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Canes sign Owen Franks

Posted: Wed May 12, 2021 10:58 am
by Kiwias

Re: Canes sign Owen Franks

Posted: Wed May 12, 2021 11:33 am
by Ogre
Kiwias wrote: Wed May 12, 2021 10:58 am I did not see that one coming.

https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/sport/20 ... CowiFoybc8
:shock: :D :D :D :D
This is great news. Franks and Bird add some experience and size to our pack.

Re: Canes sign Owen Franks

Posted: Wed May 12, 2021 1:03 pm
by mrbrownstone
Well, that is left field.

Not quite as bad as Carter to the Blues, but close.

Will be disgusting to see him in yellow.

Re: Canes sign Owen Franks

Posted: Wed May 12, 2021 1:05 pm
by deverix
Ogre wrote: Wed May 12, 2021 11:33 am
Kiwias wrote: Wed May 12, 2021 10:58 am I did not see that one coming.

https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/sport/20 ... CowiFoybc8
:shock: :D :D :D :D
This is great news. Franks and Bird add some experience and size to our pack.
Must've been a typo, are they sure it's not (the former Hurricane..) Ben Franks?

And they call the Crusaders poachers.. :roll:

Re: Canes sign Owen Franks

Posted: Wed May 12, 2021 1:39 pm
by DragsterDriver
He’s not very good.

Re: Canes sign Owen Franks

Posted: Wed May 12, 2021 1:43 pm
by Eugenius
Still should have been at the RWC.

Re: Canes sign Owen Franks

Posted: Wed May 12, 2021 1:59 pm
by Peteray
:lol: Really? The Canes, in desperate need of fresh blood, sign another one with a zimmer frame! First Big Jules, then Big Bird, and now the lesser Franks. Who else could be on the cards? NMS returning home? Steven Donald lured away from his whitebait?

Actually, surely they will target Brett Cameron, now he's joined the Turbos; Teariki Ben-Nicholas and Marino Mikaele Tu are not getting game time at the Clan, the same as Kane Hammington? Whatever, their recruitment policy looks seriously flawed at the minute.

Re: Canes sign Owen Franks

Posted: Wed May 12, 2021 7:12 pm
by Flockwitt
Jules should never have been given a 3 year contract even if he was a forward, that was a complete head scratcher. Bird and Owen are a different thing altogether. Hope NZ rugby sees more of this, experienced campaigners getting a chance to pass on what they know and make an impact before they finally hang up their boots.

Re: Canes sign Owen Franks

Posted: Wed May 12, 2021 10:38 pm
by Jerome Manning
Eugenius wrote: Wed May 12, 2021 1:43 pm Still should have been at the RWC.
That was a massive selection error. We still completely underestimate the old bull v young bull dynamic (especially in the tight five) at world cups.

Re: Canes sign Owen Franks

Posted: Wed May 12, 2021 10:55 pm
by Dan54.
Flockwitt wrote: Wed May 12, 2021 7:12 pm Jules should never have been given a 3 year contract even if he was a forward, that was a complete head scratcher. Bird and Owen are a different thing altogether. Hope NZ rugby sees more of this, experienced campaigners getting a chance to pass on what they know and make an impact before they finally hang up their boots.
Agrred, we need these fellas passing on experience, why I happy TJ coming back , help out young fellas.

Re: Canes sign Owen Franks

Posted: Wed May 12, 2021 11:18 pm
by Kiwias
Jerome Manning wrote: Wed May 12, 2021 10:38 pm
Eugenius wrote: Wed May 12, 2021 1:43 pm Still should have been at the RWC.
That was a massive selection error. We still completely underestimate the old bull v young bull dynamic (especially in the tight five) at world cups.
:thumbup:

Re: Canes sign Owen Franks

Posted: Wed May 12, 2021 11:19 pm
by Kiwias
Flockwitt wrote: Wed May 12, 2021 7:12 pm Jules should never have been given a 3 year contract even if he was a forward, that was a complete head scratcher. Bird and Owen are a different thing altogether. Hope NZ rugby sees more of this, experienced campaigners getting a chance to pass on what they know and make an impact before they finally hang up their boots.
I'm in full agreement with this but Franks to the Canes????

Re: Canes sign Owen Franks

Posted: Wed May 12, 2021 11:36 pm
by MrDominator
Another All Black forward who couldn't hack it in Proper Rugby :thumbdown:

Re: Canes sign Owen Franks

Posted: Wed May 12, 2021 11:52 pm
by UncleFB
Peteray wrote: Wed May 12, 2021 1:59 pm :lol: Really? The Canes, in desperate need of fresh blood, sign another one with a zimmer frame! First Big Jules, then Big Bird, and now the lesser Franks. Who else could be on the cards? NMS returning home? Steven Donald lured away from his whitebait?

Actually, surely they will target Brett Cameron, now he's joined the Turbos; Teariki Ben-Nicholas and Marino Mikaele Tu are not getting game time at the Clan, the same as Kane Hammington? Whatever, their recruitment policy looks seriously flawed at the minute.
He was getting game time until his season ending injury.

Re: Canes sign Owen Franks

Posted: Wed May 12, 2021 11:56 pm
by IKUR01
MrDominator wrote: Wed May 12, 2021 11:36 pm Another All Black forward who couldn't hack it in Proper Rugby :thumbdown:
Must have ben weighed down by those 2 world cup winning medals.

Re: Canes sign Owen Franks

Posted: Thu May 13, 2021 1:17 am
by Ted.
Flockwitt wrote: Wed May 12, 2021 7:12 pm Jules should never have been given a 3 year contract even if he was a forward, that was a complete head scratcher. Bird and Owen are a different thing altogether. Hope NZ rugby sees more of this, experienced campaigners getting a chance to pass on what they know and make an impact before they finally hang up their boots.
Agree completely re Jules. Was an utterly bizarre signing by the Canes and more so that they keep selecting him in the match day squad when he is so clearly not up to it.

I have yet to decide whether signing Franks is a good idea. IIRC, he'd lost his edge before he left NZ and I wouldn't expect that he'd improved. Still, if he could become our scrum coach, that surely wouldn't be a bad thing. I also think he will look rather fetching in yellow, at least far more so than red n black. :thumbup:

Re: Canes sign Owen Franks

Posted: Thu May 13, 2021 1:21 am
by Ali's Choice
My only question is how will this impact on Tyrel Lomax's development.

I've never seen Owen Franks bested at scrum time over the course of 80 minutes. He will sure up the Canes scrum immensely. He is also a consummate professional with unbelievably high standards and so he will bring a lot to the organisation off the field. He famously didn't skimp on his protein shakes or allow a cheat meal on his wedding day, which just shows how professional he is. Put it this way, if the Crusaders signed him I would be thrilled. So Hurricanes fans should be as well.

Re: Canes sign Owen Franks

Posted: Thu May 13, 2021 2:18 am
by Ted.
Ali's Choice wrote: Thu May 13, 2021 1:21 am My only question is how will this impact on Tyrel Lomax's development.

I've never seen Owen Franks bested at scrum time over the course of 80 minutes. He will sure up the Canes scrum immensely. He is also a consummate professional with unbelievably high standards and so he will bring a lot to the organisation off the field. He famously didn't skimp on his protein shakes or allow a cheat meal on his wedding day, which just shows how professional he is. Put it this way, if the Crusaders signed him I would be thrilled. So Hurricanes fans should be as well.
Well I hope it's positive. Lomax doesn't seem to have developed to the extent that one would have hoped given his potential, so hopefully Franks can provide the polish he's otherwise lacking in the Canes setup.

Re: Canes sign Owen Franks

Posted: Thu May 13, 2021 3:16 am
by Ali's Choice
Ted. wrote: Thu May 13, 2021 2:18 am
Ali's Choice wrote: Thu May 13, 2021 1:21 am My only question is how will this impact on Tyrel Lomax's development.

I've never seen Owen Franks bested at scrum time over the course of 80 minutes. He will sure up the Canes scrum immensely. He is also a consummate professional with unbelievably high standards and so he will bring a lot to the organisation off the field. He famously didn't skimp on his protein shakes or allow a cheat meal on his wedding day, which just shows how professional he is. Put it this way, if the Crusaders signed him I would be thrilled. So Hurricanes fans should be as well.
Well I hope it's positive. Lomax doesn't seem to have developed to the extent that one would have hoped given his potential, so hopefully Franks can provide the polish he's otherwise lacking in the Canes setup.
What it will provide is depth. The Canes have struggled at scrum time late in games this year, and having Franks and Lomax in the 23 will help that.

Re: Canes sign Owen Franks

Posted: Thu May 13, 2021 3:48 am
by Ted.
Ali's Choice wrote: Thu May 13, 2021 3:16 am
Ted. wrote: Thu May 13, 2021 2:18 am
Ali's Choice wrote: Thu May 13, 2021 1:21 am My only question is how will this impact on Tyrel Lomax's development.

I've never seen Owen Franks bested at scrum time over the course of 80 minutes. He will sure up the Canes scrum immensely. He is also a consummate professional with unbelievably high standards and so he will bring a lot to the organisation off the field. He famously didn't skimp on his protein shakes or allow a cheat meal on his wedding day, which just shows how professional he is. Put it this way, if the Crusaders signed him I would be thrilled. So Hurricanes fans should be as well.
Well I hope it's positive. Lomax doesn't seem to have developed to the extent that one would have hoped given his potential, so hopefully Franks can provide the polish he's otherwise lacking in the Canes setup.
What it will provide is depth. The Canes have struggled at scrum time late in games this year, and having Franks and Lomax in the 23 will help that.
Absolutely.

I am though very interested in the Canes breaking the cycle of tight forward mediocrity, something that I believe is as much attitude/belief and trained skills/knowledge as it is talent. Hopefully Franks can help break that cycle.

Re: Canes sign Owen Franks

Posted: Thu May 13, 2021 4:08 am
by Sonny Blount
This sounds like the Canes best poach since stealing Jonah Lomu from the Chiefs.

Re: Canes sign Owen Franks

Posted: Thu May 13, 2021 4:29 am
by mrbrownstone
The thought of Owen Franks in yellow is sickening to me. Traitorous, even.

Having said that, it is a great piece of recruiting by the Canes. Coles aside, their tight five is clearly an area of weakness this season.

1. Numia
2. Coles
3. Franks
4. Bird
5. Scrafton

16. Aumua
17. Mafileo
18. Lomax
19. Walker-Leaware

All of a sudden looks like a bit of depth being able to bring Aumua and Lomax off the bench, and more height in the lineout, pissing the undersized Blackwell off entirely.

Re: Canes sign Owen Franks

Posted: Thu May 13, 2021 11:30 am
by jdogscoop
Jerome Manning wrote: Wed May 12, 2021 10:38 pm
Eugenius wrote: Wed May 12, 2021 1:43 pm Still should have been at the RWC.
That was a massive selection error. We still completely underestimate the old bull v young bull dynamic (especially in the tight five) at world cups.
We also still insist on playing guys out of position. Very slow learners when it comes to RWCs, All Blacks coaches.

Re: Canes sign Owen Franks

Posted: Thu May 13, 2021 11:35 am
by jdogscoop
Ted. wrote: Thu May 13, 2021 1:17 am
Flockwitt wrote: Wed May 12, 2021 7:12 pm Jules should never have been given a 3 year contract even if he was a forward, that was a complete head scratcher. Bird and Owen are a different thing altogether. Hope NZ rugby sees more of this, experienced campaigners getting a chance to pass on what they know and make an impact before they finally hang up their boots.
Agree completely re Jules. Was an utterly bizarre signing by the Canes and more so that they keep selecting him in the match day squad when he is so clearly not up to it.

I have yet to decide whether signing Franks is a good idea. IIRC, he'd lost his edge before he left NZ and I wouldn't expect that he'd improved. Still, if he could become our scrum coach, that surely wouldn't be a bad thing. I also think he will look rather fetching in yellow, at least far more so than red n black. :thumbup:
The Canes management and coaching staff appear to be the dumbest of the Kiwi franchises by some distance, which goes some way to explaining why they got last in Super Rugby Aotearoa.

Re: Canes sign Owen Franks

Posted: Thu May 13, 2021 11:44 am
by Ali's Choice
I don't think the Julian Savea signing is necessarily that bad. It all depends on what they are paying him. If it's a small amount then I think it's a lot like the Chiefs signing Liam Messam or the Crusaders signing Tim Bateman. He's there to share his experience and good training habits with the young players. Julian Savea would presumably be a very cheap recruit - it's not like any clubs in the NH wanted him.

If they are paying him good money then they have shit for brains. In saying that, it might keep Ardie Savea at the organisation for a season or two longer.

Re: Canes sign Owen Franks

Posted: Thu May 13, 2021 11:49 am
by towny
Ali's Choice wrote: Thu May 13, 2021 1:21 am My only question is how will this impact on Tyrel Lomax's development.

I've never seen Owen Franks bested at scrum time over the course of 80 minutes. He will sure up the Canes scrum immensely. He is also a consummate professional with unbelievably high standards and so he will bring a lot to the organisation off the field. He famously didn't skimp on his protein shakes or allow a cheat meal on his wedding day, which just shows how professional he is. Put it this way, if the Crusaders signed him I would be thrilled. So Hurricanes fans should be as well.
Good question. Personally, I don't think Lomax is a long-term option for test LHP. If you used Franks as the yardstick, at the same age Lomax is miles behind and I can't see how he could be the anchor that a test side needs. You've got better kids coming through. This is a great signing for the Canes and sadly a good one for NZR.

Re: Canes sign Owen Franks

Posted: Thu May 13, 2021 11:55 am
by Mr Mike
towny wrote: Thu May 13, 2021 11:49 am
Ali's Choice wrote: Thu May 13, 2021 1:21 am My only question is how will this impact on Tyrel Lomax's development.

I've never seen Owen Franks bested at scrum time over the course of 80 minutes. He will sure up the Canes scrum immensely. He is also a consummate professional with unbelievably high standards and so he will bring a lot to the organisation off the field. He famously didn't skimp on his protein shakes or allow a cheat meal on his wedding day, which just shows how professional he is. Put it this way, if the Crusaders signed him I would be thrilled. So Hurricanes fans should be as well.
Good question. Personally, I don't think Lomax is a long-term option for test LHP. If you used Franks as the yardstick, at the same age Lomax is miles behind and I can't see how he could be the anchor that a test side needs. You've got better kids coming through. This is a great signing for the Canes and sadly a good one for NZR.
Are there plans to switch him to LHP?

This is the problem when you don’t get coverage of games in the US. You miss these developments.

Re: Canes sign Owen Franks

Posted: Thu May 13, 2021 11:58 am
by Ali's Choice
towny wrote: Thu May 13, 2021 11:49 am
Ali's Choice wrote: Thu May 13, 2021 1:21 am My only question is how will this impact on Tyrel Lomax's development.

I've never seen Owen Franks bested at scrum time over the course of 80 minutes. He will sure up the Canes scrum immensely. He is also a consummate professional with unbelievably high standards and so he will bring a lot to the organisation off the field. He famously didn't skimp on his protein shakes or allow a cheat meal on his wedding day, which just shows how professional he is. Put it this way, if the Crusaders signed him I would be thrilled. So Hurricanes fans should be as well.
Good question. Personally, I don't think Lomax is a long-term option for test LHP. If you used Franks as the yardstick, at the same age Lomax is miles behind and I can't see how he could be the anchor that a test side needs. You've got better kids coming through. This is a great signing for the Canes and sadly a good one for NZR.
At 33 years of age I wonder if he's any chance of a test recall? Our incumbent AB test TH props (Tu'ungafasi and Laualala) weren't brilliant on SR Aotearoa. I doubt Ian Foster would opt for such an old player but Brad Thorn was still an exceptional test player well into his 30's.

Re: Canes sign Owen Franks

Posted: Thu May 13, 2021 11:59 am
by jdogscoop
Ali's Choice wrote: Thu May 13, 2021 11:58 am
towny wrote: Thu May 13, 2021 11:49 am
Ali's Choice wrote: Thu May 13, 2021 1:21 am My only question is how will this impact on Tyrel Lomax's development.

I've never seen Owen Franks bested at scrum time over the course of 80 minutes. He will sure up the Canes scrum immensely. He is also a consummate professional with unbelievably high standards and so he will bring a lot to the organisation off the field. He famously didn't skimp on his protein shakes or allow a cheat meal on his wedding day, which just shows how professional he is. Put it this way, if the Crusaders signed him I would be thrilled. So Hurricanes fans should be as well.
Good question. Personally, I don't think Lomax is a long-term option for test LHP. If you used Franks as the yardstick, at the same age Lomax is miles behind and I can't see how he could be the anchor that a test side needs. You've got better kids coming through. This is a great signing for the Canes and sadly a good one for NZR.
At 33 years of age I wonder if he's any chance of a test recall? Our incumbent AB test TH props (Tu'ungafasi and Laualala) weren't brilliant on SR Aotearoa. I doubt Ian Foster would opt for such an old player but Brad Thorn was still an exceptional test player well into his 30's.
It's not like he's a winger either. If Frank Bunce could play centre at 36, Owen Franks can play prop at 33.

Re: Canes sign Owen Franks

Posted: Thu May 13, 2021 12:44 pm
by towny
Adam Jones, Ayerza and Castrogiovanni were still rocking at 33. Franks is in their league, so depending on how the body is going, there's no reason why he couldn't contribute at the top level.

It's not as if there is a standout candidate to keep him out of the team.

Re: Canes sign Owen Franks

Posted: Thu May 13, 2021 1:25 pm
by DragsterDriver
towny wrote: Thu May 13, 2021 12:44 pm Adam Jones, Ayerza and Castrogiovanni were still rocking at 33. Franks is in their league, so depending on how the body is going, there's no reason why he couldn't contribute at the top level.

It's not as if there is a standout candidate to keep him out of the team.
He’s not in their league.

Re: Canes sign Owen Franks

Posted: Thu May 13, 2021 1:43 pm
by Magpie26
I think it really depends on what shape he is in when he gets back.
He didn't go to the RWC in 2019 mainly because his body wasn't up to it. He probably played as many games as any other Northampton prop in his first season but has hardly been sighted this season.

Will he be a massive boost to mentoring the Canes pack - absolutely and definitely needed.

Will he be able to keep up with the pace of SRA I'm not so sure.

Re: Canes sign Owen Franks

Posted: Thu May 13, 2021 1:49 pm
by towny
:proud:
DragsterDriver wrote: Thu May 13, 2021 1:25 pm
towny wrote: Thu May 13, 2021 12:44 pm Adam Jones, Ayerza and Castrogiovanni were still rocking at 33. Franks is in their league, so depending on how the body is going, there's no reason why he couldn't contribute at the top level.

It's not as if there is a standout candidate to keep him out of the team.
He’s not in their league.
Because....... reasons?

Re: Canes sign Owen Franks

Posted: Thu May 13, 2021 1:50 pm
by Magpie26
DragsterDriver wrote: Thu May 13, 2021 1:25 pm
towny wrote: Thu May 13, 2021 12:44 pm Adam Jones, Ayerza and Castrogiovanni were still rocking at 33. Franks is in their league, so depending on how the body is going, there's no reason why he couldn't contribute at the top level.

It's not as if there is a standout candidate to keep him out of the team.
He’s not in their league.
Why not? 100+ caps and 2 World Cup winners medals is hard to argue against.

Re: Canes sign Owen Franks

Posted: Thu May 13, 2021 4:20 pm
by DragsterDriver
He was rubbish up here, basically Dan Coles mobility without the scrummaging.

Re: Canes sign Owen Franks

Posted: Thu May 13, 2021 4:33 pm
by Ali's Choice
Magpie26 wrote: Thu May 13, 2021 1:50 pm
DragsterDriver wrote: Thu May 13, 2021 1:25 pm
towny wrote: Thu May 13, 2021 12:44 pm Adam Jones, Ayerza and Castrogiovanni were still rocking at 33. Franks is in their league, so depending on how the body is going, there's no reason why he couldn't contribute at the top level.

It's not as if there is a standout candidate to keep him out of the team.
He’s not in their league.
Why not? 100+ caps and 2 World Cup winners medals is hard to argue against.
He's probably won more test matches than all three of those players combined.

Re: Canes sign Owen Franks

Posted: Thu May 13, 2021 4:34 pm
by Ali's Choice
DragsterDriver wrote: Thu May 13, 2021 4:20 pm He was rubbish up here, basically Dan Coles mobility without the scrummaging.
Yes you've already mentioned that dual RWC winning 100+ test All Black Owen Franks wasn't very good. Are you desperate for everyone's attention?

Re: Canes sign Owen Franks

Posted: Thu May 13, 2021 4:44 pm
by SaintK
Ali's Choice wrote: Thu May 13, 2021 4:34 pm
DragsterDriver wrote: Thu May 13, 2021 4:20 pm He was rubbish up here, basically Dan Coles mobility without the scrummaging.
Yes you've already mentioned that dual RWC winning 100+ test All Black Owen Franks wasn't very good. Are you desperate for everyone's attention?
Not as much as you always are on most threads
He was fairly shite at Saints and far too often injured 100+ tests or not. Nice bloke but not worth the money

Re: Canes sign Owen Franks

Posted: Thu May 13, 2021 4:50 pm
by Ali's Choice
SaintK wrote: Thu May 13, 2021 4:44 pm
Ali's Choice wrote: Thu May 13, 2021 4:34 pm
DragsterDriver wrote: Thu May 13, 2021 4:20 pm He was rubbish up here, basically Dan Coles mobility without the scrummaging.
Yes you've already mentioned that dual RWC winning 100+ test All Black Owen Franks wasn't very good. Are you desperate for everyone's attention?
Not as much as you always are on most threads
He was fairly shite at Saints and far too often injured 100+ tests or not. Nice bloke but not worth the money
"not very good", "rubbish", "fairly shite", "not worth the money".

You two must be a terrific players to be able to talk down to Franks in such a way? Can you share your credentials?

Re: Canes sign Owen Franks

Posted: Thu May 13, 2021 5:12 pm
by SaintK
Ali's Choice wrote: Thu May 13, 2021 4:50 pm
SaintK wrote: Thu May 13, 2021 4:44 pm
Ali's Choice wrote: Thu May 13, 2021 4:34 pm
DragsterDriver wrote: Thu May 13, 2021 4:20 pm He was rubbish up here, basically Dan Coles mobility without the scrummaging.
Yes you've already mentioned that dual RWC winning 100+ test All Black Owen Franks wasn't very good. Are you desperate for everyone's attention?
Not as much as you always are on most threads
He was fairly shite at Saints and far too often injured 100+ tests or not. Nice bloke but not worth the money
"not very good", "rubbish", "fairly shite", "not worth the money".

You two must be a terrific players to be able to talk down to Franks in such a way? Can you share your credentials?
Not talking down on his past achievements but they certainly didn't show at the club I watch most Saturdays. He looked shot when he first arrived and was regularly on the treatment table. Hope he goes well back home
Credentials probably similar to yours but hey, you're the self professed expert on everything rugby