<p>no point starting a new thread...</p>
<p> </p>
<p>interesting try awarded</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/sport/rugby/brumbies-suffer-first-super-rugby-loss-stormers?autoPlay=4808588916001'>https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/sport/rugby/brumbies-suffer-first-super-rugby-loss-stormers?autoPlay=4808588916001</a></p>
<p><span style="font-family:calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Jerome Kaino out for a month with shoulder injury</span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/78086185/Blues-captain-Jerome-Kaino-out-for-month-with-shoulder-injury?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/78086185/Blues-captain-Jerome-Kaino-out-for-month-with-shoulder-injury?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter</a></p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="leytonandamanda" data-cid="565757" data-time="1458367608">
<div>
<p>I would preference smith on wing and give Barrett or Mckenzie the full back jersey<br><br><br>
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Can go all old school and have a goalkicker in the 15 jersey as well.</p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="mooshld" data-cid="566348" data-time="1458550518">
<div>
<p>Talk around the Irish provinces is that after a poor 6 nations Schmidt may be looking to head back to NZ. With the Highlanders being keen to take him.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>I read an article in the NZ media which said he will make a decision after the SA tour. Schmidt also said that if he returns to NZ it will be for family reasons as much as for rugby.</p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="cgrant" data-cid="566344" data-time="1458548794">
<div>
<p>Sam McNicol looks a fine prospect on the wing. Too early for an AB call as he must first cement his spot in the starting Chiefs backline but he is quick, elusive and his kicking from hands is not bad.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>How did the Canes let him slip out of their grasp. I would much prefer Sam McNicol than Jason Woodward.</p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Canes4life" data-cid="566415" data-time="1458597069">
<div>
<p>How did the Canes let him slip out of their grasp. I would much prefer Sam McNicol than Jason Woodward.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Because they had already filled their roster with injured youngsters and had no room.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The irony of that Woodward call is that they lost him to the Rebels for that same reason.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Besides McNichol is from the Chiefs catchment area (HB) anyway ;)</p>
<p>Henry Speight ruled out of Super Rugby for up to eight weeks due to a facial fracture</p>
<p>So .. a few weeks in, what do we think of the new format?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I'm still mixed emotions - mainly because I haven't seen much, and what I have seen is has been 90% diabolical. This was a tough weekend, with me only seeing the first half of the Sunwolves/Rebels (club rugby level - appalling that they are in the same competition as other teams, the heartland comp teams would beat these guys), the middle hour of the Blues/Reds (just shocking) and the last 30 mins of the Chiefs/Jaguares (fantastic, thrilling, skillful, awesome).</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Back in NZ this weekend though, so guess will get some on the ground feelings.</p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="MajorRage" data-cid="566448" data-time="1458612010">
<div>
<p>So .. a few weeks in, what do we think of the new format?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I'm still mixed emotions - mainly because I haven't seen much, and what I have seen is has been 90% diabolical. This was a tough weekend, with me only seeing the first half of the Sunwolves/Rebels (club rugby level - appalling that they are in the same competition as other teams, the heartland comp teams would beat these guys), the middle hour of the Blues/Reds (just shocking) and the last 30 mins of the Chiefs/Jaguares (fantastic, thrilling, skillful, awesome).</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Back in NZ this weekend though, so guess will get some on the ground feelings.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>I like the new format... Sunwolves home games are Saturday 5.30pm which is great, They are getting good crowds, and I get to howl like a sun wolf every time they score :)</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Likewise the Jaguares at 10.30 Sunday morning is a great time to watch.</p>
<p>Many of us wondered why Kane Hames wasn't named in any Super Rugby team and where he was playing now. This article gives the answer. <br>
</p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote">
<p><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color:#000000;">Hames working hard to get back into some on-field rugby action</span></strong></span></span><br>
<br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:#000000;">WAYNE MARTIN</span></span></span><br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:#000000;">Last updated 12:34, March 22 2016</span></span></span><br>
<br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:#000000;">Kane Hames is playing a waiting game.</span></span></span><br>
<br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:#000000;">The Ta$man Mako$ and former Highlanders Super Rugby prop is working hard to get back on the playing field but a troublesome knee is currently holding him back.</span></span></span><br>
<br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:#000000;">The 27-year-old front rower signed with the Ta$man union in 2014 and has been dealing with patellar tendonitis in both knees since securing a Highlanders contract in 2013. He's struggled with the condition ever since, with a broken hand at the start of the Mako$' national provincial rugby campaign last year compounding his problems.</span></span></span><br>
<br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:#000000;">A former Bay of Plenty representative and Maori All Black, Hames recently re-injured his left knee at training. Although unrelated to the original patellar tendonitis complaint, he won't be taking any risks by prematurely getting back into action.</span></span></span><br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:#000000;">He certainly hasn't been bored though. Apart from regular gym sessions with Mako$' strength coach Glenn Stewart, Hames is also coaching this year's Marist premier rugby team as he continues his rehabilitation.</span></span></span><br>
<br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:#000000;">"I'm taking self-imposed time off rugby and I'm trying to fix [my knees] up so that they don't cause me any more issues," Hames said. "My right knee's pretty much fixed, which is great.</span></span></span><br>
<br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:#000000;">"Initially I'm just coaching and I'm hoping to get my knee right and whether that means I'm available for injury cover for a Super team or I play for Marist, either way I'll end up playing."</span></span></span><br>
<br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:#000000;">He's hoping to be back on the field in about seven weeks although it's not a rigid time frame. He'll ultimately let his body decide and apart from his dodgy left knee, he's happy with his progress.</span></span></span><br>
<br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:#000000;">"I've spent two years of modified running so I want to get out of that and get back to my best...and back to how I think I should be able to play. I need to fix it up otherwise I'm going to have a tough old life."</span></span></span><br>
<br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:#000000;">It's meant he's had to turn down professional playing offers from various French, Japanese and South African clubs.</span></span></span><br>
<br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:#000000;">"If I take longer than seven weeks I don't mind. I've taken time off and turned down all these contracts to make sure that I'm getting right.</span></span></span><br>
<br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:#000000;">"My skin-folds are lower than they've ever been and I've done it without running. Since I've been [in Nelson], I've learnt to sort out my eating and I've pretty much done it all with weights with Glenn at the gym."</span></span></span><br>
<br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:#000000;">Saturday's Ta$man club coaching debut was a successful one as Marist scored a 29-7 win over Waimea Old Boys.</span></span></span><br>
<br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:#000000;">"I'm loving the coaching side of things. I've coached since I was 16 and sometimes it gets in the way of me playing rugby if I let it. So that's one of my work-ons this year to make sure that I remember I'm a player first and a coach second - which is hard to do when you're coaching a premier team. I'm doing my best to try and keep that as my focus.</span></span></span><br>
<br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:#000000;">"This coaching job is so good for me because the boys are all awesome, we're achieving some cool stuff - and I'm not bored like I could have been." </span></span></span><br>
<br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color:#000000;"> - Stuff</span></strong></span></span></p>
</blockquote>
<p>Chiefs lose another one. </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Manu out for the season with a ruptured achilles.</p>
<p>holy fuck. We're going to be down to club players in the tight 5 soon. bad year for injuries. </p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Crash" data-cid="566708" data-time="1458717133">
<div>
<p>Is Ritchie available????? I just know He can play anywhere...</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>I suspect not - but, as far as I know, Kane Hames still is.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Given some of the shit I've seen in my limited viewing this year it remains an absolute source of mystery to me.</p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Chris B." data-cid="566710" data-time="1458717981"><p>I suspect not - but, as far as I know, Kane Hames still is.<br><br>
Given some of the shit I've seen in my limited viewing this year it remains an absolute source of mystery to me.</p></blockquote>
<br>
The answer to that mystery was posted today. Your mission should you choose to accept is to find that post and read it.
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Crucial" data-cid="566711" data-time="1458718142">
<div>
<p>The answer to that mystery was posted today. Your mission should you choose to accept is to find that post and read it.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>maybe even in THIS very thread... :think:</p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Crucial" data-cid="566711" data-time="1458718142">
<div>
<p>The answer to that mystery was posted today. Your mission should you choose to accept is to find that post and read it.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>I don't have time at the moment to read all the stuff you Nick Willis' post! :)</p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Stargazer" data-cid="566624" data-time="1458675846">
<div>
<p>Many of us wondered why Kane Hames wasn't named in any Super Rugby team and where he was playing now. This article gives the answer. <br>
</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>In the words of Samuel L. Jackson - "Mf"!</p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="cgrant" data-cid="566800" data-time="1458768456">
<div>
<p>Toeava will be jobless in a few weeks when Nick Abendanon returns from injury. I would have liked to see him drafted in the Canes to replace NMS.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>Only for the remainder of the Top14 season. Toeava already has a contract with Clermont for the next few seasons.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><em>Edit: </em>sorry, I can't read, and missed the last bit of your 2nd sentence ...</p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Chris B." data-cid="566713" data-time="1458718592"><p>I don't have time at the moment to read all the stuff you Nick Willis' post! :)</p></blockquote>
You have been very quiet of late Chris. You need to sort your priorities out.
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="No Quarter" data-cid="566933" data-time="1458803224">
<div>
<p>You have been very quiet of late Chris. You need to sort your priorities out.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>Yep - I'm giving up work - I've told my boss that as well! :)</p>
9 days later
<p>Radio Sport just tweeted that Israel Dagg and Ged Robinson have been called into the Crusaders squad for the game against the Force. This is to replace David Havili and Ben Funnell, who got injured during the game against the Lions.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Great to see Dagg make his return to the squad after such a long time out! </p>
<p>Too bad Dagg has next to no chance of being an All Black again with superstar Damian surpassing him big time. Daggs only chance is if we are hit by a long run of injuries.</p>
<p>Blues injuries update:</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.nzherald.co.nz/rugby/news/article.cfm?c_id=80&objectid=11616348'>http://www.nzherald.co.nz/rugby/news/article.cfm?c_id=80&objectid=11616348</a><br>
</p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote">
<p>The Blues could have Jerome Kaino back from injury against the Chiefs in Hamilton on Friday but Patrick Tuipulotu's fractured hand suffered in the gritty victory over the Jaguares is a blow that will outweigh the possible return of their skipper.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Kaino will be checked today before a training plan is put in place following a shoulder injury suffered in the draw against the Reds a fortnight ago which the Blues medical staff conservatively thought would sideline him for a month.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>In his absence, his senior teammates acquitted themselves well during the 24-16 victory over the Argentines at QBE North Harbour Stadium on Saturday, in particular hooker James Parsons, prop Charlie Faumuina, loose forward Steven Luatua, centre Rene Ranger and Tuipulotu, so the news that the big lock will be out for one to two weeks is a blow.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>It could be that coach Tana Umaga puts Luatua back at lock alongside Josh Bekhuis for his team's next match at FMG Waikato Stadium, with either Kaino or Joe Edwards at blindside flanker and Akira Ioane at No8. Tanerau Latimer's continued recovery from a calf problem after his arrival from Japan - he is likely to play club rugby in a fortnight - should mean Blake Gibson keeps the No7 jersey.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Loosehead prop Nic Mayhew is another casualty of the match in Albany and his knee injury is likely to keep him out for two to three weeks.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>With second-five Piers Francis and halfback Bryn Hall on light training duties this week due to elbow sprains, the Blues medics will be kept busy. But the important thing for the Blues is they managed to close out a match for the first time since their round one win over the Highlanders.</p>
<p> </p>
</blockquote>
<p>I guess that's good news for both Edmonds and Mayhew. Both those injuries looked like they could be season enders at the time.</p>
<p>Kane Hames has joined the Chiefs as injury cover (unofficially - he still has to pass all the medicals and all that).</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/sport/78514520/tasmans-hames-headed-north-to-link-up-with-chiefs-super-rugby-team'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/sport/78514520/tasmans-hames-headed-north-to-link-up-with-chiefs-super-rugby-team</a></p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="bobily" data-cid="569805" data-time="1459750917">
<div>
<p>Kane Hames has joined the Chiefs as injury cover (unofficially - he still has to pass all the medicals and all that).</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/sport/78514520/tasmans-hames-headed-north-to-link-up-with-chiefs-super-rugby-team'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/sport/78514520/tasmans-hames-headed-north-to-link-up-with-chiefs-super-rugby-team</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p>Did anyone get to the bottom of why he seemed to be mysteriously dropped from the Highlanders squad?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Or was it pure form?</p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Billy Tell" data-cid="569815" data-time="1459758839">
<div>
<p>Did anyone get to the bottom of why he seemed to be mysteriously dropped from the Highlanders squad?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Or was it pure form?</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>Knee issues.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.daimenhutchison.com/rugby/index.php/topic/41765-super-rugby-news-injuries/page-4#entry566624'>http://www.daimenhutchison.com/rugby/index.php/topic/41765-super-rugby-news-injuries/page-4#entry566624</a></p>
Was wondering if that might happen after reading that story a while ago. He could be exactly what they need to sure up their scrum.
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="pukunui" data-cid="569821" data-time="1459760399">
<div>
<p>Was wondering if that might happen after reading that story a while ago. He could be exactly what they need to sure up their scrum.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>Understandably there is a lot of comment about the Chiefs scrum yet on balance the forwards have been very good in all aspects. They have the best functioning lineout in the comp even without BBBR and their scrum success rate is in the top third.</p>
<p>I would say that there would be some careful thinking on changing things too much from where they are performing now in case a scrum change weakens other areas that are providing good ball to attack with.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>That aside, you'd have to hope that Hames can prove himself in the three week trial and fill a squad position. Depth is important, as is competition for places.</p>
<p>Crucial, are the Chiefs' excellent lineout stats distorted by the amount of quick lineout throws we're taking? Or do they not get counted?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>That defensive steal by Seu on our line was brilliant on Saturday.</p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Milk" data-cid="569867" data-time="1459802451">
<div>
<p>Crucial, are the Chiefs' excellent lineout stats distorted by the amount of quick lineout throws we're taking? Or do they not get counted?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>That defensive steal by Seu on our line was brilliant on Saturday.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>I have no idea. I would have thought that the lineout success rate stats counted the set pieces only as success rate infers competition (even though many lineouts and scrums aren't actively contested.</p>
From the Highlanders Facebook page. EDMONDS sidelined for the season <br><br>
Pulse Energy Highlanders loosehead prop Brendon Edmonds has been ruled out for the rest of the Super Rugby season due to a knee injury. Edmonds sustained the injury in the early stages of the Highlanders win against the Force last Friday night.<br><br>
Following further assessment and scans yesterday it was discovered the ruptured ligaments in his left knee will require reconstructive surgery. He will have the surgery sometime in the next 2-3 weeks. <br><br>
Highlanders Head Coach Jamie Joseph commented “this is really bad luck for Doogie. He is such a great guy in the environment as well as being an outstanding prop. We hope he recovers from the surgery quickly and rehabs well.â€<br><br>
No decision on a replacement has been made yet.