NPC 2024
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The All Blacks XV squad will depart for Ireland on 26 (non-NPC finalists) and 27 October (NPC finalists)
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The All Blacks XV squad will depart for Ireland on 26 (non-NPC finalists) and 27 October (NPC finalists)
That's what I thought so hope it's true.
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Odds to win the NPC from the TAB:
Wellington: $2.00
BOP: $3.75
Canterbury: $4.00
Waikato: $8.00 -
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I would have thought Welly v Waikato would be closer odds if both lose their All Blacks. If BOP retains Narawa and Canty lose AB's then they might be favoured at home.
Odds don't really mean much anyway, Wellington have been favourites plenty of times previously and have fallen over (especially at the Cake Tin) where they've never won the NPC. I think the timing of Kirifi coming back in and the potential return of Shields will help boost the Lions, it will be interesting to see how many can get back for Waikato.
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@Wurzel I hosted customers from the Bay of Plenty region in our Coca Cola corporate box that afternoon ,it’s fair to say they all had the best times of their lives I got into a bit of trouble with the company credit card ,game finished at 4.30pm we had to be removed around 8pm
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Just on the NPC
The storm week has been ditched the provincial unions have all agreed to start a week earlier , just be aware the PUs made this decision not NZ Rugby -
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@Canes4life said in NPC 2024:
Noted by ClubRugby.co.nz yesterday - A bit of a stinker that eligible All Blacks and All Blacks XVs players will all be potentially taken out of the NPC for the business end of the competition. Over 65 players gone, just as the semi-finals and finals are reached. It’s normal now not to have All Blacks involved but New Zealand XV players as well is a blow for fans.
If all the AB XV players are taken out, what the fuck is the point in even having an NPC if you completely disregard the business end.
Really?
One week ago, when you pasted, there were four teams left. I'm not counting but I don't think Welly, Waikato, BoP and Canterbury average 16 national rep players each. So "65 players out" is an overstatement.
And ... ABXV players remain available, so 65 players out is wrong.
And ... All Blacks had only been available for a few games through the season anyway, so it's hardly affecting the business end. In fact dumping the ABs in at the business end probably distorts the integrity of the comp.
I know criticising NZR is du jour but let's try a bit of perspective.
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There was this article a few days ago with Steve Lancaster.
“Without speaking to the specific recommendations...the NPC has never been on the chopping block,” Lancaster said.
“The review is about pathways and competitions, but the competition part of it is about ensuring that the NPC remains a critical part of our competition framework.
“And, importantly, that it’s sustainable because that's one of the things we have talked about over the years is ensuring that it actually it occupies the right spot in the framework, and that the model that underpins it is sustainable for everyone and allows everyone to compete.
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New Zealand Rugby is conducting a review focused on the long-term sustainability of the NPC and player pathways.
The review is considering streamlining academies between Super Rugby Pacific and provincial unions to clarify professional pathways for young players.
Provincial unions are facing significant funding cuts, with reductions of $1.8 million this year and $3.05m next year.
Crowds were up 11%, but only to a total of 190,000.
No changes are envisioned for 2025 but with all big-ticket items, including a new broadcast deal that is widely expected to suffer a significant reduction, a new collective employment agreement with the players and a new provincial union funding agreement to all commence in 2026, another collision course of competing interests looms large.
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'I don’t understand': NPC coach fires broadside at NZ Rugby over its future
The Press