<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="KiwiMurph" data-cid="573460" data-time="1461041459">
<div>
<p>Lachlan Boshier from Naki has been drafted in.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p>Cheers. Sounds like he was picked over Mitch Jacobson because Jacobson's got U20s.</p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Unco" data-cid="573454" data-time="1461040221"><p>
Christ, that's openside #4. Who's next in line?<br><br>
Thank McGod Cane is invincible.</p></blockquote>
<br>
Sorry. Not following close enough.<br><br>
Who are the others?
<p>Patrick Tuipulotu has confirmed he has signed on to the Blues/NZ Rugby until end of 2019.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.superrugby.co.nz/News/29061/patrick-tuipulotu-signs-through-until-2019'>http://www.superrugby.co.nz/News/29061/patrick-tuipulotu-signs-through-until-2019</a></p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote">
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif;background-color:rgb(237,237,237);">Tuipulotu said: “I am really enjoying my rugby at the Blues and I am learning a lot playing under Tana. I like being based at home right now. Next year the Lions are coming to New Zealand which would be great to be part of. Injury meant I missed a chance to play in the World Cup, and so long term I would love to be at the next one.â€</span></blockquote>
<p>The Hurricanes have announced that Assistant Coach John Plumtree has committed to the Canes until 2018.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.hurricanes.co.nz/the-canes/news/single/item/assistant-coach-john-plumtree-commits-to-hurricanes/'>http://www.hurricanes.co.nz/the-canes/news/single/item/assistant-coach-john-plumtree-commits-to-hurricanes/</a></p>
<p><span style="font-family:calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">The Highlanders have added Otago prop Aki Seiuli to their wider training group and promoted Craig Millar to the squad to compensate for the loss of Brendon Edmonds to a season-ending knee injury.</span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/79238084/prop-aki-seiuli-added-to-highlanders-seasonending-injury-for-brendon-edmonds'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/79238084/prop-aki-seiuli-added-to-highlanders-seasonending-injury-for-brendon-edmonds</a></p>
<p>Jason Emery cops a 4 week ban</p>
<p> </p>
<p>IMO a bit heavy handed when you look at the inconsistency of some of the rulings SANZAR* dish out but for what it was, no issues really.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/79294929/Highlanders-back-Jason-Emery-banned-for-four-weeks-for-dangerous-tackle-of-Sharks-fullback-Willie-le-Roux'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/79294929/Highlanders-back-Jason-Emery-banned-for-four-weeks-for-dangerous-tackle-of-Sharks-fullback-Willie-le-Roux</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>*What is SANZAR now? SAJANZAR</p>
<p>Do they take into account the red card (and the resulting 65 minutes his team played with 14 men) as part of the sentence?</p>
<p>Nadolo posted this tweet yesterday (Monday) evening: "Looks like it's fittness for me"</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Sounds like he got a suspension but I've seen nothing on the SANZAAR website or in the media about the length/number of games. If Evemy only got 4 weeks, this should be much shorter ...</p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="taniwharugby" data-cid="574832" data-time="1461615927">
<div>
<p>Jason Emery cops a 4 week ban</p>
<p> </p>
<p>IMO a bit heavy handed when you look at the inconsistency of some of the rulings SANZAR* dish out but for what it was, no issues really.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/79294929/Highlanders-back-Jason-Emery-banned-for-four-weeks-for-dangerous-tackle-of-Sharks-fullback-Willie-le-Roux'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/79294929/Highlanders-back-Jason-Emery-banned-for-four-weeks-for-dangerous-tackle-of-Sharks-fullback-Willie-le-Roux</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>*What is SANZAR now? SAJANZAR</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>No doubt that le Roux's landing was horrifying, and glad he's ok (classy aftermatch reactions from him to)</p>
<p> </p>
<p>however</p>
<p> </p>
<p>does this mean that all these type of careless clashes result in a 4 week ban, even when the jumper lands less spectacularly?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Time will tell I guess</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>To be fair Rugby in general has dealt with this dangerous scenario pretty well over the last 3-4 years. I remember when this stuff first started happening and most were all (correctly at the time) pointing out that it wasn't deliberate and the offender only had eyes on the ball. It's been a positive mindshift that eyes on the ball isn't enough of an excuse and you have to be more mindful of the consequences. We seem to have a happy medium of far less wipe outs and still a contest if the chaser can get there quickly enough </p>
<p>For the Blues James Parsons has taken over the captaincy from Jerome Kaino full time. Kaino has said a big part of this is because he isn't able to take full part in training due to his shoulder niggle. A good move I think - captaincy seems to sit more naturally with Parsons.</p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="taniwharugby" data-cid="574832" data-time="1461615927">
<div>
<p>Jason Emery cops a 4 week ban</p>
<p> </p>
<p>IMO <u>a bit heavy handed</u> when you look at the inconsistency of some of the rulings SANZAR* dish out but for what it was, no issues really.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/79294929/Highlanders-back-Jason-Emery-banned-for-four-weeks-for-dangerous-tackle-of-Sharks-fullback-Willie-le-Roux'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/79294929/Highlanders-back-Jason-Emery-banned-for-four-weeks-for-dangerous-tackle-of-Sharks-fullback-Willie-le-Roux</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>*What is SANZAR now? SAJANZAR</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>Agree in every respect taniwha.</p>
<p>But if the resultant "message" is that players have to take a degree of care, then I think that's for the better.</p>
<p>I still cringe when I see replays of Le Roux landing. It was bloody close to being a rugby tragedy. </p>
<p>Another injury to TKB - broken hand</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/79346971/tawera-kerrbarlow-suffers-a-broken-hand-in-another-injury-blow-for-chiefs'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/79346971/tawera-kerrbarlow-suffers-a-broken-hand-in-another-injury-blow-for-chiefs</a></p>
<p>Fuck. That's some shit luck. And Ngatai's still out too.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>At least ALB, Bird and Harris are back and Hames is making his debut from the bench.</p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote">
<p>Super Rugby sensation Damian McKenzie has re-signed with the Chiefs for the next two seasons.</p>
<p>The 21-year-old has extended his initial two-year contract with the franchise to commit until the end of the 2018 campaign.</p>
<p> </p>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/79547702/super-rugby-sensation-damian-mckenzie-resigns-with-chiefs-for-two-years'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/79547702/super-rugby-sensation-damian-mckenzie-resigns-with-chiefs-for-two-years</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Also just realised how much Titch must be watching this kid play and wondering what he would be like in the open spaces of a sevens game.</p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Crucial" data-cid="576512" data-time="1462234034">
<div>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/79547702/super-rugby-sensation-damian-mckenzie-resigns-with-chiefs-for-two-years'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/79547702/super-rugby-sensation-damian-mckenzie-resigns-with-chiefs-for-two-years</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Also just realised how much Titch must be watching this kid play and wondering what he would be like in the open spaces of a sevens game.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>That's a great call.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>All Blacks certainly wouldn't miss him but Chiefs would. Who are the other fullbacks in the Chiefs squad?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Horrell I guess.</p>
<p>Chiefs media release about Damian McKenzie re-signing: <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.chiefs.co.nz/news/news/latest-news/209-mckenzie-commits-to-gallagher-chiefs'>http://www.chiefs.co.nz/news/news/latest-news/209-mckenzie-commits-to-gallagher-chiefs</a></p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Don Frye" data-cid="576519" data-time="1462234718">
<div>
<p>That's a great call.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>All Blacks certainly wouldn't miss him but Chiefs would. Who are the other fullbacks in the Chiefs squad?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Horrell I guess.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>Tony Pulu is a pretty good fullback and has a good kick on him but yeah, DMac would be a big loss.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I see in the article on Stuff they mention that he turned down the Blues and Saders who offered him the 10 jersey. That news will put their current 10s on notice.</p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Crucial" data-cid="576527" data-time="1462235555"><p>
Tony Pulu is a pretty good fullback and has a good kick on him but yeah, DMac would be a big loss.<br><br>
I see in the article on Stuff they mention that he turned down the Blues and Saders who offered him the 10 jersey. That news will put their current 10s on notice.</p></blockquote>
<br>
Interesting indeed considering the saders don't have a coach for next year. Is riach picking the side now?
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Crucial" data-cid="576527" data-time="1462235555">
<div>
<p>Tony Pulu is a pretty good fullback and has a good kick on him but yeah, DMac would be a big loss.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I see in the article on Stuff they mention that he turned down the Blues and Saders who offered him the 10 jersey. That news will put their current 10s on notice.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>I'd really like to see West get a run at fullback.</p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Stargazer" data-cid="576525" data-time="1462235156">
<div>
<p>Chiefs media release about Damian McKenzie re-signing: <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.chiefs.co.nz/news/news/latest-news/209-mckenzie-commits-to-gallagher-chiefs'>http://www.chiefs.co.nz/news/news/latest-news/209-mckenzie-commits-to-gallagher-chiefs</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>The NZ Herald, the Official Blues fluffers, release about Damian McKenzie re-signing:</p>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11632923'>http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11632923</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>But don't worry, maybe he'll sign in 2019!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>God, the Herald is such shit. I mean really, how the fuck is McKenzie's decision a blow for the Blues when that was already a long shot anyway? Every year they pin all their hopes on the Blues somehow managing to sign <strike>Dan Carter</strike> <strike>Johnny Wilkinson</strike> <strike>Dan Carter</strike> <strike>Juan Martin Hernandez</strike> <strike>Dan Carter</strike> <strike>Beauden Barrett</strike> <strike>Aaron Cruden</strike> <strike>Beauden Barrett</strike> Damian McKenzie. They'd make the absolute worst poker players, ignoring all the simpler hands because they're constantly praying for a miracle hand.</p>
<p>The Herald were hardly Blues fluffers when they ran a concerted campaign to drum Kirwan out as coach.</p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Crucial" data-cid="576719" data-time="1462315251"><p>The Herald were hardly Blues fluffers when they ran a concerted campaign to drum Kirwan out as coach.</p></blockquote>
<br>
Why is that? Kirwan was bad for Blues rugby so the Herald wanted him gone!
They hammered the players as well as the coach. <br>
I still maintain that part of the reason Kirwan failed was that it was difficult to instill confidence when every man and their dog were having a crack at them.
<p>why should they be immune to criticism?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Tana at least seems to be trying to engage the stakeholders (Auckland, NH, Northland and fans) whereas Lam and SJK never did that, talked about it, but didn't do anything, while he is creeping along on the field, in a way it is probably better for Tana the rest of the NZ franchises are so strong too, makes him look better if the Blues win, and given more leeway if they lose - Lam and SJK never had the luxury of such strong NZ competition IMO</p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Unco" data-cid="576690" data-time="1462299370">
<div>
<p>The NZ Herald, the Official Blues fluffers, release about Damian McKenzie re-signing:</p>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11632923'>http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11632923</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>But don't worry, maybe he'll sign in 2019!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>God, the Herald is such shit. I mean really, how the fuck is McKenzie's decision a blow for the Blues when that was already a long shot anyway? Every year they pin all their hopes on the Blues somehow managing to sign <strike>Dan Carter</strike> <strike>Johnny Wilkinson</strike> <strike>Dan Carter</strike> <strike>Juan Martin Hernandez</strike> <strike>Dan Carter</strike> <strike>Beauden Barrett</strike> <strike>Aaron Cruden</strike> <strike>Beauden Barrett</strike> Damian McKenzie. They'd make the absolute worst poker players, ignoring all the simpler hands because they're constantly praying for a miracle hand.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Unco" data-cid="576690" data-time="1462299370">
<div>
<p>The NZ Herald, the Official Blues fluffers, release about Damian McKenzie re-signing:</p>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11632923'>http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11632923</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>But don't worry, maybe he'll sign in 2019!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>God, the Herald is such shit. I mean really, how the fuck is McKenzie's decision a blow for the Blues when that was already a long shot anyway? Every year they pin all their hopes on the Blues somehow managing to sign <strike>Dan Carter</strike> <strike>Johnny Wilkinson</strike> <strike>Dan Carter</strike> <strike>Juan Martin Hernandez</strike> <strike>Dan Carter</strike> <strike>Beauden Barrett</strike> <strike>Aaron Cruden</strike> <strike>Beauden Barrett</strike> Damian McKenzie. They'd make the absolute worst poker players, ignoring all the simpler hands because they're constantly praying for a miracle hand.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p>They are a bunch of clowns who do everything to bring us down. Sopoaga or Cruden to the Blues for next seasons rumour mill and then when it predictably doesn't happen, we'll get the 'No-one wants to play for the Blues' rubbish.</p>
<p>Some more info about Hames' injury and his long road to recovery. Well done for staying in NZ and chasing his AB dream.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/79592919/chiefs-punt-paying-off-for-kane-hames-as-he-gets-another-shot-at-super-rugby'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/79592919/chiefs-punt-paying-off-for-kane-hames-as-he-gets-another-shot-at-super-rugby</a></p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Bovidae" data-cid="577044" data-time="1462410052">
<div>
<p>Some more info about Hames' injury and his long road to recovery. Well done for staying in NZ and chasing his AB dream.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/79592919/chiefs-punt-paying-off-for-kane-hames-as-he-gets-another-shot-at-super-rugby'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/79592919/chiefs-punt-paying-off-for-kane-hames-as-he-gets-another-shot-at-super-rugby</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p>Yeah especially as it looks like the Clan could do with his services, just as much as the Chiefs - suddenly he is in demand!</p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="SouthernMan" data-cid="577329" data-time="1462495752">
<div>
<p>Fletcher Smith has been called into the Highlanders as a replacement for Hayden Parker.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>I can vaguely recall the name but not his performances for Otago. Can anyone down that way let us know if this is a worthy selection or just a sticking a pile of names into a barrel, giving it a shake and a blindfolded lucky dip, lets take the first name drawn out selection.</p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Higgins" data-cid="577356" data-time="1462503476">
<div>
<p>I can vaguely recall the name but not his performances for Otago. Can anyone down that way let us know if this is a worthy selection or just a sticking a pile of names into a barrel, giving it a shake and a blindfolded lucky dip, lets take the first name drawn out selection.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p>The Highlanders tend to have there backup training squads from the next ranking players around Otago/ Southland.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I know that the halfback they have had going to trainings 'just in case' has been the kid from the Stags who has only had one year of provincial. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>I guess that it is a good investment in looking at these guys early and if they come on they are more likely to get a signing but the drawback is that they are fairly inexperienced if actually needed.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>A couple of seasons ago a club prop teammate of my son had to suit up and acquitted himself OK.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I would say that this Fletcher Smith is in that same boat. Cheap to have around. </p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Crucial" data-cid="577365" data-time="1462505042">
<div>
<p>The Highlanders tend to have there backup training squads from the next ranking players around Otago/ Southland.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I know that the halfback they have had going to trainings 'just in case' has been the kid from the Stags who has only had one year of provincial. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>I guess that it is a good investment in looking at these guys early and if they come on they are more likely to get a signing but the drawback is that they are fairly inexperienced if actually needed.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>A couple of seasons ago a club prop teammate of my son had to suit up and acquitted himself OK.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I would say that this Fletcher Smith is in that same boat. Cheap to have around. </p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>He's a bit better than that</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Another 10 to come out of Christchurch Boys High, NZ Secondary schools and I think NZ under 20.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Played a year of club rugby in Chch before signing with Otago. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Seen him play a few times and has plenty of promise. </p>
<p>I'm not saying these guys are no good, but many have little experience even at a provincial level.</p>
<p>Can't say he was anything special from what I saw of him last year but that's not to say that he won't become a good player. Definitely not super rugby standard yet.</p>
<p>Patrick Osborne has re-signed with the Highlanders for 2017, but has made himself available for the Fijian national team!<br>
</p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote">
<p>The exciting wing has played 47 games for the Highlanders since his debut in 2014 and has formed a lethal partnership with fellow Fijian Waisake Naholo. Osborne will play for Japanese club Kubota Spears later this year before returning to Dunedin for the 2017 Investec Super Rugby season. He has made himself available for the Fijian national team in the June international window.</p>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.superrugby.co.nz/News/29155/osborne-signs-with-the-highlanders'>http://www.superrugby.co.nz/News/29155/osborne-signs-with-the-highlanders</a></p>
