Super Rugby News

KiwiMurph

Tony Johnson will be centre alright...front and centre of the anti-Blues bandwagon...

I look forward to a Blues bench stacked with All Blacks that enter the fray in the second half once the game is already lost....

SouthernMann

Highlanders squad for Brizzy 10s.

The full squad for Brisbane Global Rugby Tens:

Forwards: Aki Sieuli, Greg Pleasants-Tate, Tyrel Lomax, Alex Ainley, Paripari Parkinson, Elliot Dixon, Dan Pryor, Shannon Frizell, Luke Whitelock, Dillon Hunt, Marino Mikaele Tu’u, Kalolo Tuiloma, Guy Millar, Ash Dixon, Josh Dickson

Backs: Kayne Hammington, Josh Renton, Josh Ioane, Fletcher Smith , Tevita Nabura,Teihorangi Walden, Ryan Tongia, Josh McKay, Richard Buckman, Terrance Hepetema, Pita Alatini.

I think it lacks a bit of pace, although the size in the squad looks like it could play a fairly dynamic style in close.

Bovidae

From Stuff:

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is reportedly set to switch to rugby next year. Radio New Zealand reports that the Warriors and Kiwis fullback will sign on with New Zealand Rugby and likely join the Blues for the 2019 Super Rugby campaign.

RTS starting ahead of Collins? Ha!

KiwiMurph

@bovidae Collins is only on a one year deal. He isn't signed for 2019.

Before people scoff at this....Blues have already turned Duffie (schoolboy Rugby player turned NRL/Kiwi) into an AB...

Bovidae

@kiwimurph

My comment was tongue in cheek.

I think RTS could be a good signing but he doesn't have to do much kicking from fullback in RL. That would be a work-on.

Bovidae

Exciting back Solomon Alaimalo has re-signed with the Gallagher Chiefs for a further three years.

The 2017 Rookie Player of the Year had an impressive debut season in 2017, impressing the coaches with some eye-catching performances.

Gallagher Chiefs head coach was thrilled to have Solomon extend his time with the club.

“We’re really excited to have Solomon commit to the Gallagher Chiefs again. He is a special player with a massive future. I am especially excited to work with him for the next three years.”

Chief #284 has played nine games for the Gallagher Chiefs, scoring two tries.

Bovidae

I thought with Alaimalo's move to Ta$man that the Crusaders might be sniffing around. Good news for the Chiefs.

Wurzel

Bugger. Would've loved Alaimalo to return home and take Seta's spot on the wing.

taniwharugby

@bovidae his brother is in Hamilton isn't he?

I know Waikato (among others) were after him too, so thought that's where he would go with his brother there?

Bovidae

@taniwharugby

His brother Charles was at Ham BHS last year but moved to Hamilton after Solomon signed at the Chiefs. 2017 might have been his last year at school but I hope Waikato have retained him as he's got a big future too.

KiwiMurph

@bovidae said in Super Rugby News:

@kiwimurph

My comment was tongue in cheek.

I think RTS could be a good signing but he doesn't have to do much kicking from fullback in RL. That would be a work-on.

I think the better call would be to chuck RTS on the wing and have duffie or nanai at fullback.

EDIT - RTS' agent has rubbished the report. Nothing to see here (yet).

Stargazer

Magpies and NZ U20's loosie Marino Mikaele-Tu'u has been signed by the Highlanders.

Awesome news! Powerful lad, who can play at 6 and 8. Only just turned 20.

ARHS

@tim

@tim said in Super Rugby News:

@bones You won't need to be wearing 'em to be shaking. Not when you catch an eyeful of the leaked teamsheet:

1 Salmon
2 Moulds
3 Mafileo
4 Tupou
5 Goodhue
6 Preston
7 Kirikiri
8 Taramai
9 Nock
10 Gatland
11 Hyland
12 Kirkpatrick
13 Johnson (Miraculous Revocery)
14 Trainor
15 Collins

Any idea why such a diabolical effort from both teams in promoting the game in Te Kuiti? Where is the promotion of team lists to attract folks to watch players there? I would have expected Colin Cooper to get the locals onside by mounting a positive publicity campaign. The silence is deafening. Has he picked a team for tomorrow, or is it completely rolling subs? Are there any injury concerns or additional players training with the squad?

Maybe these questions are rhetorical and nobody cares anymore?

Bovidae

@arhs

Here we go:

Where, when: Rugby Park, Te Kuiti at 4pm on Friday

Chiefs (from): Aidan Ross, Liam Polwart, Angus Ta'avao, Michael Allardice (c), Dominic Bird, Lachlan Boshier, Mitch Karpik, Taleni Seu, Jonathan Taumateine, Tiaan Falcon, Solomon Alaimalo, Johnny Fa'auli, Sean Wainui, Tim Nanai-Williams, Charlie Ngatai, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Karl Tuinukuafe, Jeff Thwaites, Laghlan McWhannell, Pita Gus Sowakula, Brad Weber (c), Luteru Laulala, Ciarahn Matoe, Alex Nankivell, Bailyn Sullivan, Matty Lansdown, Shaun Stevenson, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Donald Maka, Luke Jacobson, Atu Moli.

Blues: Jordan Trainor, Jordan Hyland, Tamati Tua, TJ Faiane, Tumua Manu, Bryn Gatland, Sam Nock; Akira Ioane, Murphy Taramai, Glenn Preston, Jacob Pierce, Josh Goodhue, Mike Tamoaieta, Ross Wright, Alex Hodgman (c). Replacements: Jonathon Ruru, George Moala, Melani Nanai, Stephen Perofeta, Daniel Kirkpatrick, Orbyn Leger, Augustine Pulu, Harry Plummer, Tanielu Telea, Pauliasi Manu, Kurt Ekland, Marcel Renata, Jimmy Tupou, Waimana Reidling, Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papalii, Antonia Kiri Kiri, Jordan Olsen, Jack Straker, Gerard Cowley Tuioiti, Sione Havili.

ARHS

@bovidae

Awesome thanks! That was so quick.

Bovidae

Mitchell Graham has been ruled out for at least six weeks as he needed an operation to remove screws out of the leg he broke at last year's Brisbane Tens when he suffered a fractured tibia and fibula.

Tim

@arhs I wouldn't hold it against the coaches if they want their teams to enter the season "under the radar", but it does seem like very little promotional effort is going on this season.

At least the Blues have pushed the Mahurangi game on their website.