Exodus 2018
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Basically journos on both sides of the world got exposed for not doing their homework and verifying the drivel they jumped at. NZ Rugby was fully within their contract rights to make Eddie wait.
The only complication as far as NZ goes is the position the Hurricanes were placed in. Let him go and he gets hammered with travel/training and playing before the pointy end of the season. Make him stay and he will be pissed off that his chance to cement a place in Eddie's squad may have been squandered and his attitude could change.
The other thing NZR would want to keep promoting is the concept that they are fair to those in the NZ Rugby family. I note that they emphasise the 'best wishes' part of things.It is probably a masterstroke in that it will be Shields that shells a pass with the line open and signs England's death warrant at the RWC.
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@majorrage On point one and two, yes.
On point three, no. Hansen, Chieka and whoever the new Bok coach is can all pick pretty effectively from Super rugby.
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@chris-b said in Exodus 2018:
@majorrage On point one and two, yes.
On point three, no. Hansen, Chieka and whoever the new Bok coach is can all pick pretty effectively from Super rugby.
Sorry don't follow on your point 3?
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and it looks like they've photo-shopped Mark Wilson's head on!! Shields def looks the most badass
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@majorrage I don't see why Eddie would need to watch Shields play rugby in the NH.
Hansen, Chieka etc can pick pretty good teams just by watching their players in Super rugby.
I'm sure Eddie can also watch Shields in Super rugby and have a pretty good idea of his capabilities.
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Actually, I should probably quantify that to not appear too "arrogant".
There's quite a few people from that Lions squad last year that I'd be comfortable selecting for the ABs. But, none of them are eligible.
But, I can't imagine picking anyone uncapped from a Euro club.
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@majorrage said in Exodus 2018:
@chris-b ah, got ya. Yep, fair point.
Lets flip it though. Would you be happy for Hansen to select a NZer who had never played in NZ (NPC, Super) as had been based in England and played Aviva Prem & Champions Cup?
I think there is some validity to that angle.
Super Rugby and NH rugby are different in their styles. There is no denying that when players that can't cut the mustard in Super Rugby find their niche up north and are touted as being very good (eg Jason Woodward). There are also players whose games suit SH rugby, go north for money and find that their skillset doesn't translate as well.
It isn't a case of the NH 'style' being a lesser product. It is a different product that suits different skillsets.
Surely that also moves into the international arena. Until we can see if Shields 'fits in' with the instincts of those around him we don't know his worth. Eddie is taking a punt. -
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@majorrage said in Exodus 2018:
TBH, I'm just looking forward to seeing how Shields tit-like-hands go in a NH winter ...
Perhaps he should call Thomas Waldron and borrow some gloves.....
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@canefan said in Exodus 2018:
@majorrage said in Exodus 2018:
TBH, I'm just looking forward to seeing how Shields tit-like-hands go in a NH winter ...
Perhaps he should call Thomas Waldron and borrow some gloves.....
I suspect this was a joke ... but it's a bloody good idea!!!
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@chris-b said in Exodus 2018:
@crucial There's some truth to that, as well.
But on the other hand, Tana's Blues beat the Lions last year, but there's a pretty long trail back to the last NH club to beat the ABs.
I was really just trying to avoid derailing the discussion with a SH v NH argument. Considering that the NH international teams can actually be competitive I think it is safer to stick with the route of different styles.
So much of the top level these days hinges on moments of brilliant interaction and quick thinking, I really do think that you stifle fast decision making when players, despite their individual skill, can't play instinctively with those around them.
If all Eddie wants is a spare part 6 to make tackles in close then fine, I'm happy with that. -
After Tom Franklin and Richard Buckman, there are a few more NZ players going to Japan.
Elliot Dixon and Tim Bateman have signed with Ricoh Black Rams for the 2018/19 Top League Season. Also signed is Waikato and Māori All Blacks lock Jacob Skeen. Not sure whether Dixon and Bateman will return to Super Rugby in 2019. Both are off contract at the end of the 2018 SR season.
Japanese side sign an All Black and a Crusaders midfielder
Long-tenured Highlanders flanker Elliot Dixon is heading to Japan.
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I think most already know this: a retirement, not an exodus. Shane Christie.
