Super Rugby Pacific

[Torquemada 1420]

Nope, and that's largely down to the high number of turnovers from NZ sides. I don't know if that's just down to slipperier surfaces and balls in Australia's heat and humidity, but the standard of our sides' passing, handling and tactical kicking has been largely woeful over the past fortnight.

The standard of tactical kicking from FH seems to be pretty sh*te across the board at intl level at the moment bar Sexton and Biggar. Russell, Ntamack, Garbisi, Smith are all mehh to dreadful in the NH. France gets away with it because Dupont is so damn good and Jaminet has a huge boot from 15.

[Gumboot]

Interested in what the keewees’ views are for a starting pack for the ABs at the moment.

My 'ain't gonna happen' pack + subs:

1. Ethan de Groot
2. Samisoni Taukei'aho
3. Tyrel Lomax
4. Brodie Retallick
5. Tupou Vaa'i
6. Sam Cane (c)
7. Ardie Savea
8. Akira Ioane

16. Coles/Taylor, 17. Tamaiti Williams, 18. Fletcher Newell, 19. Scott Barrett, 20. Dalton Papalii

Thanks.

No place for Lord? Too early? Esp given S Barrett's discipline?
You think Ioane's work rate is enough at the highest level?

Possibly a bit early for Lord, but he may well emerge as a serious contender given his current form.
Scooter's test disciplinary record gets a lot of air, but it's really no worse than Jordie's. If he can avoid getting carded he has a genuine nasty bastard edge that goes a long way at the top level.
Akira has so much upside it's not funny, and he wouldn't get a second's rest with Cane and Savea constantly in his ear.

[Grandpa]

Brumbies v Canes
In perfect conditions, had been looking fwd to Ardie and Rayasi. Instead, Ardie was invisible and the Canes seemed to have adopted a strategy where both wings are to play as fat man, crashers a la Michelin Savea.

Nic Berry
1) How TF was Sangster not a red? Not that red is red when it’s only 20 minutes.
2) Every Brumbies lineout was crooked.
3) Just before Brumbies try, there was a miskick in midfield which was caught a mile in front of the kicker.

Amazed no one (apart from me) on PR, mentioned the miskick in midfield which was caught offside... could have changed the match! I thought a lot of the ref's decisions acted as catalysts for the Brumbies and helped contribute to the Canes losing confidence in the last 20 minutes... even the yellow card was harsh for the attempted intercept near the end where the Brumbies player hit him with a shoulder to the head as he was about to land..... I think a red to the Brumbies player could easily have been given..

[Grandpa]

My 'ain't gonna happen' pack + subs:

1. Ethan de Groot
2. Samisoni Taukei'aho
3. Tyrel Lomax
4. Brodie Retallick
5. Tupou Vaa'i
6. Sam Cane (c)
7. Ardie Savea
8. Akira Ioane

16. Coles/Taylor, 17. Tamaiti Williams, 18. Fletcher Newell, 19. Scott Barrett, 20. Dalton Papalii

Thanks.

No place for Lord? Too early? Esp given S Barrett's discipline?
You think Ioane's work rate is enough at the highest level?

Possibly a bit early for Lord, but he may well emerge as a serious contender given his current form.
Scooter's test disciplinary record gets a lot of air, but it's really no worse than Jordie's. If he can avoid getting carded he has a genuine nasty bastard edge that goes a long way at the top level.
Akira has so much upside it's not funny, and he wouldn't get a second's rest with Cane and Savea constantly in his ear.

Akira needs to lose some weight... he could be world class if fit and lean... and yet still powerful... but he looked gassed in the big All Black games last year,...

My pack...

1. Ethan de Groot
2. Samisoni Taukei'aho
3. Tyrel Lomax
4. Brodie Retallick
5. Tupou Vaa'i
6. Akira Ioane (But get him lean and fit!)
7. Dalton Papalii
8. Hoskins Sotutu

Ardie on the bench... he comes into his own when the heavy duty stuff is done...

[Gumboot]

Amazed no one (apart from me) mentioned the miskick in midfield which was caught offside... could have changed the match!

Yep, that was a shocker. Both players outside the kicker looked to be in front, and the ref was right there.

[Jimmy Smallsteps]

Thanks.

No place for Lord? Too early? Esp given S Barrett's discipline?
You think Ioane's work rate is enough at the highest level?

Possibly a bit early for Lord, but he may well emerge as a serious contender given his current form.
Scooter's test disciplinary record gets a lot of air, but it's really no worse than Jordie's. If he can avoid getting carded he has a genuine nasty bastard edge that goes a long way at the top level.
Akira has so much upside it's not funny, and he wouldn't get a second's rest with Cane and Savea constantly in his ear.

Akira needs to lose some weight... he could be world class if fit and lean... and yet still powerful... but he looked gassed in the big All Black games last year,...

My pack...

1. Ethan de Groot
2. Samisoni Taukei'aho
3. Tyrel Lomax
4. Brodie Retallick
5. Tupou Vaa'i
6. Akira Ioane (But get him lean and fit!)
7. Dalton Papalii
8. Hoskins Sotutu

Ardie on the bench... he comes into his own when the heavy duty stuff is done...

Hasn't this been a complaint for the past three years? Shirley the minimum requirement for anyone wanting to be an All Black is to get yourself fucking fit.

[Grandpa]

Possibly a bit early for Lord, but he may well emerge as a serious contender given his current form.
Scooter's test disciplinary record gets a lot of air, but it's really no worse than Jordie's. If he can avoid getting carded he has a genuine nasty bastard edge that goes a long way at the top level.
Akira has so much upside it's not funny, and he wouldn't get a second's rest with Cane and Savea constantly in his ear.

Akira needs to lose some weight... he could be world class if fit and lean... and yet still powerful... but he looked gassed in the big All Black games last year,...

My pack...

1. Ethan de Groot
2. Samisoni Taukei'aho
3. Tyrel Lomax
4. Brodie Retallick
5. Tupou Vaa'i
6. Akira Ioane (But get him lean and fit!)
7. Dalton Papalii
8. Hoskins Sotutu

Ardie on the bench... he comes into his own when the heavy duty stuff is done...

Hasn't this been a complaint for the past three years? Shirley the minimum requirement for anyone wanting to be an All Black is to get yourself fucking fit.

I agree. You'd hope one day he'd wake up and realise he has the potential to be a great All Black... If he only got himself in shape... You can lead the horse to water...

[Kiwias]

Akira needs to lose some weight... he could be world class if fit and lean... and yet still powerful... but he looked gassed in the big All Black games last year,...

My pack...

1. Ethan de Groot
2. Samisoni Taukei'aho
3. Tyrel Lomax
4. Brodie Retallick
5. Tupou Vaa'i
6. Akira Ioane (But get him lean and fit!)
7. Dalton Papalii
8. Hoskins Sotutu

Ardie on the bench... he comes into his own when the heavy duty stuff is done...

Hasn't this been a complaint for the past three years? Shirley the minimum requirement for anyone wanting to be an All Black is to get yourself fucking fit.

I agree. You'd hope one day he'd wake up and realise he has the potential to be a great All Black... If he only got himself in shape... You can lead the horse to water...

One of the benefits of NPR is that Pakia Pakia is not here to bang Akira's drum about how he is the hardest working forward on the field every match for the Blues and dominated most of the tests in which he played.

[Guy Smiley]

Akira looks like a lazy, disinterested seagull at times...

but he's an absolute beast in that AB jersey.

[Gumboot]

Blues vs Rebels kicking off at Eden Park shortly.


Blues: Zarn Sullivan, Mark Telea, Rieko Ioane, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Caleb Clarke, Stephen Perofeta, Finlay Christie; Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papalii (c), Akira Ioane, Tom Robinson, James Tucker, Ofa Tuungafasi, Kurt Eklund, Jordan Lay.
Reserves: Soane Vikena, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Nepo Laulala, Sam Darry, Adrian Choat, Sam Nock, Bryce Heem, AJ Lam.

Rebels: Reece Hodge, Andrew Kellaway, Lukas Ripley, Stacey Ili, George Worth, Carter Gordon, Joe Powell, Rob Leota, Richard Hardwick, Brad Wilkin, Josh Canham, Matt Philip (c), Pone Fa’amausili, James Hanson, Matt Gibbon. Reserves: Efi Ma’afu, Cameron Orr, Cabous Eloff, Daniel Maiava, Tamati Ioane, Moses Sorovi, Nick Jooste, Glen Vaihu.

[Gumboot]

Rebels score 2 quick tries to go 14-0 up after 5 minutes.

[Kiwias]

Just got settled with a good feed and

[Kiwias]

Blues vs Rebels kicking off at Eden Park shortly.


Blues: Zarn Sullivan, Mark Telea, Rieko Ioane, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Caleb Clarke, Stephen Perofeta, Finlay Christie; Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papalii (c), Akira Ioane, Tom Robinson, James Tucker, Ofa Tuungafasi, Kurt Eklund, Jordan Lay.
Reserves: Soane Vikena, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Nepo Laulala, Sam Darry, Adrian Choat, Sam Nock, Bryce Heem, AJ Lam.

Rebels: Reece Hodge, Andrew Kellaway, Lukas Ripley, Stacey Ili, George Worth, Carter Gordon, Joe Powell, Rob Leota, Richard Hardwick, Brad Wilkin, Josh Canham, Matt Philip (c), Pone Fa’amausili, James Hanson, Matt Gibbon. Reserves: Efi Ma’afu, Cameron Orr, Cabous Eloff, Daniel Maiava, Tamati Ioane, Moses Sorovi, Nick Jooste, Glen Vaihu.

Mark Telea and Caleb Clarke reversed in the team list, I suspect. Telea is 14 and CC 11.

[Kiwias]

Akira looks like a lazy, disinterested seagull at times...

but he's an absolute beast in that AB jersey.

He must have read your comments

[Gumboot]

Akira gets two tries and it's 14-all. Great start to this game.

[Gumboot]

It's raining tries!

Blues ahead 28-14

[Gumboot]

Blues ahead 47-14 at HT. Carnage.

[Kiwias]

47 - 14 at halftime. Rebels being torn apart.

[Gumboot]

Blues prevail 71-28.

[Guy Smiley]

So….

Auckland are back.

I guess it’s about time and everything, but….

[Gumboot]

Bearing in mind that at times the Rebels considered defence optional, it was pleasing to see some of the senior Blues continue their good form. The loosies all played well, Tucker was into everything, and Ofa's in great nick. I wonder if Perofeta's playing himself into contention for at least a spot in a wider ABs training squad.

[Grandpa]

Bearing in mind that at times the Rebels considered defence optional, it was pleasing to see some of the senior Blues continue their good form. The loosies all played well, Tucker was into everything, and Ofa's in great nick. I wonder if Perofeta's playing himself into contention for at least a spot in a wider ABs training squad.

Perofeta shows nice control for a number 10. Be interesting to see how he handles the pressure at a higher level. Ofa is displaying career best form. Is Tom Robinson playing himself into All Black contention as a number 6/lock cover?

Rieko running proper centre lines and improving his defence. Caleb Clarke still looking ropey.

[Torquemada 1420]

Only just caught up with the games.
Blues v Rebels
- Normal service resumed
- Blues are a joy to watch when in motion
- Lineout remains an abortion
- Talk of Christie being AB's SH. I can honestly think of at least 6 better scrummies in France but then for the ABs, Smith is increasingly looking like a busted flush (Landers look more dangerous without him) and TJP has not looked at his best either.
- Perofeta has never impressed me but he had a great game today.
- Papalii continues to be a monster in the carry.


Reds v Landers
- F**k that was a hard watch. Like this game was played at 1/2 speed cw with the Blues.
- Must be the 2 worst FHs in the comp.
- I'm really beginning to like the Reds' SH though. Plays with a smile and great awareness.
- Reds fwds just too weak in the contact areas to make their side a real threat.
- And lastly, WTF is it it this season with keewee locks and cards for dim head shots?

[Gumboot]

Only just caught up with the games.
Blues v Rebels
- Normal service resumed
- Blues are a joy to watch when in motion
- Lineout remains an abortion
- Talk of Christie being AB's SH. I can honestly think of at least 6 better scrummies in France but then for the ABs, Smith is increasingly looking like a busted flush (Landers look more dangerous without him) and TJP has not looked at his best either.
- Perofeta has never impressed me but he had a great game today.
- Papalii continues to be a monster in the carry.


Reds v Landers
- F**k that was a hard watch. Like this game was played at 1/2 speed cw with the Blues.
- Must be the 2 worst FHs in the comp.
- I'm really beginning to like the Reds' SH though. Plays with a smile and great awareness.
- Reds fwds just too weak in the contact areas to make their side a real threat.
- And lastly, WTF is it it this season with keewee locks and cards for dim head shots?

I fell asleep during the Reds - Landers game and missed most of it. I'm not sure Nugget's done his dash just yet, but Fakatava's the future imho. He can be a game changer, and I'd love to see him on the test bench against Ireland. Still not sure if he's eligible for selection yet, though.

As for the worst Supe FH...it's Garden-Bachop by a country mile.

[Guy Smiley]

I fell asleep during the Reds - Landers game and missed most of it. I'm not sure Nugget's done his dash just yet, but Fakatava's the future imho. He can be a game changer, and I'd love to see him on the test bench against Ireland. Still not sure if he's eligible for selection yet, though.

As for the worst Supe FH...it's Garden-Bachop by a country mile.

I didn't watch last night's games... gave in to a week of jet lag and shit sleep and took a knock out pill.

I tend to agree with Torg re. Nugget. While I reckon he can still deliver a bloody high standard, my perception is that the lapses are becoming more of a pattern and that high standards is more of an outlier. Maybe it's concentration... and again this is just my perception but over the last couple of seasons I've seen Nugget meerkatting away behind a ruck while his opposite steals the ball. That's damning.

Fakatava needed to be selected on last year's NH tour to make it into the 3 yr eligibility window as the shift to 5 yrs came into force around that time. Sorry, can't remember the details of it all... I know NZR were talking about applying to WR for an exemption based on the likelihood of his selection barring the injury. I don't know how they progressed with that. I feel pessimistic regarding NZR's ability to negotiate anything currently.

I'm intrigued by Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi's current standing. I thought his move to the 'Saders might be a good career and player development one, thinking that playing under Razor in an environment that presents as tight, cohesive and professional, not to mention supportive, would be a benefit for a guy who seemed to have languished a bit. Here we are well into the second half of the season and he's not featuring... and I would have thought he'd be pushing Bryn Hall for the second spot at least.

[Gumboot]

Fakatava needed to be selected on last year's NH tour to make it into the 3 yr eligibility window as the shift to 5 yrs came into force around that time. Sorry, can't remember the details of it all... I know NZR were talking about applying to WR for an exemption based on the likelihood of his selection barring the injury. I don't know how they progressed with that. I feel pessimistic regarding NZR's ability to negotiate anything currently.

He also blew his ACL and missed most of the year, which didn't help.

[Guy Smiley]

Fakatava needed to be selected on last year's NH tour to make it into the 3 yr eligibility window as the shift to 5 yrs came into force around that time. Sorry, can't remember the details of it all... I know NZR were talking about applying to WR for an exemption based on the likelihood of his selection barring the injury. I don't know how they progressed with that. I feel pessimistic regarding NZR's ability to negotiate anything currently.

He also blew his ACL and missed most of the year, which didn't help.

Yup... can't remember where i read it but NZR were going to apply for an eligibility exemption on the basis that his selection was a certainty until he blew his knee.

[Torquemada 1420]

Fakatava needed to be selected on last year's NH tour to make it into the 3 yr eligibility window as the shift to 5 yrs came into force around that time. Sorry, can't remember the details of it all... I know NZR were talking about applying to WR for an exemption based on the likelihood of his selection barring the injury. I don't know how they progressed with that. I feel pessimistic regarding NZR's ability to negotiate anything currently.

He also blew his ACL and missed most of the year, which didn't help.

Yup... can't remember where i read it but NZR were going to apply for an eligibility exemption on the basis that his selection was a certainty until he blew his knee.

I can't see that washing. You just know someone would use that as a way to bend the rules e.g. Spain!

[Ymx]

He also blew his ACL and missed most of the year, which didn't help.

Yup... can't remember where i read it but NZR were going to apply for an eligibility exemption on the basis that his selection was a certainty until he blew his knee.

I can't see that washing. You just know someone would use that as a way to bend the rules e.g. Spain!

They will use it how?

They will force someone to break their ACL?
They will get WR to change the eligibility from 5 years to another year.

It’s only because the eligibility is switching from 3 to 5 years this weird situation has happened Torq

Plus, it’s pretty easy to show he’s actually injured. Not playing the whole season. An ACL operation.

So I don’t exactly see how this could remotely prove a dangerous precedent to permit!!

[Ymx]

However, negotiating with the NH based WR, I doubt will prove fruitful. And even more so with the NZR current leadership.

[Ymx]

Oh, morning btw.

[Torquemada 1420]

FM Gardiner. If you are going to be wrong, be consistent about it. MP denied a try by Tah prop not supporting weight then he pings MP 14 for the same.

[Ymx]

MP get in there !!!!

17-0 up after about 20 mins against the Tahs

[Torquemada 1420]

Yup... can't remember where i read it but NZR were going to apply for an eligibility exemption on the basis that his selection was a certainty until he blew his knee.

I can't see that washing. You just know someone would use that as a way to bend the rules e.g. Spain!

They will use it how?

They will force someone to break their ACL?
They will get WR to change the eligibility from 5 years to another year.

It’s only because the eligibility is switching from 3 to 5 years this weird situation has happened Torq

Plus, it’s pretty easy to show he’s actually injured. Not playing the whole season. An ACL operation.

So I don’t exactly see how this could remotely prove a dangerous precedent to permit!!

Because we've never seen teams faking injuries to get round the rules? Anyway, it's just tough luck. What other exemptions might we have?
Sidelined due to CORONA? Family bereavement? Missed flight due to a strike?

Meantime MP making Tahs blink

[Torquemada 1420]

Was reading how Western diets do not suit PIers and looking at the crowd, it's clearly a "massive" issue.

[Torquemada 1420]

Pffft. That was way too soft.

[Ymx]

Faked injury by being off a whole season and having an operation.

That would be quite the bluff Torq.

Yes, I’m sure it happens all the time

And timing the above with the eligibility change from 3 - 5 years.

Yep, that is quite ripe for exploitation.

[Torquemada 1420]

Gardiner correctly pings in from the side. In the Reds v Landers game, the ref ignored that the entire game as well as several neck rolls.

[Torquemada 1420]

Faked injury by being off a whole season and having an operation.

That would be quite the bluff Torq.

Yes, I’m sure it happens all the time

And timing the above with the eligibility change from 3 - 5 years.

Yep, that is quite ripe for exploitation.

We've just seen Spain thrown out of the RWC for faking passports. It is not a question of happening all the time. Where there is a loophole (or grey area), someone will seek to exploit it. No exemption for me regardless. The rules are quite clear.

[Torquemada 1420]

Too decent SHs here but both just too tall for the role. Causes a fraction of delay in getting down to the ball and the occasional knock on at the base which would not happen with a shorter player.