Hurricanes 2021

[Stargazer]

@toddy I don't know who the haters are (I haven't seen anyone criticising the signing here), but I agree. Taumalolo hardly got game time, but I'm sure his contribution off the field (mentoring) has been invaluable. It won't be different with Owen Franks.

My only concern is which prop might be left out of the squad for next season.

[Bovidae]

Weren't they trying to convert Mafileo into a TH this year? Maybe that experiment is over.

[Canes4life]

I’m picking the make up of the Canes will be similar to the below next year:
Starters: Numia & Lomax
Bench: Mafileo & Franks
Others: Fidow, Rakete-Stones

Axed: Armstrong - he should have shown more by now considering he’s 29. I’d rather further develop the likes of Rakete-Stones and Fidow in terms of scrummaging, with Franks acting as a mentor for every Canes prop in the squad.

[Yeetyaah]

@bones Jesus never thought I'd see a wojack meme on the fern.

[Bones]

@yeetyaah to be fair I have no idea what it is

[pukunui]

They probably signed Franks to make up for the lack of ball running ability in James Blackwell.
Definitely a step in the right direction......Even if it is just one step after contact, that would be nice.

[Machpants]

@toddy said in Hurricanes 2021:

Another really good signing for the Cane's. Even if it's just for his experience and work ethic it'll be worth it.

100% he's a total pro, and will be great. I reckon he's probably the best signing for the canes for ages

[Canes4life]

@machpants someone that can lift the standards to new heights is only a good thing.

[canefan]

@canes4life said in Hurricanes 2021:

@machpants someone that can lift the standards to new heights is only a good thing.

Culture!!

[Duluth]

Does anyone know what Franks form has been like in England? What about Birds form in France?

[Machpants]

@duluth said in Hurricanes 2021:

Does anyone know what Franks form has been like in England? What about Birds form in France?

Owen hasn't set the world on fire, maybe a reason he's coming back - along with family/covid. Didn't seem to settle there. But nothing but praise for his influence on the squad. Northampton are doing better this season

As to Bird I've heard some postive mentions but I don't follow french rugby that closely.

[Stargazer]

@duluth From what I've heard and the little bit that I've seen, Bird has gone really well in France. He's practically always on the Racing 92 team sheet; this last season almost always as a starter. Can't really say more than that.

[MN5]

@duluth said in Hurricanes 2021:

Does anyone know what Franks form has been like in England? What about Birds form in France?

I’m no expert but I’d say at a guess scrumming well and doing fuck all else.

[Paekakboyz]

Owen Franks!? oh hell yeah. As much for what he'll teach our young crop of props about professionalism as his onfield offerings.

[Billy Tell]

I’ve watched a few games involving racing. Bird has been very decent.

[Bones]

@duluth it was Northampton I was watching on Saturday and I remember watching their scrum get mullered and thinking about when I last watched them years ago and their forwards were dominant and scary, not getting chewed up.

So hopefully Franks wasn't playing.

[Stargazer]

[Stargazer]

Not surprised. Typical for the Hurricanes to sign a Wellington puppy withouth NPC experience on a mulit-year deal. Surprised it is only for 3 years.

[Bovidae]

How long was Hickey signed for? Is he a "one and done" who never played?

[Stargazer]

@bovidae He was signed for 2021 only.