Super Rugby News

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Unco" data-cid="571588" data-time="1460360610">
<div>
<p>The Chiefs loosie stocks seem pretty good to me. About the only one who is a bit of an "eh" is Koloamatangi because he's injured for 90% of every bloody season.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>In fact, I'd probably only make a few changes to the Chiefs squad. Maybe SBW (instead of Horrell), a third halfback and another loosie?</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>How long's Jordan Trainor signed with the Blues, by the way? I was hoping the Chiefs would be able to lure him back down highway one at some point.</strong></p>
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</blockquote>
<p>No chance of Trainor coming back anytime soon, he's signed up until 2019. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>I bet the Blues couldn't believe their luck that he was available to sign this year. I bet they thought he was a goner to the Chiefs for a long time. The Chiefs probably thought no team would touch him this season because he only played one ITM Cup game, but he's rated highly over here, so no way were we going to miss the chance to take him back.</p>

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Stargazer" data-cid="571585" data-time="1460359409">
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<p>Banks signed with the Highlanders in Oct 2014.  And who would he replace? Surely not Mo'unga, who's looking to become a really good 10 with plenty of potential. That leaves Havili, Marty McKenzie and Ben Volavola, who are all waiting in line for a bench spot or as injury replacement (Dagg is signed until 2017).</p>
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<p> </p>
<p>Ben Volavola is the obvious one. He will never be eligible to represent the All Blacks given his international appearances last year for Fiji, thus he offers nothing of value to the funders of his salary, the NZRFU. </p>

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Higgins" data-cid="571599" data-time="1460365161"><p>Ben Volavola is the obvious one. He will never be eligible to represent the All Blacks given his international appearances last year for Fiji, thus he offers nothing of value to the funders of his salary, the NZRFU.</p></blockquote>
<br>
Plus he's pretty shit.

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Stargazer" data-cid="571582" data-time="1460358314">
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<p>Yes, I also can't imagine the Highlanders <em>not</em> signing Buckman for a few more seasons. I was surprised they re-signed him only for one season, last year.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Hmmm, which NI franchise needs a 7 or 8? Which team has backrowers leaving/retiring at the end of the season? Vito is going, but the Canes seem to have plenty of options there. Unless Shields decides to move on. I don't think Ardie will go anywhere. How are the Chiefs' and Blues' stocks?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I kind of like the idea of <strong>Tongia replacing Jane at the Canes,</strong> but the latter is still signed until 2017 and they already have Proctor. Don't think the Chiefs or Blues need outside backs? That leaves the Crusaders, who do need at least one new winger. Not sure whether he wants to leave NZ and go back to Aussi, considering he's said multiple times how much he likes being here and his partner is from Hawke's Bay. I just can't figure out why he doesn't get game time at the Landers. I'm convinced he's better than Faddes & Wilson. He's also one of the fastest backs playing in NZ.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Do you know whether Ash Dixon is signed for next season? He came to the Landers at the same time as Edmonds. Edmonds has re-signed, but I can't find anything about Dixon.</p>
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<p>Im not sure as Jane is signed until the end of next year. The inclusion of Umaga Jensen and the likely return of former Hurricanes flyer Andre Taylor would pick up any empty spots the Hurricanes have at the end of the season.</p>

<p>I watched Umaga Jensen and another player the WRFU have invested countless amounts of time and money into in Malo Tuitama in club rugby on Saturday and despite there being the best part of ninety points being scored neither really had a chance to show much in the way of the abilities everyone keeps waxing lyrically about. There must be something to back up these claims but it was not given the chance to be exhibited on Saturday. I will have to make time to see them in action later this season to see with my own eyes if the hype is all that it is made out to be. If it is then Andre Taylor might be looking elsewhere other than the Hurricanes if he does come back to NZ.</p>

<p>Banks will be looking at his contract now. He's another one who I can't see leaving the Highlanders if he was to stick around in NZ, why would he take a bench spot at the Crusaders when he already has one down the road (once he's fully fit again).<br><br>
With Gareth Evans, the good oil is the Chiefs are a fan. But he may wait to see who the new Highlanders coach is. I still really like him as a super sub, certainly offers more than the stat man Luke Whitelock.<br><br>
Someone up the thread pointed out the Highlanders only sign guys on for one or two years, that's spot on, except for Aaron Smith, but he's a special case.<br><br><br><br>
 </p>

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Higgins" data-cid="571622" data-time="1460372747"><p>
I watched Umaga Jensen and another player the WRFU have invested countless amounts of time and money into in Malo Tuitama in club rugby on Saturday and despite there being the best part of ninety points being scored neither really had a chance to show much in the way of the abilities everyone keeps waxing lyrically about. There must be something to back up these claims but it was not given the chance to be exhibited on Saturday. I will have to make time to see them in action later this season to see with my own eyes if the hype is all that it is made out to be. If it is then Andre Taylor might be looking elsewhere other than the Hurricanes if he does come back to NZ.</p></blockquote>
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Wanui had Umaga Jensen playing on the wing, a position he hasnt played in for years. He switched between centre and fullback for Scots College and this was a big reason why they made two schools finals in a row. The more Umaga Jensen gets the ball the bigger impact he has. Mark my words Umaga Jensen will be a star in a few years.

<p>Is it just me or is the overall table pretty much useless now? It really only matters were your team finishes within their own conference, 1st or wild card. </p>

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Stargazer" data-cid="571543" data-time="1460346045">
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<p> </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><strong>Barrett, Beauden - Hurricanes</strong></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><strong>Goodes, Reggie - Hurricanes</strong></div>
<div>Graham, Mitchell - Chiefs</div>
<div>Guildford, Zac - Waratahs</div>
<div>Havili, David - Crusaders</div>
<div><strong>Horrell, Andrew - Chiefs</strong></div>
<div>Latimer, Tanerau - Blues</div>
<div>Mathewson, Alby - Force</div>
<div>McKenzie, Marty - Crusaders</div>
<div>Moâ€unga, Richie - Crusaders</div>
<div>Ngātai, Charlie - Chiefs</div>
<div>Perry, Tim - Crusaders</div>
<div>Ranger, Rene - Blues</div>
<div><strong>Romano, Luke - Crusaders</strong></div>
<div>Savea, Ardie - Hurricanes</div>
<div><strong>Shields, Brad - Hurricanes</strong></div>
<div>Tamanivalu, Seta - Chiefs</div>
<div>Taylor, Codie - Crusaders</div>
<div>Tongia, Ryan - Highlanders?</div>
<div><strong>Toomaga-Allen, Jeffrey - Hurricanes</strong></div>
<div>Volavola, Ben - Crusaders</div>
<div>West, Ihaia - Blues</div>
<div> </div>
<p> </p>
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<p>Some of the players I could possibly see moving overseas.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I must say the NZRFU has done a very good job at keeping the talent.  Hopefully it continues, but the likes of Pulu signing on is encouraging.</p>

This is one fucked up looking sports comp table<br><br><br>
<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.superxv.com/overall-super-rugby-standings/'>http://www.superxv.com/overall-super-rugby-standings/</a>

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="SouthernMan" data-cid="571625" data-time="1460374166">
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<p>Banks will be looking at his contract now. He's another one who I can't see leaving the Highlanders if he was to stick around in NZ, why would he take a bench spot at the Crusaders when he already has one down the road (once he's fully fit again).<br><br>
With Gareth Evans, the good oil is the Chiefs are a fan. But he may wait to see who the new Highlanders coach is. I still really like him as a super sub,<strong> certainly offers more than the stat man Luke Whitelock.</strong><br><br>
Someone up the thread pointed out the Highlanders only sign guys on for one or two years, that's spot on, except for Aaron Smith, but he's a special case.<br><br><br><br>
 </p>
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</blockquote>
<p>So has Whitelock actually leaped above Evans in the rankings of Highlanders loosies or is/was Evans just injured? As someone said on the match thread this may be the best Extremely Lucky Luke has ever played but he just kills attacks dead - there's no way Evans just dies with the ball those times.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Billy: You really think Goodes is in danger of going overseas? I'd have thought he wouldn't be too far off an AB cap.</p>

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Dice" data-cid="571592" data-time="1460361669">
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<p>No chance of Trainor coming back anytime soon, he's signed up until 2019. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>I bet the Blues couldn't believe their luck that he was available to sign this year. I bet they thought he was a goner to the Chiefs for a long time. The Chiefs probably thought no team would touch him this season because he only played one ITM Cup game, but he's rated highly over here, so no way were we going to miss the chance to take him back.</p>
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<p>Ah, that sucks. Seems like a dumb decision to sign a four year contract to the bloody Blues of all franchises though. First because it's not like they're lacking wingers, so you really have to fight for one of the two spots and second because it's the fucking Blues.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Siam" data-cid="571641" data-time="1460393694">
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<p>This is one fucked up looking sports comp table<br><br><br><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.superxv.com/overall-super-rugby-standings/'>http://www.superxv.com/overall-super-rugby-standings/</a></p>
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<p>That doesn't actually look that much different to the tables we saw in the old format, just with four teams automatically going through and four wildcards (though the Bulls don't have a WC next to their name for some weird reason). Where it'll look stupid is when you've got a SA or Aus/NZ wildcard qualifying ahead of a team from the opposite conference even though they have less points (for example, if the Bulls had 16 points, they or the Sharks would still qualify ahead of the Rebels) but that hasn't happened yet.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Regardless, looking at that chart is dumb anyway. Focus on the Aus/NZ conference and SA conference charts and it makes a lot more sense:</p>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.superxv.com/table/'>http://www.superxv.com/table/</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>The top NZ team and Aus team get automatic spots, then the next best three teams get wildcard spots. Over in the Saffa conference, the top team from each small conference gets an automatic spot, then the next best team remaining gets a wildcard spot.</p>

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Nepia" data-cid="571654" data-time="1460411566">
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<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Billy: You really think Goodes is in danger of going overseas? I'd have thought he wouldn't be too far off an AB cap.</p>
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<p>Well, obviously if he gets AB caps, he will probably stay.  However, I would think Moody and Crockett have the LH spots sewn up, so it would be as 3rd choice LH at best.  In saying that Crockett is 33 and his best is behind him, so there might be an opening there.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I basically looked at players who have given Super Rugby a good shot and seem unlikely to crack the ABs, or who have been ABs but might struggle to remain so.</p>

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Stargazer" data-cid="571585" data-time="1460359409">
<div>
<p>Banks signed with the Highlanders in Oct 2014. I assume that was for 2 years as the Highlanders rarely seem to sign players for longer than 1 or 2 years. So that would mean he comes off contract after this season.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I'm not sure the Crusaders will be interested as they've overlooked him the last few years (after he was in their WTG in 2013). <strong>And who would he replace? Surely not Mo'unga, who's looking to become a really good 10 with plenty of potential. That leaves Havili, Marty McKenzie and Ben Volavola, who are all waiting in line for a bench spot or as injury replacement (Dagg is signed until 2017).</strong></p>
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<p> </p>
<p>IMO Banks would have a better chance of taking the starting spot off Mounga than Sopoaga and Im sure he would back himself to do that if he went to the Crusaders. If i was in charge of the Crusaders I would much rather have him than Volavola or Mckenzie. As for the Blues, again he would be a good shot at overtaking West as first choice. However all this is just guessing because he might be perfectly happy being 2nd or 3rd choice at the Highlanders.</p>

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Billy Tell" data-cid="571640" data-time="1460393500">
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<p>Some of the players I could possibly see moving overseas.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I must say the NZRFU has done a very good job at keeping the talent.  Hopefully it continues, but the likes of Pulu signing on is encouraging.</p>
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</blockquote>
<p> I don't see Toomaga Allen going north, no T14 or Premiership coach would want to have a prop who can't scrum. I rate him highly in the other aspects of the game though.</p>

<p>don't think I had seen it and cant be arsed trawling back to see if already mentioned....</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Blake Gibson likely to miss this weekend with a thumb injury, but in better news, Tanerau Latimer may be available to play should he make it through training tomorrow.</p>

<p>Blake Gibson is out 7-8 weeks with the broken thumb mentioned by TR.</p>

<p>gutting for him and the Blues, one of the few genuine shining lights of their campaign so far.</p>

<p>Fuck. Poor bastard.</p>

<p>That's too bad. I was hoping he would top the tackle and turnover count in Super Rugby in his first full season.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>On the bright side, he'll be available for the last 3 games of the season and Latimer looks to be coming back to full health.</p>

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="cgrant" data-cid="571776" data-time="1460481323">
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<p> I don't see Toomaga Allen going north, no T14 or Premiership coach would want to have a prop who can't scrum. I rate him highly in the other aspects of the game though.</p>
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<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Selections can be funny in this area though. The Chiefs recruited Jamie Mackintosh.</p>

<p>I'm just astounded by how poor (IMO highly subjective obviously) the Herald Writer's AB 1st XVs are: <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&amp;objectid=11622408'>http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&amp;objectid=11622408</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>As expected, the best selection comes from Nigel Yalden, who actually knows what he's talking about (remember he nailed the RWC squad, albeit probably with inside information).  He does have Sopoaga ahead of Cruden (which I actually think is possible, despite the general opinion of this forum that Cruden is a 100% lock for 10)</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The rest I despair: Hansen has categorically stated McKenzie is not a wing...but several have McKenzie there, despite the fact he clearly seems to be a 15/10.  Patrick Osbourne makes several selections.  Devlin has Parsons at hooker (!), Faumuina starting TH, Taufua at 6, Jane at 11.  Mulligan has the departing Vito at 6, and Dagg at 15 (based on what exactly...), and good old Wynne Gray (I honestly think he is pure gash for a senior rugby writer) has Taufua at 6, Osbourne at 11, and McKenzie at 14.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Devlin, though, complete shocker.</p>

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Billy Tell" data-cid="572201" data-time="1460608102">
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<p>Devlin has Parsons at hooker (!), <strong>Faumuina starting LH</strong>, Taufua at 6, Jane at 11. </p>
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<p> </p>
<p>Fixed.</p>

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="KiwiMurph" data-cid="572205" data-time="1460608487">
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<p>Fixed.</p>
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<p>Whoops!  And my opinion of Devlin's rugby knowledge drops another few points...(I just assumed TH without really checking, because, well, I thought everyone knows Charlie plays TH)</p>

Yeah, it's pretty clear from his selections that Wynne Gray is an idiot.

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Billy Tell" data-cid="572201" data-time="1460608102">
<div>
<p>I'm just astounded by how poor (IMO highly subjective obviously) the Herald Writer's AB 1st XVs are: <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&amp;objectid=11622408'>http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&amp;objectid=11622408</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>As expected, the best selection comes from Nigel Yalden, who actually knows what he's talking about (remember he nailed the RWC squad, albeit probably with inside information).  He does have Sopoaga ahead of Cruden (which I actually think is possible, despite the general opinion of this forum that Cruden is a 100% lock for 10)</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The rest I despair: Hansen has categorically stated McKenzie is not a wing...but several have McKenzie there, despite the fact he clearly seems to be a 15/10.  Patrick Osbourne makes several selections.  Devlin has Parsons at hooker (!), Faumuina starting TH, Taufua at 6, Jane at 11.  Mulligan has the departing Vito at 6, and Dagg at 15 (based on what exactly...), and good old Wynne Gray (I honestly think he is pure gash for a senior rugby writer) has Taufua at 6, Osbourne at 11, and McKenzie at 14.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Devlin, though, complete shocker.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>Yeah, I saw that earlier and had a good laugh. It really says a hell of a lot about the Herald's staff when Ratpoo's picking one of the best XV's. Mulligan's a fool but wow, Devlin and Gray are idiots.</p>

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Tim" data-cid="572215" data-time="1460610168">
<div>
<p>Yeah, it's pretty clear from his selections that Wynne Gray is an idiot.</p>
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<p> </p>
<p>Well Gray did one a couple of weeks ago and it was clear he simply hadnt been watching rugby, at all.</p>

<p>Clickbait.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Get's tongues wagging by picking the stupidest sides possible.</p>

<p>Oh God I can't believe how highly rated Patrick Osbourne is. Nothing against the guy but I hope he gets nowhere near a test jersey.</p>

<p>Devlin is a wendyball fan and is so wrapped up in being able to have his silly fan v fan digs based on a game being played on the other side of the world that he probably only takes a glance at rugby in NZ.</p>

<p>On CGW Breakfast they were giving Mulls a hard time about his team being click bait in the realms of Twatson, Twattue and Treason.</p>

<p>The search for the new Crusaders head coach begins ..<br>
 </p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote">
<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">News</span></span><br><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>BNZ Crusaders to commence coach appointment process </strong></span></span><br><span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Published: 15 April 2016 </span></span><br>
 <br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The BNZ Crusaders are commencing the process to appoint a new Head Coach.  The organisation is looking for a new Head Coach to replace Todd Blackadder, who is leaving at the end of the 2016 season after eight years in charge of the team.</span></span><br>
 <br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">BNZ Crusaders CEO Hamish Riach said the Board had this week agreed to commence the appointment process immediately.</span></span><br>
 <br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">“While we originally signaled that we would wait until the end of the 2016 Super Rugby season to start the process, it has been agreed between myself and the Board that it would be advantageous to open the application process now,” Mr Riach said.</span></span><br>
 <br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">“It has always been our intention to keep this process from becoming a distraction to the 2016 campaign, and after discussions with the current coaching and management team we feel assured that we can manage that risk, while also being able to better plan for the 2017 season if we bring this appointment process forward.”</span></span><br>
 <br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Crusaders Chairman Grant Jarrold said: “We want to allow the best opportunity for the best applicants to put themselves forward for this job, and we are also mindful of creating as much certainty as possible for those currently involved with the team.</span></span><br>
 <br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">“We are excited to announce that an open and contestable process to appoint our next BNZ Crusaders Head Coach will begin immediately,” Mr Jarrold said.</span></span><br>
 <br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">For further information go to <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.nzru.co.nz/jobs'><span style="color:#0000FF;">www.nzru.co.nz/jobs</span></a>.  Applications should be sent to <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='mailto:[email protected]'><span style="color:#0000FF;">[email protected]</span></a> be 5:00pm Wednesday 11 May 2016.</span></span></p>
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<p> </p>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://crusaders.co.nz/news/940-bnz-crusaders-to-commence-coach-appointment-process'>http://crusaders.co.nz/news/940-bnz-crusaders-to-commence-coach-appointment-process</a></p>

<p>That must be pretty disappointing to go 8 years without any silverware.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Feel sorry for Toddy.</p>

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="taniwharugby" data-cid="572355" data-time="1460676673">
<div>
<p>On CGW Breakfast they were giving Mulls a hard time about his team being click bait in the realms of Twatson, Twattue and Treason.</p>
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<p>I'm disappointed you didn't run with Tweason as they roll off the tongue so well together.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>What was his response? He really does deserve an uppercut for posting that.</p>

<p>Waiting until the end of the season to start looking for a new coach is some Blues level stupidity. Good idea to ditch that but they should've done it a while ago and been well into the process by this point, to give the new coach as much time possible to build his squad.</p>

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="taniwharugby" data-cid="572355" data-time="1460676673">
<div>
<p>On CGW Breakfast they were giving Mulls a hard time about his team being click bait in the realms of Twatson, Twattue and Treason.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p>Hmm, watching Dagg tonight maybe he just has a crystal ball?</p>

<p>Nepia, you and I, for our own self interest of course, would certainly accept it with open arms should Israel Dagg not be included in the All Black sides this season. Assuming that he is already signed up for the Mitre10 Cup.</p>

<p>Old girlfriends are never as hot as you remember them...</p>
<p> </p>
<p>In Ben we trust</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>nah I'm stoked Izzy is looking the goods again....   but Benny boy is still the man! </p>

Haha the sunwolves

<p>That's a scoreline we were all worried would happen.</p>