Super Rugby Pacific

[Jb1981]

It’s slim pickings if Smith gets hurt.

[Guy Smiley]

Brad Webber's incredibly enormous head can always be counted on to fill any gaps.

ANY gaps. It's incredible just how quickly his relatively smallish frame can propel that enormous head. A miracle of modern science.

Christie actually went alright on tour last year. He wasn't a standout yesterday and neither was Nock but it is early in the season. I think TTT went on tour under Hansen too, didn't he? I can't remember if he got any game time, I think he did but I'm too honest to google it.

[Dan54]

Brad Webber's incredibly enormous head can always be counted on to fill any gaps.

ANY gaps. It's incredible just how quickly his relatively smallish frame can propel that enormous head. A miracle of modern science.

Christie actually went alright on tour last year. He wasn't a standout yesterday and neither was Nock but it is early in the season. I think TTT went on tour under Hansen too, didn't he? I can't remember if he got any game time, I think he did but I'm too honest to google it.

Yep I seem to recall TTT getting a bit og gametime, like you I too bloody lazy to google it. Think he may of come up a little short of what they were hoping!

[Jb1981]

Brad Webber's incredibly enormous head can always be counted on to fill any gaps.

ANY gaps. It's incredible just how quickly his relatively smallish frame can propel that enormous head. A miracle of modern science.

Christie actually went alright on tour last year. He wasn't a standout yesterday and neither was Nock but it is early in the season. I think TTT went on tour under Hansen too, didn't he? I can't remember if he got any game time, I think he did but I'm too honest to google it.

Yep I seem to recall TTT getting a bit og gametime, like you I too bloody lazy to google it. Think he may of come up a little short of what they were hoping!

I’m not going to Google either but did TTT get time on the tour Brett Cameron set the rugby world abuzz against Japan? Was it even in that game?

[Guy Smiley]

Not lazy Dan, I was too honest to use the Google Fu.

However, your filthy Taranaki sledge spurred me to have a look....

https://www.allblacks.com/playerprofile ... iorangi-2/

Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi is one of a very small number of current New Zealand players to have faced the Māori All Blacks, after being called into the New Zealand Barbarians to play the team at Eden Park in 2015.

That same year he starred in the World Rugby Under 20 Championship-winning New Zealand Under 20 campaign, in which he played all five matches.

He made his debut for the Māori All Blacks during the DHL New Zealand Lions Series in 2017 and was later selected for the All Blacks in 2018 where he debuted against Argentina in Nelson, before going on to play against Japan and Italy. He made headlines when his whānau performed an emotional haka in the stands to recognise his debut Test match against Argentina in Nelson.

[Gumboot]

According to allblacks.com TTT debuted against Argentina in Nelson in 2018. I remembered it was a home game as his family in the stands gave him a Haka at full time. Then he went on the EOYT - iirc he and Drummond were in the advance group that played Japan while the rest of the squad went straight to Europe. He was very promising, but as Dan said he didn't quite measure up at the time. Still, he's only 26 and his prospects look much improved now he's landed with the Saders.

Edit: Guy beat me to it.

[Guy Smiley]

I don't know if he went off the boil or Hansen et al weren't impressed enough with him to persevere...

considering the indulgent favouring of coach favourites that we've seen for several years now, I reckon it's more than fair to keep an open mind and see how he goes this season. I know Hall and Drummond are the incumbent players but I don't think they're so good that a decent player working hard wouldn't have every chance of surpassing them in the pecking order.

[Jimmy Smallsteps]

Not a great start to the campaign for the Lowlanders. In fact, it's lucky I have time for the Saders because my other team, the Rebels, are pretty shithouse too.

[Dan54]

Not lazy Dan, I was too honest to use the Google Fu.

However, your filthy Taranaki sledge spurred me to have a look....

https://www.allblacks.com/playerprofile ... iorangi-2/

Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi is one of a very small number of current New Zealand players to have faced the Māori All Blacks, after being called into the New Zealand Barbarians to play the team at Eden Park in 2015.

That same year he starred in the World Rugby Under 20 Championship-winning New Zealand Under 20 campaign, in which he played all five matches.

He made his debut for the Māori All Blacks during the DHL New Zealand Lions Series in 2017 and was later selected for the All Blacks in 2018 where he debuted against Argentina in Nelson, before going on to play against Japan and Italy. He made headlines when his whānau performed an emotional haka in the stands to recognise his debut Test match against Argentina in Nelson.

Naki sledge??? Moi???

[Guy Smiley]

Yes Dan, you



Does anyone have an update on Jack Goodhue's return from his ACL injury? I had a bit of a look today and gave up after watching a clip of him being interviewed by Israel Dagg in November.

[Kiwias]

Crusaders named for match vs Chiefs

Will Jordan, Sevu Reece, Braydon Ennor, David Havili, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Richie Mo’unga, Bryn Hall, Pablo Matera, Tom Christie, Ethan Blackadder, Sam Whitelock, Scott Barrett, Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody.

Reserves: Brodie McAlister, George Bower, Tamaiti Williams, Mitch Dunshea, Cullen Grace, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Fergus Burke, George Bridge.

[Jimmy Smallsteps]

Crusaders named for match vs Chiefs

Will Jordan, Sevu Reece, Braydon Ennor, David Havili, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Richie Mo’unga, Bryn Hall, Pablo Matera, Tom Christie, Ethan Blackadder, Sam Whitelock, Scott Barrett, Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody.

Reserves: Brodie McAlister, George Bower, Tamaiti Williams, Mitch Dunshea, Cullen Grace, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Fergus Burke, George Bridge.

That is a ridiculously good Super Rugby level side. Add the Razor coaching credentials and it's practically the best side in the country, bar none.

[Kiwias]

Crusaders named for match vs Chiefs

Will Jordan, Sevu Reece, Braydon Ennor, David Havili, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Richie Mo’unga, Bryn Hall, Pablo Matera, Tom Christie, Ethan Blackadder, Sam Whitelock, Scott Barrett, Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody.

Reserves: Brodie McAlister, George Bower, Tamaiti Williams, Mitch Dunshea, Cullen Grace, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Fergus Burke, George Bridge.

That is a ridiculously good Super Rugby level side. Add the Razor coaching credentials and it's practically the best side in the country, bar none.

The Crusaders are not playing anywhere their potential, which is frustrating for the fans.

[Dan54]

Canes/MP game called off!
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/sup ... -postponed

And who have MP got next week? Highlanders , who have it in their squad!

[Gumboot]

Canes/MP game called off!
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/sup ... -postponed

And who have MP got next week? Highlanders , who have it in their squad!

Bugger.

[Jimmy Smallsteps]

Crusaders named for match vs Chiefs

Will Jordan, Sevu Reece, Braydon Ennor, David Havili, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Richie Mo’unga, Bryn Hall, Pablo Matera, Tom Christie, Ethan Blackadder, Sam Whitelock, Scott Barrett, Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody.

Reserves: Brodie McAlister, George Bower, Tamaiti Williams, Mitch Dunshea, Cullen Grace, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Fergus Burke, George Bridge.

That is a ridiculously good Super Rugby level side. Add the Razor coaching credentials and it's practically the best side in the country, bar none.

The Crusaders are not playing anywhere their potential, which is frustrating for the fans.

That's more than we can say for the All Blacks.

[Gumboot]

Blues vs Highlanders coming up in 30 minutes.

Blues: 1-Alex Hodgman, 2-Kurt Eklund, 3-Nepo Laulala, 4-Luke Romano, 5-Sam Darry, 6-Taine Plumtree, 7-Dalton Papalii (c), 8-Hoskins Sotutu, 9-Finlay Christie, 10-Beauden Barrett, 11-Caleb Clarke, 12-Bryce Heem, 13-Rieko Ioane, 14-Mark Telea, 15-Stephen Perofeta

Reserves: 16-Soane Vikena, 17-Ofa Tuungafasi, 18-Marcel Renata, 19-James Tucker, 20-Adrian Choat, 21-Sam Nock, 22-Tanielu Tele'a, 23-Zarn Sullivan

Highlanders: 1-Ethan de Groot, 2-Liam Coltman, 3-Jermaine Ainsley, 4-Manaaki Selby-Rickit, 5-Josh Dickson, 6-Shannon Frizell, 7-Gareth Evans, 8-Marino Mikaele Tu'u, 9-Aaron Smith (c), 10-Mitch Hunt, 11-Mosese Dawai, 12-Thomas Umaga-Jensen, 13-Scott Gregory, 14-Liam Coombes-Fabling, 15-Connor Garden-Bachop

Reserves: 16-Rhys Marshall, 17-Daniel Lienert-Brown, 18-Josh Hohneck, 19-Bryn Evans, 20-Hugh Renton, 21-Folau Fakatava, 22-Marty Banks, 23-Ngatungane Punivai

[Kiwias]

Clan scrum monster the Blues in the first scrum of the match.

[Kiwias]

The advantage law needs a review. Blues have an advantage and Caleb Clarke crosses the line needing only to ground it for a try when the prat loses his grip on the ball but the ref takes them back and the Blues still get the fucking penalty.

That is a complete joke.

[Guy Smiley]

Clarke throws away a certain try.

Interesting to see Pwrofeta at 10 with BB out. That brings Zarn Sullivan into 15z hope they both have good games.

[FalseBayFC]

I'm backing Caleb Clarke for a return to the black jersey.

[Guy Smiley]

I'm backing Caleb Clarke for a return to the black jersey.

Can’t see it myself, too much competition and the others have skills and speed. I think the ABs will have enough midfield players available to put Rieko back on the wing where he belongs.

Clarke is a bit like Scott Gregory for the Clan… lots of promise but he’ll cost you at critical moments.

[FalseBayFC]

I'm backing Caleb Clarke for a return to the black jersey.

Can’t see it myself, too much competition and the others have skills and speed. I think the ABs will have enough midfield players available to put Rieko back on the wing where he belongs.

Clarke is a bit like Scott Gregory for the Clan… lots of promise but he’ll cost you at critical moments.

That comment was a bit tongue in cheek. It seems that the age of the mega-wingers is past. Apart from peak Lomu, North, Savea ,Ioane they've only really been club/provincial level successes. I don't watch enough NZ rugby to know if Clarke has got the skills to move to 12/13. What I've seen of him wouldn't suggest it.

[Jb1981]

Another one dropped cold. It’s not been a game so far for the skills highlights reel.

[Jb1981]

I'm backing Caleb Clarke for a return to the black jersey.

Can’t see it myself, too much competition and the others have skills and speed. I think the ABs will have enough midfield players available to put Rieko back on the wing where he belongs.

Clarke is a bit like Scott Gregory for the Clan… lots of promise but he’ll cost you at critical moments.

That comment was a bit tongue in cheek. It seems that the age of the mega-wingers is past. Apart from peak Lomu, North, Savea ,Ioane they've only really been club/provincial level successes. I don't watch enough NZ rugby to know if Clarke has got the skills to move to 12/13. What I've seen of him wouldn't suggest it.

If you want a powerful midfielder, Caleb Clarke is a poor man’s Leicester Fainga'anuku.

[Guy Smiley]

Mitch Hunt managed a high tackle

[Guy Smiley]

I'm backing Caleb Clarke for a return to the black jersey.

Can’t see it myself, too much competition and the others have skills and speed. I think the ABs will have enough midfield players available to put Rieko back on the wing where he belongs.

Clarke is a bit like Scott Gregory for the Clan… lots of promise but he’ll cost you at critical moments.

That comment was a bit tongue in cheek. It seems that the age of the mega-wingers is past. Apart from peak Lomu, North, Savea ,Ioane they've only really been club/provincial level successes. I don't watch enough NZ rugby to know if Clarke has got the skills to move to 12/13. What I've seen of him wouldn't suggest it.

Yeah, pretty much agree with you there. There hasn’t been enough room for a power winger to operate in lately. It’s the quick, nimble skilful guys who shine.

What it all comes down to is that whatever the question, Leicester Faa’inganuku is the answer.

[Gumboot]

Can’t see it myself, too much competition and the others have skills and speed. I think the ABs will have enough midfield players available to put Rieko back on the wing where he belongs.

Clarke is a bit like Scott Gregory for the Clan… lots of promise but he’ll cost you at critical moments.

That comment was a bit tongue in cheek. It seems that the age of the mega-wingers is past. Apart from peak Lomu, North, Savea ,Ioane they've only really been club/provincial level successes. I don't watch enough NZ rugby to know if Clarke has got the skills to move to 12/13. What I've seen of him wouldn't suggest it.

If you want a powerful midfielder, Caleb Clarke is a poor man’s Leicester Fainga'anuku.

I don't rate either of them that highly tbh.

[Jb1981]

What it all comes down to is that whatever the question, Leicester Faa’inganuku is the answer.

Name a player likely to be misidentified by Grant Nisbett?

The logic holds.

[Guy Smiley]

What it all comes down to is that whatever the question, Leicester Faa’inganuku is the answer.

Name a player likely to be misidentified by Grant Nisbett?

The logic holds.

He's the Brown Caleb Ioane.

[Guy Smiley]

Great start to the second half from the Blues, that was magic to watch.

[FalseBayFC]

Taine Plumtree is one to watch. His dad is a class bloke. Enjoyed a good few beers with him at Crusaders rugby club in Durban North.

[Guy Smiley]

That was mad right up to the 92nd minute

[Gumboot]

Too much poor handling, and poor kicking early on, to make this a very memorable game.

Sullivan, Perofeta and Ioane had good games for the Blues. Darry banked another tireless 80+ minutes, and has arrived as a top young lineout talent. Clarke doesn't have a very good try scoring rate for a power winger.

Umaga-Jensen was a big loss for the Highlanders - the poor kid just keeps getting injured. Aaron Smith was excellent as usual, and Frizell got through a power of work. Hunt and Gregory were ordinary.

[Dan54]

Too much poor handling, and poor kicking early on, to make this a very memorable game.

Sullivan, Perofeta and Ioane had good games for the Blues. Darry banked another tireless 80+ minutes, and has arrived as a top young lineout talent. Clarke doesn't have a very good try scoring rate for a power winger.

Umaga-Jensen was a big loss for the Highlanders - the poor kid just keeps getting injured. Aaron Smith was excellent as usual, and Frizell got through a power of work. Hunt and Gregory were ordinary.

Summed it up bang on Gumboot.

[Guy Smiley]

Too much poor handling, and poor kicking early on, to make this a very memorable game.

Sullivan, Perofeta and Ioane had good games for the Blues. Darry banked another tireless 80+ minutes, and has arrived as a top young lineout talent. Clarke doesn't have a very good try scoring rate for a power winger.

Umaga-Jensen was a big loss for the Highlanders - the poor kid just keeps getting injured. Aaron Smith was excellent as usual, and Frizell got through a power of work. Hunt and Gregory were ordinary.

Yeah, pretty much all that. I thought both 8s showed their class. Sotutu has the benefit of more game time behind him now but both of these guys are a big part of our future in tests.


I think the Clan get too attached to Smith being on the ground and leave him out there too long. Fakatava needs more minutes and I think Smith is gone after 60z

Also… Tony Brown made his name as a 10. Why can’t he sort out the Clan’s woes in his specialist position?

[Jimmy Smallsteps]

Another shite effort from the Rebels against a superior Brumbies outfit.

Shirley caretaker coach Kevin Foote is kindly invited to do one at year's end.

In a similar vein, there is no way this vintage Reece Hodge or Matty Toomua makes the Wallabies.

Shitcan them both. Jordan Useless can go too, the fucking bin throwing cunt.

[Gumboot]

I thought both 8s showed their class. Sotutu has the benefit of more game time behind him now but both of these guys are a big part of our future in tests.

Mikaele-Tu'u a test no.8? Can't see it myself. He's struggling to even get starts for the Highlanders.

[Dan54]

I thought both 8s showed their class. Sotutu has the benefit of more game time behind him now but both of these guys are a big part of our future in tests.

Mikaele-Tu'u a test no.8? Can't see it myself. He's struggling to even get starts for the Highlanders.

I really rated Mikaele-Tuú , but I not so sure anymore.

[Guy Smiley]

I thought both 8s showed their class. Sotutu has the benefit of more game time behind him now but both of these guys are a big part of our future in tests.

Mikaele-Tu'u a test no.8? Can't see it myself. He's struggling to even get starts for the Highlanders.

i thought he was a bit of a stand out last night in a pack that was holding its own with the Blues Super Pack.

I don't know why he's struggling for starts, I don't follow rugby press here and rely on the bored for most of my insights into teams... but typing this out something struck me regarding his selection issues...

maybe he is a bit of a dud and that's all there is to it, but maybe we could start actually questioning Tony Brown's supposedly superstar coaching credentials. He's rated very highly by a lot of posters on the back of his assistant role under Joseph with Japan... but the Clan are poor and players aren't progressing.