Super Rugby 2023
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@Stargazer said in Super Rugby 2023:
The ABs squad will be smaller for the RWC, so players will drop out, rather than players being added. So if you're considering a bolter, it has to be because a player drops out for whatever reason.
Player to watch and possible ABs bolter for me is Marino Mikaele-Tu'u, but that would probably be to replace Sotutu in that backrow, or heaven forbid, an injured Ardie Savea. I think they'll then go for Cullen Grace, but I'd like to think they'll at least consider MMT.
If he has a good season, Blackadder will almost certainly push out one of the loosies. That could be Frizell, because he's leaving NZ, or A Ioane who has been disappointing. Blackadder - with his added versatility - is definitely one to watch.
The figt for the LH spots will also be interesting, with Moody returning.
I can't see much changing in the backline, except RTS dropping out of the squad (Goodhue coming in), and possibly Dmac replacing Perofeta.
The figt will be for a spot on the wing, I think. Clarke needs to step up (but seems undroppable for some reason), but it will probably be between Sevu Reece and Mark Telea. If you want Stevenson to get in, he'll be up against Dmac. Can't see Stevenson winning that. He maybe has a chance if Jordan keeps struggling with his health.I have a feeling that one of BB or WJ won't make it. Nothing to base that on but we always see an injury rule someone out that is pencilled in early (last time it was DMac)
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@KiwiMurph said in Super Rugby 2023:
@Crucial Yes very good point about injuries. If injuries strike the locks (or they decide to take 4 locks) someone like Josh Lord could potentially force their way in to the AB squad.
Current plans would be three locks plus Scooter wouldn’t it? Injury to him would cause a lot of rethinking.
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A few new names to keep an eye out for in the Aussie squads.
Mosese Tuipulotu - Waratahs - Midfielder. Brother of Scotland's Sione Tuipulotu - a big bustling midfielder who impressed during preseason.
Max Jorgensen - Waratahs - Fullback/wing. Just a teenager but very highly rated. With Beale no longer featuring is more likely to get game time.
Tom Lynagh - Reds - First five. Son of Michael Lynagh. Just a youngster at 19. His older brother Louis Lynagh got picked by Eddie in an England wider squad but is yet to be capped.
Corey Toole / Ben O'Donnell - Brumbies - outside backs. Both from the Aussie 7s team who won the World Series last season. Toole is smaller but the more dynamic of the two.
Some names familiar to NZ who are new to squads this year (I'm sured i've missed a few): Monty Ioane (Rebels), Taleni Seu (Tahs), Jack Debreczeni (Brumbies), Tamaiti Tua (Brumbies)
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@KiwiMurph said in Super Rugby 2023:
A few new names to keep an eye out for in the Aussie squads.
Mosese Tuipulotu - Waratahs - Midfielder. Brother of Scotland's Sione Tuipulotu - a big bustling midfielder who impressed during preseason.
Max Jorgensen - Waratahs - Fullback/wing. Just a teenager but very highly rated. With Beale no longer featuring is more likely to get game time.
Tom Lynagh - Reds - First five. Son of Michael Lynagh. Just a youngster at 19. His older brother Louis Lynagh got picked by Eddie in an England wider squad but is yet to be capped.
Corey Toole / Ben O'Donnell - Brumbies - outside backs. Both from the Aussie 7s team who won the World Series last season. Toole is smaller but the more dynamic of the two.
Some names familiar to NZ who are new to squads this year (I'm sured i've missed a few): Monty Ioane (Rebels), Taleni Seu (Tahs), Jack Debreczeni (Brumbies), Tamaiti Tua (Brumbies)
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Chase Tiatia & Felix Kalapu; also Manasa Mataele's younger brother Rupeni, who've I've never seen playing, but if he's anything like Manasa, he'll be an exciting player to watch (all Western Force)
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Vaiolini Ekuasi (Rebels) and Nemani Nadolo (Waratahs)
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@KiwiMurph said in Super Rugby 2023:
Max Jorgensen - Waratahs - Fullback/wing. Just a teenager but very highly rated. With Beale no longer featuring is more likely to get game time.
Son of PeterJorgensen former Wallabies wing who switched to State House rugby.
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@KiwiMurph have to think Lord has inside running given he has been part of thier plans and they don't often drop people due to an injury.
Hopefully another lock emerges and pushes everyone on, similarly loosies, the likes of Grace, MMT, Robinson, Flanders, Christie, PGS, Lakai (plus a few other names i expect) will all be pushing the encumbants, as will Blackadder who no doubt has an inside running to overtake one of Ioane or Frizzell...def some options out there, but injury could give someone a shot, and make them a legend in a RWC year, NMS styles... 😉
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ESPN has published a series of team previews for the 2023 season:
Super Rugby Pacific 2023: Previewing the Blues, Brumbies, Chiefs, Crusaders
The second season of Super Rugby Pacific is fast approaching, with kick-off now just 10 days away. So how are the Blues, Brumbies, Chiefs and Crusaders shaping up?
Super Rugby Pacific 2023: Previewing the Drua, Force, Highlanders and Hurricanes
The countdown to the second season of Super Rugby Pacific has entered its final week. We preview the Fijian Drua, Force, Highlanders and Hurricanes.
Super Rugby Pacific 2023: Previewing the Rebels, Pasifika, Tahs, Reds
The countdown to the second season of Super Rugby Pacific has entered its final week. We preview the Melbourne Rebels, Moana Pasifika, NSW Waratahs and Queensland Reds.
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To cut to the chase in those articles..
FINAL PREDICTIONS
Crusaders
Chiefs
Blues
Waratahs
Brumbies
Hurricanes
Reds
Force
Highlanders
Drua
Moana Pasifika
Melbourne RebelsNot so convinced on that order. Force are way too high and I am guessing Canes are mid pack because they eat to offer hope to Tahs and Brumbies.
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@Crucial said in Super Rugby 2023:
To cut to the chase in those articles..
FINAL PREDICTIONS
Crusaders
Chiefs
Blues
Waratahs
Brumbies
Hurricanes
Reds
Force
Highlanders
Drua
Moana Pasifika
Melbourne RebelsNot so convinced on that order. Force are way too high and I am guessing Canes are mid pack because they eat to offer hope to Tahs and Brumbies.
Canes below Waratahs, yeah right. I also saw a prediction ladder with the Canes fourth and the Blues first, so who really knows. I feel injuries, along with the load management of players is going to play a big part in how teams end up. Depth is key.
These TAB odds are about right apart from the Drua being that high, plus I would swap Reds and Tahs.
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@Canes4life Yep I with you , I reckon Waratahs will be top Aus team this year, may duke it out with Brumbies for that crown, but think they may beat them.
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@KiwiMurph said in Super Rugby 2023:
Drua too low
I agree. Just had a closer look and they have 6 home games this year. No one gets off easy playing in Fiji and three of those games are quite winnable for them (Rebels, MP, Reds)
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@Canes4life said in Super Rugby 2023:
@Crucial said in Super Rugby 2023:
To cut to the chase in those articles..
FINAL PREDICTIONS
Crusaders
Chiefs
Blues
Waratahs
Brumbies
Hurricanes
Reds
Force
Highlanders
Drua
Moana Pasifika
Melbourne RebelsNot so convinced on that order. Force are way too high and I am guessing Canes are mid pack because they eat to offer hope to Tahs and Brumbies.
Canes below Waratahs, yeah right. I also saw a prediction ladder with the Canes fourth and the Blues first, so who really knows. I feel injuries, along with the load management of players is going to play a big part in how teams end up. Depth is key.
These TAB odds are about right apart from the Drua being that high, plus I would swap Reds and Tahs.
Interesting looking at the odds of the Brumbies. I know Bernie wants them to play a more entertaining game to help bring back the crowds. They're also spending more time in community engagement to help drive interest, including actually sending out name players to schools etc. rather than extended squad players no one has heard of.
The problem is the perennial one in Australian sport - you need to be winning.
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After a few months of neglect the TSF website is regularly updated again. So just a reminder that all the team sheets are available here
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Team Sheets
