2016 End-of-year internationals

[SammyC]

@MN5 said in 2016 End-of-year internationals:

@SammyC said in 2016 End-of-year internationals:

@MN5 said in 2016 End-of-year internationals:

@SammyC said in 2016 End-of-year internationals:

@reprobate said in 2016 End-of-year internationals:

sam cane has played 37 tests pretty much as a back-up and he's 24 years old, messam 45 tests. parisse would have got a fair few caps for us i reckon - as long as he didn't fuck off overseas for the money.

o'driscoll was a much better centre than umaga, mortlock, or fleck in my eyes. fleck i can barely even remember. umaga and mortlock both very, very good players - but both more very good footy players (and leaders) than very good centres. being a whinging cock-head does't change how good he was as a player: if he had been an AB he would have fucking carved up.

how good is isa playing? he's awesome.

after reading Tanas book, I reckon. He's a bit of a whinging cock-head too

Not on the Norm Hewitt level though

Come on Sammy, other All Blacks treaded carefully when talking about Mike Brewer, Norm just came out and called him a "Grade A prick" which I thought was hilarious.

Hewitt is a big crybaby with a massive chip on his shoulder.

Get over it Norm, Fitzy was way better than you

His bitterness and hostility made for great reading though.

Haha, good summary

[booboo]

Mike Brewer was a dick though...

[Crucial]

@rotated said in 2016 End-of-year internationals:

@antipodean said in 2016 End-of-year internationals:

BOD had two seasons IMO where there was no doubt he was the best centre in rugby.

For me between Mortlock, Umaga, O'Driscoll and for earlier periods during their era Robbie Fleck - none truly put themselves head and shoulders above the others. BOD certainly had the Irish and BIL hype machine behind him though.

It's one of the reasons I don't rate Umaga that highly when it comes to all-time great ABs.

Seriously? I get the point that he wouldn't be top of the list in the 13 jersey. Conrad, Bruce Robertson, Bunce easily above him when picking an all-time XV, but as an all time great AB you have to look at the whole picture not one position.
While never the best ever in any of the positions he played he was very good at all of them, he added a new dimension to the game showing the usefulness of flanker kills in the midfield (we take that for granted now but T showed the way) and was an inspiring captain arguably laying the platform that McCaw could build on. The way he used to combine with Cully was one of the highlights of AB rugby.
He is not only an AB great but an all-time NZ Rugby great and still adding to his achievements. Lifted an also ran provincial side to their first ever Shield tenure and set them up to be a Premiership regular. I wouldn't put it past him to turn the Blues around given a few seasons and would put money on him being in the AB coaching setup one day.

[gollum]

@mariner4life said in 2016 End-of-year internationals:

@Bones well the claim has been made he would play a heap of tests (100 was mentioned) but filling in for those guys you mention won't get you many.

As Reprobate points out, Messam had 40 odd caps, Vito & Thompson 30 each, there's easily 100+ caps on the table off the bench & filling in with Kaino & Read not around / pre Read turned up.

We handed a metric shit-ton of caps to blindsides & 8's over the last 12 years to guys who weren't the long term deal, and who weren't as good as Parasie.

[taniwharugby]

That is all assuming he didn't bail for the cash on 20-40 caps, like so many of our players did, pick up an injury and replaced by someone else....

[Stargazer]

Samoa EOY squad

*Indicates Manu Samoa debutants

Props:

1. Sakaria Taulafo - Stade Francais (FRANCE)
2. Census Johnston - Toulouse (FRANCE)
3. Logovii Mulipola - Leicester (UK)
4. Anthony Perenise - Bristol (UK)
5. Nephi Leatigaga* - Samoa A (SAMOA)
6. Yoshishisa Sasagi* - Hurricanes (NZ)

Hookers:
7. Maatulimanu Leiataua - Bayonne (FRANCE)
8. Wayne Ole Avei - Bordeaux (FRANCE)
9. Elia Elia - Canterbury (NZ)

Locks:
10. Teofilo Paulo - Treviso (ITALY)
11. Faatiga Lemalu - Sunwolves (JAPAN)
12. Piula Faasalele - Toulouse (FRANCE)
13. Chris Vui* - North Harbour (NZ)

Loose Forwards:
14. Jack Lam - Bristol (UK)
15. Alafoti Faosiliva - Worcester (UK)
16. Gregory Foe - Wellington (NZ)
17. Oneone Faafou - Samoa A (SAMOA)
18. Genesis Mamea* - Perpignan (FRANCE)

Halfbacks:
19. Kahn Fotualii - Bath (UK)
20. Pelefofoga Cowley - Waikato (NZ)
21. Danny Tusitala - Samoa A (SAMOA)

Flyhalf:
22. D'Angelo Leuila - Southland (NZ)
23. Patrick Faapale - Samoa A (SAMOA)

Midfielders:
24. Reynold Lee-­Lo - Cardiff Blues (WALES)
25. Paul Williams - Stade Francais (FRANCE)
26. George Pisi - Northampton Saints (UK)
27. Winston Stanley - Halequins (UK)
28. Opetera Peleseuma* - Samoa A (SAMOA)

Outside Backs:
29. David Lemi - Bristol (UK)
30. Ken Pisi - Northampton (UK)
31. Ahsee Tuala - Northampton (UK)
32. Paul Perez - Toulouse (FRANCE)
33. Albert Nikoro - Western Force (AUSTRALIA)

Players unavailable due to injury:
• Paul Alo­‐Emile (Stade Francais, FRANCE)
• Sam Aiono (Counties, NZ)
• Motu Matuu (Gloucester, UK)
• TJ Ioane (Sale, UK)
• Vavae Tuilagi (Carcassonne, FRANCE)
• Tusi Pisi (Bristol, UK)
• Alapati Leiua (Wasps, UK)
• Faatoina Autagavaia (Nevers, FRANCE)

Players declaring their unavailability:
• Tim Nanai-‐Williams (Ricoh, JAPAN)
• Faifili Levave (Mitsubishi, JAPAN)

Manu Samoa

[reprobate]

it's still a shock to me to see such europe-based island teams.

[Crucial]

That squad would look much better with those injured players in it.
I wondered what had happened to Genesis Mamea. Thought he looked quite promising when teamed with Ardie at the Lions. I guess non selection for the Canes had him look overseas. (I blame Hammett)

[kiwiinmelb]

Does anyone know about coverage of the All Blacks games in Australia ?

Are foxtel doing the lot ?

Ive had a bit of a google but cant find any info yet ?

[mariner4life]

@kiwiinmelb now that beIN is free we should get every game. Schedule always comes out late though

[Stargazer]

The Barbarians squad for their three November games v South Africa, Czech Republic and Fiji is gradually taking shape, with several player announcements now having been made and more to follow:

Head Coach: Robbie Deans
Ass Coach: Will Greenwood

totallyadmin  /  Mar 22, 2016

Will Greenwood joins Barbarians coaching team at Wembley - Barbarians

Will Greenwood will join the Barbarians coaching staff for this year’s showpiece game against South Africa. The 2003 World Cup winner teams up with former Australia Head Coach Robbie Deans to prepare a star-studded side to face the Springboks at Wembley Stadium connected by EE on November 5. The...

Andy Ellis (New Zealand)
Taqele Naiyaravo (Australia)
Wycliff Palu (Australia)
Will Skelton (Australia)

totallyadmin  /  Oct 4, 2016

Australia and New Zealand stars join Barbarians for autumn tour - Barbarians

The Barbarians today named the first four members of their squad for November’s contests against three international opponents in the space of seven days. Australia’s Taqele Naiyaravo, Wycliff Palu and Will Skelton will be joined by New Zealand 2011 World Cup winner Andy Ellis for the Killik Cup...

Matt Faddes (uncapped)
Michael Fatialofa (uncapped)
Reggie Goodes (uncapped)
Richie Mo'unga (uncapped)
Brad Shields (uncapped)
Jordan Taufua (uncapped)
Luke Whitelock (New Zealand)

totallyadmin  /  Oct 17, 2016

Super Rugby stars "hungry to impress" against South Africa - Barbarians

Super Rugby champions and some of New Zealand’s most talented up and coming stars will join the Barbarians to take on South Africa in the Killik Cup match at Wembley Stadium on November 5. Tickets from www.ticketmaster.co.uk Forwards Brad Shields, Michael Fatialofa and Reggie Goodes helped the...

v Fiji (Belfast)
Ruan Pienaar (South Africa)
Dan Tuohy (Ireland)
http://www.barbarianfc.co.uk/news/ulster-s-pienaar-and-tuohy-join-barbarians-for-kingspan-date/

[Stargazer]

So basically, the Kiwis in that Barbarians squad are handy 'reserves' for the All Blacks. It wouldn't be the first time that players from the Barbarians were called in as injury replacement by the ABs during the EOYT. Wonder whether Deans has had any contact with Hansen and co about these selections?

[JayCee]

@Stargazer said in 2016 End-of-year internationals:

Wonder whether Deans has had any contact with Hansen and co about these selections?

I doubt it considering Deans and Hansen can't stand the sight of each other

[rotated]

Geez I imagine a fair bit of interest getting on a Baabaas tour with a stop in Prague, surprised a few aren't coming out of retirement for that.

[ACT Crusader]

@JayCee said in 2016 End-of-year internationals:

@Stargazer said in 2016 End-of-year internationals:

Wonder whether Deans has had any contact with Hansen and co about these selections?

I doubt it considering Deans and Hansen can't stand the sight of each other

Maybe Robbie and Wayne have had a chat about it....

[Hooroo]

@ACT-Crusader Stop being a pikey and get yourself an Avatar, would ya?

[Stargazer]

Fiji EOY squad:

Campese Ma’afu, Peni Ravai, Joeli Veitayaki, Tuapati Talemaitoga, Jale Sassen, Sunia Koto, Manasa Saulo, Leeroy Atalifo, Mesake Doge, Leone Nakarawa, Api Ratuniyarawa, Nemia Soqeta, Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Naulia Dawai, Mosese Voka, Akapusi Qera ©, Eremasi Radrodro, Nikola Matawalu, Serupepeli Vularika, Nemia Kenatale, Ben Volavola, Vatemo Ravouvou, Albert Vulivuli, Waisea Nayacalevu, Vereniki Goneva, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Nemani Nadolo, Josua Tuisova, Kini Murimurivalu

Players on standby:
Savenaca Tabakanalagi, Malakai Ravulo, Henry Seniloli, Seremaia Burotu, Benito Masilevu, Metuisela Talebula, Peceli Yato.

Players not considered due to injury:
Tevita Cavubati, Levani Botia, Patrick Osborne, Alifereti Raka.

Pate Ratulevu  /  Oct 13, 2016  /  Latest News

Vodafone Flying Fijians Named for November Tour

The Fiji Rugby Union has today released the names of a strong Vodafone Flying Fijians team for the 2016 Europe Tour in November. The team consists of both local and overseas based players and sees the inclusion of Olympic Gold Medallists, Josua Tuisova, Leone Nakarawa and Vatemo Ravouvou. Also in

[Stargazer]

Tonga ‘Ikale Tahi EOY squad:

1. Tevita Mailau – Perpignan - Prop
2. Ben Tameifuna – Racing Metro - Prop
3. Sila Puafisi – Glasgow Warriors - Prop
4. Siua Halanukonuka – Otago Highlanders - Prop
5. Sona Taumalolo – Grenoble – Prop
6. Paula Ngauamo – Mont De Marsan - Hooker
7. Elvis Taione – Exeter Chiefs - Hooker
8. Sione Lea – Taranaki – Hooker/Prop
9. Joe Tuineau – Dax – Lock
10. Steve Mafi – Castres – Lock
11. Albert Harision Manu Tuilatai Laufilitonga Kakau Mataele – Lock
12. Vainanuma Manu – Marist ‘Apifo’ou - Lock
13. Jack Ram – Auckland Blues - Loose Forward
14. Tevita Koloamatangi - Waikato Chiefs - Loose Forward/Lock
15. Dan Faleafa – Sc Albi – Loose Forward/Lock
16. Valentino Mapapalangi – Manawatu Turbos-Loose Forward/Lock
17. Bill Fukofuka - Loose Forward-Southland
18. Sione Lolohea - Number Eight/Hooker-Sila Pelu Ua
19. Sonatane Takulua – Newcastle Falcons – Halfback
20. Thomas Palu – Wellington Lions – Halfback
21. Sosefo Ma’ake – Havelu Bulldogs - Halfback
22. Latiume Fosita – Auckland – Inside Back
23. Kali Hala – Counties – Inside Back
24. Siale Piutau - Yamaha – Inside Back – (Captain)
25. Tevita Taufui – Waikato – Outside Back
26. Fetuu Vainikolo – Oyonnax – Outside Back
27. Cooper Vuna – Oyonnax – Outside Back
28. Nafi Tuitavake – Northampton Saints – Outside Back
29. Telusa Veainu – Leicester Tigers-Outside Back
30. Fetuli Paea – Sila Pelu Ua-Outside Back

Tonga Rugby Union

[MajorRage]

@Stargazer Hasn't Cooper Vuna played for Aussie?

[ACT Crusader]

@MajorRage said in 2016 End-of-year internationals:

@Stargazer Hasn't Cooper Vuna played for Aussie?

He sure did.

Played for Tonga in league