NPR

Crusaders really needed that try to Reece to stop the Tahs momentum. Reece now equal #1 with TJP for number of tries scored in SR, scored in around half the number of games.

Another very fine try to seal the victory and ensure Crusaders go to #1 in the table.


EDIT: Tahs try means we lose our BP and settle at #2 unless we score from the kick off


2nd edit: fat finger disease struck again

Saders win 48-33.

That was fun.

Reihana AND Kemara. The future's so bright...

Guy Smiley wrote: Fri May 16, 2025 11:46 am Reihana AND Kemara. The future's so bright...

Let's not get carried away, mate. It was an impressive first half but not a great second, and they blew what should've been a certain bonus point... that would've put them top of the table.

But a win's a win, and there were some good performances. Ennor played bloody well again. I was never a big fan, but reckon he's grown a lot as a player, and he has to be back in the ABs conversation now - even after just a couple of full games back from such a long lay-off. Havili's playing pretty well too, but I wish he'd stop those stupid low percentage "attacking" kicks near the oppo 22.

Razor must be sorely tempted to pick an all-Saders backline vs France.

They faded in the second for sure... it looked a bit like a combination of the wet ground fatiguing guys and bench players coming on and not having such a sharp edge to their play. That's been a pattern with this Saders outfit this year. McNicholl was excellent in his comeback game, he's actually a bit of a class player. Fair enough to bench him relatively early too with an eye to managing that injury return, perhaps.

I'm particularly happy with Reihana's form though... after Kemara's smooth start to the year (the two week case of the yips aside) it's been good to see the 'second string' player step smoothly in and direct the ship without missing a beat. As we saw after he moved out to FB, he's got some moves in attack. Ennor really brings something to that backline too... he could be a roughie for AB selection.

The Hurricanes and Clan presented their own candidates though... I'm still in love with Love, Harkin was very good, Taniela Telea was terrifying with ball in hand. Looking ahead to the French series, the selectors have their work cut out for them... the incumbents are safe enough but we've got some real talent emerging with a few of them almost demanding their chance. Thinking back to last year and the inclusion of Wallace Sititi, I reckon it's a safe bet we'll see another player or two get the call up. My money is on Love.

Is Moananu an outside net to make the ABs? He's had a decent season.

Guy Smiley wrote: Fri May 16, 2025 8:39 pmI'm particularly happy with Reihana's form though... after Kemara's smooth start to the year (the two week case of the yips aside) it's been good to see the 'second string' player step smoothly in and direct the ship without missing a beat.

You make the yips sound like a mere trifle; a passing ailment no woirse than the common cold. When in reality it's a heinous affliction, often referred to in hushed tones as "sporting herpes": not always visible, but always present... lurking below the surface...

Just ask the Great White Greg.

Hugo wrote: Fri May 16, 2025 9:57 pm Is Moananu an outside net to make the ABs? He's had a decent season.

He needs some lessons in lineout throwing but otherwise he is having a great season

Kiwias wrote: Fri May 16, 2025 11:19 pm

Hugo wrote: Fri May 16, 2025 9:57 pm Is Moananu an outside net to make the ABs? He's had a decent season.

He needs some lessons in lineout throwing but otherwise he is having a great season

He is… but there’s got to be a couple of cabs ahead of him in the cab rank.

Guy Smiley wrote: Sat May 17, 2025 12:52 am

Kiwias wrote: Fri May 16, 2025 11:19 pm

Hugo wrote: Fri May 16, 2025 9:57 pm Is Moananu an outside net to make the ABs? He's had a decent season.

He needs some lessons in lineout throwing but otherwise he is having a great season

He is… but there’s got to be a couple of cabs ahead of him in the cab rank.

Agreed. I was not suggesting I thought he should be in the ABs yet.

Guy Smiley wrote: Fri May 09, 2025 8:00 pm

Gumboot wrote: Fri May 09, 2025 7:33 pmThere's a young 10 from Canterbury who caught my eye a couple of years ago, but he seems to have dropped off the radar. Alex Harford. Gave off serious DC vibes imho... no idea what's happened to him since, though.

I'm not sure whether or not we had a chat about him in here a while back... he's still around but fell out of favour after a handful of impressive games. I think he's part of the Blues development squad but he's no longer a young guy, he's had a few years and not made it.

Well bugger me, there's a coincidence...he appears to be at 10 for the Force who are currently playing the Drua in Lautoka.

Kiwias wrote: Fri May 16, 2025 11:18 am Another very fine try to seal the victory and ensure Crusaders go to #1 in the table.


EDIT: Tahs try means we lose our BP and settle at #1 unless we score from the kick off

You're allowed to say it you know.

#2 - give it a try.

Enzedder wrote: Sat May 17, 2025 4:01 am

Kiwias wrote: Fri May 16, 2025 11:18 am Another very fine try to seal the victory and ensure Crusaders go to #1 in the table.


EDIT: Tahs try means we lose our BP and settle at #1 unless we score from the kick off

You're allowed to say it you know.

#2 - give it a try.

Fat finger disease struck.

Phones and fingers are the pits

Fiji are hammering the Force. Currently 38-7 after 74 minutes

Enzedder wrote: Sat May 17, 2025 5:15 am Fiji are hammering the Force. Currently 38-7 after 74 minutes

Yep, that's how it finished.

Fortress Lautoka strikes again.

Gumboot wrote: Sat May 17, 2025 5:24 am

Enzedder wrote: Sat May 17, 2025 5:15 am Fiji are hammering the Force. Currently 38-7 after 74 minutes

Yep, that's how it finished.

Fortress Lautoka strikes again.

NO shame in losing to the Drua in Lautoka

There will be no quarter asked or given in this match.

Hugo wrote: Sat May 17, 2025 6:59 am There will be no quarter asked or given in this match.

Should be a cracker.

Blues ahead 14-11 at HT.

Fingers crossed Pellegrini's OK. Blues gonna win it if Milo Man stays on.

MP full of character scoring a quality try with a man in the bin.

Ardie Savea

holy shit, he's on another planet


and they've scored with a man down, this is outrageous

I wish Barrett stayed in Japan.

Is this the best game of rugby you have seen?

Is Savea the new GOAT?

Moral Dilemma wrote: Sat May 17, 2025 8:50 am I wish Barrett stayed in Japan.

Gee, those 2 conversions that hit the post are huge right now

Perfect kick from Barrett the prick.

Blues have a 5m scrum. Last chance saloon for the Blues

Blimming heck - Ardie does it again.

What a great result Moana

Fitting way to end it.

What a player.

and Ardie wins the penalty...

unreal

Incredible game. Amazing Ardie.

MP switch out the Blues from the top 6. NZ's premier left wing remains tryless.

Really enjoyed Round 14...

A nail-biting, last gasp Canes win over the plucky Highlanders.

The Saders played a sublime first half in Sydney, and held on to win well despite blowing their bonus point.

The Drua did what the Drua do in Lautoka.

Moana made history by beating the Blues, on the back of a freakish performance by Ardie.

Crashed at HT of the Brumbies - Reds game... but well done Brumbies for going top of the table.

Couple of tasty games coming up in Round 15 too, with a southern derby in Christchurch and the Chiefs hosting Moana Pasifika.

Happy days!

Ooof... that performance from Ardie.

MP play the Chiefs next week and if they somehow manage to pull off a win, they'll have beaten all the other Kiwi sides this season.

Flockwitt wrote: Sun May 18, 2025 12:44 am Ooof... that performance from Ardie.

Been one of my favourite players for years.

It's a shame he hasn't won more trophies but what he's doing this year is pretty special and I think will live long in the memory.

Crusaders team announced for 7:05PM (NZ-time) match in ChCh vs Highlanders. Drummond in at 9, as Hotham has a rest (possibly an AB rest)




And the Clan too

Gallagher Chiefs v Moana Pasifika, 7:05 PM, Saturday 24 May 2025, FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton

Ollie Norris
Samisoni Taukei’aho
George Dyer
Naitoa Ah Kuoi
Tupou Vaa’i
Simon Parker
Luke Jacobson (c)
Wallace Sititi
Cortez Ratima
Damian McKenzie
Leroy Carter
Quinn Tupaea
Daniel Rona
Emoni Narawa
Shaun Stevenson
Reserves

Brodie McAlister
Aidan Ross
Reuben O’Neill
Josh Lord
Samipeni Finau
Xavier Roe
Josh Jacomb
Gideon Wrampling

Players unavailable due to injury
Etene Nanai-Seturo, Hamstring, Returning Soon
Kaleb Trask, Ankle, Mid-term
Anton Lienert Brown, Collarbone, Mid-term
Malachi Wrampling, Hamstring, Mid-term
Fiti Sa, Shoulder, Long-term
Rameka Poihipi, Knee, Season
Sione Ahio, Ankle [RTP]
Liam Coombes-Fabling, Hamstring [RTP]
Manaaki Selby Ricket, Toe, [RTP]

Moana Pasifika:

Tito Tuipulotu, Millennium Sanerivi, Feleti Sae-Ta'ufo'ou, Tom Savage, Samuel Slade, Miracle Faiilagi, Ardie Savea (c), Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, Jonathan Taumateine, Patrick Pellegrini, Solomon Alaimalo, Danny Toala, Lalomilo Lalamilo, Kyren Taumoefolau, Tevita Ofa
Reserves: Samiuela Moli, Abraham Pole, Chris Apoua, Allan Craig, Sione Havili Talitui, Melani Matavao, Julian Savea, Jackson Garden-Bachop

Torn over who to back for this one. While a win would help clinch a home play-off game for the Chiefs, it would be great to see MP nail a top six spot...

But good to see the Chiefs resist the temptation to rest any stars. Reckon they might be too strong up front and just take it.