Unsung Heroes
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A couple of years ago, the Highlanders forwards were described as a bunch of Nobodies. Now they have earned some recognition with AB caps to Dixon, Squire and Coltman and with Franklin invited into the AB environment.
The Hurricanes forwards are the new unsung heroes of this SR competition. I was impressed by their demolition of the Waratahs scrum, a scrum which fared pretty well the previous week against the Crusaders and their AB props.
Ben May and J. Toomaga-Allen were outstanding in that respect and I wouldn't be overly surprised if the latter was called in the AB camp for the Lions tour. He is a more reliable player than Ofa-T (though the Aucklander has always done well during the few minutes he has played for the All Blacks).
Fatialofa is an excellent lineout jumper and aggressive in the tight exchanges. He is one of my favourite forwards. Riccitelli is another one who has stepped up considerably : his throwing is accurate and his driving is strong and dynamic. Reed Prinsepp was very good against the Waratahs too while Shields and Abbott's workrate is really impressive. And of course, A. Savea is one of the most brillant (and tallest) loose forward in SR while Dane Coles is the best hooker in the world.
The Hurricanes' success is due to their formidable talent outwide but also to their hard working forwards. This had to be told. -
@Canes4life have you stolen someone's fern account again?
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@Gunner said in Unsung Heroes:
I thought this was going to be the Fern version of TV One News' 'Goodsorts' they run at the end of Sundays 6pm news.
instead its just about people doing what they're paid to do....
Think of the riches these brave young men have sacrificed to do a job no one wants with a pittence of a salary.
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I don't actually watch full SR games until about June, so take my comments with a pinch of salt.
But it depends on what you call "unsung". But judged on last year's finals, I would have Ricciteli pegged as a future very good AB. Maybe his work this year is unsung? And I'm lumping "unsung" as "journeyman making others look good"
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Largely unsung (I think @Bones has mentioned him) for the Canes so far is Proctor, he's been very accurate at 13, having a great season to date.
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@Rapido said in Unsung Heroes:
I don't actually watch full SR games until about June, so take my comments with a pinch of salt.
But it depends on what you call "unsung". But judged on last year's finals, I would have Ricciteli pegged as a future very good AB. Maybe his work this year is unsung? And I'm lumping "unsung" as "journeyman making others look good"
@Bones how bout this guy?
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@MN5 said in Unsung Heroes:
@Rapido said in Unsung Heroes:
I don't actually watch full SR games until about June, so take my comments with a pinch of salt.
But it depends on what you call "unsung". But judged on last year's finals, I would have Ricciteli pegged as a future very good AB. Maybe his work this year is unsung? And I'm lumping "unsung" as "journeyman making others look good"
@Bones how bout this guy?
Yeah Riccitelli is one for the future. Definitely wasn't around 20 years ago.
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@Bones said in Unsung Heroes:
@MN5 said in Unsung Heroes:
@Rapido said in Unsung Heroes:
I don't actually watch full SR games until about June, so take my comments with a pinch of salt.
But it depends on what you call "unsung". But judged on last year's finals, I would have Ricciteli pegged as a future very good AB. Maybe his work this year is unsung? And I'm lumping "unsung" as "journeyman making others look good"
@Bones how bout this guy?
Yeah Riccitelli is one for the future. Definitely wasn't around 20 years ago.
That's pretty sharp for early in the morning I'll give you that.
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@cgrant said in Unsung Heroes:
Ben May is having his best season for years. BTW, what about Uhila, Blackwell, Blade Thompson, Pita Ahki, Ben Lam and Umaga-Jensen. Haven't heard of them recently ...
Loni Uhila suffered a calf strain during the game v the Chiefs (10 March; this is the same injury he suffered during the Brisbane Tens). Shouldn't be out for much longer.
Blackwell last played for the Canes Development team on 25 March against the Crusaders Knights. Don't know where he plays his club rugby, but hasn't played in the Wellington comp.
Blade Thompson dislocated his shoulder in round 1 against the Sunwolves and required surgery. Not sure for how long he's out.
Pita Ahki last played for the Canes Development team on 25 March against the Crusaders Knights. Don't know where he plays his club rugby. Didn't play in the Wellington comp the last few weeks.
Ben Lam played club rugby for Tawa last weekend.
P Umaga-Jensen has been injured for a very long time (missed both U20s camps in Dec and March). Has not returned to club rugby yet.
