1 Ben May, 2. Ricky Riccitelli, 3. Jeff To'omaga-Allen, 4. Mark Abbott, 5. Vaea Fifita, 6. Brad Shields (c), 7. Ardie Savea, 8. Blade Thomson
9 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11.Julian Savea, 12. Ngani Laumape, 13. Vince Aso, 14. Cory Jane, 15. Jordie Barrett
Reserves:
16 Leni Apisai, 17. Chris Eves, 18. Mike Kainga, 19. James Blackwell, 20. Callum Gibbins, 21. TJ Perenara, 22. Otere Black, 23. Ben Lam
This one-eyed Magpies supporter is not impressed. If you're playing in Magpies country and you're giving a player a debut on the wing, why Ben Lam and not Magpie Jonah Lowe? Lam has only 7 Super Rugby caps, so it's not that you'd lose a lot of Super Rugby experience if you'd select Lowe. Errrrrr
@Stargazer coz you think Lam is better player and will therefore give you a better chance to win? Radical concept perhaps ...
@Stargazer said in Hurricanes v Brumbies:
@booboo Except ... that he's not. The only reason I can think of is that he's 5 years older and has his sevens experience.
Unfortunately it's not your opinion that counts in selecting the Hurricanes
Lam got signed to a multi-year deal by the Canes so they obviously saw something they liked and clearly they want to see what they have with him. Pre-injury he was excellent for the 7s and Auckland (he had improved a lot on his efforts in previous years in both teams). By all accounts he's been carving up in Wellington club rugby recently too.
@KiwiMurph Yep, that must be it. Good at sevens and 7 Super Rugby caps. And a pretty standard 2 year deal. I'm not denying he's good; just very disappointed that an awesome local talent doesn't get his debut in front of his home crowd. After playing well and scoring tries for the Canes Brisbane Tens squad, the U20s and Development Team, Lowe has played two local club games in which he scored 7 tries. Fortunately, he has time on his side.
@Stargazer I understand your frustration, you asked why Lam was selected and i'm providing an answer. One player is on a 2 year deal and another player is a 20 year old originally signed as short term injury cover. In addition they are playing the leading Aussie side, who are by no means world beaters, but certainly showed some steel in their only other game on NZ shores this season so far.
@Stargazer said in Hurricanes v Brumbies:
@booboo Since when is that relevant on the Fern? We all express our opinions on this forum, with all of them not counting for any selection. Why suddenly use that argument when I express mine?
Pretty much because you stated it as a FACT that Lowe is better. Judging rugby players is largely subjective.
My first reply was pretty obvious I thought. The selectors think he gives them a better chance of winning and that takes precedence over any other romantic sentiment.
@booboo said in Hurricanes v Brumbies:
@Stargazer said in Hurricanes v Brumbies:
@booboo Since when is that relevant on the Fern? We all express our opinions on this forum, with all of them not counting for any selection. Why suddenly use that argument when I express mine?
Pretty much because you stated it as a FACT that Lowe is better. Judging rugby players is largely subjective.
My first reply was pretty obvious I thought. The selectors think he gives them a better chance of winning and that takes precedence over any other
romanticsentiment.
If you use that as an argument, then there's never room for any discussion of a selection. And we do that all the time on the Fern. You only have to read all discussions about the Blues' selections if you need examples.
@Stargazer i disagree entirely.
I'm not saying you shouldn't prefer Lowe if you think he's a better player. But don't pick him coz his cuzzies may be in the stand. Pick him because he's a better player.
I don't think the coaches take that into consideration greatly when selecting a team.
I recall a pre-season a few years ago when Ranger was in his better form and they played up here, Lam had him come off the bench rather than start.
While frustrating for local fans, Lam was doing what was in interest of the team and the rest of the season...in hindsight it meant jack at the end of the day, but I understand why 
@taniwharugby You're absolutely right about that. But the problem is that for the last two weeks the Canes have been promoting this game on social and other media by posting pictures, including those of (recent and not so recent) former Hawke's Bay Canes (including Jonah's brother), to lure the local crowd to McLean Park. (I've never seen so many photos, interviews & videos of Mark Abbott in one single week.) That may create certain expectations.
Anyway, it's a pity that Hastings BHS is playing its game v St Kentigern tomorrow in Auckland. Would have been awesome as a curtain raiser. Not sure whether there is one.
@Crash said in Hurricanes v Brumbies:
Why is TJ not starting? If you're playing the best Aussie team, you'd like to think you'd play the half back that has given you such good go-forward and front foot ball thus far.
The best indication being "best Aussie team". I would've rested Beauden and Jordie too....
@booboo said in Hurricanes v Brumbies:
@Stargazer i disagree entirely.
I'm not saying you shouldn't prefer Lowe if you think he's a better player. But don't pick him coz his cuzzies may be in the stand. Pick him because he's a better player.
I disagree. I side with @Stargazer on this one. It is poor form by the Hurricanes. They need to show more respect for Hawkes Bay. In fact, they should trade Beauden to the Blues for Ihaia West. It would be fitting for the crowd to see one of their favourite sons play.
