NPR

Maybe this belongs on the ABs thread but Marshy saying what I believe Joe Wheeler was also saying on the breakdown the other day.

https://x.com/martindevlinnz/status/1894272997156163664

Couldn't agree more. He's playing brilliantly and is clearly the best 12 in the country right now, with a more rounded game than Tupaea imo.

Samisoni Taukei’aho back on the bench for this weeks game against the Brumbies.

Chiefs:
Aidan Ross
Brodie McAlister
George Dyer
Josh Lord
Tupou Vaa’i (c)
Samipeni Finau
Jahrome Brown
Simon Parker
Cortez Ratima
Josh Jacomb
Manasa Mataele (Gallagher Chiefs debut)
Quinn Tupaea
Anton Lienert-Brown
Emoni Narawa
Damian McKenzie

Subs:
Samisoni Taukei’aho
Ollie Norris
Sione Ahio
Naitoa Ah Kuoi
Kaylum Boshier
Xavier Roe
Daniel Rona
Gideon Wrampling

Brumbies:

James Slipper
Billy Pollard
Allan Alaalatoa
Nick Frost
Cadeyrn Neville
Rory Scott
Luke Reimer
Charlie Cale
Ryan Lonergan
Declan Meredith
Corey Toole
Ollie Sapsford
Len Ikitau
Andy Muirhead
Tom Wright

Finishers:
Lachlan Lonergan
Blake Schoupp
Rhys van Nek
Lachlan Shaw
Judah Saumaisue
Harrison Goddard
Jack Debreczeni
Hudson Creighton

Gumboot wrote: ↑Wed Feb 26, 2025 2:02 am Couldn't agree more. He's playing brilliantly and is clearly the best 12 in the country right now, with a more rounded game than Tupaea imo.

Havili has clearly dropped down the pecking order for the AB 12 jersey.

Kiwias wrote: ↑Wed Feb 26, 2025 3:51 am

Gumboot wrote: ↑Wed Feb 26, 2025 2:02 am Couldn't agree more. He's playing brilliantly and is clearly the best 12 in the country right now, with a more rounded game than Tupaea imo.

Havili has clearly dropped down the pecking order for the AB 12 jersey.

Not having an anti-Saders dig, but he shouldn't have been anywhere near the ABs last year based on his form.

Gumboot wrote: ↑Wed Feb 26, 2025 2:02 am Couldn't agree more. He's playing brilliantly and is clearly the best 12 in the country right now, with a more rounded game than Tupaea imo.

He was MOTM but did not make the PR team of the week, lol. Neither did Hurley. Speaking of midfielders, was blown away that Nonu is making a comeback at 42. . Wonder what his motivation is? Easy money I suppose, just can't even imagine training in a pro environment is much fun at the ripe old age.

Gumboot wrote: ↑Wed Feb 26, 2025 3:57 am

Kiwias wrote: ↑Wed Feb 26, 2025 3:51 am

Gumboot wrote: ↑Wed Feb 26, 2025 2:02 am Couldn't agree more. He's playing brilliantly and is clearly the best 12 in the country right now, with a more rounded game than Tupaea imo.

Havili has clearly dropped down the pecking order for the AB 12 jersey.

Not having an anti-Saders dig, but he shouldn't have been anywhere near the ABs last year based on his form.

I have no major issue with that view.

Gumboot wrote: ↑Wed Feb 26, 2025 3:57 am

Kiwias wrote: ↑Wed Feb 26, 2025 3:51 am

Gumboot wrote: ↑Wed Feb 26, 2025 2:02 am Couldn't agree more. He's playing brilliantly and is clearly the best 12 in the country right now, with a more rounded game than Tupaea imo.

Havili has clearly dropped down the pecking order for the AB 12 jersey.

Not having an anti-Saders dig, but he shouldn't have been anywhere near the ABs last year based on his form.

He's not the only one.

Hugo wrote: ↑Wed Feb 26, 2025 6:30 am

Gumboot wrote: ↑Wed Feb 26, 2025 2:02 am Couldn't agree more. He's playing brilliantly and is clearly the best 12 in the country right now, with a more rounded game than Tupaea imo.

He was MOTM but did not make the PR team of the week, lol. Neither did Hurley. Speaking of midfielders, was blown away that Nonu is making a comeback at 42. . Wonder what his motivation is? Easy money I suppose, just can't even imagine training in a pro environment is much fun at the ripe old age.

Some ex player keep themselves in good nick. Others go to fat .And isn't this only a temporary fill in

Firewater wrote: ↑Wed Feb 26, 2025 2:00 pm

Hugo wrote: ↑Wed Feb 26, 2025 6:30 am

Gumboot wrote: ↑Wed Feb 26, 2025 2:02 am Couldn't agree more. He's playing brilliantly and is clearly the best 12 in the country right now, with a more rounded game than Tupaea imo.

He was MOTM but did not make the PR team of the week, lol. Neither did Hurley. Speaking of midfielders, was blown away that Nonu is making a comeback at 42. . Wonder what his motivation is? Easy money I suppose, just can't even imagine training in a pro environment is much fun at the ripe old age.

Some ex player keep themselves in good nick. Others go to fat .And isn't this only a temporary fill in

Yes, medical coverage. Tbh, it's the mental thing for me, it's just im surprised a 42 year old would still have the desire, that's all. Some people are just wired that way I suppose, the Stones toured last year.

Clayton McMillan GOINNNGGG!!!!

...to coach Munster after the Supe season.

Let's hope he leaves on a winning note.

Gumboot wrote: ↑Wed Feb 26, 2025 7:41 pm Clayton McMillan GOINNNGGG!!!!

...to coach Munster after the Supe season.

Let's hope he leaves on a winning note.

Probably a good move. 5 years with one team is enough in my book.

Enzedder wrote: ↑Wed Feb 26, 2025 9:58 pm

Gumboot wrote: ↑Wed Feb 26, 2025 7:41 pm Clayton McMillan GOINNNGGG!!!!

...to coach Munster after the Supe season.

Let's hope he leaves on a winning note.

Probably a good move. 5 years with one team is enough in my book.

Seven is a much better number.

Kiwias wrote: ↑Wed Feb 26, 2025 11:40 pm

Enzedder wrote: ↑Wed Feb 26, 2025 9:58 pm

Gumboot wrote: ↑Wed Feb 26, 2025 7:41 pm Clayton McMillan GOINNNGGG!!!!

...to coach Munster after the Supe season.

Let's hope he leaves on a winning note.

Probably a good move. 5 years with one team is enough in my book.

Seven is a much better number.

Nah, if anything, go the other way. I doubt Razor learned a thing over the last 3 years while waiting for Foster to leave.

Gumboot wrote: ↑Wed Feb 26, 2025 2:02 am Couldn't agree more. He's playing brilliantly and is clearly the best 12 in the country right now, with a more rounded game than Tupaea imo.

Big Jim has had 2 games at 12, not sure we should wait a few weeks yet to pick him. I a fan , but cane see he does do odd dumb thing as yet. Last week his 50-22 was risky as buggery, he had just one a turnover penalty, he tapped it and kicked it long , sensible thing is just get kicker to put it in touch (or even do it himself)

Enzedder wrote: ↑Wed Feb 26, 2025 11:42 pm

Kiwias wrote: ↑Wed Feb 26, 2025 11:40 pm

Enzedder wrote: ↑Wed Feb 26, 2025 9:58 pm

Probably a good move. 5 years with one team is enough in my book.

Seven is a much better number.

Nah, if anything, go the other way. I doubt Razor learned a thing over the last 3 years while waiting for Foster to leave.

I wonder if Dave Rennie will come back for a second take?

Gumboot wrote: ↑Wed Feb 26, 2025 3:57 am

Kiwias wrote: ↑Wed Feb 26, 2025 3:51 am

Gumboot wrote: ↑Wed Feb 26, 2025 2:02 am Couldn't agree more. He's playing brilliantly and is clearly the best 12 in the country right now, with a more rounded game than Tupaea imo.

Havili has clearly dropped down the pecking order for the AB 12 jersey.

Not having an anti-Saders dig, but he shouldn't have been anywhere near the ABs last year based on his form.

The thing is though, none of the AB midfielders should have been anywhere near the ABs last year based on form – not Havili, not Barrett, not ALB and definitely not Ioane. At least this year, there are a few who look a bit more on the job (thus far).

Enzedder wrote: ↑Wed Feb 26, 2025 9:58 pm

Gumboot wrote: ↑Wed Feb 26, 2025 7:41 pm Clayton McMillan GOINNNGGG!!!!

...to coach Munster after the Supe season.

Let's hope he leaves on a winning note.

Probably a good move. 5 years with one team is enough in my book.

I tend to agree – stability is a good thing but it can be taken too far. The Crusaders stuck with Blackadder for 8 years, to the detriment of both.

Dan54 wrote: ↑Wed Feb 26, 2025 11:49 pm

Gumboot wrote: ↑Wed Feb 26, 2025 2:02 am Couldn't agree more. He's playing brilliantly and is clearly the best 12 in the country right now, with a more rounded game than Tupaea imo.

Big Jim has had 2 games at 12, not sure we should wait a few weeks yet to pick him. I a fan , but cane see he does do odd dumb thing as yet. Last week his 50-22 was risky as buggery, he had just one a turnover penalty, he tapped it and kicked it long , sensible thing is just get kicker to put it in touch (or even do it himself)

True, and of course there's a long way to go before Supe's dusted and this year's first ABs are picked, but right now he's bloody fun to watch.

Assuming you mean Tavatavanawai... I thought Big Jim was DMac's nickname..?

Enzedder wrote: ↑Wed Feb 26, 2025 11:42 pm

Kiwias wrote: ↑Wed Feb 26, 2025 11:40 pm

Enzedder wrote: ↑Wed Feb 26, 2025 9:58 pm

Probably a good move. 5 years with one team is enough in my book.

Seven is a much better number.

Nah, if anything, go the other way. I doubt Razor learned a thing over the last 3 years while waiting for Foster to leave.

2017~2023 ring a bell? If the coach did not learn anything in the last three years, it is a miracle the team managed to win. A miracle, I say!

Gumboot wrote: ↑Thu Feb 27, 2025 7:22 am

Dan54 wrote: ↑Wed Feb 26, 2025 11:49 pm

Gumboot wrote: ↑Wed Feb 26, 2025 2:02 am Couldn't agree more. He's playing brilliantly and is clearly the best 12 in the country right now, with a more rounded game than Tupaea imo.

Big Jim has had 2 games at 12, not sure we should wait a few weeks yet to pick him. I a fan , but cane see he does do odd dumb thing as yet. Last week his 50-22 was risky as buggery, he had just one a turnover penalty, he tapped it and kicked it long , sensible thing is just get kicker to put it in touch (or even do it himself)

True, and of course there's a long way to go before Supe's dusted and this year's first ABs are picked, but right now he's bloody fun to watch.

Assuming you mean Tavatavanawai... I thought Big Jim was DMac's nickname..?

Apparently Big Jim is Tavatavanawai's nic from Mako. I agree he's fun to watch.

Moana Pasifika vs Highlanders just about to kick off in Albany...

Gumboot wrote: ↑Fri Feb 28, 2025 6:01 am Moana Pasifika vs Highlanders just about to kick off in Albany...

Yeah, did I see correctly that no Finn Hurley in the squad?

Not a massive fan of these particular MP jerseys.... I know they are throwbacks to the 2004 team, they just looks like the French flag.

The normal jersey is superb.

Hugo wrote: ↑Fri Feb 28, 2025 6:03 am

Gumboot wrote: ↑Fri Feb 28, 2025 6:01 am Moana Pasifika vs Highlanders just about to kick off in Albany...

Yeah, did I see correctly that no Finn Hurley in the squad?

Looks like he's a late scratching. No sign of Fakatava, either.

The stream I've got doesn't have a commentary for some reason. Quite enjoying it, tbh.

Hugo wrote: ↑Fri Feb 28, 2025 6:03 am

Gumboot wrote: ↑Fri Feb 28, 2025 6:01 am Moana Pasifika vs Highlanders just about to kick off in Albany...

Yeah, did I see correctly that no Finn Hurley in the squad?

He is listed in the official team announced

EDIT: just saw Gumboot's comment.

HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Josh Bartlett, Soane Mikaele Vikena, Sefo Kautai, Fabian Holland, Mitch Dunshea, Sean Withy, Veveni Lasaqa, Nikora Broughton, Folau Fakatava, Taine Robinson, Caleb Tangitau, Timoci Tavatavanawai (c), Tanielu Tele’a, Sam Gilbert, Finn Hurley

Replacements: Jack Taylor, Ethan de Groot, Saula Ma’u, Will Stodart, TK Howden, Nathan Hastie, Cameron Millar, Jake Te Hiwi

MP started off poorly and looked 2nd rate but have now woken up

10-10 after 16 minutes. 2 tries MP to one

Blink a couple of times and Clan now leading 24 - 10

Kiwias wrote: ↑Fri Feb 28, 2025 6:46 am Blink a couple of times and Clan now leading 24 - 10

Yep, and just like that it's 31-10 at HT.

MP need to find a new 1st 5. JGB is having a poor game and is not good enough at this level.

MP came back really well but just short.

Kiwias wrote: ↑Fri Feb 28, 2025 8:01 am MP came back really well but just short.

Yep, they did well to keep the Highlanders scoreless in the second half.

Tavatavanawai's turnovers were crucial to them just holding on.

Gumboot wrote: ↑Fri Feb 28, 2025 8:02 am

Kiwias wrote: ↑Fri Feb 28, 2025 8:01 am MP came back really well but just short.

Yep, they did well to keep the Highlanders scoreless in the second half.

Tavatavanawai's turnovers were crucial to them just holding on.

Ardie Savea is an absolute monster and he looked absolutely gassed at the end.

Gumboot wrote: ↑Fri Feb 28, 2025 8:02 am
Tavatavanawai

That's a completely unnecessary number of A's in any person's name!

Kiwias wrote: ↑Fri Feb 28, 2025 8:23 am

Gumboot wrote: ↑Fri Feb 28, 2025 8:02 am

Kiwias wrote: ↑Fri Feb 28, 2025 8:01 am MP came back really well but just short.

Yep, they did well to keep the Highlanders scoreless in the second half.

Tavatavanawai's turnovers were crucial to them just holding on.

Ardie Savea is an absolute monster and he looked absolutely gassed at the end.

The Captain.....

Kiwias wrote: ↑Thu Feb 27, 2025 7:59 am

Enzedder wrote: ↑Wed Feb 26, 2025 11:42 pm

Kiwias wrote: ↑Wed Feb 26, 2025 11:40 pm

Seven is a much better number.

Nah, if anything, go the other way. I doubt Razor learned a thing over the last 3 years while waiting for Foster to leave.

2017~2023 ring a bell? If the coach did not learn anything in the last three years, it is a miracle the team managed to win. A miracle, I say!

Nah, he was at his peak and sustained it. He was teaching others rather than learning

Firewater wrote: ↑Fri Feb 28, 2025 6:57 am MP need to find a new 1st 5. JGB is having a poor game and is not good enough at this level.

Its funny you say that, looking at his build and frame he reminds me of a fly half that I played low grade rugby with. Good player but he wasn't athletic at all and everything he did was just muscle memory/nous. That's fine at that level but at SR level I agree JGB doesn't offer enough.

Kiwias wrote: ↑Fri Feb 28, 2025 8:23 am

Gumboot wrote: ↑Fri Feb 28, 2025 8:02 am

Kiwias wrote: ↑Fri Feb 28, 2025 8:01 am MP came back really well but just short.

Yep, they did well to keep the Highlanders scoreless in the second half.

Tavatavanawai's turnovers were crucial to them just holding on.

Ardie Savea is an absolute monster and he looked absolutely gassed at the end.

He never leaves anything on the field does he?
Him and Hastie for the Clan would be who I would guess will get the most points for the POTY. Hastie went bloody well, I always thought he was a good player, but didn't see him having one quite that good. Holland keeps amazing my , for a young lock he is really top class, reminds me of Sam Whitelock, just never out of game. I do think Highlanders will consider themselves a bit lucky holding on.

Hugo wrote: ↑Fri Feb 28, 2025 5:25 pm

Firewater wrote: ↑Fri Feb 28, 2025 6:57 am MP need to find a new 1st 5. JGB is having a poor game and is not good enough at this level.

Its funny you say that, looking at his build and frame he reminds me of a fly half that I played low grade rugby with. Good player but he wasn't athletic at all and everything he did was just muscle memory/nous. That's fine at that level but at SR level I agree JGB doesn't offer enough.

Yep, he's always been pretty average and prone to brain farts. NPC level is probably his ceiling tbh. MP ain't winning squat with him at the helm.