No doubt he is resting that big gun Collins so he is fresh to play 80mins against the Lions.
I wonder if this will be the last we ever see of Ranger at Super rugby level. Hope not but he is definitely a shadow of the player he was when he left NZ.
Blues
Match thread
Reds
@KiwiMurph word I'm hearing on Ranger,he's looking at another franchise for 2018,not wanted by the Blues,will need a big Mitre 10 with Northland if rumours doing the rounds are correct.
@Steven-Harris tbh, I'm not fussed either way if we get him back or not...although, maybe returning to NOrthland might reignite his flame, cos it's been dim since he has been at NH (without ever playing) if he gets his spark back, he still has alot to offer
@Steven-Harris Not surprised. Best for both parties I think.
@taniwharugby I certainly think he still has a bit to offer,I actually thought he was unlucky to be dropped back to the Dev squad after the highlanders game at Eden Park.
Getting a high ankle sprain playing against the Canes Dev squad and being out for several weeks did'nt help,but to be fair to Tana,the outside backs he selected did a fair job
What's up with Matt Vaega? This would've been a good game to get him some game time.
Good to see Trainor in there. He could be a good fit for that 23 jersey with his speed and outright attacking ability.
Not too fussed about the team overall, but I did wince when I saw who was at 6.
@Steven-Harris said in Blues v Reds:
@KiwiMurph word I'm hearing on Ranger,he's looking at another franchise for 2018,not wanted by the Blues,will need a big Mitre 10 with Northland if rumours doing the rounds are correct.
Interesting. I wonder if the Chiefs would be a good fit for him. They will have a few gaps next year with a few guys leaving.
@ACT-Crusader said in Blues v Reds:
What's the go with Ihaia West?
He's a great NPC level player whose game doesn't click at Super level.
Personally I reckon he should look for a UK contract. Nick Evans has just retired from Harlequins, Jimmy Gopperth was a similar level in NZ and has hugely contributed over here.
The style of play for 10s especially means they get that extra split second on the ball that West seems to need.
He could look at the Canes but it would be as a pine rider (as would any other NZ contract)
@ACT-Crusader Still recovering from his ankle injury, I think.
@Steven-Harris said in Blues v Reds:
@pukunui I think the chiefs would be the perfect fit for a Ranger,especially if Ngatai recovers from his concussion,along with Lienart Brown in the midfield,and with James Lowes heading oversees,I would utilise Rene as wing option.
Selecting a 30+ yr old to play on the wing is hardly forward-thinking. There will be better options around.
The Chiefs would take Nanai though. 
