Hurricanes 2019 Discussion
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@Stargazer said in Hurricanes 2019 Discussion:
Scraping the barrel in many positions, it seems.
Farmlands Manawatu Turbos Hurricanes XV (Hurricanes Selection) Outside backs and midfield: There is one clear stand-out at fullback for the Manawatu Turbos Hurricanes XV. Considered one of the finest All Black fullbacks, Christian Cullen was a foundation Hurricanes player who went on to feature in 85 matches during a time when the season schedule was shorter. The Hurricanes all time leading try-scorer with 56, Cullen was also top try-scorer in 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003. Outside him, Andre Taylor would more than likely be selected on the right wing. While equally adept at fullback, Taylor had pace, was a strong ball carrier and was defensively sound with an excellent ability to read the game. All Black Nehe Milner-Skudder would also be favourite to start on the left wing. Although he has had his issues with injury, Milner-Skudder was one of the most dangerous players with ball in hand, particularly with his ability to beat a man with a late side step. The 2015 Rugby World Cup winner, like Taylor, also has the ability to cover fullback. The midfield had a strong number of contenders, led by All Blacks second five-eighth Ngani Laumape who has built a reputation as one of the strongest ball runners in world rugby. Laumape has also fast become a valued try scorer, leading try scorer for the Hurricanes in 2017 with 16, he also scored four tries in one match in 2018 against the Blues. Wales international Hadleigh Parkes would likely start at centre, edging out the versatile George Konia. Inside backs: Two All Blacks – Aaron Cruden and Stephen Bachop – contend for the No 10 jersey alongside Maori All Black Otere Black. While Cruden is probably remembered more for his time at the Chiefs, he was an influential member of the Hurricanes squad in 2010 and 2011 when he made 25 appearances and scored 146 points. Halfback has limited options with Joggie Viljoen and Jamie Booth limited in their game time for the Hurricanes.Loose forwards: Arguably the hardest positions to fill in a Manawatu Turbos Hurricanes XV, the list of loose forwards includes a number of players who could fill more than one spot. Former Manawatu captain Karl Williams would be a strong candidate for the No 8 role given his performances over three seasons with the Hurricanes. There would be plenty of reliable options at blindside flanker and not much separating the candidates which include foundation Hurricane Bruce Hansen, Brent Thompson, Nick Crosswell, who could also play at openside, 2019 Hurricane and former Manawatu captain Heiden Bedwell-Curtis and lastly Daryl Williams. Given the depth at No 6, Callum Gibbins would probably be the best choice to wear the No 7 jersey. Locks: The middle row also includes four strong candidates for just the two places. Three All Blacks – Dion Waller, Jason Eaton and Chresten Davis – probably have an edge over Hayden Triggs, although there would be some fans who would argue the latter was more consistent than those who wore the black jersey. While Waller played only one match for Manawatu, he was a long-serving Hurricanes player while Jason Eaton was a talented, more modern player. Props and hooker: For some reason, Manawatu have provided very few front row players for the Hurricanes. Inaugural captain and former All Black Mark Allen would be a logical choice while Maori All Black and 50-game Hurricanes veteran Chris Eves would be the other. Ged Robinson is the only player to have played for Manawatu and the Hurricanes.I'm so triggered that Marty Berry didn't get picked.
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@Stargazer said in Hurricanes 2019 Discussion:
Scraping the barrel in many positions, it seems.
We'd likely scrape it even harder given the Canes lack of Magpies selections over the years.
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@Stargazer said in Hurricanes 2019 Discussion:
@Nepia Yup, they had one last year, remember?
Haha, forgotten already.
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Maybe the Canes should focus on getting their current team selections right instead of wasting time with pointless shit like this.
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Hurricanes Hunters' tries from their game against the Crusaders Knights. I wish they'd just include all tries, like the highlights videos of SR games. It's also interesting to see why the opposition is able to score tries against your team; where it goes wrong in defence; who make the mistakes.
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@Canes4life LOL, I doubt the Canes' selectors are involved in selecting a Manawatu Hurricanes XV; or that the people involved in this "pointless shit" have any influence on current team selections.
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Future Cane, playing for Scots this year.
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@Canes4life big lad with wheels...
shame about the shit camera work!!
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@taniwharugby If he doesn't crack Super Rugby he could go well in the Sevens side. Could do with a gas man like that.
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@Canes4life I saw him play in the ACT schoolboys final last year. He has some pace but needs to work on his rugby IQ, particularly option taking and positioning. Additionally it was clear that his school's tactic was get it to the big fast bloke.
Having said that, playing in a better competition with better coaches and as he matures he'll improve. He's got the attributes to be a world class wing - big and fast.
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He could become NZ's Carlin Isles in speed and hopefully better at rugby. I'd particularly like to see him play sevens. Can't remember whether Scots College usually competes at the Condor 7s.
Should be interesting. We'll see whether his name pops up in the School Rugby thread this year.
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Hurricanes U20 team to play Chiefs U20 (FMG Stadium in Hamilton, k/o 5.05pm)
1 Fraser Armstrong
2 Asafo Aumua
3 Uluilakepa Kaliopasi
4 Caleb Delany
5 Taine Plumtree
6 Iona Apineru
7 Shamus Hurley-Langton
8 Devan Flanders (c)
9 Griffin Culver
10 Lincoln McClutchie
11 Reuben Va'a
12 Danny Toala (vc)
13 Josiah Maraku
14 Awatere Kiwara
15 Connor Garden-BachopReserves
16 Kianu Kereru Symes
17 Josiah Tavita Metcalfe
18 Jordan Tupai-Ui
19 Hugo Plummer
20 Keelan Whitman
21 Isaac Bracewell
22 Stewart Cruden
23 Kienan HigginsThe Hurricanes Under-20 side will look to maintain their winning record for 2019 season when they meet the Chiefs at Gallagher Stadium on Saturday afternoon. A number of players have been in great form for the Hurricanes Hunters in recent weeks, including midfielder Danny Toala who scored a hat-trick of tries in their win over Blues A. Devan Flanders also returns from the Hunters squad to captain the side which also defeated the Blues Under-20 team earlier this season. The Hurricanes side will have two wild card players involved in the fixture with Investec Super Rugby squad members Fraser Armstrong and Asafo Aumua starting in the front row. The Chiefs Under-20 side have been granted three wild card places for the fixture. Two of the Hurricanes Heartland Under-20 players - Jordan Tupai-Ui (Horowhenua-Kapiti) and Isaac Bracewell (Wairarapa Bush) - have been included in the reserves. Saturday's match is the last opportunity for prospective New Zealand Under-20 players to impress before they go into the national camp.Edit: I have posted the Chiefs U20 team here.
