<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.
?
?
<p>That is a shame for Brendon.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Story mentions miss rest of Super Rugby season. Hopefully he can still appear for Hawke's Bay in Mitre 10 Cup.</p>
Andre Taylor on his way back to NZ next year. Currently uncontracted, however I saw him at the Hurricanes pre season match against the Blues and he was having a few chats with some of the Canes boys. Would be a great addition to the Canes next season with James Marshall leaving. Ironically he was unwanted by Hammetuer and that was why he left in the first place.
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Canes4life" data-cid="569933" data-time="1459831469">
<div>
<p>Andre Taylor on his way back to NZ next year. <strong>Currently uncontracted</strong>, however I saw him at the Hurricanes pre season match against the Blues and he was having a few chats with some of the Canes boys. Would be a great addition to the Canes next season with James Marshall leaving. Ironically he was unwanted by Hammetuer and that was why he left in the first place.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>I hope the Canes sign him next year. I've always thought he was underrated and he has quite a good boot, too. </p>
<p>Pocock suspended for three weeks, but will miss two Super Rugby games because the Brumbies have the bye this weekend.</p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Stargazer" data-cid="569954" data-time="1459848948">
<div>
<p>Pocock suspended for three weeks, but will miss two Super Rugby games because the Brumbies have the bye this weekend.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>If I'm not mistaken that will mean he misses the game against the Crusaders, which is good luck for the Cantabs.</p>
<p>yeah, it's bullshit. But if it were for games rather than weeks wouldn't they just name Pocock as playing for some feeder club to 'keep his fitness up'</p>
<p>yeah we've had that discussion before where the suspension for weeks should be at the level you are playing and above, otherwise you get a farcical situation where say Owen Franks could say he was due to play for Linwood on his week off so as to include that in the ban, whereas most front line AB's barely play NPC, let alone club footy!</p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Paekakboyz" data-cid="569996" data-time="1459893383">
<div>
<p>yeah, it's bullshit. But if it were for games rather than weeks wouldn't they just name Pocock as playing for some feeder club to 'keep his fitness up'</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>It is games. And he is being named for his club team.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Yep it should be "at the same level or above". While the comp is still active.... (Would be unfair to have to wait a whole year if you got banned at the end of the comp and weren't selected for a test side).</p>
He has actually been given a time rather than games so club matches don't matter. He has been given 3 weeks which equates to 2 playing weeks. <br>
Really if you are going down the path of games that are fair there should be a stipulation that a game against the team you infringed against
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/rugby/loophole-means-reds-prop-sef-faagase-wont-miss-a-match-for-using-knee-in-waratahs-clash/news-story/1d5aad6d7db9ba73b8531991f86fbedb'>http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/rugby/loophole-means-reds-prop-sef-faagase-wont-miss-a-match-for-using-knee-in-waratahs-clash/news-story/1d5aad6d7db9ba73b8531991f86fbedb</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:'Open Sans Regular', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> </p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote">
<div><strong>Loophole means Reds prop Sef Faâ€
agase wonâ€t miss a match for using knee in Waratahs clash</strong></div>
<div> </div>
<p style="color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:'Open Sans Regular', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> </p>
<p style="color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:'Open Sans Regular', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">With the Reds on a bye, Faâ€agase will miss only Universityâ€s club match against Bond University on the Gold Coast on Saturday and be available to play the Highlanders on April 9.</p>
</blockquote>
<p style="color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:'Open Sans Regular', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> </p>
<p style="color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:'Open Sans Regular', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/loophole-allows-waratahs-hooker-tolu-latu-to-serve-punching-suspension-in-bye-week/news-story/2185b81235abdd9ecbc476dba1de363e'>http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/loophole-allows-waratahs-hooker-tolu-latu-to-serve-punching-suspension-in-bye-week/news-story/2185b81235abdd9ecbc476dba1de363e</a></p>
<p style="color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:'Open Sans Regular', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> </p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote">
<p style="color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:'Open Sans Regular', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><strong>Loophole allows Waratahs hooker Tolu Latu to serve punching suspension in bye week</strong></p>
<p style="color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:'Open Sans Regular', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> </p>
<p style="color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:'Open Sans Regular', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:12px;color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;background-color:rgb(247,247,247);">THE Waratahs†hooking crisis has been alleviated thanks to a comical loophole in SANZAARâ€s judicial process, which will allow Tolu Latu to serve his one-week suspension for punching Matt Toomua during their bye this weekend.</span></p>
<p> </p>
</blockquote>
<div><br><p> </p>
</div>
<p style="color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:'Open Sans Regular', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/brumbies/act-brumbies-star-david-pocock-to-face-judiciary-for-neck-grab-on-chiefs-no8-michael-lietch-20160402-gnwypc.html#ixzz450aYpte4'>http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/brumbies/act-brumbies-star-david-pocock-to-face-judiciary-for-neck-grab-on-chiefs-no8-michael-lietch-20160402-gnwypc.html#ixzz450aYpte4</a><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.16px;"> </span></p>
<div> </div>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote">
<p style="font-size:12.16px;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);">The NSW Waratahs successfully argued hooker Tolu Latu would serve his punishment in Sydney club rugby last month after he was found guilty of punching Brumbies playmaker Matt Toomua. <span style="font-size:12.16px;">Pocock could take a similar approach and serve the ban in Canberra's club competition given he's aligned to the Uni-Norths Owls. The Owls begin their John I Dent Cup season against Wests on Saturday.</span></p>
<p> </p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Crucial" data-cid="570050" data-time="1459906883">
<div>
<p>He has actually been given a time rather than games so club matches don't matter. He has been given 3 weeks which equates to 2 playing weeks.<br>
Really if you are going down the path of games that are fair there should be a stipulation that a game against the team you infringed against</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>So sometimes it's weeks and sometimes it's games? Or is it just that the press has reported it wrong?</p>
<p>This is the exact wording from the SANZAAR Judicial Officer:<br>
</p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote">
<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">"With respect to sanction I deemed the act of foul play merited a low-end entry point of two weeks. I then added one week for aggravation due to the need to deter this type of dangerous foul play. However, taking into account mitigating factors including the playerâ€s early plea, his good character, his genuine remorse and his excellent disciplinary record I reduced the <strong>suspension to a period of two games</strong>.â€<br>
<br>
"The player accepted my indication of sanction and is therefore <strong>suspended from all forms of rugby up to and including Sunday, 24 April 2016. The player is free to resume playing on 25 April 2016</strong>.â€</span></span></p>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>So a starting point of two <em>weeks</em>, increased to three <em>weeks</em>, and then again reduced to 'a period of two <em>games</em>'. It's good that he added the 'up to and including Sunday, 24 April 2016', because this wording couldn't be more confusing. Just 'two weeks' could have included the bye week and 'two games' could have included a local club game. With the end date added, it's clear that he'll miss the games against the Waratahs and Crusaders.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.sanzarrugby.com/superrugby/news/pocock-banned-for-three-weeks/'>http://www.sanzarrugby.com/superrugby/news/pocock-banned-for-three-weeks/</a></p>
<p>Not an injury or even news but I saw this article on stuff yesterday, blaming the Crusaders lack of a home semi in 2013 on the pitch invaders:</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote">At the time the Crusaders were unaware how much the loss would hurt their chances of hosting a playoff match in Christchurch.
<p> </p>
<p>Had they left Perth with four competition points they would have finished second overall on the competition log, overtaking the Brumbies on points differential, and hosted a semi. Instead they qualified fourth, travelled to Hamilton to play the Chiefs, and got beaten 20-19. The following weekend the Chiefs beat the Brumbies, who had rolled the Bulls in their semi in Pretoria, at Waikato Stadium.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/78585535/crusaders-return-to-the-super-rugby-scene-of-the-streaker-banana-man-and-loss-to-force'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/78585535/crusaders-return-to-the-super-rugby-scene-of-the-streaker-banana-man-and-loss-to-force</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Never mind the part where that was impossible because of the way the conference system worked from 2011 onwards. They only just changed the format this year and people have already forgotten how the old format worked.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>And for the record, if the conference system hadn't existed at the time, the Crusaders WOULD have qualified above the Brumbies. They both ended up on 60 points but the Crusaders had more wins, a higher points differential and beat the Brumbies earlier in the season.</p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="KiwiMurph" data-cid="571515" data-time="1460340745">
<div>
<p>Augustine Pulu has signed with the Blues for 2017. Good move for both parties.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>2 seasons: 2017-2018</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.superrugby.co.nz/News/29022/pulu-shifts-north-for-2017-season'>http://www.superrugby.co.nz/News/29022/pulu-shifts-north-for-2017-season</a></p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Stargazer" data-cid="571522" data-time="1460342012">
<div>
<p>2 seasons: 2017-2018</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.superrugby.co.nz/News/29022/pulu-shifts-north-for-2017-season'>http://www.superrugby.co.nz/News/29022/pulu-shifts-north-for-2017-season</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>G</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>Great addition. He is the type of halfback to get that forward pack moving forward with his running around the rucks etc. </p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="taniwharugby" data-cid="569994" data-time="1459892859"><p>
I hate how they use a bye week in the suspension</p></blockquote>
<br>
Remember when Tuquri got a 13 or so week suspension for spear tackling McCaw when at the time due to scheduling resulted in missing one game between the 3N and EOYT.<br><br>
The loophole has been known for that long and still not addressed.<br><br>
I spent a lot of time thinking about this over my 6 month ban from watching Super Rugby games over the summer as you can tell.
Good signing. Apparently the Blues are after SBW too. Add a lock and a reserve hooker, and there's a lot of promise there. Then it all comes down to 10.
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Tim" data-cid="571531" data-time="1460343531">
<div>
<p>Good signing. Apparently the Blues are after SBW too. Add a lock and a reserve hooker, and there's a lot of promise there. <strong>Then it all comes down to 10.</strong></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> twas ever thus</p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="KiwiMurph" data-cid="571515" data-time="1460340745">
<div>
<p>Augustine Pulu has signed with the Blues for 2017. Good move for both parties.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>who is leaving or are they letting go...would think Hall or Guyton?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>They have Hall, Guyton, Nock signed at present (with the latter signing for 3 seasons)</p>
<p>Just had a bit of a look at which players are coming off contract after the 2016 Super Rugby season. It's probably not a complete list & I may have missed a (re-)signing, but there are some interesting players who have yet to commit for the next season(s):</p>
<p> </p>
<div>Barrett, Beauden - Hurricanes</div>
<div>Barrett, Scott - Crusaders</div>
<div>Brown, Jed - Crusaders</div>
<div>Buckman, Richard - Highlanders</div>
<div>Ellis, Andy - Crusaders</div>
<div>Ellison, Tamati - Rebels</div>
<div>Evans, Gareth - Highlanders</div>
<div>Fruean, Robbie - Crusaders</div>
<div>Goodes, Reggie - Hurricanes</div>
<div>Graham, Mitchell - Chiefs</div>
<div>Guildford, Zac - Waratahs</div>
<div>Havili, David - Crusaders</div>
<div>Horrell, Andrew - Chiefs</div>
<div>Latimer, Tanerau - Blues</div>
<div>Mathewson, Alby - Force</div>
<div>McKenzie, Marty - Crusaders</div>
<div>Moâ€unga, Richie - Crusaders</div>
<div>NgÄtai, Charlie - Chiefs</div>
<div>Perry, Tim - Crusaders</div>
<div>Ranger, Rene - Blues</div>
<div>Romano, Luke - Crusaders</div>
<div>Savea, Ardie - Hurricanes</div>
<div>Shields, Brad - Hurricanes</div>
<div>Tamanivalu, Seta - Chiefs</div>
<div>Taylor, Codie - Crusaders</div>
<div>Tongia, Ryan - Highlanders?</div>
<div>Toomaga-Allen, Jeffrey - Hurricanes</div>
<div>Volavola, Ben - Crusaders</div>
<div>West, Ihaia - Blues</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Edit:</div>
<div>Number of players per NZ team:</div>
<div>Blues: 3</div>
<div>Chiefs: 4</div>
<div>Crusaders: 11</div>
<div>Hurricanes: 5</div>
<div>Highlanders: 3</div>
<div> </div>
<div>I'm now sure I'm missing players on this list. Particularly, my info on Highlanders signings is limited. I think Tongia is free after this season, but not sure about other players.</div>
<div> </div>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote">
<div>Barrett, Beauden - Hurricanes</div>
<div>Barrett, Scott - Crusaders</div>
Graham, Mitchell - Chiefs
<div>Horrell, Andrew - Chiefs</div>
NgÄtai, Charlie - Chiefs
<div>Perry, Tim - Crusaders</div>
<div>Romano, Luke - Crusaders</div>
<p>Taylor, Codie - Crusaders</p>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>All potential recruits for the Blues.</p>
<p>We're already at the "Who will the Blues try to sign?" stage of the season? Wow, that's early.</p>
2017 backline? Perhaps:<br><br>
9. Pulu<br>
10. Barrett (not happening) <br>
11. Moala<br>
12. SBW<br>
13. Ioane<br>
14. Nanai/Ranger<br>
15. West<br><br>
May as well give us the tite now.
<p>Pulu is a nice signing and a massive upgrade at halfback. Not too surprised he's coming though, as he was coming off contract and expressed his desire to be here, but regardless, nice to see it confirmed.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Both Hall and Guyton should be replaced TBH, because I doubt those two can fix their woeful passing at their age, especially Guyton. Pulu replaces Hall and sign Fukofuka to replace Guyton. Maybe even throw a WTG contract out to young Jonathan Taumateine if his form warrants it. This would spruce up a weak position quite nicely.</p>
<p>Am looking into the Highlanders signings and just discovered the Barracuda is also coming off contract. At least three Magpies at the Landers yet without a contract for next year ... Have added them to the list in my previous post.</p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Tim" data-cid="571564" data-time="1460348674">
<div>
<p>2017 backline? Perhaps:<br><br>
9. Pulu<br>
10. Barrett (not happening)<br>
11. Moala<br>
12. SBW<br>
13. Ioane<br>
14. Nanai/Ranger<br>
15. West<br><br>
May as well give us the tite now.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p>Only disappointment can come from writing such line-ups.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I like Ioane at centre. I think he's definitely going to move there in the future. He's already ended the last 3 games at centre.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I'd have Trainor at fullback myself. I just hope Waikato play Trainor at fullback and not wing in the ITM Cup this year.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Barrett is definitely not coming, but it wouldn't hurt to try one more time. :yes: </p>
