Exodus 2018
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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.
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Wasps have announced the signing of Maori All Black Ambrose Curtis.
Wasps sign 6'4, 101kg Maori All Black and 7s flyer
Wasps have announced the signing of Maori All Black Ambrose Curtis.
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I think someone asked about him a while ago, where he was playing:
In April, NTT DoCoMo Red Hurricanes announced the signing of Keepa Mewett (BOP/2018 Māori ABs).
The Red Hurricanes were relegated from the Japanese Top League at the end of last season and will play the 2018-19 season in the second-tier Top Challenge League.
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Thanks, it was me. By my count that is now two dozen super rugby or maori all black players signed for overseas clubs already this season.
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@arhs Yep, you're not wrong there. Last year's Māori AB squad was the weakest in years, with some odd selections, and now they're losing quite a few players, making this year's selection extra "interesting". That's assuming there will be a tour, or a game or two in NZ.
From November's squad, at least Tom Franklin, Jarrad Hoeata (if he stays in France), Keepa Mewett, Akira Ioane (assuming he'll be in the ABs squad), Ihaia West, Tim Bateman, Charlie Ngatai, Ambrose Curtis and possibly Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (if he gets a spot in the ABs squad) will no longer be available.
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Plus Blade Thomson, Liam Messam and Jordan Manihera not available in all likelihood.
