Exodus 2016
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="cgrant" data-cid="584017" data-time="1464587864">
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<p>The French U-21 has a lot of promising players within its ranks. But they won't have the opportunity to play in the Top 14 nor in the ProD2 where there are even more foreign players.</p>
<p>To have plenty of ageing stars in the Top 14 is not even an insurance of a quality show as the level of play is pretty dire. Scrums and goalkicking are the main features for the entertainment of the (big) crowds. What made me laugh in the European final between Montpellier and Harlequins is that the Montpellier fans sang the Marseillaise during the game but there were only three French players on the field when the hymn was heard !</p>
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<p> I think the Montpellier fans should learn the South African national anthem instead !</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Immenso Rapido" data-cid="583963" data-time="1464575257">
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<p>^^<br><br>
It doesn't look like France produces anyone under 120kg anymore.<br><br>
French rugby is the pits. I'm like a scorned lover now when it comes to French rugby. The system that produced Blanco, Lafond, Sella, Lagisquet now gives us Basteraud, Spedding, and Caucau still managed to star while built like Cavubati.</p>
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<p>Spedding is from South Africa and not fat.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Whispy backs like you describe are a bit of a thing of the past but Damian McKenzie looks like a good throwback.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="MN5" data-cid="584020" data-time="1464588576"><p>
Spedding is from South Africa and not fat.<br><br>
Whispy backs like you describe are a bit of a thing of the past but Damian McKenzie looks like a good throwback.</p></blockquote>
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Never mentioned fat, big ponderous plodders. What could be more modem French rugby than a Big ponderous foreign fullback. Pretty much why I include him.<br><br>
Basteraud is the exception in that he is actually French. -
<p>Highlander Mark Reddish (31) signs with Harlequins. He will still play for the Wellington Lions during the 2016 Mitre 10 Cup season.</p>
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<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.quins.co.uk/news/harlequins-sign-super-rugby-winner-mark-reddish/'>http://www.quins.co.uk/news/harlequins-sign-super-rugby-winner-mark-reddish/</a></p> -
Back on the shitness of France subject.<br><br>
I see Ben Tameifuna is in Tonga's squad for the June tests. I was totally expecting to see him in the tricoler after 3 years.<br><br>
He'd be a perfect fit for France as he is both fat and foreign. Although he is also actually quite good.<br><br>
I do wonder if he will actually turn up, though. -
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Crucial" data-cid="584758" data-time="1464850170">
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<p>Latest news: TSF posting regular (and sometimes curmudgeon) Crucial has joined the drift to the NH. Will be popping up in London in the next few days. Any posts in the meantime will be under the increasing influence of free airport lounge alcohol</p>
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<p> </p>
<p>according to latest statistics, you are actually going against the flow.....more so when you take into account your advanced years! :hi:</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Crucial" data-cid="584758" data-time="1464850170">
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<p>Latest news: TSF posting regular (and sometimes curmudgeon) Crucial has joined the drift to the NH. Will be popping up in London in the next few days. Any posts in the meantime will be under the increasing influence of free airport lounge alcohol</p>
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<p> </p>
<p>No big loss, that guy was a journeyman anyway. Him leaving will open the door for a more talented youngster to come through.</p> -
<p>I see Macilai is declaring at present for NZ.</p>
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<p>Now that the enormous stumbling block to his aspirations that is Jonny McNicholl is leaving, he might get a chance to show more of his wares next season.</p>
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<p>Savea, NMS, Naholo...</p>
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<p>He has a bit of a battle on his hands.</p> -
He has always said that, but was named in the Fijian RWC WTG last year, so I suspect he will play for them if they come knocking. He certainly needs a huge 2017 and a bit of luck if he was to force his way into AB reckoning.<br><br>
Blackadder just seems reluctant to play him, even when EFABJM wasn't in the rich form he is in. -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="taniwharugby" data-cid="586188" data-time="1465587178">
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<p>He has always said that, but was named in the Fijian RWC WTG last year, so I suspect he will play for them if they come knocking. He certainly needs a huge 2017 and a bit of luck if he was to force his way into AB reckoning.<br><br>
Blackadder just seems reluctant to play him, even when EFABJM wasn't in the rich form he is in.</p>
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<p>He was in the WTG for the June Series as well ...</p>
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<p>I guess it depends in part on whether Julian Savea can deliver this year & maintain his fitness/weight/motivation, and whether Naholo and NMS stay healthy. I think there's certainly an opportunity for another wing, but there are other contenders for that 4th spot on the wing. </p> -
<p>Taranaki player Codey Rei leaving for Japan (Kobe Steelers).</p>
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<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/provincial/80939120/codey-rei-latest-to-wave-goodbye-to-taranaki'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/provincial/80939120/codey-rei-latest-to-wave-goodbye-to-taranaki</a></p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Hooroo" data-cid="580660" data-time="1463617330">
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<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/80166722/highlanders-resign-back-richard-buckman-to-super-rugby-for-two-more-years'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/80166722/highlanders-resign-back-richard-buckman-to-super-rugby-for-two-more-years</a></p>
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<p>Excellent! Still probably my favourite player!</p>
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<p>Buckman may be staying with the Highlanders, but he has also signed a contract with Panasonic Wild Knights. Confirmed by the club.</p>
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<p>Anyone on the Fern able to translate this: <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://panasonic.co.jp/sports/rugby/info/detail/2016/160609105231109/'>http://panasonic.co.jp/sports/rugby/info/detail/2016/160609105231109/</a> ? </p>
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<p>Would like to know what it says about Buckman and Hawke's Bay; and for how many years he has signed.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Stargazer" data-cid="587416" data-time="1465797511">
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<p>Buckman may be staying with the Highlanders, but he has also signed a contract with Panasonic Wild Knights. Confirmed by the club.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Anyone on the Fern able to translate this: <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://panasonic.co.jp/sports/rugby/info/detail/2016/160609105231109/'>http://panasonic.co.jp/sports/rugby/info/detail/2016/160609105231109/</a> ?</p>
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<p>Would like to know what it says about Buckman and Hawke's Bay; and for how many years he has signed.</p>
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<p>No contract period mentioned, but he will be missing the NPC to play as the Japan top league season starts early September</p> -
<p>seems they give this to a few of those as a reward for long service, but appears they usually only allow it for 1 season; Tamati Ellison, Josh Blackie and was a canes loosie too, Lilo?</p>
