Super Rugby News
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Exciting back Solomon Alaimalo has re-signed with the Gallagher Chiefs for a further three years.
The 2017 Rookie Player of the Year had an impressive debut season in 2017, impressing the coaches with some eye-catching performances.
Gallagher Chiefs head coach was thrilled to have Solomon extend his time with the club.
“We’re really excited to have Solomon commit to the Gallagher Chiefs again. He is a special player with a massive future. I am especially excited to work with him for the next three years.”
Chief #284 has played nine games for the Gallagher Chiefs, scoring two tries.
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@bovidae his brother is in Hamilton isn't he?
I know Waikato (among others) were after him too, so thought that's where he would go with his brother there?
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His brother Charles was at Ham BHS last year but moved to Hamilton after Solomon signed at the Chiefs. 2017 might have been his last year at school but I hope Waikato have retained him as he's got a big future too.
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@bovidae said in Super Rugby News:
My comment was tongue in cheek.
I think RTS could be a good signing but he doesn't have to do much kicking from fullback in RL. That would be a work-on.
I think the better call would be to chuck RTS on the wing and have duffie or nanai at fullback.
EDIT - RTS' agent has rubbished the report. Nothing to see here (yet).
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@tim said in Super Rugby News:
@bones You won't need to be wearing 'em to be shaking. Not when you catch an eyeful of the leaked teamsheet:
1 Salmon
2 Moulds
3 Mafileo
4 Tupou
5 Goodhue
6 Preston
7 Kirikiri
8 Taramai
9 Nock
10 Gatland
11 Hyland
12 Kirkpatrick
13 Johnson (Miraculous Revocery)
14 Trainor
15 CollinsAny idea why such a diabolical effort from both teams in promoting the game in Te Kuiti? Where is the promotion of team lists to attract folks to watch players there? I would have expected Colin Cooper to get the locals onside by mounting a positive publicity campaign. The silence is deafening. Has he picked a team for tomorrow, or is it completely rolling subs? Are there any injury concerns or additional players training with the squad?
Maybe these questions are rhetorical and nobody cares anymore?
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Here we go:
Where, when: Rugby Park, Te Kuiti at 4pm on Friday
Chiefs (from): Aidan Ross, Liam Polwart, Angus Ta'avao, Michael Allardice (c), Dominic Bird, Lachlan Boshier, Mitch Karpik, Taleni Seu, Jonathan Taumateine, Tiaan Falcon, Solomon Alaimalo, Johnny Fa'auli, Sean Wainui, Tim Nanai-Williams, Charlie Ngatai, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Karl Tuinukuafe, Jeff Thwaites, Laghlan McWhannell, Pita Gus Sowakula, Brad Weber (c), Luteru Laulala, Ciarahn Matoe, Alex Nankivell, Bailyn Sullivan, Matty Lansdown, Shaun Stevenson, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Donald Maka, Luke Jacobson, Atu Moli.
Blues: Jordan Trainor, Jordan Hyland, Tamati Tua, TJ Faiane, Tumua Manu, Bryn Gatland, Sam Nock; Akira Ioane, Murphy Taramai, Glenn Preston, Jacob Pierce, Josh Goodhue, Mike Tamoaieta, Ross Wright, Alex Hodgman (c). Replacements: Jonathon Ruru, George Moala, Melani Nanai, Stephen Perofeta, Daniel Kirkpatrick, Orbyn Leger, Augustine Pulu, Harry Plummer, Tanielu Telea, Pauliasi Manu, Kurt Ekland, Marcel Renata, Jimmy Tupou, Waimana Reidling, Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papalii, Antonia Kiri Kiri, Jordan Olsen, Jack Straker, Gerard Cowley Tuioiti, Sione Havili.
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@arhs I wouldn't hold it against the coaches if they want their teams to enter the season "under the radar", but it does seem like very little promotional effort is going on this season.
At least the Blues have pushed the Mahurangi game on their website.
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Thanks @Bovidae
Interesting to see Akira starting. I hope its due to a recognition that Akira constantly needs game time and not a case of him being in the dog box.
Really pleased to see the likes of Manu, Eklund, Reidlinger-Kapa, Havili and Sotutu there in the mix.
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@Stargazer Re: McNicol
Young tighthead prop Sefo Kautai and fullback Marty McKenzie are among those not playing due to "niggly injuries", Barnes said, and outside back Sam McNicol is sadly still going through protocols to recover from his latest concussion problem.
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@bovidae said in Super Rugby News:
Blues: Jordan Trainor, Jordan Hyland, Tamati Tua, TJ Faiane, Tumua Manu, Bryn Gatland, Sam Nock; Akira Ioane, Murphy Taramai, Glenn Preston, Jacob Pierce, Josh Goodhue, Mike Tamoaieta, Ross Wright, Alex Hodgman (c). Replacements: Jonathon Ruru, George Moala, Melani Nanai, Stephen Perofeta, Daniel Kirkpatrick, Orbyn Leger, Augustine Pulu, Harry Plummer, Tanielu Telea, Pauliasi Manu, Kurt Ekland, Marcel Renata, Jimmy Tupou, Waimana Reidling, Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papalii, Antonia Kiri Kiri, Jordan Olsen, Jack Straker, Gerard Cowley Tuioiti, Sione Havili.
OK, points of contention:
None of the three hookers are involved. Mistake on the team sheet, injury crisis, or something weird?
Ross Wright at hooker is an interesting one.
Akira Ioane has been training with the team from the start, so probably is fit and raring to go.
Jack Straker is a canterbury prop (tight-head) who has been in the Ta$man squad too. Maybe he is heading north for the NPC.
I'm guessing that Tumua Manu is the replacement for Matt Johnson in the midfield.
Interesting to see Hodgman named as captain. The more leadership coming through the better.
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@tim yeah Wright at hooker is interesting (he did get on the field in a pre-season game a few years back at hooker for the Blues)...up until last year, many Northland fans saw hooker as his best position, then he had a breakout year at prop.
Expecting big things from Tua this year, could be the making of him!
