Super Rugby 2025 Thread

[Guy Smiley]

How the hell did the Crusaders stop that Drua break?

[Gumboot]

Drua finally score.

Won't change the result, mind. Just what the Saders needed.

[Guy Smiley]

Bang Bang

[Gumboot]

Well done, Saders. Badly needed that, and got the job done in emphatic fashion.

[Guy Smiley]

I am entertained

[Gumboot]

Match of the Round between the Blues and Canes just about to kick off in Auckland.

[Kiwias]

My fucking internet chose 2mins after kickoff to throw a fucking wobbly so I will watch the match later after the curtain raiser, strangely being played after the main event.

[Flockwitt]

Cracking defensive effort by the Saders.

[Torquemada 1420]

What's with this dire Blues strip?

[Gumboot]

What's with this dire Blues strip?

Spider Man.

(don't ask)

13-all at HT.

Canes had a marked territorial advantage and probably should've scored a lot more than 13 points.

[Gumboot]

Blues squeak it by a point, 19-18.

[Firewater]

Blues squeak it by a point, 19-18.

BB made a huge difference compared to the rubbish dished up by Perofeta last game. Contrast with the Canes where Hohepa was poor. Canes need to find a much better first (maybe Love or Harkin) and a decent kicker (maybe Harkin at FB or 1st). Otherwise they will continue to struggle.

[Gumboot]

The Greatest Show in Perth - aka Force vs Highlanders - just about to kick off.

Highlanders by 20.

[Hugo]

The Auckland derby next week should be a classic.

The battle for the 6th* spot in the finals is shaping into a gripping fight. Everyone bar Fiji has a chance if they can just find some form. If the Chiefs can beat the Tahs next week they will be doing their fellow Kwi sides a massive favour.

* Frankly the bottom spots in general.

[Guy Smiley]

Article in Stuff this morning suggests the Canes might start Reuben Love at 10 at home against the Crusaders this weekend. Team to be named this afternoon... I finally got around to catching up with the Aotearoa Rugby Pod yesterday, last week's edition, and the boys were singing his praises as an organiser.

Salivating times. I'd like to see him start and do well. It's time.

[Gumboot]

Article in Stuff this morning suggests the Canes might start Reuben Love at 10 at home against the Crusaders this weekend. Team to be named this afternoon... I finally got around to catching up with the Aotearoa Rugby Pod yesterday, last week's edition, and the boys were singing his praises as an organiser.

Salivating times. I'd like to see him start and do well. It's time.

I guess someone has to keep 'Arry's place warm.

[Guy Smiley]

I like this from Laidlaw...

We play him at fullback because right now we think he’s probably better at fullback and moving to 10 but what I like about Ruben is he really wants to contribute and take ownership, he wants to know the ‘why’, and he wants to drive the team,” Laidlaw added.

“Those are a lot of attributes of a traditional first-five. We’re really enjoying that but he doesn’t need to have 10 on his back or start at 10 to do that. We need him to do that whether he’s starting at 15 or 10.

They've got Hohepa starting at 10 at the moment, covering Godfrey. 3 missed shots on goal is one thing but they scored 2 tries to 1 against the Blues, going down by a point. That suggests to me that Hohepa is going ok setting them up (with Love coming in as well) so it's not like they HAVE to start Love at 10 and they are thin on the ground for fullbacks but it's an interesting proposition without even factoring in whether the Saders rest Jordan or not. I reckon they might leave that for their home game against the Highlanders.

[Hugo]

Has Jordan had any rest at all this season ? I feel like he has played every minute of every match thus far.

[Guy Smiley]

Has Jordan had any rest at all this season ? I feel like he has played every minute of every match thus far.

I think you're right, he's been on most of the game time. I think he might have come off late in one game, can't really remember.

[Gumboot]

Has Jordan had any rest at all this season ? I feel like he has played every minute of every match thus far.

I think you're right, he's been on most of the game time. I think he might have come off late in one game, can't really remember.

I'm happy that he's getting plenty of game time, after he missed a lot of footy in the previous couple of years.

[Enzedder]

The ball is in play for about 30/35 minutes a game. He gets plenty of rest, especially as a back

[Guy Smiley]

The ball is in play for about 30/35 minutes a game. He gets plenty of rest, especially as a back

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/rugby/ ... P6U5TPACQ/

Scott Robertson has confirmed he will make changes to the minute management plans of All Blacks in Super Rugby Pacific, moving to an individualised approach to load management this year.

Rather than a blanket rule for all All Blacks playing in Super Rugby Pacific, Robertson will implement a player-specific restriction plan that will see minutes distribution dependent on the player and what will allow them to be at their best come test season.

In recent seasons, All Blacks have been limited to playing no more than five games in a row and the uncertainty of player availability was highlighted as a sticking point among fans in last year’s New Zealand rugby governance review.

Under Robertson’s model, players will still have to observe rest weeks, but there will be flexibility around when those rest weeks are observed, based on the player’s workload and the team’s draw. The Herald understands there will be a requirement for two rest weeks, but there is the opportunity for players to feature in more than the previous threshold of five games in a row before observing one.

However, high-minute players from the previous season are likely to observe a few games where they play limited minutes on top of their two rest weeks to ensure they are fresh for the Super Rugby Pacific finals series and the test season.

“You can’t expect they’re going to play 17 games and then go and play 14 tests. They’re not going to play 31 games this year, and players aren’t going to play 17 games of Super Rugby and get them peaking for finals footy,” Robertson said.

“They’re going to have to be managed, and what does that individual athlete need... then it’s individualised conversations, medical are involved, and we’re open and honest.

“It’s a fine balance for everyone.”

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/557487 ... die-taylor

New Zealand hooker Codie Taylor returned to rugby refreshed after a six-month sabbatical last year and hopes more of his teammates can benefit from time away from the coal-face.

Taylor took time off with the blessing of New Zealand Rugby which lets long-serving All Blacks down tools for a period so long as they return to domestic duty.

The sabbaticals are seen as an important tool to retain talent in a nation which bars overseas-based players from All Blacks selection.

Yet for every player "saved" by a sabbatical, there is a stampede for the exits at the end of every Rugby World Cup cycle as players chase lucrative club contracts in Japan and Europe.

Some disappear for years, others for good and rugby in New Zealand is poorer for their loss.

While NZR has limited sabbaticals to a small cohort of long-serving All Blacks, Taylor says the governing body could relax the policy to allow more players the option of a break which could rejuvenate a career.

"Yeah, I think so. It's been something that has been in a few players' contracts, and whether or not they've wanted to take it ... that's for them to decide," the 96-cap All Black told Reuters.

"I've talked to a couple of players already around what it was like for me. Whether or not they're thinking about it themselves, the fact that they're asking the question gives you the sense that maybe they're seeing some value in it.

"I definitely think there is [value], especially if you want to stay in the game as long as possible at a high level."

Taylor opted to take his sabbatical after helping the All Blacks make the 2023 World Cup final in France.

While the Canterbury Crusaders sorely missed him for most of their failed Super Rugby title defence in 2024, few could begrudge Taylor time out after more than a decade's service.

Most of the All Blacks granted sabbaticals have spent them playing rugby in Japan to maximise their earnings, including flyhalf Beauden Barrett and lock Brodie Retallick.


Taylor stayed away from the pitch, though, to maximise time with his wife and kids, enjoying simple routines and a bit of family travel.

Wellbeing was not on his radar when he entered the professional ranks but becoming a dad changed his perspective.

"Being away from [family] with the away trips and all that, that's where I have struggled in the past," said Taylor, who was speaking as part of a health campaign for NZR's healthcare partner BUPA.

"Being able to acknowledge that and having the rest and that quality time has been really powerful for me."

[Enzedder]

I thought this would be the punishment. Careless and reckless, but certainly not a premeditated attack

Highlanders No 8 Sean Withy has been banned for three weeks for kneeing Western Force wing Harry Potter in the face during the Super Rugby Pacific match in Perth last weekend.

The Super Rugby Pacific foul play review committee (FPRC) found Withy guilty of reckless or dangerous play in contravention of Law 9.11.



The incident, for which Withy received a red card, occurred in the 48th minute of the match - which the Highlanders lost - at HBF Park.

The FPRC determined the mid-range entry point of six weeks/matches was appropriate for the incident.

In light of the player accepting he committed an act of foul play as well as mitigating factors such as his prior disciplinary record, the FPRC applied the full 50 per cent reduction in sanction.

Withy was also given permission to apply to take part in World Rugby's Coaching Intervention Programme as a substitute for the final match of the sanction.

Withy has been suspended from all forms of the game for three weeks, meaning he will miss the Highlanders’ upcoming matches against the Fijian Drua, Chiefs and Crusaders.

He will be available to play the Crusaders if he he completes the coaching intervention programme course.

[Enzedder]

Chiefs team for the Waratahs game in Sydney on Friday - love the loosies picked

Gallagher Chiefs v Waratahs, 9.35pm, Friday 11th April, Allianz Stadium, Sydney
1. Ollie Norris
2. Samisoni Taukei’aho
3. George Dyer
4. Manaaki Selby-Rickit
5. Tupou Vaa’i
6. Samipeni Finau
7 Luke Jacobson (c)
8 Simon Parker
9. Cortez Ratima (50th)
10. Josh Jacomb
11. Leroy Carter
12. Quinn Tupaea
13. Gideon Wrampling
14. Shaun Stevenson
15. Damian McKenzie

16. Bradley Slater
17. Jared Proffit
18. Reuben O’Neill
19. Naitoa Ah Kuoi
20. Kaylum Boshier
21. Xavier Roe
22. Daniel Rona
23. Emoni Narawa

Gallagher CHIEFS’ injury update ahead of Round 9
(Gee, there's a lot of talent in this list)
Anton Lienert-Brown, leg, short term
Josh Lord, knee, mid-term
Kaleb Trask, hamstring, mid-term
Liam Coombes-Fabling, knee, mid-term
Wallace Sititi, knee, long-term
Etene Nanai-Seturo, hamstring, long-term
Rameka Poihipi, knee, season

[Gumboot]

Yep, that loose forward combo brings plenty of clout.

Interesting move switching up the playmakers. It's good they're starting Jacomb again - thought he was top value when he came on last week.

[Enzedder]

Yep, that loose forward combo brings plenty of clout.

Interesting move switching up the playmakers. It's good they're starting Jacomb again - thought he was top value when he came on last week.

Yep, we are not going to need Barrett, DMac or Mo'unga at the next RWC

[Hugo]

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/rugby/ ... VMCH5VJWY/

Article on the Auckland rivalry.

[Firewater]

Article in Stuff this morning suggests the Canes might start Reuben Love at 10 at home against the Crusaders this weekend. Team to be named this afternoon... I finally got around to catching up with the Aotearoa Rugby Pod yesterday, last week's edition, and the boys were singing his praises as an organiser.

Salivating times. I'd like to see him start and do well. It's time.

Agree on Love. I think he could develop into a VG first. And might be better here than at FB. But I see the Canes stuck with the limited Hohepa. After he cost them the game last week. He wasn't as bad as Perofeta for the Blues (in his previous start) at 1st but close. The difference is the Blues dropped Perofeta

Ive given up on Laidlaw now as a head coach esp after his idiotic comments during the week. He doesn't realise the importance of goal kicking. Including in a game lost by 1 point. Just incredible how stupid he is. Or the importance of a quality first. Last year he stuck with a hopelessly out of form Cameron (who had a shocker in the lost semi) and now persisting with a limited first who is hopeless when the presssure is on.

https://www.superrugby.co.nz/news/laidl ... e-playoffs

[Firewater]

I like this from Laidlaw...

We play him at fullback because right now we think he’s probably better at fullback and moving to 10 but what I like about Ruben is he really wants to contribute and take ownership, he wants to know the ‘why’, and he wants to drive the team,” Laidlaw added.

“Those are a lot of attributes of a traditional first-five. We’re really enjoying that but he doesn’t need to have 10 on his back or start at 10 to do that. We need him to do that whether he’s starting at 15 or 10.

They've got Hohepa starting at 10 at the moment, covering Godfrey. 3 missed shots on goal is one thing but they scored 2 tries to 1 against the Blues, going down by a point. That suggests to me that Hohepa is going ok setting them up (with Love coming in as well) so it's not like they HAVE to start Love at 10 and they are thin on the ground for fullbacks but it's an interesting proposition without even factoring in whether the Saders rest Jordan or not. I reckon they might leave that for their home game against the Highlanders.

Hohepa is hopeless in a tight game. Unless the other Canes players are well on top he will cost the team the game again. Love should ahev been first with Harkin maybe at FB and the goal kicker

[Firewater]

Yep, that loose forward combo brings plenty of clout.

Interesting move switching up the playmakers. It's good they're starting Jacomb again - thought he was top value when he came on last week.

Jacomb looks a bit average to me. I put him in the Cameron Hohepa Plummer category. Can look great when the team is humming but otherwise a bit average

A level below DMac but an OK number 2

[Gumboot]

He wasn't as bad as Perofeta for the Blues (in his previous start) at 1st but close.

That's at least half a dozen times you've mentioned how badly Perofeta played. Obsessed much?

[Gumboot]

Riley Higgins can't be far away from his injury return. It'd be nice to see him and Proctor paired up at some stage, although the midfield's been going OK for the Canes in the meantime.

[Firewater]

He wasn't as bad as Perofeta for the Blues (in his previous start) at 1st but close.

That's at least half a dozen times you've mentioned how badly Perofeta played. Obsessed much?

He was awful. One of the worst individual games I've seen. And this from an AB.

[Firewater]

Riley Higgins can't be far away from his injury return. It'd be nice to see him and Proctor paired up at some stage, although the midfield's been going OK for the Canes in the meantime.

He's back playing for the Canes B team last week

[Gumboot]

He wasn't as bad as Perofeta for the Blues (in his previous start) at 1st but close.

That's at least half a dozen times you've mentioned how badly Perofeta played. Obsessed much?

He was awful. One of the worst individual games I've seen. And this from an AB.

And again... just in case we missed it!

[Gumboot]

Canes vs Saders kicking off at the Cake Tin shortly. Hoping for a Canes home win, but Hohepa at 10 again has me nervous.

Roigard v Hotham should be tasty...

Hurricanes:
Ruben Love, Ngatungane Punivai, Bailyn Sullivan, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Kini Naholo, Riley Hohepa, Cam Roigard, Peter Lakai, Du’Plessis Kirifi (co-capt), Brayden Iose, Zach Gallagher, Caleb Delany, Tyrel Lomax, Asafo Aumua (co-capt), Xavier Numia.
Reserves: Raymond Tuputupu, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Pasilio Tosi, Will Tucker, Brad Shields, Ereatara Enari, Callum Harkin, Fatafehi Fineanganofo.

Crusaders:
Will Jordan, Chay Fihaki, Levi Aumua, David Havili (capt), Sevu Reece, Taha Kemara, Noah Hotham, Christian Lio-Willie, Ethan Blackadder, Cullen Grace, Jamie Hannah, Scott Barrett, Fletcher Newell, Ioane Moananu, Tamaiti Williams.
Reserves: Matt Moulds, George Bower, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Antonio Shalfoon, Tom Christie, Mitchell Drummond, James O'Connor, Macca Springer.

[Kiwias]

Canes strike first but Crusaders score next, Kemara missed with the kick (again)

[Kiwias]

Hotham and Kemara both kicking too much but Crusaders score again with some great short passing from a turnover

[Kiwias]

STOP FUCKING KICKING!!!!!

[Kiwias]

Slick work by JOC, replacing Kemara with HIA

Good guys leading 19 - 10