Hurricanes 2020

Darren

@Stargazer said in Hurricanes 2020:

@Darren Rayasi isn't injured. He's playing club rugby.

Sorry, hit the wrong quote, I meant IWL

Canes4life

@Darren the only thing I can think of with IWL is that it’s a fitness thing. He was doing alot of running during the pre match / post game on Sunday so I wonder if they are trying to get him into shape before letting him loose again.

You can see him in the background of Ardies post looking like he’s out of puff.

Crazy Horse

@Canes4life he might just have one of those bodies, but he doesn't look as 'fit' as others in his position. It was really noticeable against the South Africans pre covid.

Stargazer

Wow, drawing conclusions from appearance only. I can think of many reasons why players don't get game time. Little niggles aren't always visible; they also don't have to stop a player from running. There may be reasons outside rugby (family, for ex) that affect either training or the mental side of things. And dare I say it? Personal preferences from coaches that have nothing to do with a player's fitness or skills? The Hurricanes coaches aren't know for their great selection choices.

Canes4life

@Stargazer well if he's not injured and not getting selected, there must be a reason. I just felt that it was strange that he was the only extra player kitted up but not involved in the match day 23. I don't know why you're getting all defensive, I've actually been a huge advocate for him starting over the likes of Blackwell etc. I'm saying his fitness may be one of the reasons, but I might be wrong. Maybe he will be involved this week, who knows.

I've mentioned this in another thread but I know Chris Gibbes has really high fitness standards. He brought Fidow to tears when he turned up to the Lions pre-season weighing 136kg, Fidow is now 116kg aparently and looking alot more devastating. Maybe IWL is going through the same process. If it means the Hurricanes are putting in place higher standards then I'm all for it. But again there might be more to it.

Crazy Horse

@Stargazer not drawing conclusions, just commenting on something I have noticed.

Stargazer

Stargazer

Playing club rugby in:

Wellington
Selesi Rayasi (Hutt OBM)
Jonathan Taumateine (Marist SP)
Murphy Taramai (Upper Hutt Rams)
Tevita Mafileo (Oriental-Rongotai)

Fletcher Smith isn't on the Marist SP team sheet.

Manawatū
Liam Mitchell (Te Kawau)

Hawke's Bay
I assume Jonah Lowe (Clive) and Danny Toala (Hastings R&S) will play in the Hawke's Bay competition, but that info isn't available. As Liam Mitchell is playing in Manawatu, I also assume that Devan Flanders hasn't been released to play club rugby for Havelock North. Same with Rakete-Stones (Napier Pirates), as Fraser Armstrong may break during warm-up.

I can't find team sheets for BOP either, but I assume Chase Tiatia is playing his club rugby there? Not sure whether Kane Leaupepe has recovered from his injury, but if he is, then I guess he's playing his club rugby in BOP as well.

Canes4life

Darren

Kobus has been good, shouldn't have been there in the first place, but since he is might as well use him.

So with Kobus not returning next year, and Lam is outta here, Canes will lose both starting wingers.

Goosen is just serviceable, Rayasi never seems to make the team - do they have no faith in him at all? Chase Tiatia on the wing - uhhh no thanks, Lowe is always injured.

Will be interesting who the starting wingers will be next year, just please don't go overseas looking for a winger.

Stargazer

@Darren Maybe all the players who don't get opportunities now, may finally get game time. Agree about signings from overseas; I hope they'll look for talent during the NPC instead.

Machpants

Even if they want to look overseas, for a 3m tall Bok Lock for ex, I think CV will put a dampener on that idea. Too hard basket.

Canes4life

@Darren I hope they shift Aso back to his best position of right-wing and continue to develop Peter Umaga Jensen at centre next year. Then I think we should bring Toala into the reserves, he's the next best cab off the rank IMO and has the ability to cover multiple positions.

I think Rayasi is probably favoured to take Ben Lam's 11 jersey next year (unless he commits to the Sevens). Rayasi probably hasn't had as much game time because he committed to Sevens this year, and Lam is the incumbent.

My backline for 2021 atm is: 9. Perenara 10. ? 11. Rayasi 12. Laumape 13. Umaga Jensen 14. Aso 15. Barrett 21. Booth 22. ? 23. Toala

Where does it state Kobus isn't returning?

canefan

@Canes4life JB doesn't even make your starting backing? Tough

Canes4life

@canefan Yeah he does, he's at 15.

Machpants

@Canes4life TBH He’s our best 10, too. You’ve got to hope F Smith gets some time to see if he develops tho, more upsides than JGB - who is competent but slow. And the Canes still operate at a Beaudy at 10 pace.

Canes4life

@Machpants yeah but I think we get the best out of Jordie at fullback as he's so bloody safe under the high ball. Let's hope the Canes offer him plenty of $$ to stay put.