Super Rugby 2025 Thread

[Gumboot]

A bunch of cracking games to kick the season off.

best Round 1 evaaaaahhh...

highlight for me was the performances from new players. Absolute quality coming through and stepping up flawlessly.

Yep, most enjoyable. And as Enz said earlier, it's great to see the refs cracking the whip and speeding the games up.

Maybe test cricket umpires need whistles? And cattle prods?

[Guy Smiley]

Higgins has a double break in his hand, suffered at training two days out. May need surgery.

Damn.


https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360583095 ... d-training

[Gumboot]

Higgins has a double break in his hand, suffered at training two days out. May need surgery.

Damn.


https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360583095 ... d-training

Bugger.

And in more shit news, George Bell is gone for the Supe season with a broken foot.

[Torquemada 1420]

Right, I missed the 1st round due to family matters. Anyone want to explain to me how the Canes lose to a Saders side missing 13 players?

[Enzedder]

Right, I missed the 1st round due to family matters. Anyone want to explain to me how the Canes lose to a Saders side missing 13 players?

Hotham got injured and the Sadists brought on a Canes player who scored a hat trick. Who let him go then?

[Gumboot]

Right, I missed the 1st round due to family matters. Anyone want to explain to me how the Canes lose to a Saders side missing 13 players?

Hotham got injured and the Sadists brought on a Canes player who scored a hat trick. Who let him go then?

Just read that Preston is the son of former All Black Jon Preston, who was a member of the magnificent Saffer slayers of '96.

Not a bad pedigree, then.

[Guy Smiley]

Right, I missed the 1st round due to family matters. Anyone want to explain to me how the Canes lose to a Saders side missing 13 players?

Firstly, the Saders aren't the only team dealing with injury lists at the moment and the Canes had some key players out...

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/541893 ... njury-list

then there's the nature of the match itself. Losing your starting 9 within minutes was a setback but the replacement came on hungry and set things alight. He was helped out by enjoying a really good partnership with the under rated 10 who also set the attack up well.

Both teams had a good tussle in the forwards with bugger all between them. Have to once again mention the Saders' hooker, Ioane Moananu... I thought he shaded halfback Kyle Preston for MOTM despite Preston's headline grabbing effort with 3 tries. Moananu was everywhere, his throwing was pin point and his scrummaging work was first class. For a guy who is probably 3rd in line at the Saders, that was a complete performance and underlines the depth they have.

The real difference between the two teams was probably at 11, 12 and 15... Sevu Reece, David Havili and Will Jordan all chimed in with classy contributions and key plays. Reece's work ethic was impressive and he knows how to put himself right into the work when it counts.

Both teams were lethal on the counter but the mental game from the Saders coming back from two tries down early and surviving through the Canes onslaughts to maintain control was a key to it.

Really encouraging for me was the form and class shown by debutants / rookies / up and coming players across all of the NZ teams over the weekend. We've got some real talent coming through. Leroy Carter at the Chiefs is another one to watch, he came over from 7s and had a hand in nearly everything the Chiefs did in their win over the Blues.

[Sandstorm]

Short version: Crusaders cheated.

[Gumboot]

Just read that Preston is the son of former All Black Jon Preston, who was a member of the magnificent Saffer slayers of '96.

Not a bad pedigree, then.

...just now watching a replay of the Breakdown, and Jon Preston denies being the father!

That'll learn me for trusting something I read in the dastardly MSM.

[Guy Smiley]

[Firewater]

A factor in the Canes loss was unexpectly at HB. Roigard had a poorish 2nd half (esp his kicking) whereas Preston was outstanding

The Canes midfield was limited too.

Canes have got some issues to address in the backs until their top players return. Ive never rated PUJ or Sullivan and esp the 2nd half showed why, esp Sullivan. Godfrey might be more suited to FB and Harkins, after a good first half at FB, may be better suited to first. There arent too may other options though but Proctor might return next week

The forwards went well except the pack seemed to go back after Plummer replaced IWL so this also needs to be looked at

Regarding the Crusaders. The struggled to beat a weak Canes side. A better test will be next week away from home against the impressive Chiefs. Where Carter was class. Jacomb was ordinary (as was Plummer) and the difference when DMac moved to first was very noticable

[Torquemada 1420]

Right, I missed the 1st round due to family matters. Anyone want to explain to me how the Canes lose to a Saders side missing 13 players?

Firstly, the Saders aren't the only team dealing with injury lists at the moment and the Canes had some key players out...

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/541893 ... njury-list

then there's the nature of the match itself. Losing your starting 9 within minutes was a setback but the replacement came on hungry and set things alight. He was helped out by enjoying a really good partnership with the under rated 10 who also set the attack up well.

Both teams had a good tussle in the forwards with bugger all between them. Have to once again mention the Saders' hooker, Ioane Moananu... I thought he shaded halfback Kyle Preston for MOTM despite Preston's headline grabbing effort with 3 tries. Moananu was everywhere, his throwing was pin point and his scrummaging work was first class. For a guy who is probably 3rd in line at the Saders, that was a complete performance and underlines the depth they have.

The real difference between the two teams was probably at 11, 12 and 15... Sevu Reece, David Havili and Will Jordan all chimed in with classy contributions and key plays. Reece's work ethic was impressive and he knows how to put himself right into the work when it counts.

Both teams were lethal on the counter but the mental game from the Saders coming back from two tries down early and surviving through the Canes onslaughts to maintain control was a key to it.

Really encouraging for me was the form and class shown by debutants / rookies / up and coming players across all of the NZ teams over the weekend. We've got some real talent coming through. Leroy Carter at the Chiefs is another one to watch, he came over from 7s and had a hand in nearly everything the Chiefs did in their win over the Blues.

Cheers. Interesting on Moananu because lineout throws have not been a strong point for the Saders recently. Also good to hear kids not being confined to NPC.

[Gumboot]

Teams have been named for the Chiefs vs Saders game in Kirikiriroa on Friday night:

Chiefs:
Damian McKenzie, Emoni Narawa, Anton Lienert-Brown, Rameka Poihipi, Leroy Carter, Josh Jacomb, Xavier Roe, Luke Jacobson (capt), Jahrome Brown, Simon Parker, Tupou Vaa’i, Josh Lord, George Dyer, Bradley Slater, Aidan Ross
Reserves: Brodie McAlister, Jared Proffit, Reuben O’Neill, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Samipeni Finau, Cortez Ratima, Quinn Tupaea, Gideon Wrampling

Crusaders:
Will Jordan, Chay Fihaki, Levi Aumua, David Havili (capt), Sevu Reece, Taha Kemara, Kyle Preston, Christian Lio-Willie, Ethan Blackadder, Cullen Grace, Antonio Shalfoon, Scott Barrett, Fletcher Newell, Ioane Moananu, Tamaiti Williams
Reserves: Manumaua Letiu, George Bower, Sam Matenga, Tahlor Cahill, Corey Kellow, Mitchell Drummond, James O'Connor, Dallas McLeod

[Guy Smiley]

I really liked Tupaea's game the other night, I wonder why he's on the bench? Possible horses for courses selection but... I'm disappointed for him. I'd really like to see him settle as a serious contender for that ABs 12 jersey.

[Kiwias]

I really liked Tupaea's game the other night, I wonder why he's on the bench? Possible horses for courses selection but... I'm disappointed for him. I'd really like to see him settle as a serious contender for that ABs 12 jersey.

I was really looking forward to seeing Tupaea against Havili, who also had a very good game last week.

[Gumboot]

I really liked Tupaea's game the other night, I wonder why he's on the bench? Possible horses for courses selection but... I'm disappointed for him. I'd really like to see him settle as a serious contender for that ABs 12 jersey.

I was really looking forward to seeing Tupaea against Havili, who also had a very good game last week.

Yep, pretty much all the Kiwi 12s played well. PUJ had his moments, and Lam and Tavatavanawai were very good.

[Gumboot]

Round 2 kicking off shortly with the Chiefs hosting the Saders.

Was impressed with the Saders last week, especially their backline, but reckon the Chiefs could sneak this one. Hoping to see more from young Jacomb tonight.

[Kiwias]

Jacomb v Kemara looks very tasty.

[Kiwias]

Chiefs defense looking ominously strong.


EDIT: mockers gods were listening!!!

[Guy Smiley]

Vaa’i is a little bit lucky

[Kiwias]

Vaa’i is a little bit lucky

High and he did not appear to be making any attempt to wrap his arms round the ball carrier.

[Gumboot]

Chiefs ahead 17-14 after a fun first half.

I really like Narawa, he's such a smart footballer. Hope he makes it back into the ABs this year.

[Kiwias]

Two footballers who need to stay injury-free are Blackadder and Grace. Both playing really well

[Guy Smiley]

Vaa’i is a little bit lucky

High and he did not appear to be making any attempt to wrap his arms round the ball carrier.

yeah... reviewed and left at YC due to the mitigation of being second tackler and player dropping. My problem with that is the arms free 'tackle'... which led to the high contact.

I like Vaa'i but for my money, that should be a RC. If he'd got an arm involved then ok, but yeah nah.

Narawa's having a great game. Dunno why the Chiefs start Roe over Ratima.

[Guy Smiley]

Holy shit Angus, YC all day

[Kiwias]

Holy shit Angus, YC all day

BAd miss by Angus

[Guy Smiley]

Holy shit Angus, YC all day

BAd miss by Angus

He didn’t miss it. He just didn’t pull the card. Terrible call.

[Kiwias]

Narawa with another big contribution

[Kiwias]

Chiefs have found about three more gears in this half.

[Guy Smiley]

This is a bloodbath

[Gumboot]

Wow!

[Enzedder]

Did not expect this - but, I'll take it

[Guy Smiley]

MacKenzie’s been pretty average. Missed a few conversions and now out on the full from kick off.

[Kiwias]

Properly spanked in that second half. Well done, Chiefs.

[Gumboot]

Jeez, didn't see that coming. Chiefs blew them off the park in the second half.

[Deepsouth]

What can you expect Rob Penny as Coach and James Bieber O'Connor 10. You are always going to struggle.

Lovely work Chiefs

[Dan54]

Geez it wan't JOC who cost Crusaders, they got beaten up in forwards, (Chiefs loosies were a class above) and after that man for man the Chiefs whole backline looked better.

[Kiwias]

Geez it wan't JOC who cost Crusaders, they got beaten up in forwards, (Chiefs loosies were a class above) and after that man for man the Chiefs whole backline looked better.

The scrums were pretty equal in 1H but we got mullered in the 2H.

[Deepsouth]

MacKenzie’s been pretty average. Missed a few conversions and now out on the full from kick off.

Bit better than Baunden thoug.....

[Dan54]

Geez it wan't JOC who cost Crusaders, they got beaten up in forwards, (Chiefs loosies were a class above) and after that man for man the Chiefs whole backline looked better.

The scrums were pretty equal in 1H but we got mullered in the 2H.

Yep fair enough too kiwi, it was maybe when Newell went off? But loosies were in another class anyway.mind you helps when tighties get on top.