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by mrbrownstone
Thu Jul 17, 2025 6:44 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: OFFICIAL AB's V FRANCE 'Can we field the Love tonight" match thread.
Replies: 143
Views: 2371

Re: OFFICIAL AB's V FRANCE 'Can we field the Love tonight" match thread.

Something I've come across in my writing and research this week: Reiko Ioane is averaging 7 metres per carry so far this series on the wing. No other All Black averages more than 6. These are the top 5 All Blacks by total metres so far (metres/carry in brackets). Ardie Savea (127m, 4.09 metres/carr...
by mrbrownstone
Thu Jul 17, 2025 6:43 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Super Rugby 2025
Replies: 563
Views: 17292

Re: Super Rugby 2025

1. Because the current structure is seemingly not sustainable 2. Because the game’s popularity seems to be shrinking I agree, but can we not restructure it in a way that complements, rather than cannibalises, Test rugby? You seem to frame it as either/or unless I'm misunderstanding. I actually agre...
by mrbrownstone
Thu Jul 17, 2025 6:25 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Super Rugby 2025
Replies: 563
Views: 17292

Re: Super Rugby 2025

If only the intention of SR was not merely to prepare All Blacks….. https://www.mediaite.com/opinion/college-football-is-facing-an-existential-crisis-heres-an-out-of-the-box-idea-to-save-it/ I understand the point you're making and do (at least partially) agree, but, looking at it from a purely on-...
by mrbrownstone
Thu Jul 17, 2025 6:10 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: OFFICIAL AB's V FRANCE 'Can we field the Love tonight" match thread.
Replies: 143
Views: 2371

Re: OFFICIAL AB's V FRANCE 'Can we field the Love tonight" match thread.

Something I've come across in my writing and research this week: Reiko Ioane is averaging 7 metres per carry so far this series on the wing. No other All Black averages more than 6. These are the top 5 All Blacks by total metres so far (metres/carry in brackets). Ardie Savea (127m, 4.09 metres/carry...
by mrbrownstone
Thu Jul 17, 2025 5:40 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: NPC 2025 OFFICIAL Thread
Replies: 10
Views: 206

Re: NPC 2025 OFFICIAL Thread

It's so sad that the NPC has become a feeder comp and nothing else. A disgrace. The NZRU should be ashamed of themselves. I grew up watching the NPC and boy was that great. I'd go to Eden Park and watch the boys smash everyone. I still remember when we beat Otago in the final, what a moment that wa...
by mrbrownstone
Thu Jul 17, 2025 5:21 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: OFFICIAL AB's V FRANCE 'Can we field the Love tonight" match thread.
Replies: 143
Views: 2371

Re: OFFICIAL AB's V FRANCE 'Can we field the Love tonight" match thread.

a I might have missed it, yes, but an announcement from CM is not an official AB confirmation. Do you have that for me? No worries, mate. I'll just email Razor and get the official word from the horse's mouth (I'm not going back through them all, but listen to one of his recent team announcement in...
by mrbrownstone
Thu Jul 17, 2025 5:20 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: OFFICIAL AB's V FRANCE 'Can we field the Love tonight" match thread.
Replies: 143
Views: 2371

Re: OFFICIAL AB's V FRANCE 'Can we field the Love tonight" match thread.

BlueThunder wrote: Thu Jul 17, 2025 5:09 am The Crusaders bias is actually getting ridiculous now, I’ve had just about enough of ol’ cyclops Robertson.
Personally, I'm sick of Tauranga-born former-BOP representative Razor favouring his beloved hometown Chiefs.
by mrbrownstone
Thu Jul 17, 2025 3:55 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: OFFICIAL AB's V FRANCE 'Can we field the Love tonight" match thread.
Replies: 143
Views: 2371

Re: OFFICIAL AB's V FRANCE 'Can we field the Love tonight" match thread.

IMO he's now a first choice All Black lock. I didn't expect him to look so comfortable so quickly. I expect he will never cede the starting jersey again throughout his career. I've rarely seen a tight forward so purpose-built for Test rugby from the outset. With the added bonus he has an 80 minute ...
by mrbrownstone
Thu Jul 17, 2025 3:46 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: NPC 2025 OFFICIAL Thread
Replies: 10
Views: 206

Re: NPC 2025 OFFICIAL Thread

Enzedder wrote: Thu Jul 17, 2025 3:27 am No squad yet but we have a major sponsor signed up which is always a good thing.
Priorities :thumbup:

(It is, of course, a great thing at a time when these unions are struggling to turn a profit).
by mrbrownstone
Thu Jul 17, 2025 3:45 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: OFFICIAL AB's V FRANCE 'Can we field the Love tonight" match thread.
Replies: 143
Views: 2371

Re: OFFICIAL AB's V FRANCE 'Can we field the Love tonight" match thread.

This will be Samisoni Taukieaho’s first Test start at hooker in 670 days, since the World Cup Pool game against Namibia on September 16, 2023. Great to see him back, as he was quietly becoming world-class before that.
by mrbrownstone
Thu Jul 17, 2025 3:41 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: OFFICIAL AB's V FRANCE 'Can we field the Love tonight" match thread.
Replies: 143
Views: 2371

Re: OFFICIAL AB's V FRANCE 'Can we field the Love tonight" match thread.

Yeah it's a well thought out selection given the players we have available. The Chiefs players should bring a strong level of cohesion. All this complaining about Finau being our reserve lock is just the usual posters being alarmist. Our lineout has been exceptional this year, so perhaps we should ...
by mrbrownstone
Thu Jul 17, 2025 3:40 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: OFFICIAL AB's V FRANCE 'Can we field the Love tonight" match thread.
Replies: 143
Views: 2371

Re: OFFICIAL AB's V FRANCE 'Can we field the Love tonight" match thread.

You also missed when Papili'i was officially called in. Don't be a dufus, Mr B, it is unbecoming. Well, no, I didn't, because that actually happened. You may have, though. :lol: https://i.ibb.co/k6zgV5Dx/Screenshot-2025-07-17-at-12-05-19-PM.png Given the subsequent injury to another loose forward, ...
by mrbrownstone
Thu Jul 17, 2025 3:15 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: OFFICIAL AB's V FRANCE 'Can we field the Love tonight" match thread.
Replies: 143
Views: 2371

Re: OFFICIAL AB's V FRANCE 'Can we field the Love tonight" match thread.

I would not be surprised at a stuttering or closer performance, but I'd still be immensely surprised if we lost. I still think this team's ability to generate points and opportunities at home should be several classes clear of the French. My only concern is that last week we made hay while France a...
by mrbrownstone
Thu Jul 17, 2025 3:13 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: OFFICIAL AB's V FRANCE 'Can we field the Love tonight" match thread.
Replies: 143
Views: 2371

Re: OFFICIAL AB's V FRANCE 'Can we field the Love tonight" match thread.

Given the subsequent injury to another loose forward, Vai'i, presumably Papali'i remained as cover once Jacobson was fit again. Can you please point me to a similar announcement for Ah Kuoi? This was the most important one https://chiefs.co.nz/news-item/vibes-versatility-naitoa-ah-kuoi-stays-with-g...
by mrbrownstone
Thu Jul 17, 2025 3:10 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: OFFICIAL AB's V FRANCE 'Can we field the Love tonight" match thread.
Replies: 143
Views: 2371

Re: OFFICIAL AB's V FRANCE 'Can we field the Love tonight" match thread.

BlueThunder wrote: Thu Jul 17, 2025 3:09 am Hopefully Hotham gets some decent amount of time and him and Ratima are playing off for bench spot.
Would have loved to see him get a start, but that would have wrecked the Chiefs combos. His time will come.
by mrbrownstone
Thu Jul 17, 2025 3:09 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: OFFICIAL AB's V FRANCE 'Can we field the Love tonight" match thread.
Replies: 143
Views: 2371

Re: OFFICIAL AB's V FRANCE 'Can we field the Love tonight" match thread.

I really like what we've done in selecting a 'spine' with an in-built combination. 2/8/9/10/12/13 are all Chiefs. This should help with cohesion in a somewhat experimental team. One thing I might have done is selected Jordan at 14 as an experienced head and calming voice at the back to help Love th...
by mrbrownstone
Thu Jul 17, 2025 3:08 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: OFFICIAL AB's V FRANCE 'Can we field the Love tonight" match thread.
Replies: 143
Views: 2371

Re: OFFICIAL AB's V FRANCE 'Can we field the Love tonight" match thread.

Yeah, not sure why they brought Ah Koui in... He was only ever brought in for training opposition, wasn't officially in squad from my understanding. Neither was Dalton Papalii.... For posters on a rugby forum, some of you pay very little attention. https://i.ibb.co/k6zgV5Dx/Screenshot-2025-07-17-at...
by mrbrownstone
Thu Jul 17, 2025 3:07 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: OFFICIAL AB's V FRANCE 'Can we field the Love tonight" match thread.
Replies: 143
Views: 2371

Re: OFFICIAL AB's V FRANCE 'Can we field the Love tonight" match thread.

Yeah, not sure why they brought Ah Koui in... Did I miss the announcement where he was officially called up? (Not trying to be a dick, genuinely asking.) I though he was always just training cover and they were relatively clear about that? You also missed when Papili'i was officially called in. Don...
by mrbrownstone
Thu Jul 17, 2025 2:35 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: OFFICIAL AB's V FRANCE 'Can we field the Love tonight" match thread.
Replies: 143
Views: 2371

Re: OFFICIAL AB's V FRANCE 'Can we field the Love tonight" match thread.

Are we disrespecting France by selecting a B team? I would not be surprised at all if the team selected loses. I would not be surprised at a stuttering or closer performance, but I'd still be immensely surprised if we lost. I still think this team's ability to generate points and opportunities at h...
by mrbrownstone
Thu Jul 17, 2025 2:34 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: OFFICIAL AB's V FRANCE 'Can we field the Love tonight" match thread.
Replies: 143
Views: 2371

Re: OFFICIAL AB's V FRANCE 'Can we field the Love tonight" match thread.

I really like what we've done in selecting a 'spine' with an in-built combination. 2/8/9/10/12/13 are all Chiefs. This should help with cohesion in a somewhat experimental team. One thing I might have done is selected Jordan at 14 as an experienced head and calming voice at the back to help Love thr...
by mrbrownstone
Thu Jul 17, 2025 2:32 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: OFFICIAL AB's V FRANCE 'Can we field the Love tonight" match thread.
Replies: 143
Views: 2371

Re: OFFICIAL AB's V FRANCE 'Can we field the Love tonight" match thread.

Seems a bit of overkill having two opensides on the bench. Don’t get it. Yeah, not sure why they brought Ah Koui in... Did I miss the announcement where he was officially called up? (Not trying to be a dick, genuinely asking.) I though he was always just training cover and they were relatively clea...
by mrbrownstone
Thu Jul 17, 2025 2:30 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: OFFICIAL AB's V FRANCE 'Can we field the Love tonight" match thread.
Replies: 143
Views: 2371

Re: OFFICIAL AB's V FRANCE 'Can we field the Love tonight" match thread.

UncleFB wrote: Thu Jul 17, 2025 2:03 am Locks aren't important right? :lol:
Funny way to spell "aren't fit" :nod:
by mrbrownstone
Thu Jul 17, 2025 2:28 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: OFFICIAL AB's V FRANCE 'Can we field the Love tonight" match thread.
Replies: 143
Views: 2371

Re: OFFICIAL AB's V FRANCE 'Can we field the Love tonight" match thread.

Is everyone who complained that last week's selections were too conservative satisfied? Or have we found something new to collectively moan about this week? ;) It seems pretty self-explanatory to me that we've named both Papalii and Kirifi on the bench because, with Barrett, Vai'i, and Sititi all in...
by mrbrownstone
Thu Jul 17, 2025 2:17 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: The Official Crusaders Thread
Replies: 951
Views: 151558

Re: The Official Crusaders Thread

Loose forward Xavier Saifoloi has extended his contract with the Crusaders, committing to the club through to the 2027 season. "It's pretty awesome to be able to stick around for a few more years," says Saifoloi. "The main driver for me to stay around is how much people care for each other at this ...
by mrbrownstone
Thu Jul 17, 2025 2:16 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Super Rugby 2025
Replies: 563
Views: 17292

Re: Super Rugby 2025

If only the intention of SR was not merely to prepare All Blacks….. https://www.mediaite.com/opinion/college-football-is-facing-an-existential-crisis-heres-an-out-of-the-box-idea-to-save-it/ I understand the point you're making and do (at least partially) agree, but, looking at it from a purely on-...
by mrbrownstone
Thu Jul 17, 2025 1:10 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Super Rugby 2025
Replies: 563
Views: 17292

Re: Super Rugby 2025

If only the intention of SR was not merely to prepare All Blacks….. https://www.mediaite.com/opinion/college-football-is-facing-an-existential-crisis-heres-an-out-of-the-box-idea-to-save-it/ I understand the point you're making and do (at least partially) agree, but, looking at it from a purely on-...
by mrbrownstone
Thu Jul 17, 2025 12:13 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Super Rugby 2025
Replies: 563
Views: 17292

Re: Super Rugby 2025

If only the intention of SR was not merely to prepare All Blacks….. https://www.mediaite.com/opinion/college-football-is-facing-an-existential-crisis-heres-an-out-of-the-box-idea-to-save-it/ I understand the point you're making and do (at least partially) agree, but, looking at it from a purely on-...
by mrbrownstone
Wed Jul 16, 2025 12:14 pm
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Zimbabwe vs Black Caps vs South Africa - T20 Series
Replies: 22
Views: 301

Re: Black Caps vs South Africa (and Zimbabwe) T20 series

assfly wrote: Wed Jul 16, 2025 11:33 am For the love of god, please remove Zimbabwe from the brackets. They're hosts ffs.
I will when they’re actually playing.
by mrbrownstone
Wed Jul 16, 2025 10:40 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Zimbabwe vs Black Caps vs South Africa - T20 Series
Replies: 22
Views: 301

Re: Black Caps vs South Africa (and Zimbabwe) T20 series

Clogs wrote: Wed Jul 16, 2025 10:18 am
Grandpa wrote: Wed Jul 16, 2025 10:15 am Shame it's not a test series...
Yep and just like the Rugby it would be NZ vs the World Champions.














Too subtle?

Just a shame those players aren’t playing…again.

You’re not sending your best people!
by mrbrownstone
Wed Jul 16, 2025 10:17 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Zimbabwe vs Black Caps vs South Africa - T20 Series
Replies: 22
Views: 301

Re: Black Caps vs South Africa (and Zimbabwe) T20 series

Grandpa wrote: Wed Jul 16, 2025 10:15 am Shame it's not a test series...
Massively. We are playing two against Zimbabwe after this though!

There were rumours of a Test against SA being added to this tour earlier in the year, but they fizzled out.
by mrbrownstone
Wed Jul 16, 2025 10:11 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Zimbabwe vs Black Caps vs South Africa - T20 Series
Replies: 22
Views: 301

Re: Black Caps vs South Africa (and Zimbabwe) T20 series

If one were inclined to that sort of thing, they could read my more comprehensive series preview here:https://open.substack.com/pub/beyondcow ... africa-for

First time we’re playing in Africa in 3263 days! Who’d we piss off?
by mrbrownstone
Wed Jul 16, 2025 10:08 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Zimbabwe vs Black Caps vs South Africa - T20 Series
Replies: 22
Views: 301

Zimbabwe vs Black Caps vs South Africa - T20 Series

Are there still enough kiwis and saffas around for this to be somewhat of a thing? Starts in a little under two hours. SA already won the opening match comfortably against Zimbabwe yesterday. In NZ this is on Three & ThreeNow I believe. In Aus it’s on ICC.tv. If you’re in SA you’d know better than m...
by mrbrownstone
Wed Jul 16, 2025 6:26 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: NPC 2025 OFFICIAL Thread
Replies: 10
Views: 206

NPC 2025 OFFICIAL Thread

Squads are starting to roll in, share them here and I'll update the OP. Canterbury: https://scontent.fbne8-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/520063609_1255634756229692_6567653398591974135_n.jpg?_nc_cat=1&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=833d8c&_nc_ohc=LWK0iIl7q_gQ7kNvwGnLPRk&_nc_oc=Adk_iSDFv0oHsoZg-TlBfqPvuGtNQrhUWPPBS9...
by mrbrownstone
Wed Jul 16, 2025 6:16 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: The Official Crusaders Thread
Replies: 951
Views: 151558

Re: The Official Crusaders Thread

Zakar wrote: Wed Jul 16, 2025 5:18 am How I imagine this thread

Image
Comes up less often than you'd think!
by mrbrownstone
Wed Jul 16, 2025 6:15 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: The Official Crusaders Thread
Replies: 951
Views: 151558

Re: The Official Crusaders Thread

I'd have him second choice for all those unions as well. Not 4th and reliant on injuries. He said he didn't want to go but had no option if he wanted to play. If that's the case, this is a massive failure of NZ rugby recruitment and retention. Yeah, that's a major fvck up, reminds me of when Mark R...
by mrbrownstone
Wed Jul 16, 2025 3:17 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: The Official Crusaders Thread
Replies: 951
Views: 151558

Re: The Official Crusaders Thread

None of the NZ teams were willing to offer him a contract. Apparently he was only offered part time back up contracts which relied on injuries. This seems utterly insane to me. You mean to tell me he wouldn't be a walk-up starter for the Clan? I like Bell and Taylor, but let's be real. Or that he's...
by mrbrownstone
Wed Jul 16, 2025 3:17 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: How to Actually Pronounce Commonly Mispronounced Rugby Names
Replies: 40
Views: 759

Re: How to Actually Pronounce Commonly Mispronounced Rugby Names

Tabai Matson is pronounced Tambai Matson, because there is a silent M. No there fcuking isn't, you numpty. :lol: Huh? Yes, there is? I expect the man knows how to pronounce his own name. Am I being whooshed? You sure are - there is no M in the spelling but there is a clear M sound in pronunciation-...
by mrbrownstone
Wed Jul 16, 2025 1:47 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: How to Actually Pronounce Commonly Mispronounced Rugby Names
Replies: 40
Views: 759

Re: How to Actually Pronounce Commonly Mispronounced Rugby Names

BlueThunder wrote: Wed Jul 16, 2025 1:20 am Chay Fihaki is actually pronounced “who?”.
:lol:
by mrbrownstone
Wed Jul 16, 2025 1:46 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Planet Rugby and the All Blacks
Replies: 47
Views: 1362

Re: Planet Rugby and the All Blacks

I hope Nisbo goes out on his own terms some time later this year. Even I, one of his biggest fans, thought some of his misnamings on Saturday were worse than usual. I hope he's not trying to get through to 2027. He'll be about 75-76 by then. That has snuck up on me. I thought he was still in his la...
by mrbrownstone
Wed Jul 16, 2025 1:04 am
Forum: Rugby Forum
Topic: Planet Rugby and the All Blacks
Replies: 47
Views: 1362

Re: Planet Rugby and the All Blacks

I hope Nisbo goes out on his own terms some time later this year. Even I, one of his biggest fans, thought some of his misnamings on Saturday were worse than usual. I hope he's not trying to get through to 2027. He'll be about 75-76 by then. That has snuck up on me. I thought he was still in his la...