Super Rugby 2025 Thread

[Guy Smiley]

So, a compact power pack playing hooker with a kick chase game…

I am excite

[Firewater]

Perofeta off after having a poor game.

[Hugo]

O'Connor has been a great acquisition by the Saders.

[Guy Smiley]

O'Connor has been a great acquisition by the Saders.

Absolutely. Real chance he’ll start next week I reckon, he’s all class.

[Kiwias]

Bonus point win against the old enemy at their ground is a great result

[Gumboot]

Bonus point win against the old enemy at their ground is a great result

Yep, 42-19 is a proper hiding.

Used to think last year's Saders had to be the worst defending champs ever. Not any more.

[Guy Smiley]

That post game interview with Moanunu was a classic

[Kiwias]

That post game interview with Moanunu was a classic

Just a kid having fun with his mates!!!

[Torquemada 1420]

Bonus point win against the old enemy at their ground is a great result

Yep, 42-19 is a proper hiding.

Used to think last year's Saders had to be the worst defending champs ever. Not any more.

Yeah.

[Certain Navigator]

O'Connor has been a great acquisition by the Saders.

Absolutely. Real chance he’ll start next week I reckon, he’s all class.

This is the kind of thinking that led to Barrett being used as a starting 10 by the ABs, resulting in 7 years of famine. Leave O'Connor where he's succeeding (mostly) and leave Kamara to develop nicely.

[Hugo]

O'Connor has been a great acquisition by the Saders.

Absolutely. Real chance he’ll start next week I reckon, he’s all class.

This is the kind of thinking that led to Barrett being used as a starting 10 by the ABs, resulting in 7 years of famine. Leave O'Connor where he's succeeding (mostly) and leave Kamara to develop nicely.

Not to push back too heavily on your point here but do you see Kamara developing?

The only reason I say that is because from what little I've seen he doesn't really impact games and when he is subbed off for JOC the latter tends to make a bigger impression in 5 minutes than Kamara managed in the hour or so he was on the pitch.

I get that Kamara is being developed for the long run I just don't really see him do anything in games that makes him look like someone with potential.

[Kiwias]

Absolutely. Real chance he’ll start next week I reckon, he’s all class.

This is the kind of thinking that led to Barrett being used as a starting 10 by the ABs, resulting in 7 years of famine. Leave O'Connor where he's succeeding (mostly) and leave Kamara to develop nicely.

Not to push back too heavily on your point here but do you see Kamara developing?

The only reason I say that is because from what little I've seen he doesn't really impact games and when he is subbed off for JOC the latter tends to make a bigger impression in 5 minutes than Kamara managed in the hour or so he was on the pitch.

I get that Kamara is being developed for the long run I just don't really see him do anything in games that makes him look like someone with potential.

Kemara has started all five matches this season with JOC coming off the bench. The Crusaders are lying second in the table, with the backs having scored some sparkling tries, basically better all around that we saw pretty much all last season.

I would argue that the current situation at first five is working pretty well, though as I have said several times, Kemara needs some serious work on his kicking from the tee.

[Hugo]

This is the kind of thinking that led to Barrett being used as a starting 10 by the ABs, resulting in 7 years of famine. Leave O'Connor where he's succeeding (mostly) and leave Kamara to develop nicely.

Not to push back too heavily on your point here but do you see Kamara developing?

The only reason I say that is because from what little I've seen he doesn't really impact games and when he is subbed off for JOC the latter tends to make a bigger impression in 5 minutes than Kamara managed in the hour or so he was on the pitch.

I get that Kamara is being developed for the long run I just don't really see him do anything in games that makes him look like someone with potential.

Kemara has started all five matches this season with JOC coming off the bench. The Crusaders are lying second in the table, with the backs having scored some sparkling tries, basically better all around that we saw pretty much all last season.

I would argue that the current situation at first five is working pretty well, though as I have said several times, Kemara needs some serious work on his kicking from the tee.

True on the goal kicking front - I think he's making only the easiest kicks but missing a lot of the ones that are a little tricky but still makeable.

[Guy Smiley]

I think Kemara's fine as a 10 and will get better as his confidence grows... he's still pretty raw and new into the cauldron. I don't like dropping players when they're struggling as I think it can make the problem worse IF they feel they're being punished. For that reason I commented that it was good to see him selected again for this week in the pre game postings... but JOC's form is irresistible and a switch to the bench away from the pressure of early game kicking might help him get over the yips. It is the yups, his kicking has been fine previously.

It's a long enough season that a mini break like that won't do any harm and might work out well for everyone. Another idea that could work is to hand the kicking duties over to someone else, Fihaki has done some goal kicking and has an excellent boot.

[Gumboot]

Here's one from left field... I wouldn't mind seeing how Xavi Taele would go at 10. Reckon he has all the skills, including goalkicking, and a very good passing game. Seems to have pretty solid defence too, although he was clearly out-played by Havili last night.

[Guy Smiley]

Bit hard to judge an individual performance in a game like that where the Blues did that thing they do and relied on reputation to win for them...

both packs were missing key players but the Saders worked over it. I saw a few petty moves early with the ball needlessly kicked away after the whistle by Auckland players and it looked as if that petty niggle was turned back on them with interest, there was some real feeling in those penalties being awarded by the Saders players later on in the game.

Not gonna single Taele out there, he's a promising player surrounded by guys who can be so much better when they can be bothered. One of the PR guys I have on my FB asked at half time if anyone could explain Rieko Ioanne and I think it's a fair question.

[Gumboot]

I suppose it could equally be argued that the Saders were resting on their laurels last year, before they too came a cropper.

But hey ho...

I really like the look of Moananu, he really punches above his weight. With Bell out, he's getting plenty of chances to impress and nailing them, imho.

[Guy Smiley]

I don't think the situation boils down that easily

The Blues aren't playing under a new coach with half of their list unavailable due to injury.

[Gumboot]

No 'new coach' excuse, but here's their round 6 injury list:

PJ Sheck (shoulder)
Zarn Sullivan (foot)
Ben Ake (shoulder)
Beauden Barrett (hand)
Adrian Choat (knee)
Taufa Funaki (shoulder)
Reon Paul (shoulder)
Ricky Riccitelli (chest)
Ofa Tu’ungafasi (neck)
Anton Segner (concussion)
Sam Darry (shoulder, season)
AJ Lam (leg)

[Hugo]

No 'new coach' excuse, but here's their round 6 injury list:

PJ Sheck (shoulder)
Zarn Sullivan (foot)
Ben Ake (shoulder)
Beauden Barrett (hand)
Adrian Choat (knee)
Taufa Funaki (shoulder)
Reon Paul (shoulder)
Ricky Riccitelli (chest)
Ofa Tu’ungafasi (neck)
Anton Segner (concussion)
Sam Darry (shoulder, season)
AJ Lam (leg)

The funny thing was in this last round Fiji had no injuries, how is that even possible in 2025?

[Enzedder]

Sadists were injury free (until the start of the warmup) too, I think

[Hugo]

but JOC's form is irresistible and a switch to the bench away from the pressure of early game kicking might help him get over the yips. It is the yups, his kicking has been fine previously.

You are dead right on that point, for some reason I thought he struggled all season long on his kicking but he actually made all of his kicks in the week 1 match v Hurricanes.

[Gumboot]

but JOC's form is irresistible and a switch to the bench away from the pressure of early game kicking might help him get over the yips. It is the yups, his kicking has been fine previously.

You are dead right on that point, for some reason I thought he struggled all season long on his kicking but he actually made all of his kicks in the week 1 match v Hurricanes.

Not quite. He converted the 4 tries under the posts, but missed the last one from about 10 metres in from touch.

He's a work in progress but I also like him starting with O'Connor on the bench. Especially when they're putting 40 points on the defending chumps.

[Hugo]

but JOC's form is irresistible and a switch to the bench away from the pressure of early game kicking might help him get over the yips. It is the yups, his kicking has been fine previously.

You are dead right on that point, for some reason I thought he struggled all season long on his kicking but he actually made all of his kicks in the week 1 match v Hurricanes.

Not quite. He converted the 4 tries under the posts, but missed the last one from about 10 metres in from touch.

He's a work in progress but I also like him starting with O'Connor on the bench. Especially when they're putting 40 points on the defending chumps.

You think the Blues can turn it around after the bye week?

[Kiwias]

but JOC's form is irresistible and a switch to the bench away from the pressure of early game kicking might help him get over the yips. It is the yups, his kicking has been fine previously.

You are dead right on that point, for some reason I thought he struggled all season long on his kicking but he actually made all of his kicks in the week 1 match v Hurricanes.

Not quite. He converted the 4 tries under the posts, but missed the last one from about 10 metres in from touch.

He's a work in progress but I also like him starting with O'Connor on the bench. Especially when they're putting 40 points on the defending chumps.

Add to this the fact that the threequarters are scoring lots of tries, so he must be doing something right at 10. I am good with him starting and JOC coming off the bench.

[Gumboot]

You think the Blues can turn it around after the bye week?

No idea tbh. Their round 8 opponents the Canes are coming off their own bye this week, so it'll be interesting to see if there's any rust against the Tahs. And a lot will depend on how many of the Blues casualties are back. If Tuipulotu's out again their pack may well struggle to lift. And of course, whoever they start at 10 simply has to get the job done.

[Hugo]

You think the Blues can turn it around after the bye week?

No idea tbh. Their round 8 opponents the Canes are coming off their own bye this week, so it'll be interesting to see if there's any rust against the Tahs. And a lot will depend on how many of the Blues casualties are back. If Tuipulotu's out again their pack may well struggle to lift. And of course, whoever they start at 10 simply has to get the job done.

Yeah, injuries have really derailed Blues season, plus losing Akira. No Riccitelli and no news on BBs return.

I'm hoping they can put a run together and make a low seed because I hate to see a championship poorly defended like this.

[Hugo]

As forecast by Guy - O'Connor with the start for Saders this week. Ethan Blackadder back, Sevu Reece rotated out of the team.

Looks like the Chiefs are living their best lives in Hong Kong during the bye week.

[Kiwias]

Hotham back at 9. This is a damned good team and it looks as if Penny has given Kemara a week off after a full-on start to the season so far.

[Gumboot]

Yeah, injuries have really derailed Blues season, plus losing Akira. No Riccitelli and no news on BBs return.

I'm hoping they can put a run together and make a low seed because I hate to see a championship poorly defended like this.

Yep, would be great to see them playing better. I don't think the loss of Akira can be overstated. He had plenty of haters, but played really well in his last couple of seasons here. The Blues are badly missing his crunching defence and runs close to the ruck imho.


Just seen that our 'Arry's out for the Canes for the next few weeks. Bugger.

[Hugo]

Yeah, injuries have really derailed Blues season, plus losing Akira. No Riccitelli and no news on BBs return.

I'm hoping they can put a run together and make a low seed because I hate to see a championship poorly defended like this.

Yep, would be great to see them playing better. I don't think the loss of Akira can be overstated. He had plenty of haters, but played really well in his last couple of seasons here. The Blues are badly missing his crunching defence and runs close to the ruck imho.


Just seen that our 'Arry's out for the Canes for the next few weeks. Bugger.

Was Akira criticised in NZ for being considered lazy? His playing style reminded me of one of those crafty old school number 8s in the sense that he moved intelligently and efficiently. Economy of effort but very effective. I can see how people would fault that as opposed to someone who has a higher workrate.

[Gumboot]

Was Akira criticised in NZ for being considered lazy? His playing style reminded me of one of those crafty old school number 8s in the sense that he moved intelligently and efficiently. Economy of effort but very effective. I can see how people would fault that as opposed to someone who has a higher workrate.

I think he probably suffered from being a school rugby prodigy who was used to making rampaging charges while swatting off hapless tacklers a la Lomu, and it took him quite a while to adapt to the hard, tight graft required of a pro loose forward. He and Rieko's head rubbing niggle gloats didn't exactly endear them to a lot of fans either. But once he knuckled down, especially in the last few years, he was a much more effective loosie and deffo up to ABs standard imho.

[Gumboot]

Anyone know what's going on with Pasilio Tosi? he hasn't been named in a Canes game-day squad for a few weeks now, but he hasn't been listed as injured either.

[Hugo]

Anyone know what's going on with Pasilio Tosi? he hasn't been named in a Canes game-day squad for a few weeks now, but he hasn't been listed as injured either.

That's one thing that Super rugby could improve upon. There are obviously four reasons why players are out, long term, season ending/curtailing injuries, short term knocks, rotations and being dropped.

Knocks, rotations and dropped players I'm sure overlap a fair bit but I wish there was greater coverage on why players are out, how long for etc.

I don't follow this stuff daily but I have it on my social media and I feel like they could throw in more specifics on injuries. Example, how long is BB out for? He's one of the marquee players for the comp but since that injury I've not heard anything.

Second example - Macca Springer scored 5 tries a few weeks ago then was not named in the XV for the following match, I wish stuff like that was interrogated more.

Tbf, I just googled this and it was on stuff, but nothing was mentioned in the coverage of the Blues game or if it was, I missed it.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360620906 ... a-springer

[Enzedder]

Chiefs are good at advising injury updates

Gallagher Chiefs injury update ahead of Round 6
Simon Parker, Knee, Short-term
Anton Lienert-Brown, Leg, Short-term
Josh Lord, Knee, Mid-term
Rameka Poihipi, Knee, Season
Kaleb Trask, Hamstring, Mid-term
Etene Nanai-Seturo, Hamstring, Long-term
Liam Coombes-Fabling, Knee, Mid-term
Fiti Sa, Shoulder, Long-term
Wallace Sititi, Knee, Long-term
Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Shoulder, Short-term

[Gumboot]

Anyone know what's going on with Pasilio Tosi? he hasn't been named in a Canes game-day squad for a few weeks now, but he hasn't been listed as injured either.

That's one thing that Super rugby could improve upon. There are obviously four reasons why players are out, long term, season ending/curtailing injuries, short term knocks, rotations and being dropped.

Knocks, rotations and dropped players I'm sure overlap a fair bit but I wish there was greater coverage on why players are out, how long for etc.

I don't follow this stuff daily but I have it on my social media and I feel like they could throw in more specifics on injuries. Example, how long is BB out for? He's one of the marquee players for the comp but since that injury I've not heard anything.

Second example - Macca Springer scored 5 tries a few weeks ago then was not named in the XV for the following match, I wish stuff like that was interrogated more.

Tbf, I just googled this and it was on stuff, but nothing was mentioned in the coverage of the Blues game or if it was, I missed it.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360620906 ... a-springer

The Super Rugby site now lists each team's current injuries when they post the teams for the round on their news page. Not very comprehensive, but better than nothing I guess.

https://super.rugby/superrugby/news/sup ... t-round-7/

Nothing there or anywhere else about Tosi though, afaik..?

[Kiwias]

The Super Rugby site now lists each team's current injuries when they post the teams for the round on their news page. Not very comprehensive, but better than nothing I guess.

https://super.rugby/superrugby/news/sup ... t-round-7/

Nothing there or anywhere else about Tosi though, afaik..?

Some give details and likely duration but others have little to no details. I would like to see some consistency across all teams.

[Gumboot]

The Super Rugby site now lists each team's current injuries when they post the teams for the round on their news page. Not very comprehensive, but better than nothing I guess.

https://super.rugby/superrugby/news/sup ... t-round-7/

Nothing there or anywhere else about Tosi though, afaik..?

Some give details and likely duration but others have little to no details. I would like to see some consistency across all teams.

Absolutely.

Canes vs Tahs just about to kick off at the Cake Tin.

Canes cannot afford to blow this one.

[Gumboot]

Bang! Bang!

[Gumboot]

Canes ahead 24-7 at HT.

Some of the Canes' handling, and their defence, has been outstanding.