Aussie Pro Rugby
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@Nepia Why is it "weirder that the Crusaders do it"? Haven't all NZ franchises signed foreign players at some point? The Chiefs with several Japanese players last year; the Highlanders with Guy Millar, Tanaka, Geldenhuys, Haskell etc.
I have no problem with NZ franchises signing non-Kiwis, whether it's Fijians like Nadolo or Volavola (apart from the fact that he's not good enough and, therefore, dropped by Robertson), or Aussies, or English, or Irish, or South African, or Japanese etc etc. If franchises think that those players are better than what's available in NZ (= not under contract) at that time, so be it.
The fact that there aren't sufficient good players available in certain position, that's a concern indeed, but why should a franchise risk it's possible success by hiring a lesser - Kiwi - player?
PS: if anything, the signing of foreign players in certain positions, indicates a weakness in NZ depth at SR level. Prop is clearly one of them. That's something that should be addressed at NPC and academy level. With priority.
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@Stargazer The Crusaders have been our strongest team throughout Super rugby - so I'm asking why they thought they needed to bring Volavola (I can understand the value of Nadolo as he almost singlehandedly won them a competition). I said at the start of that sentence I find it odd for any NZ team to bring in foreign players and I was replying to KiwiMurphs post where he mentions three Oz eligible players who contracted by the Crusaders.
I've got no problem with NZ franchises signing up tier 2 players (PI preferred) but I don't think we should sign up too many tier one players - especially in positions of depth in NZ. The NZRU pays the salaries of the franchises so I think we should reserve most spots of NZ eligible players.
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Working from the left of the Crusaders ear
Red Beard, NTA then DK -
@KiwiMurph I was basing my comment on this recent article about Leitch.
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@Nepia said in Aussie Rugby in general:
@Stargazer The Crusaders have been our strongest team throughout Super rugby - so I'm asking why they thought they needed to bring Volavola (I can understand the value of Nadolo as he almost singlehandedly won them a competition). I said at the start of that sentence I find it odd for any NZ team to bring in foreign players and I was replying to KiwiMurphs post where he mentions three Oz eligible players who contracted by the Crusaders.
I've got no problem with NZ franchises signing up tier 2 players (PI preferred) but I don't think we should sign up too many tier one players - especially in positions of depth in NZ. The NZRU pays the salaries of the franchises so I think we should reserve most spots of NZ eligible players.
We do reserve most spots.
On the Volavola signing, I think it was more a case of timing and who was available. Exodus of players plus other up and comers being captured by WTG's.
We were fortunate that Hunt came up this season. He was our third 10 option behind Richie and McKenzie. But he took his chance and is now our man to run the cutter.
Sometimes players just don't work out local or foreign.
With Samu though, he's played ITM for a couple of years now and looked good and probably doesn't want to leave now that he's in.
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@jegga said in Aussie Rugby in general:
Just heard on the news that kiwi teams have beaten Aussie teams 33 from the last 36 games , that's pretty abysmal if true.
They followed it up with fascist queen Alan Jones moaning about Australian schoolboy rugby being ignored.
Didn't the Blues have a draw against an Aussie team last year? The Reds?
Edit: Yep, Week 4. By my count it's 33 wins from 37 games (25 regular season and 1 QF last season + 11 this season).
Still shit news for the Aussies but shoddy reporting.
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@ACT-Crusader Agree on Volavola - we had to cast the net wide since we'd lost three test-capped first fives and needed to dredge up at least one who was Super rugby standard. And Richie came through for us - Mitch Hunt is helping to replenish the stocks.
Digby Ioane is the one that makes me raise my eyebrows - how on earth was he not on an Aussie franchise's radar? I don't much mind that we've got him - he looks like a major asset, but I'm still mystified as to how the Aussie teams have let him slip through their fingers.
I'm less pleased about Alaalatoa and Jager, because I perceive we have a shortage of tighthead props. Even worse, last year the Highlanders had a couple who weren't AB eligible (Geldenhuys and Halanukonuka) and I think the Chiefs had a Japanese tighthead as well? That's too many foreigners in that position.
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@NTA said in Aussie Rugby in general:
@Nepia said in Aussie Rugby in general:
@NTA The Bavarian?
Munich Brauhaus The Rocks - formerly Lowenbrau
Are nice, I just assumed since you were at the game you were at one of the very few halfway decent places to eat near the park.
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@Chris-B. maybe Digby took one look at the Reds, thought "fuck that, i wouldn't mind winning a couple of games".
A lot of frustrated Wallaby fan friends are sharing that Jones interview and agreeing whole heartedly. I can't agree with much except the fact that what they are doing now isn't working. He's in the private schools-Sydney Clubs-NSW/Qld-Wallabies model that existed in the 80s. Typical of Jones, a lot of mouth and soundbite, very little in the way of thought.
And why do all these commentators assume that the NZRU want to play in the provincial trans-tasman comp?
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@mariner4life said in Aussie Rugby in general:
@Chris-B. maybe Digby took one look at the Reds, thought "fuck that, i wouldn't mind winning a couple of games".
A lot of frustrated Wallaby fan friends are sharing that Jones interview and agreeing whole heartedly. I can't agree with much except the fact that what they are doing now isn't working. He's in the private schools-Sydney Clubs-NSW/Qld-Wallabies model that existed in the 80s. Typical of Jones, a lot of mouth and soundbite, very little in the way of thought.
And why do all these commentators assume that the NZRU want to play in the provincial trans-tasman comp?
Maybe add one team to the provincial comp and call them the Australian Warriors ?!?
