@sammyc said in Super Rugby News:

@kiwimurph said in Super Rugby News:

Blues fans getting their excuses in early this year

Of course they have the hardest schedule. They can't play themselves now can they.

Bower was excellent. I think he's vastly underrated.

No idea why there is debate about 10. DMac clearly has the most experience and even if he isn't exactly a world class first five he's still an excellent 3rd choice. Jordie should be left at fullback for the next 3 tests.

@game_film said in Bledisloe 1:

Look at Foley’s team mate screaming at him to kick it. He knew

The commentators saying it's unprecedented but honestly what Foley was doing was taking the piss.

@KiwiMurph said in Blues vs. Chiefs:

On the other hand Collins is starting and Nanai isn't even in the 23 - ridiculous.

I can't believe it took four replies before that was mentioned!

@Nepia said in All Blacks v Ireland - 1st Test:

@chimoaus said in All Blacks v Ireland - 1st Test:

Ireland go to shit when Sexton is not there and now he failed the hia. Does that mean he's out for next weekend too?

Oh no, are we in for two weeks of Could'o'Doid the sequel?

Marshall saying Cane hit Sexton on the chin without mentioning that Sexton had fallen about a foot and was 6 inches off the ground lol.

There's got to be better commentators out there.

Reece needs to come in for Clark next week.

Clark is completely unable to find his support, butchering opportunities.

@No-Quarter said in Awesome stuff you see on the internet:

@NTA said in Awesome stuff you see on the internet:

Fucking loved that. The Northern Territory is a special place, still has a sense of humour, and is not shy about taking the piss.

Brilliant stuff. Weird too as every female I've shown that to thinks it's funny and not offensive - when the complainants say it is "offensive to women in general" I wonder who they are reffering to?

fluffybunnies, obviously.

@Chris-B said in So what did we learn from Bled2?:

@Kirwan Beady and Jordie are very different fullbacks. I have quite a strong preference for what Jordie brings.

Of course, it's all fucking Jordie's fault. If he'd just signed with the Crusaders when Razor told him to he would have been playing second-five for the past five years!

Beauden can catch high balls at FB better than David Havili can offer anything remotely resembling a physical presence in midfield.

It wasn't just that Jordie was carrying hard and making big metres but was also putting in a big shift in defence as well. It made a huge difference.

@Damo said in Highlanders v Waratahs:

When was the last time an Australian team won in NZ?

A couple of weeks ago in Hamilton.

Chiefs got spanked by the Brumbies.

@Bones said in All Blacks 2022:

@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2022:

@Tim said in All Blacks 2022:

@Victor-Meldrew Saw Blackadder selected at 8 and closed the video. What did he do at test level last year at 7 and 6? Nothing.

I think Blackadder could be a great 6, but at 8 ahead of Ardie? Nah.

I think he'd be an excellent 7.

I just checked the poll from SA 1 last year where he started at 7. Only J Barrett polled higher. They were by far the 2 stand outs. Being heavily involved in a test match victory over the world champs probably counts as more than nothing I'd suggest.

The discussion around loose forwards on this forum is pretty amusing at times. I wouldn't trade the loosie depth in NZ for any other nation*. Having quality guys on the fringes like Grace, Jacobson and MMT et al is absurd, honestly. Sure there's definitely a lack of players performing at a world class level (only Savea who has been consistent), but I don't think that's because of a lack of talent, more instead to do with muddled selection, stuttering team performance and honestly just average coaching (especially pre Ryan). Cane being on the wane and also un-droppable has also been a problem, and Foster needs to genuinely revisit the captaincy question...

*SA is certainly close but then they also select from outside SA too.

@KiwiMurph said in All Blacks 2022:

@Frye said in All Blacks 2022:

His best bet to make the RWC squad is to play 14 (or at least 15) for the Blues.

Just because someone is a fullback in league doesn't mean they are suited to fullback in rugby. Different requirements. Pushing Zarn and Perofeta out of 15 would have been a huge call.

Which is why I said 14.

@bayimports said in The Bay v Northland:

To think though the Bay just needed to hold firm in that one scrum and couldn't do it.

Some of the funniest reactions though to getting that scrum penalty at the end from Northland lol

Wasn't he giving it the "Doggies" one?
😂

@broughie said in All Blacks 2022:

@ACT-Crusader Really can’t see RTS playing as an AB 12 unless it is against Japan. He is better suited at center and he would have to displace Reiko and reserve in ALB. Wonder who said second five is your position or was it that we will fit you in at the Blues as such because we already have our center. He should go back to league.

MacDonald said they had a spot free at 12 so shoved him in there. Shortsighted really and you have to wonder what the AB coaches were doing while this was happening.

I agree he should probably go back to League. His best bet to make the RWC squad is to play 14 (or at least 15) for the Blues.

It's a tough one. Weber would be fantastic as a leader for the AB XV, but I also think he deserves the callup to the top side; also Christie might benefit from more gametime by playing with the XV.

Who are the potential captains for the AB XV?

Strong Japan team. Should be a close game.

So just Canada and BaaBaas locked in so far?

I'm excited to see the talent available get an opportunity. A great reward for those performers from the NPC but also genuine opportunity for those on the bubble of test selection.

I have no idea what the other 2 opponents will be made up from. Surely the Euro clubs would be extremely averse to releasing players at this time of year. A French Barbarian selection would be fantastic though if they could make it happen.

@Machpants said in NH club rugby:

Even the bean counters are talking about learnings

Worcester suspended and put into administration

Financially stricken Premiership club Worcester Warriors are suspended from all competitions and put into administration.

It's been corporate speak for over a decade.

(Not an endorsement by any means).

As just one example I've never seen NSW rugby in the doldrums like it was a couple of years ago. Just awful.

Whether it's player development, problem with the comps below Super level, the player and coaching exodus or what — something's not right with Australian rugby at it's core. Rennie can't be blamed for that.

@Stargazer there's nothing wrong with helping to develop an MP player. Or helping to develop someone playing for a Pacific nation. Potentially helping develop LA into a marquee player for MP is good for Super rugby, it gives the comp more credibility.

Also, if he goes really well then maybe a conversation with him about choosing NZ.