<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>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">
<div>
<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>
</div>
</blockquote>
<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&objectid=11622408'>http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&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">
<div>
<p>Devlin has Parsons at hooker (!), <strong>Faumuina starting LH</strong>, Taufua at 6, Jane at 11. </p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>Fixed.</p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="KiwiMurph" data-cid="572205" data-time="1460608487">
<div>
<p>Fixed.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<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>
<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&objectid=11622408'>http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&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>
</div>
</blockquote>
<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>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.â€</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>
</blockquote>
<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>
<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>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>
- Devlin. On the wind up I reckon.<br><br>
- Sunwolves. Happened to a semifinalist the week before the semi finals a few years back ...
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="booboo" data-cid="572667" data-time="1460770206"><p>
And didn't the Reds ship 90 a few years back?</p></blockquote>
<br>
92-3. 2007.<br><br>
So the Sunwolves miss the record for most points conceded AND biggest losing margin.
Shipping 90 points to the Crusaderblacks is one thing, shipping 90 points to the Cheetahs is quite another. Very ominous signs.
<p>Picking up Sergeal Petersen for my fantasy team this week went better than expected.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Unfortunately, I think the Sunwolves go without a win this season. I think their best chances to get a win have all passed.</p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="pukunui" data-cid="572660" data-time="1460767533">
<div>
<p>Yikes, that is minnow in a world cup type stuff. Do any NZ teams play them this year?</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>No, they don't. The Sunwolves only play the Aussi teams of the Australasian Group this season. Next year, they play all the NZ teams. Unless someone is wise enough to pull the plug after this season ...</p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="No Quarter" data-cid="572669" data-time="1460770987"><p>Shipping 90 points to the Crusaderblacks is one thing, shipping 90 points to the Cheetahs is quite another. Very ominous signs.</p></blockquote>
Really? The Cheetahs have always been brilliant at scoring points in previous years. Heck it seemed they often score 40 odd and lose, against good teams.
<p>Bad news: Rene Ranger out for the rest of the season! Ruptured knee ligaments.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/sport/rugby/blues-suffer-major-blow-rene-ranger-gone-rest-season'>https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/sport/rugby/blues-suffer-major-blow-rene-ranger-gone-rest-season</a></p>
<p>while he is struggling to get back to this level of footy, you dont want to see anyone with a season ending injury, and as Dice says, after having months off after his neck injury too! </p>
<p>Just read on the Chiefs instagram account that their flanker Sam Henwood is out for the rest of 2016 with a ruptured ACL! He'll have surgery in 2 weeks.</p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Stargazer" data-cid="573439" data-time="1461037400">
<div>
<p>Just read on the Chiefs instagram account that their flanker Sam Henwood is out for the rest of 2016 with a ruptured ACL! He'll have surgery in 2 weeks.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>Thought that may have been the case when he went off. Gutted for the guy and for CM.</p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Stargazer" data-cid="573439" data-time="1461037400">
<div>
<p>Just read on the Chiefs instagram account that their flanker Sam Henwood is out for the rest of 2016 with a ruptured ACL! He'll have surgery in 2 weeks.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>Christ, that's openside #4. Who's next in line?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Thank McGod Cane is invincible.</p>