Search found 3065 matches
- Mon Mar 01, 2021 12:57 am
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: Simon Doull - what is his problem?
- Replies: 30
- Views: 1290
Re: Simon Doull - what is his problem?
Also a climate change denier, which tells you all you need to know about Doull: https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/cricket/109793397/simon-doull-dismisses-climate-change-as-rubbish-in-odi-cricket-commentary It's been a good couple of years for commentary actually with Spark and Stan taking over. No longe...
- Mon Mar 01, 2021 12:53 am
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: Crusaders vs Hurricanes: MATCH THREAD: Sun March 7
- Replies: 18
- Views: 355
Re: Crusaders vs Hurricanes: MATCH THREAD: Sun March 7
Don't mind a nice Sunday afternoon game, hopefully fans can attend. Sounds like Havili will be back but Jordan still touch and go. I think the plan seems to be Havili into the midfield though. I'd rather McKay start at fullback in that case. Fihaki looks talented, but I think he needs to be eased in...
- Sat Feb 27, 2021 12:47 am
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: Highlanders vs Crusaders: MATCH THREAD: Fri 26th Feb
- Replies: 216
- Views: 4108
Re: Highlanders vs Crusaders: MATCH THREAD: Fri 26th Feb
Tony Brown having a whinge about the loss... “If you look at tonight's game that's what sad about rugby at the minute,” he said. “We had 60 per cent possession, 60 per cent territory...we only concede eight penalties and they're conceding 19 penalties and numerous penalty advantages against them an...
- Fri Feb 26, 2021 12:06 pm
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: SoupAU Rd 2: Reds v Rebels
- Replies: 112
- Views: 1161
Re: SoupAU Rd 2: Reds v Rebels
Not sure it was a 'good' game, but it was entertaining.
Someone needs to revoke McDermott's quick tap license. A few really brainless ones.
Someone needs to revoke McDermott's quick tap license. A few really brainless ones.
- Fri Feb 26, 2021 9:15 am
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: Highlanders vs Crusaders: MATCH THREAD: Fri 26th Feb
- Replies: 216
- Views: 4108
Re: Highlanders vs Crusaders: MATCH THREAD: Fri 26th Feb
Agreed. Bridge may have a fight on his hands when fit again.Ali's Choice wrote: ↑Fri Feb 26, 2021 9:12 am I like the balance of Sevu Reece on one wing and Leicester Fainga’anuku on the other.
- Fri Feb 26, 2021 9:14 am
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: Highlanders vs Crusaders: MATCH THREAD: Fri 26th Feb
- Replies: 216
- Views: 4108
Re: Highlanders vs Crusaders: MATCH THREAD: Fri 26th Feb
Bit scrappy at times, but no complaints about an away win to start the season. Tight five stood up when it mattered - dominant scrum, excellent maul defence, obscene maul to seal the game. It's a pretty good trick to fall back on. Reece also looked slippery, hopefully back to his very best. Need to ...
- Thu Feb 25, 2021 7:06 am
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: Hurricanes vs Blues: MATCH THREAD: Feb 27
- Replies: 176
- Views: 2684
Re: Hurricanes vs Blues: MATCH THREAD: Feb 27
It's a very strong Blues team, they should win comfortably. I'm not necessarily sold on the 'three first-fives in the same backline' tactic, but it seemed to work for them last year. Must be the strongest forward pack they've put out in years, as evidenced by the fact the following players aren't st...
- Thu Feb 25, 2021 6:59 am
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: Hurricanes vs Blues: MATCH THREAD: Feb 27
- Replies: 176
- Views: 2684
Re: Hurricanes vs Blues: MATCH THREAD: Feb 27
Blues: Stephen Perofeta, Mark Telea, Rieko Ioane, Harry Plummer, Caleb Clarke, Otere Black, Sam Nock, Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papalii, Akira Ioane, Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Nepo Laulala, Kurt Eklund, James Lay. Reserves: Luteru Tolai, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Ofa Tuungafasi, Josh Goodhue...
- Thu Sep 03, 2020 3:04 am
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: Crusaders 2020 Thread
- Replies: 248
- Views: 12934
Re: Crusaders 2020 Thread
In a slight blow for an already under strength loose forward stocks I see news today that Billy Harmon has signed for the Highlanders. Tom Christie looks the goods going forward but it’s hard loosing players in areas we don’t have much depth. No great loss. Harmon is a journeyman. Hopefully we have...
- Tue Aug 11, 2020 5:49 am
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: SRA - Blues v Crusaders @ forget about it.
- Replies: 91
- Views: 2527
Re: SRA - Blues v Crusaders @ Eden Park Sunday 16 August, 3.
I don't think it needs to be a full B team, but there's room for a bit of rotation. I'd select something like: 15. Jordan 14. Mataele 13. Ennor 12. Goodhue 11. Faiinganuku 10. Mo'unga 9. Enari 8. Douglas (c) 7. Christie 6. Sanders 5. Strange 4. Romano 3. Alaalatoa 2. Makalio 1. Bower 16. Taylor 17. ...
- Sun Aug 09, 2020 10:02 am
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: Crusaders vs Highlanders: MATCH THREAD: Sunday 9th Aug
- Replies: 340
- Views: 6537
Re: Crusaders vs Highlanders: MATCH THREAD: Sunday 9th Aug
How good is Richie Mo'unga? Was involved in just about every momentum-changing play all season. Such a pleasure to watch.
Imaging if he was given a proper chance to adjust to international rugby before last year, instead of being throw in the deep end months out from the world cup.
Imaging if he was given a proper chance to adjust to international rugby before last year, instead of being throw in the deep end months out from the world cup.
- Sun Aug 09, 2020 10:00 am
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: Crusaders vs Highlanders: MATCH THREAD: Sunday 9th Aug
- Replies: 340
- Views: 6537
Re: Crusaders vs Highlanders: MATCH THREAD: Sunday 9th Aug
I think AC mentioned it earlier but I would have no qualms if Robertson sent a C team up to battle the blues. I mean it’s a nothing game really. Disagree. And Cantabs would not be forgetting as Razor is that at provincial level the Orc’s have been kicking ur asses. Time to set that correct, ...if u...
- Sat Aug 08, 2020 3:40 am
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: Crusaders vs Highlanders: MATCH THREAD: Sunday 9th Aug
- Replies: 340
- Views: 6537
Re: Crusaders vs Highlanders: MATCH THREAD: Sunday 9th Aug
Strong Crusaders team. I can't see us losing back to back games at home, but stranger things have happened. It's a shame in some ways, as this competition deserves a last week decider (though I won't be complaining if we wrap it up tomorrow
)


- Thu Aug 06, 2020 12:39 am
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: Blues 2020-21 Optimism Thread
- Replies: 164
- Views: 8092
Re: Blues 2020-21 Optimism Thread
From what I've heard, that's a great signing for the Blues. Darry sounds like a real talent.
Can't really blame him knowing he's stuck behind Whitelock, Barrett, Dunshea, Strange, Romano, and potentially Grace in the current pecking order.
Can't really blame him knowing he's stuck behind Whitelock, Barrett, Dunshea, Strange, Romano, and potentially Grace in the current pecking order.
- Fri Jul 31, 2020 4:40 am
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: SRA - Highlanders vs Blues - 3.35pm Sunday 2 August 2020
- Replies: 147
- Views: 3129
Re: SRA - Highlanders vs Blues - 3.35pm Sunday 2 August 2020
Looking at that Blues team, if I was in charge of their recruitment, I'd be heavily targeting Folau Fakatava and Ricky Riccitelli. Hooker and halfback are the glaring weaknesses in that squad. Fakatava looks like a future 50+ test All Black, but is stuck behind the incumbent All Black halfback and w...
- Fri Jul 31, 2020 12:12 am
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: Chiefs vs Crusaders: MATCH THREAD: Sat 1st August
- Replies: 240
- Views: 5269
Re: Chiefs vs Crusaders: MATCH THREAD: Sat 1st August
Here's my elaborate fantasy: Chiefs win, Landers win and Canes, Blues and Crusaders all have a chance in the final round...is that mathematically possible? Meanwhile, here's an allegorical Crusaders' fan, 36 hours from now... https://c-ssl.duitang.com/uploads/item/201609/12/20160912232539_AF8Bw.thu...
- Thu Jul 30, 2020 11:58 am
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: Chiefs vs Crusaders: MATCH THREAD: Sat 1st August
- Replies: 240
- Views: 5269
Re: Chiefs vs Crusaders: MATCH THREAD: Sat 1st August
Don't worry about positions on the ladder or losing streaks, playing the Chiefs away missing 6 first choice players, including half our starting pack, will be a tough contest. If we're being brutally honest, outside of Taylor and Whitelock that's a journeyman pack. I certainly can't remember the Cr...
- Thu Jul 30, 2020 9:38 am
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: Chiefs vs Crusaders: MATCH THREAD: Sat 1st August
- Replies: 240
- Views: 5269
Re: Chiefs vs Crusaders: MATCH THREAD: Sat 1st August
Don't worry about positions on the ladder or losing streaks, playing the Chiefs away missing 6 first choice players, including half our starting pack, will be a tough contest. If we're being brutally honest, outside of Taylor and Whitelock that's a journeyman pack. I certainly can't remember the Cru...
- Thu Jul 23, 2020 4:55 am
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: Crusaders vs Hurricanes: MATCH THREAD: Sat 25th July
- Replies: 319
- Views: 7052
Re: Crusaders vs Hurricanes: MATCH THREAD: Sat 25th July
Ennor is a big loss, and leaves us very light in the midfield. Paea will have his hands full, sure Laumape will aim a few runs in his direction. Hope he goes well 

- Mon Jul 20, 2020 3:12 am
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: Pick your current All Black XXIII
- Replies: 113
- Views: 3337
Re: Pick your current All Black XXIII
Loosehead is a real concern - it's a shame Atu Moli is injured again. Do we look at recalling Karl T and hoping he can rediscover 2018 form? Maybe Hodgman is worth a shot? He's performed well for a dominant Canterbury scrum ITM Cup level for a long time, and the Blues set piece has looked good this ...
- Fri Jul 17, 2020 12:17 am
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: Asafo Aumua
- Replies: 27
- Views: 1540
Re: Asafo Aumua
He's as physically gifted as they come. As mentioned, set piece needs a little refining, but I don't think he's far off.
I just hope he's more Ardie Savea than Akira Ioane, and able to transfer his physical dominance at U20s and ITM Cup level to test rugby.
I just hope he's more Ardie Savea than Akira Ioane, and able to transfer his physical dominance at U20s and ITM Cup level to test rugby.
- Wed Jul 15, 2020 2:08 am
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: Stuart Barnes: Drop Otere Black and play Barrett at no.10
- Replies: 69
- Views: 2334
Re: Stuart Barnes: Drop Otere Black and play Barrett at no.1
I still think the bigger selection mistake was dropping Faiane. He seems to be the glue that holds that backline together, and allows Ioane, Clarke, Telea et al to shine.
- Wed Jul 08, 2020 1:27 am
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD; Sat 11th July
- Replies: 182
- Views: 4024
Re: Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD; Sat 11th July
Does anyone have an update on Ethan Blackadder? His availability will obviously impact the make-up of the Crusaders backrow. I am hopeful that Sione Havili will emerge as a SR class backrower in a year or two, but his late inclusion at blindisde on Saturday clearly impacted the balance of the team....
- Fri Jul 03, 2020 3:17 am
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: Highlanders vs Crusaders: MATCH THREAD: Sat 4th July
- Replies: 144
- Views: 2847
Re: Highlanders vs Crusaders: MATCH THREAD: Sat 4th July
It sounds silly given we're 2-0 so far, but this is a crucial game in terms of how the season pans out. Win, and we'll go top of the table, keeping pace with the in-form Blues. However, a loss would be huge. A rested, pace-setting Blues side would the have the opportunity to establish a nearly insur...
- Thu Jul 02, 2020 5:15 am
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: Highlanders vs Crusaders: MATCH THREAD: Sat 4th July
- Replies: 144
- Views: 2847
Re: Highlanders vs Crusaders: MATCH THREAD: Sat 4th July
Nice to have Makalio and Strange back in the mix
I hope Blackadder can grab this opportunity with Grace expected to be out the rest of the SR season. He was favourite to claim the jersey pre-season, after all.

I hope Blackadder can grab this opportunity with Grace expected to be out the rest of the SR season. He was favourite to claim the jersey pre-season, after all.
- Fri Jun 26, 2020 5:33 am
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: Crusaders vs Chiefs: MATCH THREAD: Sunday 28th June
- Replies: 168
- Views: 3029
Re: Crusaders vs Chiefs: MATCH THREAD: Sunday 28th June
Crusaders: Will Jordan, Sevu Reece, Braydon Ennor, Jack Goodhue, George Bridge, Richie Mo'unga, Bryn Hall, Whetukamokamo Douglas, Billy Harmon, Cullen Grace, Mitchell Dunshea, Sam Whitelock, Michael Alaalatoa, Codie Taylor (captain), Joe Moody. Reserves: Brodie McAlister, George Bower, Oliver Jager,...
- Thu Jun 25, 2020 7:40 am
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: All Blacks vs Kangaroos - Let's get ready to rumble
- Replies: 116
- Views: 3145
Re: All Blacks vs Kangaroos - Let's get ready to rumble
If you picked a proper rugby tight-five for a game with no scrums or lineouts, and probably watered down ruck and maul laws, then it would be one way traffic. It's no coincidence that most league converts end up in the centres/flanks/back-three. Thorn being the notable exception. SBW, Burgess, Te'o ...
- Fri Jun 19, 2020 5:32 am
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: Hurricanes vs Crusaders: MATCH THREAD: June 21
- Replies: 255
- Views: 5920
Re: Hurricanes vs Crusaders: MATCH THREAD: June 21
Hurricanes: Chase Tiatia, Wes Goosen, Vince Aso, Ngani Laumape, Ben Lam, Jackson Garden-Bachop, TJ Perenara (cc), Ardie Savea, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Reed Prinsep, Vaea Fifita, James Blackwell, Tyrel Lomax, Dane Coles (cc), Fraser Armstrong, Reserves: Asafo Aumua, Ben May, Alex Fidow, Scott Scrafton, G...
- Fri Jun 19, 2020 5:21 am
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: Hurricanes vs Crusaders: MATCH THREAD: June 21
- Replies: 255
- Views: 5920
Re: Hurricanes vs Crusaders: MATCH THREAD: June 21
Hurricanes: Chase Tiatia, Wes Goosen, Vince Aso, Ngani Laumape, Ben Lam, Jackson Garden-Bachop, TJ Perenara (cc), Ardie Savea, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Reed Prinsep, Vaea Fifita, James Blackwell, Tyrel Lomax, Dane Coles (cc), Fraser Armstrong, Reserves: Asafo Aumua, Ben May, Alex Fidow, Scott Scrafton, Ga...
- Fri Jun 19, 2020 5:17 am
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: Hurricanes vs Crusaders: MATCH THREAD: June 21
- Replies: 255
- Views: 5920
Re: Hurricanes vs Crusaders: MATCH THREAD: June 21
Crusaders named: 1. Joe Moody 2. Codie Taylor (C) 3. Michael Alaalatoa 4. Samuel Whitelock 5. Mitchell Dunshea 6. Cullen Grace 7. Billy Harmon 8. Whetukamokamo Douglas (VC) 9. Bryn Hall 10. Richie Mo'unga 11. George Bridge 12. Jack Goodhue 13. Braydon Ennor 14. Sevu Reece 15. Will Jordan RESERVES: ...
- Fri Jun 19, 2020 12:29 am
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: Chiefs vs Blues: MATCH THREAD: Saturday 20th June
- Replies: 255
- Views: 6741
Re: Chiefs vs Blues: MATCH THREAD: Saturday 20th June
If Otere Black keeps playing like he did last week, does anyone else think that he's got to come into the discussion for the AB's? He's got a solid all-round game, and he kicks very well both from hand and off the tee. At 25 years of age he's served a long apprenticeship as a pro, having been in th...
- Fri Jun 19, 2020 12:17 am
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: Hurricanes vs Crusaders: MATCH THREAD: June 21
- Replies: 255
- Views: 5920
Re: Hurricanes vs Crusaders: MATCH THREAD: June 21
Robertson is expected to have a full strength squad to choose from before the Crusaders meet the Hurricanes in Wellington next Sunday. https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/300034440/exall-black-david-havili-puts-surgery-drama-behind-him-to-hit-form-for-crusaders Makes for a few interesti...
- Fri Jun 19, 2020 12:02 am
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: Hurricanes vs Crusaders: MATCH THREAD: June 21
- Replies: 255
- Views: 5920
Re: Hurricanes vs Crusaders: MATCH THREAD: June 21
Brett Cameron wasn’t out of depth at super rugby level though was he? Not for the crusaders anyway. F**k oath he is out of his depth. I seem to remember him being and considered something of a hot new talent before going to the blues and turning out to be a bit shit without a good team around him? ...
- Wed Jun 10, 2020 8:05 am
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: SRA: Blues v Hurricanes - Sun 14 Jun - 3.35pm - Match Thread
- Replies: 192
- Views: 6985
Re: SRA: Blues v Hurricanes - Sun 14 Jun - 3.35pm - Match Th
Fox Sports and Rugby Australia have signed off on a revised broadcast deal for this year, paving the way for a revamped domestic competition to kick off on July 3 - five weeks behind the NRL. It comes as Fox Sports announced it would also show the New Zealand competition in its entirety, which kick...
- Wed Jun 03, 2020 11:38 pm
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: Blues 2020-21 Optimism Thread
- Replies: 164
- Views: 8092
Re: Beauden Barrett Appreciation & Blues 2020-21 Optimism Th
Will be a little sickening to see DC in a Blues jersey, although will be great to see him back.
10. Carter
15. Barrett
Would be quite interesting, although I suspect
10. Barrett
22. Carter
Is more likely.
10. Carter
15. Barrett
Would be quite interesting, although I suspect
10. Barrett
22. Carter
Is more likely.
- Tue May 12, 2020 10:27 am
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: 'Super Rugby' to restart in NZ on June 13th
- Replies: 145
- Views: 6060
Re: 'Super Rugby' to restart in NZ on June 13th
Breaking news Nehe Milner Skudder has signed a two year deal with the highlanders. And he will play in the upcoming NZ tournament. Not sure if that's a good or a bad signing? He peaked very early back in 2015 and really never hit the same level again. Once he lost his agility he was a spent force. ...
- Fri May 01, 2020 3:08 am
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: The Ref Howler Thread
- Replies: 148
- Views: 6390
Re: The Ref Howler Thread
Yup. I didn't think it was a penalty at the time but I definitely didn't feel bad about finally winning either. I managed to rationalise it somehow. That one was a bit like the Joubert one in that, while it was incorrect, the correct call would still have meant the benefiting team had a chance to w...
- Fri May 01, 2020 12:03 am
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: The Ref Howler Thread
- Replies: 148
- Views: 6390
Re: The Ref Howler Thread
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FQkwYfqDnUNolanator wrote:Floppykid wrote:2011 RWC final, the whole match.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7C6bTHyC0U![]()
I love that clip, mate.
- Thu Apr 30, 2020 11:52 pm
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: The Ref Howler Thread
- Replies: 148
- Views: 6390
Re: The Ref Howler Thread
Craig Joubert, 2014 Super Rugby Final. Crusaders captain Richie McCaw has revealed that the 2014 Super Rugby Final referee Craig Joubert has apologised to coach Todd Blackadder for mistakes made in the final. McCaw told Radio Sport that South African Joubert has rung Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder ...
- Wed Apr 22, 2020 5:00 am
- Forum: Rugby Forum
- Topic: Bang average players that got a crazy amount of caps.
- Replies: 215
- Views: 8172
Re: Bang average players that got a crazy amount of caps.
Liam Messam, 43 caps.
Nothing against the guy, but he was only ever a stopgap who became first choice when Kaino was in Japan and the cupboard was a bit bare at 6.
Nothing against the guy, but he was only ever a stopgap who became first choice when Kaino was in Japan and the cupboard was a bit bare at 6.