Waratahs vs Hurricanes
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@Stargazer have you heard much about Gus Brown from Napier Boys? A mate that still follows school rugby said he's the best prop in the country and will definitely play pro rugby in the future.
Having not followed too much School rugby for a couple years, is he true on those assumptions? I hope so, because the Canes really need to develop some quality props.
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@Canes4life He's a great talent. Big (tall) TH prop, in his third year playing for Napier Boys' 1st XV. He played at lock and sometimes as a loose forward in his first year in the team.
I always find predictions about pro rugby a bit premature at this age, because 1st XV players do not always develop as expected (not sure what happened to Patrick Teddy), but he looks a really good prospect.
Here's an article from 2020 with some info about him.
Rugby genetics work in NBHS lock's favour
Spectators at last weekend's 1st XV rugby clash between Napier Boys' and Hastings Boys' struggled to comprehend NBHS lock Gus Brown was only a Year 11 student. With his authority at lineout time and powerful carries during the Sky Blues 15-10 victor...
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@Stargazer fair call, he looks like a big lad and I'm sure he's probably developed even further in the last two years.
Hopefully he gets the right coaching and mentoring to steer him right going forward.
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@Stargazer What's the scope on that guy. He seems pretty useful.
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@broughie The Canes coaches finally seem to have realised this season that he's the best man for their no. 1 jersey. That was already clear for the past two years because he was easily outperforming the other LHs, but - you know - Canes coaches. Very important for the Magpies, too. The interesting bit is that he's off-contract at the end of the season. The Canes would be absolutely mad if they didn't do everything to keep him. Rakete-Stones - Coles - Franks seems to be their best frontrow.
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@Stargazer said in Waratahs vs Hurricanes:
@broughie The Canes coaches finally seem to have realised this season that he's the best man for their no. 1 jersey. That was already clear for the past two years because he was easily outperforming the other LHs, but - you know - Canes coaches. Very important for the Magpies, too. The interesting bit is that he's off-contract at the end of the season. The Canes would be absolutely mad if they didn't do everything to keep him. Rakete-Stones - Coles - Franks seems to be their best frontrow.
Rakete-Stones has been solid for the Canes this year but I wouldn’t count out Tevita Mafileo becoming our strongest LH down the track. He’s only 22 and he showed on Saturday that he is also starting to mature into a very solid option.
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@Canes4life Rakete-Stones is only 24.
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@Canes4life Can’t imagine the Canes management being smart enough to keep them both.
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Having re watched both recent games, I am pleased how well Franks has gone in general play, esp on defence. He used to just run around with his arms up, but make fuck all takcles, then turn up and lean on rucks. But he's really upped his defensive work. He's a smokey for the RWC IMO, if our scrum struggles. Maybe not so much on attack, but if he becsome a key defender there is worth
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@Machpants yeah noticeable he seems a lot more aggressive around the field - hitting contact hard ball in hand even if he is still dropping straight away! Probably leans towards a quicker recycle at least.
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@Bones said in Waratahs vs Hurricanes:
@Machpants yeah noticeable he seems a lot more aggressive around the field - hitting contact hard ball in hand even if he is still dropping straight away! Probably leans towards a quicker recycle at least.
Very true he flops forward rather than straight down!
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Kirifi in the news again, he really is a hot head and needs to control himself. I like his passion out on the field but he needs to channel it effectively instead of getting distracted from his role. Another learning for him I guess.
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@Canes4life it was "bloody cheating kiwis" eh?
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@Canes4life Good on him I say. No need to apologise.
