup gamble, Retallick to miss France opener
I think I read elsewhere that the average age was 27, which isn’t that old. But some old blokes in key positions I guess.
Wallabies certainly could have just as easily won in Dunedin, although not sure the all black side will look too similar if they meet at the world cup.
All Blacks CONFIRMED: Fozzie's HUGE Rugby World Cup gamble, Retallick to miss France opener
I reckon Aumua, Perofeta will be mainstays over the next four years. Kirifi in with a shot.
All Blacks CONFIRMED: Fozzie's HUGE Rugby World Cup gamble, Retallick to miss France opener
Love Narawa getting the start.
McKenzie at 10 is fair, Mo’unga next week?
Would have liked to have seen Stevenson get a shot as the only specialist fullback with Jordan out, although that would make a fairly inexperienced back 3.
Lord starting is a surprise, I guess we’ll see what he brings.
Coles picked just to annoy Pablo Matera?
McKenzie recalled, Stevenson snubbed, debutant winger named as All Blacks reveal team to face Cheika's Pumas
Last November, back to back, with losses to France as well. There was however a change of coach following a fairly damning report into that tour and the black ferns have looked much improved this season so that might not be an accurate picture of the current level.
REACTION: 'It's not easy for women over here' - Black Ferns star nails key difference as Wallaroos beaten again
Great summary, I missed the game and I’m checking the scores.
Blues vs Chiefs: Super Rugby live scores, blog
Stumbled onto this as I’m usually a NZ rugby watcher.
For a long time the spiral (as its often referred to) was the preferred style, particularly when you wanted to slam a ball as far out of you own half as possible.
I think a lot of rugby players these days have actually moved away from it, presumably under the influence of kicking skills coaches with an australian rules background eg. Mick Byrne.
Ben Graham and the return of the torpedo
Hell, support both! I support NZ and the Cook Islands. I’ll admit that doesn’t get put to the test head to head that often… (ever)
I found out I'm a Kiwi citizen - can I justifiably support the All Blacks?
For a few seconds I felt a little bit better about following the Warriors.
BREAKING: Jarryd Hayne named captain-coach of Gold Coast Titans
Well looking at the table I can think of some other good reasons to keep the force over the rebels too.
Forrest indicates support for flagging Force
Christian Cullen seems to be doing alright post rugby, so he is either not as silly as people seemed to thin or he has good luck.
The High Five: Highlanders vs Lions
I’m a sucker for facts :
Dublin in January, daily mean: 6.9, average low 3.9
Christchurch in July daily mean 5.7, average low 0.7
All temps in C, data from wikipedia (so it must be true, right?!).
There’s not a lot in it but christchurch would appear slightly cooler.
The High Five: Highlanders vs Lions
A lot of these Highlanders wouldn’t disgrace the all blacks with that performance
Highlanders vs British and Irish Lions highlights: International rugby scores, blog
I’ve said this before but Buckman has to be one of the most underrated guys out there.
Highlanders vs British and Irish Lions highlights: International rugby scores, blog
1993 might be closest, I recall they lost to a number of provincial sides.
The High Five: Blues vs British and Irish Lions
Been doing it all day ref!
Blues vs British and Irish Lions highlights: International rugby live scores, blog
Luatua playing like he wants a black jersey
Blues vs British and Irish Lions highlights: International rugby live scores, blog
Blues needed to take advantage of the yellow card.
Blues vs British and Irish Lions highlights: International rugby live scores, blog
Looked cynical to me.
Blues vs British and Irish Lions highlights: International rugby live scores, blog
On the one hand, how much do we get out of thumpings? On the other hand how long ago was it that any of the big 3 vs Samoa or Tonga would have been a thumping?
I’m prepared to see how it goes.
Also the Cooks are still likely to be in? Meitaki ma’ata!
Holy grail or raising the drawbridge? Winners and losers of new International Rugby League calendar