@Duluth He would probably be more use propping up our scrum than coaching us...
Chiefy
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@taniwharugby Really? He was on a 3 year contract? That was a bit optimistic by the NRU...
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@taniwharugby said in Coach:
So it would appear that Harris has either stood down or been pushed out the door as his job has been advertised today.
If he has stood down, you gotta give the guy some credit for doing so early enough to allow things to move on, as I am sure he knew how tough it was when he came in at the 11th hour.
While I think alot of this seaosn fall at his feet, you also gotta point out that we did make big strides from his first year too, so thats on him as well.
I guess the question is, where too from here?
I expect at least one of the unsuccessful candidates from the last appointment will probably apply again, but what new ones will come out?
I'd be keen on someone like Gus and Dooley taking it on with Woodward at the helm to mentor them
He might not have resigned or been sacked. It's probably just a case of the NRU advertising the position. I would've been very surprised if the job hadn't been advertised. A 5% winning record just isn't good enough. Some allowances could've been made for last year but even then I think we should've done better than we did. This year was an improvement but there's no way with the talent we had available should we have finished last again.
I think he will be under huge pressure to retain the role. My money would be on Greg Shipton taking over - proven NPC track record, NZ u/19s coach and long history with NRU and won the club comp this year with OBM. Would be hesitant about legends like Collins or Holwell taking over with little/no club experience.
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It's always a hard balance to work out whether it's players or coaches to blame. Now that we have had a number of players involved in Super Rugby, they've had a full season of build up and preparation and we're still 0-5. That's why I would be thinking it's the coaches that need changing. The games I've watched this year the team has looked like it has plenty of potential, it's just not being fulfilled.
Would have to think if the coaches do go Greg Shipton would be a contender. Good track record with North Otago and NZ Age Group teams, worked for the NRU for a long time and just won a club title with OBM in his first crack at it.
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I obviously didn't watch the game but would have to think this result might have done a fair bit of damage to the coaches chances of retaining their positions given the winless streak we're currently on. We had a lot more experience than BoP, it was a must win game and we got thrashed.
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Bloody hell the updates I was getting from NZ must be delayed! That's terrible
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Keep the updates coming Kev - this isn't on Sky UK so couldn't record it to watch later. Any updates would be brilliant!
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I think you're right Gunner - they're going for extra size. As TR mentioned it's a bit of a risk given Robinsons experience. Also surprised they've left out Ram - he's been excellent for us. Surely 8 days is long enough to get a rest. Ram isn't the biggest but is a very strong ball carrier and given his stats from last weeks game it is a surprise he's been left out.
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Gunner" data-cid="611810" data-time="1472896472">
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<p>Chiefy to be fair, most of my miserableness was in the first 8 minutes when we'd already leaked 3 tries...<br>
Yep 3. After 8 minutes.<br>
If that doesn't justify miserableness, what does?<br><br>
We did get better after that and managed to score a few points, but I stand by what I say about of midfield and our shit defense.<br><br>
And I can't remember the last time we won a game, so while it may not be all bad, it's a bloody long way from me being happy that's for sure.<br><br>
BOP next up is it?<br><br>
If we can't win this one, I just don't know where we're going to pick up a win...</p>
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<p>I know what you're saying. I woke up nice and early on a Saturday morning dreading to think what was about to happen. After the first 10 minutes I thought my weekend was going to be ruined before it had barely even begun!</p>
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<p>On the midfield defence, as Kev pointed out Goodhue ran straight past Olsen. I think another of the tries came from McNicholl brushing off Olsen. Maybe the coaches have got to get Olsen out of defending in the midfield as it was a weak point for us.</p>
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<p>I'm not prepared to write off Hyland/Tua just yet. Tua is only 18/19 so will take a while to get used to this standard but to me looks a decent prospect. Hyland in my opinion seems to be growing at this level - I think he is adding some good physicality. Where we need to improve is structure - we need to make sure we're not too condensed in defence. A few times tonight the midfield got sucked in and that drew the wingers in too allowing Canterbury to get on the outside of us. I want to see them try and develop guys - my worry with Wood is that there's not much upside to playing him. If he does well I'm guessing he's likely to go back to England for a big money contract, if he's not up to it we're no further forward. Will be good to have another attacking option available to use if needed</p>
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<p>As I said mate, we're 0-4 but we did have a tough draw to start the season, it get's noticeably easier from here on</p> -
<p>BoP is a must win no questions asked. If we want to make the semi final those are the points you have to pick up. Getting Auckland, Canterbury and Otago out of the way early should be good for us I think</p>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="kev" data-cid="611803" data-time="1472895885">
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<p><strong>Who did Jack run through in the first five minutes - those are the tries that rip your nightie.</strong><br><br>
We should be ambitious with our selections and tactics because the current midfield just doesn't do enough on attack or defence.</p>
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<p>Jordan Olsen. He fell off McNicholl early on too. He wasn't as sharp tonight as usual - I was wondering if he wasn't 100%</p>
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<p>To be honest I wouldn't mind seeing them try that midfield against a lesser team than Canterbury. I think they have something to work with there. I also think Lawebuka has to start on the right wing - offers a lot more upside in attack and size over Lama</p> -
<p>Gunner you're more of a miserable sulk tonight than the Canterbury forwards became in that last 10 minutes or so. Don't think we were anywhere near as bad as what you're suggesting. Definitely some work ons but after 3 games in 8 days we held up bloody well against that sharp Canterbury team - they absolutely smashed Auckland and Ta$man by about 30 points each. Agree the lineout started shaky but once Ross Wright got into his work it started going quite well. The scrum swung back and forth between both teams and I thought was a bloody good contest.</p>
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<p>I couldn't believe when we didn't roll over to Canterbury how much they started to niggle in the last 10 minutes. Codie Taylor was exceptionally pathetic.</p>
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<p>What I like is everyone comes in and plays their part and steps up. Uluviti and Larsen are meant to be development players but they've come in and haven't let the team down. Aorangi Stokes and the 2 reserve halfbacks Macleod and Markwick have also stepped in well when called upon. Ross Wright is such a strong option to have as reserve hooker - I think he needs to stay in the 23 every week. Namatahi Waa continues to impress, Silioto is doing well and Talaese was a step up on the last game I watched. Hawkins as well was handy - apart from his early poor grubber he came back well, with his kicking keeping us in touch with them. Just wish he would play a bit flatter. Breen is better for our attack but we could use Hawkins goalkicking for tight games like the Otago one. I know Goodhue will stand out for his hat trick but thought he was immense around the field tonight too. Matich and Ram were their usual busy selves.</p>
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<p>I think the midfield defense did improve as the game wore on - to be fair to them the ball movement of that Canterbury team is exceptional and a step up on anything we've faced so far. Hopefully they will be better for the game.</p>
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<p>I think Northland will take a huge amount from that game. I don't think many other Championship teams will take many points from that Canterbury team and we outscored Auckland and Ta$man quite comfortably against them too. I think the coaches will be disappointed to be 0-4 but in the scheme of things it gets a lot easier for us now and we've had our short turnaround so I think it's looking quite promising.</p>
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<p>Chin up Gunner it's not all bad ;)</p> -
<p>Neville is a better kicker with his left foot than most of our backs are with the right!</p>
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<p>Lama is getting exploited on the right wing and the midfield defence is also getting badly exposed too. Uluviti seems to be a decent prospect - big unit but handling seems an issue.</p>
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<p>We need Hawkins to be not scared of taking the ball to the line. Breen plays alot flatter than him - we haven't had much ball but when we have had it we haven't looked very threatening.</p>
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<p>This Canterbury team I think is vulnerable defensively if we can consistently pressure them. On attack they are quite hard to contain because they have such fast movement and such crisp passing - their attack is a definite class above anything I've seen in the comp so far</p> -
<p>That's not too bad - quite inexperienced bench but starting lineup is still looking quite strong. Wouldn't have minded seeing Tamati Tua get another go starting but I guess it's all rotation.</p>
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<p>After 2 rounds of the comp there are some players with good stats:</p>
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<p>Carries:</p>
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<p>Luke Whitelock Canterbury <span>40</span></p>
<p>Greg Foe Wellington <span>26</span></p>
<p>Michael Collins Otago <span>25</span></p>
<p>Murphy Taramai North Harbour <span>25</span></p>
<p><strong>Jordan Olsen Northland</strong> <strong><span>24</span></strong></p>
<p>Christopher Vui North Harbour <span>24</span></p>
<p>Monty Ioane Bay Of Plenty <span>22</span></p>
<p>Michael Little North Harbour <span>22</span></p>
<p>Isaia Walker-Leawere Wellington <span>22</span></p>
<p>Johnny McNicholl Canterbury <span>22</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Clean Breaks:</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Ngani Laumape Manawatu <span>6</span></p>
<p>Fa'asiu Fuatai Otago <span>6</span></p>
<p>Matt Vaega North Harbour <span>6</span></p>
<p>Nathan Earle Canterbury <span>5</span></p>
<p>Mitchell Scott Otago <span>5</span></p>
<p><strong>Kara Pryor Northland</strong> <strong><span>5</span></strong></p>
<p>Wes Goosen Wellington <span>5</span></p>
<p>Joe Hill Wellington <span>5</span></p>
<p><strong>Solomona Alaimalo Northland</strong> <strong><span>4</span></strong></p>
<p>Willis Halaholo Waikato <span>4</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Metres Gained:</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Solomona Alaimalo Northland</strong> <strong><span>184</span></strong></p>
<p>Johnny McNicholl Canterbury <span>182</span></p>
<p>Fa'asiu Fuatai Otago <span>182</span></p>
<p>Michael Little North Harbour <span>181</span></p>
<p>Matt Proctor Wellington <span>176</span></p>
<p>Jordie Barrett Canterbury <span>174</span></p>
<p>Matt Duffie North Harbour <span>166</span></p>
<p>Sam Vaka Counties Manukau <span>150</span></p>
<p>Afa Fa'atau North Harbour <span>147</span></p>
<p>Melani Nanai Auckland <span>146</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Offloads:</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Luke Whitelock Canterbury <span>9</span></p>
<p>Hamish Northcott Manawatu <span>6</span></p>
<p><em>Jack Goodhue Canterbury</em> <em><span>6</span></em></p>
<p>Michael Collins Otago <span>6</span></p>
<p><strong>Solomona Alaimalo Northland</strong> <strong><span>5</span></strong></p>
<p>Viliame Rarasea Counties Manukau <span>5</span></p>
<p>Teihorangi Walden Otago <span>5</span></p>
<p>Marty McKenzie Taranaki <span>5</span></p>
<p>Joe Tupe Bay Of Plenty <span>4</span></p>
<p>Matt Garland Shield Snorters <span>4</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Tackles:</p>
<p> </p>
<p>James Lentjes Otago <span>33</span></p>
<p>Hugh Renton Shield Snorters <span>28</span></p>
<p>Ash Dixon Shield Snorters <span>27</span></p>
<p>Jacob Skeen Waikato <span>27</span></p>
<p>Mark Abbott Shield Snorters <span>25</span></p>
<p>Tony Lamborn Shield Snorters <span>24</span></p>
<p><strong>Matt Matich Northland</strong> <strong><span>24</span></strong></p>
<p>Shane Christie Ta$man <span>23</span></p>
<p>Michael Little North Harbour <span>23</span></p>
<p>Heiden Bedwell Manawatu <span>23</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Solomon Alaimalo will turn some heads if he keeps putting those numbers up...</p> -
<p>I'm not too worried about it. It wasn't an ideal result but there were still some good signs there. The lineout wasn't good but with the conditions and with the size of the Auckland pack they were always going to trouble us there - Luatua was a thorn in our side all over the field but especially at the lineout. I think the scoreline flattered Auckland a bit - they deserved the win but not by such a margin. Breens disallowed intercept should've been given - that was basically a 14 point try if that gets given it's a tighter scoreline and I think a truer reflection of the game.</p>
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<p>I think our scrum is starting to look very good and the bonus for us is 3 of our props - Waa, Kite and Sililoto have good skills and are quite mobile. </p>
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<p>Jack Ram had a massive game - he's such an awesome ball carrier and so tough in the contact. He would've easily been our best player for me barring the crazy kick! Matt Matich was great off the bench, such a big workload and was a good physical presence at the ruck. I don't think Faleafa has the biggest engine but he definitely gives us a physical presence and it was a shame he went off so early.</p>
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<p>Alaimalo again looked like he will be a dangerous player from fullback - think he should stay at fullback for now. Thought Tamati Tua had a good game as well - looked solid on defence but wonder if he might be better suited to centre than 2nd five? Think a combination of Hyland 12, Tua 13 might be a good option to try against Otago.</p>
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<p>The biggest worry for me is the injury toll - we lost a lot of players throughout that game adding to Kara Pryor being out, with a short turnaround we might stretched thin.</p>
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<p>Definitely wasn't the result I was wanting but I'm not too bothered by the scoreline. We need to start winning some games though! We need to get into that top 4!</p> -
<p>Why the hell are we putitng in so many stupid little kicks?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>We lose so much around the field with Talaese on the field. There was an opportunity for a counter attack then yet Talaese just put his head down and carted it straight up and we missed out on numbers advantage out wide. Scrum hasn't been as dominant since he came on either.</p>
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<p>The amount of injuries we've sustained is a big worry considering we need to back up on Wednesday</p> -
<p>Handling and defence are going to be very important in the second half. Our handling has been abysmal albeit in very tough conditions. We need to use our dominant scrum as much as possible. The lineout looks like a lottery for both teams! I think we found the right idea toward the end - keep it tight. The wind is the big worry - expect Auckland to play territory in the second half and they seem to have the bigger guys to control the ruck a little better.</p>
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<p>Alaimalo and Macilai have looked dangerous with ball in hand - it's just difficult to get the ball out to them! I think Tamati Tua has made a good starting debut so far. We are missing Faleafas physicality in defence I think - he's a much more physical player than his brother! To be honest, if any team loses a player like Dan Pryor it will be a loss but I think the guys we have brought on are all very handy players. Think if anything with the extra size we might not be as mobile but should be stronger at scrum and ruck time</p> -
<p>We are getting decimated by injuries. Jack Ram has been carrying so well! Very impressed by our scrum tonight! Think the scrum will get even stronger with Ross Wright!</p>
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