Hurricanes 2024
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Very good summary
Although I think you're being far too hard on O'Reilly. Canes should be thankful we have such a good backup who is performing very well.
First five. I still think Barrett would be very good here if needed so don't think this would be an issue if the coaches need to make this call. (Barrett and Higgins not Barrett and the can't pass PUJ)
Regarding the players or coaches who have impressed maybe unexpectedly.
IWL. Found yet another level after a big improvement last year)
Vijoen. Is he a future AB?
Tosi. In super condition and performing at a potential AB level
Jamie Mackintosh. I hoped for great stuff from Laidlaw and he hasn't disappointed. But JM has been wonderful. Especially after Gibbes. The best thing Gibbes did was step down as he was so clearly out of his depth (as was Holland). -
@Winger I really hope Higgins comes back onto the bench from next week. I hope despite Umaga-Jensen's selection on the bench against the Landers, he's not now regarded as higher in the pecking order. Higgins did a great job replacing Barrett and deserves to keep developing with mins off the bench. We know what PUJ can do and he's not as accurate as Higgins from what I've seen.
Hopefully Godfrey also gets more mins off the bench. Many of us see him as the future so why not give him time off the bench this year as he can cover first five, fullback and wing at a stretch.
Like you, I have been surprised at how good JM has been. Our scrum has been functioning at a very high standard and he should take plenty of credit for that. So happy Gibbes and Holland are in the past.
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@Canes4life Was interested to hear Reuben Love say he was taking this week's break to go to Aus , and (I think he meant) work with that sprint coach again. He certainly doing the extras and hope he reaps the rewards.
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@Dan54 yeah he's over there again working at Roger Fabri's academy. I know Tom Wright (Brumbies) who's also one of the form fullbacks in the comp was there in the off-season aswell doing the extras. Just shows that hard work pays off.
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Huge opportunity for Riley Higgins next season with Barrett missing Super 2025.
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Riley will be pleased. Proctor also had one of his best games at 2nd 5 so Canes should be well covered. As we seem to be at 8 with Savea out. Although his kicking will be missed. It's not a strength with Higgins
It's a decision that once again degrades super rugby though. Fortunately its only allowed for 1 year unlike Aust and SA.
It will be interesting to see the team vs FD. I would rest a lot of players (to be rested for the Brumbies match). Including JB. And start Kirifi, Lakai and Flanders to see how this combination goes.
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I quite relaxed about this by Jordie, can understand him wanting to try a bit diiferent etc. And the thing I really like, it's been done in negotiation with NZR etc, and even Razor has been involved making sure he not used every week etc no doubt. Let's face it Jordie has spoken a few times about going back to Ireland for a decent time after loving his time there as a kid.
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Honestly, I think it is great for these guys to get exposure to NH rugby and elite clubs. He will learn a huge amount and do something different and earn some decent money (of course he is doing that at the moment!). And it’s pretty cool for him to go back to Ireland after his time there as a kid.
When a player does a sabbatical, are they essentially getting double bubble from 2 contracts? Leinster and NZR?
I assume he would still have a NZR contract during this time but maybe a reduced contract like some type of retainer?
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I saw a podcast on YouTube with RL on it and the sprint coach. RL came across really well and seems a very level headed young man
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@sparky Riley is a different 12 to Jordie. Doesn’t have a big kicking game but he is very skillful and in my view is more of an attacking threat than Jordie. We won’t lose much with Jordie gone, we have great depth in the midfield so I’m all for Barrett taking a sabbatical if it means he sticks around longer.
I just hope Riley doesn’t look elsewhere knowing that Barrett has signed on long term.
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@Winger I would keep starting our best team over the next couple weeks. If we can bank wins against the Drua and the Brumbies away we could look to rest a few in our next home game against the Tahs. Brumbies is probably the most important one considering they are the closest to us on the table.
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@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2024:
@Winger I would keep starting our best team over the next couple weeks. If we can bank wins against the Drua and the Brumbies away we could look to rest a few in our next home game against the Tahs. Brumbies is probably the most important one considering they are the closest to us on the table.
We don't want to lose momentum now. If we can get well ahead in any games perhaps they can run the subs sooner
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@Windows97 they’ve just come off a bye aswell. No need to rest guys. Best to try and lock up first place and then rest guys before the playoffs.
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@Windows97 said in Hurricanes 2024:
It's the canes to lose this year, the teams just humming.
I'd agree with keeping their best team on the field to further gel their combinations unless guys are carrying a niggle and really need a rest.
Yup, only if injured. No rest for rest sake
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@DaGrubster I guessing he still get's AB money , but not Canes?
I like you and see positives, and can understand why players do it. -
@Dan54 said in Hurricanes 2024:
@DaGrubster I guessing he still get's AB money , but not Canes?
I like you and see positives, and can understand why players do it.I am sure @DaGrubster likes you too.
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Super Rugby takes: Canes surprisingly stronger without Savea, Barrett deal win-win
Round eight of Super Rugby Pacific saw more teams enjoy the bye week with four fixtures on offer and the Hurricanes and the Chiefs battled.
Must say something about Holland's ability as a head coach that Laidlaw despite losing the experience of Dane Coles and arguably the best player in the world (Savea) has already taken the team beyond anything Holland could manage across 5 years in his first season.
