Super Rugby 2020
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Numbers named in the squads so far
Highlnaders = 39
Blues = 40
Crusdaers = 38
Hurricanes = 39
Chiefs = 39How many exactly are each team allowed to contract as there might well be some players still to be worked on (or possibly cut from the Blues if the maximum is 39)
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Great pdf with the 5 squads here: http://files.allblacks.com/2020_Investec_Super_Rugby_Squads_ISR.pdf
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old man yelling out cloud moment
Is there a distinct lack of star power in NZ rugby at the moment?
Between everyone not in the AB 30 pissing off overseas, or Sabbaticals, it just feels like out Super squads are, on paper at least, way weaker than 15 years ago.
Made worse next year by the usual post-world cup retirements.
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@mariner4life It's a matter of perspective. For basically all teams it will be a rebuild year, and I find it quite exciting that new talent will get a run. I'm not convinced by several new signings across the NZ franchises, but there are some great, young players coming through and I can't wait to see them play, develop and - hopefully - improve at SR level. Hopefully, some of them will rise to ABs level.
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Yep, not much to get too excited about.
However, it’s also a bit exacerbated by age, injury, and form: the Blues have Rieko who should be their superstar, the Chiefs Dmac coming back from injury, the Canes have Savea plus Laumape (not at the WC), while the Saders have Reece plus some very good young talent in Jordan and Ennor. For the Landers, well, umm, not many there whose poster you’d want on your wall, probably Smith?
Beyond that, we have a bunch of potential young superstars away doing 7s too.
If all of these guys turn out to be good, we’re well placed for ‘star’ power, but it certainly feels like a rebuilding year.
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@Stargazer yeah, look i am cool with that half full v half empty analogy to be fair
For a guy like you, an avid watcher of all levels of rugby, it will be great seeing guys you have seen since school boys continuing their journey.
To a guy like me, in a different country, who, thanks to the time difference, watches very little NPC rugby, i am presented with a product that is full of might be's and probably never will be's. Most of which i either have never heard of, or who i haven't even seen play in 6 months.
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@mariner4life so much this. I was looking through the super squads yesterday and could barely muster a meh.
Would be interesting to see a full list of NZ overseas players who could add a bit to Super rugby.
Vito
Luatua
Piutau
Lima
Kerr Barlow
Faumuina
Bird
Fekitoa
Maori Jesus
MoalaMust be sh*tloads more.
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The new squads are seemingly weaker than those of the past years, mainly because of the exodus affecting much younger players and a number of long serving stars.
However, I am convinced that 4 or 5 NZ teams - at least - will make the top 8 as the SA teams are even more weakened than their NZ counterparts.
Super Rugby is becoming a competition for the development of young players and I expect its level of play to decline significantly as soon as next year. -
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@chimoaus said in Super Rugby 2020:
What struck me was just how many players are leaving for Japan, I have never watched that competition before, may have to tune in and see what its all about.
It's shit. Half hearted rugby at best. Want to watch a bunch of players perform well within themselves, walking to rucks and generally not caring. Welcome to Japanese rugby.
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@cgrant said in Super Rugby 2020:
The new squads are seemingly weaker than those of the past years, mainly because of the exodus affecting much younger players and a number of long serving stars.
However, I am convinced that 4 or 5 NZ teams - at least - will make the top 8 as the SA teams are even more weakened than their NZ counterparts.
Super Rugby is becoming a competition for the development of young players and I expect its level of play to decline significantly as soon as next year.That's supposed to be the NPC
Old man yells at cloud
