Roar Rookie
Joined November 2017
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Amongst the dread of New Zealand rugby media following the All Blacks’ latest calamity in the Republic - I thought I’d take a look…
From the mind of a truly unqualified couch-coach, I’ve used the small hiatus in international rugby, to ponder aloud what I’ve thought to be…
I think the most audacious of Hansen’s World XV selections are the trio of Kiwis who may be wondering – ‘why the praise/favour now?’
Piutau & Laumape both left NZ with feelings of being ‘spare parts’ within Hansen’s ABs – while Bryn Hall couldn’t even get a look into any squads over the years… Oh how times change! 😂
'By picking him there will be some people hurt': Hansen defiant over Folau World XV selection, but backs Pride flag response
One of the best halfbacks in the world – and two-time Champions Cup winner – wants to play for the Wallabies… And yet no mention of influence Tawera Kerr-Barlow could provide that team?!
Wallabies Giteau Law power rankings: The FIVE overseas stars needed to win the World Cup
Improve that goal-kicking Beauden – or give the tee to Sullivan/Perofeta moving forward!
'Really stings': Walking wounded Rebels hammered by Barrett's Blues in statement second half shut out
Sure would ease the logistics/schedules for joining WB squads for training. Either way, it’s been notable that he is playing – and particularly scrummaging – very well!
Wallabies squad confirmed: Eddie Jones shocks with big name omissions from first training camp
Has Jermaine Ainsley specifically said he’s switching to try and play for NZ – or is it simply assumed, given he’s current based with the Highlanders?
Wallabies squad confirmed: Eddie Jones shocks with big name omissions from first training camp
Don’t worry, he won’t be playing up front – he’ll come off the back/side of a scrum in Union!
'Twice the money, half the work': V'landys trashes 'easy money' for Suaalii as Smith adds All Blacks sledge
I do love the idea of Asofa-Solomona coming over to aim for AB selection. We need more ‘nasty’ 😂
'Twice the money, half the work': V'landys trashes 'easy money' for Suaalii as Smith adds All Blacks sledge
And to follow… Yet another RSA v NZ semi-final battle (an all-Southern affair of course!)
Overlook the All Blacks at your peril: they are masters of reinvention and the smart money has never left them for RWC
Thanks for the read Highlander! I share the same thoughts looking at the Blues’ forward pack – in particular the undervalue of the specialist ‘tight’ lock play.
Looking back at last season, the Blues looked at their best when James Tucker was fit & in form – whereas they lost something when trying to shoehorn Robinson to fit into the lineup (with Ioane, Papalii & Sotutu).
Now I’m dreading/marvelling the idea of Suafoa & Robinson running out with that already-unbalanced loose trio! 😂
How New Zealand's Super sides aimed up tactically in week 1, plus an all time horror show from Highlanders duo
Thanks Geoff, I had no idea that the Rebels picked up Vaiolini Ekuasi – definitely agree that he’s one to watch, and yet another talent (like Niko Jones) that Blues supporters will wonder about being let loose…
The Wrap: Who are the players to watch out for across every Super Rugby franchise?
There’s something to this ‘prop poaching’?!
De Groot, Lomax are the current ABs… While Ollie Norris and Aidan Ross are coming through the ‘ABs XV’ (NZ A)… All of whom, are clearly following in the footsteps of Ben Franks! 😂
Predicted 2023 RWC squad: 19 forwards, 14 backs and FIVE overseas picks
If he was still playing towards his prime, Cane would be indispensable to the ABs – but as Nick noted above, serious injuries have cruelly taken a toll.
And also, from an ‘off-field’ perspective, I think the revered All Blacks captains never made it routine to remind us as fans that we ‘don’t know what we’re talking about!’
Coach's corner: Three areas where Papali'i is 'clear upgrade' on Cane, and clearing up the Campbell confusion
Not a good start to pair him with Ardie & Akira this weekend… I can imagine he’ll be buried in rucks, without much chance to carry or impact the breakdown as he needs!
Coach's corner: Three areas where Papali'i is 'clear upgrade' on Cane, and clearing up the Campbell confusion
Thanks Geoff, always an entertaining read! I wondered if you had looked ahead to the coming week – notably another particular NZR ‘masterstroke’ of scheduling?
It’s disappointing that our administrators somehow agreed to a 3:15am (Monday morning NZT) for the All Blacks against Scotland. While the kick-off hours have never been friendly on EOY tours, it’s almost become a tradition to set the alarm far too early on a Sunday morning – just to be up in time for the Anthems/Haka. Unfortunately, I’d imagine plenty of fans have work & family commitments, that make this a little less ‘novel’ on a Monday. But then again, what would we know…
However, it’s astounding (although it shouldn’t be, I guess) to see that the All Blacks XV (NZ A) are scheduled to play the Scott Robertson-coached Barbarians at exactly the same time that day?! Another fixture that was sure to garner interest from Kiwi ‘eyes’ – now reduced to catching a few moments during stoppages, for those who DO make the effort to get up… Comedy! 😂
The Wrap: Unwrapping the heartbreak and redemption from a buzzing weekend of Test rugby
It’s just logical isn’t it; a southern equivalent to the Six Nations, with those two added to the Rugby Championship.
And who knows, throw in a ‘Hemisphere Supercup’ between the winners of each comp, in that year’s EOY tour – and there’s bragging rights to go with it!
Land of the rising guns: Japanese rugby is stronger than you think and presents RA and NZR with a big opportunity
Or perhaps even throwing a chance to the flyhalf who won the competition – and whose brother is already playing down south? 😂
Super Rugby Pacific Transfer Centre: EVERY squad CONFIRMED for 2023 season
It seems like a simple & convenient way of promotion – but I disagree that these ‘double headers’ are actually good for women’s rugby. In effect, it means even the best turnout (full house) for both games, would see the gate/commercial revenue shared between two fixtures.
Women’s rugby need their own fixtures, with potentially their own sponsors – and perhaps even their own fans (calling all feminists!) putting money where their mouth is – and providing a tangible, genuine means of supporting the game for sustainable growth.
Rugby News: 'It'd be awesome' - Change Slipper wants for Wallaroos, twist in Rona case, giant club in peril
Haha it’s a bit like the ‘revolutionary’ idea to play Jordie at #12 this week – after Razor had already shown it was his best position with Canterbury… way back in 2016.
It was the stupidity of the Hurricanes (and ABs) to constantly shift him from his true position over the years. Ahwell, better late than never, huh!
All Blacks claim TRC title as Boks fall short of target against clock-killing Pumas
It was so wrong, because of the pure inconsistency or ‘one-off’ nature of the decision. If Raynal went out that night and stamped his mark from the first whistle – he’d have been lauded the world over!
I’d have loved it if he verbally warned the captains at the first dawdling scrum/lineout that time-wasting wouldn’t be tolerated. Or firmly told any medics throughout to ‘make a call’ (play on or replace) when any minor injury started resembling a massage/drinks break.
Instead, he chose that moment only. One that’s been played out time and again the world over. And unfortunately, as you’ve mentioned Machooka – it’s tainted the whole, awesome contest.
When rugby context and common sense are trumped
Sotutu definitely needs a look in, particularly with the others suggested. I saw an article (https://theanalyst.com/eu/2022/08/breaking-it-down-carries/) pointing out that he had a ‘gainline success’ rate of 69.8%, and was consistently making metres for the Blues all year.
That was third amongst the entire available stats for the 4 ‘Big Leagues’ around the world. And if paired with Barrett & Cane, he’d have every chance to shine as the primary loose carrier!
Rugby News: Two All Blacks stars out of Bledisloe clash, former Rebel's dementia fight, Cane mea culpa
Imagine a ‘Southern Stars’ conglomerate touring team – featuring Marx, Taukei’aho & Montoya as the rakes!
Seven All Blacks, six Boks and just one Wallaby and Puma make our TRC team of the tournament so far
I believe they have ‘unanimous support’ from the Board of Diversity!
'No identity': What are the All Blacks trying to do?
I’m picking that Zarn Sullivan will eventually make the shift back to his traditional position for the Blues, once BB eventually moves on.
All Blacks team: Blues playmaker gets debut with superstar sidelined for Pumas clash
NZR should go for Zach Mercer! 😂
Rugby News: 'Hell of a player' - Rennie endorses former All Black's Wallabies push, Hamilton back for Wallaroos
Looks like you can add another AB to the teamsheet:
https://i.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/300890549/world-cup-winning-all-black-and-blues-centurion-john-afoa-signs-with-crusaders
Waratahs face stiff challenge from Test-laden Crusaders