Exodus 2018
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@taniwharugby Yes, the rumours about Ngatai already started in December, and Tamanivalu's possible move was published by Midol about a month ago.
Not surprising if Taufua leaves; the only reason for being snubbed by the ABs seems to be his lack of height and there's nothing he can do about that. It's no secret I rate the guy and IMO they should at least have called him into camp to have a closer look at him (like they've done with others). He reportedly was close to selection in 2016 and I think he'd be a good back-up for Read at 8. I hope the rumours are wrong, he only turns 26 tomorrow (29 Jan), but you can't blame him for looking for greener pastures elsewhere and possibly playing for Samoa.
Ngatai leaving is a pity, but with his history of head injuries he should go for the coin now, or he may never been able to (like Broadhurst).
Tamanivalu is only a few injuries away from an AB call-up; so not sure what to think. Only 25 years old, but he may chose to go for the same reasons as Sopoaga.
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Taufua: too short, can take wrong option especially choosing contact. They love a man who takes contact in Europe, especially the French clubs. Good luck he gave it a decent shot here.
Ngatai: I would like him to sign a 1 year extension with nz and see what happens. If he’s still going nowhere than ok overseas.
Tamanivula: was a revelation for the crusaders but he has a limited international future. Just better wing options and he’s not an international centre. Will coin it in France and make an impact.
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Without being racist there is a bit of a trend that the majority of players heading prematurely off overseas have Pacific roots. Providing for the family and all that.
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@billy-tell said in Exodus 2018:
Without being racist there is a bit of a trend that the majority of players heading prematurely off overseas have Pacific roots. Providing for the family and all that.
And heading to France in the main, with a few to England. Unaffordable, unsuitable or preference for home-grown in the other countries?
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@billy-tell said in Exodus 2018:
Without being racist there is a bit of a trend that the majority of players heading prematurely off overseas have Pacific roots. Providing for the family and all that.
Are you trying to say White people don't care about their families?
I'm shocked, appalled, offended and disgusted by this post.
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Chiefs will miss Ngatai. Defo are already missing Cruds, TKB, Lowe, Leitch and this is only pre-season.
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@shadowtrooper Have you got some of the good oil on that?
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Chris Boyd.
To coach Northampton for 3 seasons.
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@billy-tell Dammit! The chance was always there that he'd be leaving, but I was hoping it wouldn't happen so soon. I guess (= I hope) that Plumtree will now become the Hurricanes Head Coach.
Media release Hurricanes: https://www.hurricanes.co.nz/the-canes/news/single/item/hurricanes-chris-boyd-to-take-up-new-role-in-england-at-end-of-2018-season/
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It’s depressing having Colin Cooper take over the Chiefs while our best coaches are overseas. Schmidt and Pivac would be two I’d be keen to see back in NZ.
Hopefully Super Rugby is actually “Super” this year otherwise the SH could be all folded up and feeder status by 2020.
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You can make the same argument at the Highlanders. Mauger hasn't done anything to deserve a head coaching gig and Hammett is just recycled shit.
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@bovidae said in Exodus 2018:
You can make the same argument at the Highlanders. Mauger hasn't done anything to deserve a head coaching gig and Hammett is just recycled shit.
Not disagreeing. The problem in nz is that there is only 1 plum job and it’s been blocked since forever by Hansen. So the good coaches are offered €€€ and head overseas. The standard of European rugby has really improved, a lot of it down to nz coaches.
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Hmm ...
When asked if he had consulted anyone at All Black level about the move, Boyd surprisingly revealed: "I haven't spoken to Steve Hansen in three years so nothing changes in that space."
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11984528
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yea, that seems plausible Chris
Also, what exactly should NZR do about only having one national team? And currently having a coach that loses once every couple of years?
It's cool, in your position i would take the offer too, no need to justify it any further than that.
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@tim I wish I could upvote that more than once!
It would be great if they let the JABs play the Pacific Nations Cup again; although the PNC now serves as a double for RWC qualfication. Or other credible opponents; I much more prefer the JABs as an AB development tool than the Maori ABs (and the Barbarians). If South Africa 'A', England 'A', Emerging Italy, Argentina XV etc etc can have games each year, then why not the JABs? Letting them regularly play the PI teams and the forementioned 'A' teams can only be good, can't it? I assume it doesn't happen for financial reasons? There's no reason why they can't have regular training sessions with the ABs, if separating fringe ABs from the first choice squad is a concern.
