Super Rugby News

African Monkey

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Canes4life" data-cid="592234" data-time="1466994679">
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Ive never seen Michael Little play. Looking at the guy he looks like he wouldn't add too much punch in the midfield?? Would you pair Francis and Little together or would you have Little and Sa'u??
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Yeah looks quite small but he looked ok for North Harbour. Certainly not scared of contact from what I've seen of him. I'd have Francis and Little as I don't really rate Sa'u although we could always try Nanai at centre if we were to go from left-field which I wouldn't mind seeing in the future. I can see Nanai's career going the same way as Moala's where in a few years once he puts on more bulk, we could see him moving in 1. I hope to see him get a run there at some point in the Mitre 10 cup this year.

Canes4life

That combination may struggle to cope with the one two punch of Aso (Starting) and Laumape (Coming off the bench) if it is a dry night. The Blues combination may just lack that size too make any real impact. However if it rains they may offer a kicking game that could really suit the conditions.
 
I can't wait for this last month of Super Rugby and I really hope the Chiefs do one on the Crusaders in Fiji to really close the gap.

Canes4life

Strong indications are that Barrett will remain a Hurricane. 
 
<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/81498932/hurricanes-confident-of-resigning-star-playmaker-beauden-barrett '>http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/81498932/hurricanes-confident-of-resigning-star-playmaker-beauden-barrett </a>

Nepia

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Canes4life" data-cid="592234" data-time="1466994679">
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Ive never seen Michael Little play. Looking at the guy he looks like he wouldn't add too much punch in the midfield?? Would you pair Francis and Little together or would you have Little and Sa'u??
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He's a lot bigger than his old man - he just needs to put on a bit of weight.

African Monkey

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Canes4life" data-cid="592254" data-time="1467001346">
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Strong indications are that Barrett will remain a Hurricane. 
 
<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/81498932/hurricanes-confident-of-resigning-star-playmaker-beauden-barrett '>http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/81498932/hurricanes-confident-of-resigning-star-playmaker-beauden-barrett </a>
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As expected. The media just wont give up on linking first fives to the Blues.

Canes4life

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="African Monkey" data-cid="592299" data-time="1467009319">
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As expected. The media just wont give up on linking first fives to the Blues.
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The media as in John Kirwan. That bloke needs to move on!!

taniwharugby

so the media ask SJK about if and why the Blues should sign BB, should he ignore them?
 
Media ask questions, they create the news or buzz, even if there is no substance to it.
 
Blues have a few decent 10s in the region, whether they can make the step up...like the look of what I saw of Breen at 10 on Friday, good acquisitiion for Northland, and possibly the Blues.

SammyC

It's a bit more than that, jk is on the breakdown rugby show in sky each week 
Several times he's made a dick of himself shouting about how Barrett should be at the blues

taniwharugby

of course he wants him there...plenty of our ex-ABs make dicks of themselves with thier opinions...
 
I see some tearing Marshall a new one for saying Keiren Read has a tougher job than John Key....

KiwiMurph

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Stargazer" data-cid="592171" data-time="1466988261">
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Zac Guildford has opted to return to NZ after the Waratahs welcomed Taqele Naiyaravoro back into the squad.
 
<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.waratahs.com.au/Waratahs/News/NewsArticle/tabid/157/ArticleID/17228/NSW-Waratahs-welcome-back-powerful-winger-Taqele-Naiyaravoro.aspx'>http://www.waratahs.com.au/Waratahs/News/NewsArticle/tabid/157/ArticleID/17228/NSW-Waratahs-welcome-back-powerful-winger-Taqele-Naiyaravoro.aspx</a>
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 Unfortunately once again there are more issues at play with Guildford than just rugby
 
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Troubled former All Blacks winger Zac Guildford has left the NSW Waratahs for "wellbeing reasons", with coach Daryl Gibson saying the club did everything it could to help him but admitted they "probably cared for him on a personal level too much". <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/all-black-guildford-leaves-waratahs-20160627-gpsin6.html#ixzz4ClXcVlVM'>http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/all-black-guildford-leaves-waratahs-20160627-gpsin6.html#ixzz4ClXcVlVM</a> </blockquote>

Stargazer

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="KiwiMurph" data-cid="592322" data-time="1467015630">
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 Unfortunately once again there are more issues at play with Guildford than just rugby
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Sadly, it was to be expected. Having a close relative who suffers from alcoholism and depression, I know mental illness is a curse and a life-long sentence. It's hard to see someone struggle with himself - and with life - on a daily basis. So good on Gibson and the Tahs for trying. Can only hope the Mako$ will genuinely try as well and that ZG finds a way to cope better with his illness closer to home and family. It's clear that it's not going to be easy.
 
Also hoping that the ignorant NZ media trolls will leave him alone ...

Canes4life

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="SammyC" data-cid="592307" data-time="1467012032">
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It's a bit more than that, jk is on the breakdown rugby show in sky each week 
Several times he's made a dick of himself shouting about how Barrett should be at the blues
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Touche!!

Stargazer

Highlanders news: 

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote">
Marty Banks, Shane Christie, Liam Squire and Daniel Lienert-Brown have all been ruled out of the final leg of the defending champion's tour to Buenos Aires, where they play the Jaguares for the first time on Sunday [NZ time]. 
 
(...) 
 
On a positive note for the Highlanders, who are fourth in the New Zealand conference and in possession of the final wildcard berth in the Australasian group, an All Black contingent comprising Ben and Aaron Smith, Waisake Naholo and Malakai Fekitoa join the squad in Buenos Aires. 
 
Loose forward James Lentjes and prop Craig Millar are also bolstering the squad as injury cover.
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 <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/81723564/injuries-hit-highlanders-with-four-heading-home-from-south-africa'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/81723564/injuries-hit-highlanders-with-four-heading-home-from-south-africa</a>

Canes4life

J.T.A and Blade Thomson are both out for the season. Isaia Walker-Leawere comes into the squad for Thomson for the remainder of the season.

MN5

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Nepia" data-cid="592276" data-time="1467006382">
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He's a lot bigger than his old man - he just needs to put on a bit of weight. 
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?
 
Little was big enough for his era wasn't he ?

Stargazer

The Blues have reportedly re-signed Ihaia West for another year 

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote">
Ihaia West re-signs with the Blues, aims to guide team to playoffs next year LIAM NAPIER Last updated 09:21, July 7 2016 
 For all the speculation about luring a superstar pivot to Auckland, Ihaia West increasingly shapes as the man who will guide the Blues next year. 
 After shifting north from the Hawke's Bay two-and-a-half-years ago, West has gradually grown his confidence at this level, and will be back at the Blues after signing a one season extension that, at present, reinstates him as Tana Umaga's first-choice playmaker for 2017. 
 There's plenty to like about West's skills; his speed, ability to spot a gap and short kicking game are assets. But his control and influence under pressure, particularly in the closing stages, sit in the 24-year-old's work-on basket. 
 A one-year deal could be seen as a probation period; a holding pattern of sorts, as Umaga attempts to find pieces to his jigsaw. The Blues have been open in their pursuit of Beauden Barrett, and also inquired about Manawatu and Hurricanes first five-eighth Otere Black. 
 But for West, another year at the Blues simply means another chance to improve. Another chance to absorb the lessons from this campaign, and channel them into the next. 
 "They gave me one year to have another crack and play better and try and get better on-field results so it was a mutual decision," he said. 
 "This year hasn't panned out how we all wanted but knowing I'm coming back next year, with the sort of people that are coming in as well, it's exciting. I'm enjoying my time at the Blues and happy to be staying. 
 "I've definitely improved but we're not where we all wanted to be. We wanted to play some playoff rugby and get more wins. I still think there's heaps of room for improvement, it's just about making those shifts to take us further." 
 Those new additions West speaks of are, of course, significant. With livewire halfback Augustine Pulu inside him, and Sonny Bill Williams punching forward, attracting defenders and providing direction on his outside, the Blues backline could be a totally different beast next year. They'll also have Rieko Ioane lurking on the wing; Rene Ranger back and a hungry George Moala probably at centre. Those are some lethal attacking weapons. 
 Pulu and Williams alone could be game-changing acquisitions for any playmaker. 
 "They're not just good players on the field but Sonny being who he is... he's probably the most professional rugby player in New Zealand so to have him in our environment and seeing what he does day in, day out, will be awesome for not just me but the whole squad." 
 Last week's 37-27 loss to the Hurricanes was, in many ways, symptomatic of the Blues season. Punch from the likes of Steven Luatua and Patrick Tuipulotu provided impetus for some dynamic ball movement and telling offloads. 
 The Blues deserved every bit of their 24-17 halftime lead. But in a familiar script they then allowed the Hurricanes back, just as they've done in the final moments of other matches this year. 
 If the Blues are to finish with a positive win ratio by collecting victories over the Brumbies on Friday night and Waratahs next week in their final two outings at Eden Park, their late game lapses must be rectified. 
 And West will need to play a leading role in that development. 
 "We've talked about that. It will look a whole lot better if we're eight wins and six losses. To have the two top Aussie teams at home is pretty exciting so the plan is to knock them over and make it easier for the Kiwi teams to go through. 
 "We've played some bloody good rugby in patches but in the last 20 minutes we've lost our way a bit and the Hurricanes got on top of us. That's happened throughout the season so it's about trying to turn those good 40 to 60 minute performances into 80 minute ones. 
 "These last two games we're looking to do that. " 
 - Stuff <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/81847311/ihaia-west-resigns-with-the-blues-aims-to-guide-team-to-playoffs-next-year'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/81847311/ihaia-west-resigns-with-the-blues-aims-to-guide-team-to-playoffs-next-year</a>
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I think this is a good decision by the Blues. I'm convinced West has the potential to be a much better player than he has been able to show at the Blues this year and I think that was mostly due to the players around him in the backline. With a couple of much better backs signed for next season, West will get a chance to develop further and to play his best game.

taniwharugby

if he cant thrive with Pulu and SBW next to him....

Dice

I believe in you, Ihaia.
 
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/apnVqRf.png" alt="apnVqRf.png">

reprobate

i thought west did some good stuff in his last outing. still lots to work on obviously, but he has potential and a fair bit seems to be down to confidence to me. it's pretty unusual for young 10s to just arrive fully formed; mehrtens probably the closest i can think of.
as a ginger midget whose halfback gives dodgy service and forward pack isn't big on protection, i reckon the prospect of having sbw next to you would be quite the boon.

taniwharugby

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="reprobate" data-cid="594657" data-time="1467861932">
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i thought west did some good stuff in his last outing. still lots to work on obviously, but he has potential and a fair bit seems to be down to confidence to me. it's pretty unusual for young 10s to just arrive fully formed; mehrtens probably the closest i can think of.
as a ginger midget whose halfback gives dodgy service and forward pack isn't big on protection, i reckon the prospect of having sbw next to you would be quite the boon. 
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he is in his 3rd season though...but agree, he has had some interesting service from 9 and plenty of changing at 12 too....

The Silver Fern

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