<p>On the Fletcher Smith introduction to the squad. I'm happy with it, looking around the country there's no one better available. Plus I believe his skill set is superior to what Hayden Parker has to offer. He actually has some pace and is quite a bit bigger than Parker. If the two were up against each other during the Mitre 10 Cup, I would back Smith to have the starting spot by the end of the year.</p>
<p>Is Senatore the Luis Suarez of rugby? What an idiot!<br>
<br>
From Newshub site:<br>
</p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote">
<p><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Jaguares Leonardo Senatore suspended 10 weeks for biting</strong></span></span><br>
<br><span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Tuesday 17 May 2016 6:36 a.m.</span></span><br><br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Argentina international loose-forward Leonardo Senatore has been suspended for 10 weeks after being found guilty of biting an opponent in a Super Rugby match on Saturday.</span></span><br>
<br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">It is the second time the 32-year-old has been suspended for the same offence having sat out nine weeks in 2013 for biting South Africa lock Eben Etzebeth in a Rugby Championship fixture.</span></span><br>
<br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Senatore was playing for the Buenos Aires-based Jaguares when he sunk his teeth into the arm of Sharks flank Keegan Daniel as the pair tussled in a ruck near the end of a tense 25-22 victory for the South African side in Velez Sarsfield.</span></span><br>
<br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Despite being a repeat offender, his most recent ban was reduced from the prescribed minimum of 12 weeks for what the SANZAAR judicial committee called his "good character, his playing record and his disciplinary record".</span></span><br>
<br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">"The Judicial Committee deemed the act of foul play merited a low-end entry point of 12 weeks. The Judicial Committee then added two weeks for aggravation as this was the player's second offence for biting," SANZAAR said in a statement on Monday.</span></span><br>
<br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">"However, taking into account mitigating factors including the player's good character, his playing record and his disciplinary record the Judicial Committee reduced the suspension to a period of 10 weeks."</span></span><br>
<br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The suspension rules Senatore out of the remainder of the group phase of the Super Rugby season, with the Jaguares unlikely to make the playoffs.</span></span><br>
<br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">He will be free to play in the Rugby Championship starting on August 20 but will miss Argentina's three friendly internationals in June against Italy and France (two).</span></span></p>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The mystery of determining penalties again: they add 2 weeks for aggravation because he's done it before and then reduce it by 4 weeks for a good disciplinary record etc? </span></span><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't understand how you can have a good disciplinary record if you have already been banned for 9 weeks for the same offence.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p>By the way, Augustin Creevy got a one week suspension for a dangerous tackle on Sharks flanker Jean Deysel and will miss the Jaguares game v the Lions.</p>
<p>maybe cos biting is the only thing he does, and I mean 3 years between bites is a pretty good thing, he's obviously doing a good job of controlling his urges!</p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Stargazer" data-cid="580238" data-time="1463433905">
<div>
<p>Is Senatore the Luis Suarez of rugby? What an idiot!<br>
<br>
From Newshub site:<br>
</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The mystery of determining penalties again: they add 2 weeks for aggravation because he's done it before and then reduce it by 4 weeks for a good disciplinary record etc? </span></span><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't understand how you can have a good disciplinary record if you have already been banned for 9 weeks for the same offence.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p>By the way, Augustin Creevy got a one week suspension for a dangerous tackle on Sharks flanker Jean Deysel and will miss the Jaguares game v the Lions.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>The logic in applying these penalties seem to be somewhat arbitrary and somewhat dependent on what big future fixtures you might want to play in.</p>
<p>Scott Barrett has re-signed with the Crusaders for another two years.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/80128230/scott-barrett-resigns-with-crusaders'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/80128230/scott-barrett-resigns-with-crusaders</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Edit:</p>
<p>Official media release: <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://crusaders.co.nz/news/960-barrett-re-signs-with-bnz-crusaders'>http://crusaders.co.nz/news/960-barrett-re-signs-with-bnz-crusaders</a></p>
<p>Nice!</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>I see WLR is maybe joining Wasps from the Sharks. Must be depressing being a SA rugby fan. They don't win nothing these days, and all their best players are routinely poached. Let's hope that nightmare never arrives on NZ shores.</p>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/80094213/sanzaar-plots-10-year-plan-and-more-change-in-2018-as-major-review-begins'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/80094213/sanzaar-plots-10-year-plan-and-more-change-in-2018-as-major-review-begins</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>I'm liking the sound of this. I reckon SANZAAR needs to get an early foothold into North America before the Brits do, it's going to be incredibly important to have TV money that competes with the deals the French and English clubs are reaping, otherwise rugby will end up like soccer with the English Premiership.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>It doesn't matter how many SH players go north, the quality of the rugby seems to remain average: Racing Metro had a few Kiwis in their side, but were absolutely rubbish.</p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Stargazer" data-cid="578996" data-time="1463018925">
<div>
<p>Patrick Osborne has re-signed with the Highlanders for 2017, but has made himself available for the Fijian national team!<br>
</p>
<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>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>Found on Twitter: a press release of Kubota Spears announcing the signing of Patrick Osborne for the 2016/17 Top League season:</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cit0y86XEAAYNYK.jpg" alt="Cit0y86XEAAYNYK.jpg"></p>
<p>so will that mean Joe Wheeler will aslo be allowed to play outside NZ and return for Super rugby? </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Not ideal if the NZRU are granting players exemptions to play off-shore instead of Mitre10 Cup, especially as it could well open a big gate....</p>
?
?
<p>According to this article, players can qualify for an NZRU exemption to do a split season - Super Rugby then miss NPC for an overseas stint then come back for the next season of Super Rugby - after "so many years of service".</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The number of years in "so many years of service" is not defined in the article. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/80087823/wheeler-off-to-japan-will-miss-Mako$-season'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/80087823/wheeler-off-to-japan-will-miss-Mako$-season</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
Shouldn't be allowed for players who play for, or have made themselves available for, another country.
<p>Although in most cases it seems NZRU have only let someone do it once?<br><br>
Tamati Ellison and Levave are 2 I recall had requests turned down?</p>
A tidbit in Stuff Rugby today:<br><br><blockquote class="ipsBlockquote"><p>Mitchell Drummond and Leon Fukofuka remain on the books but don't be surprised to see Blues halfback Bryn Hall relocate to Christchurch next year.</p></blockquote>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Tim" data-cid="580626" data-time="1463603901">
<div>
<p>A tidbit in Stuff Rugby today:<br>
</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>Bryn Hall? Poor Crusaders fans. They'd better wait until they've appointed a new head coach.</p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Stargazer" data-cid="580637" data-time="1463609598">
<div>
<p>Bryn Hall? Poor Crusaders fans. They'd better wait until they've appointed a new head coach.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>That rumours been flying around for a while, hope it's just the media talking shit.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I'd prefer Fukiofua, Drummond and Jack Stratton (who apparently has been playing really well in club rugby)</p>
<p>Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has re-signed through to the 2019 World Cup.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.espn.com.au/rugby/story/_/id/15597475/wallabies-coach-michael-cheika-signs-rugby-world-cup-2019?ex_cid=espnTW_ANZL'>http://www.espn.com.au/rugby/story/_/id/15597475/wallabies-coach-michael-cheika-signs-rugby-world-cup-2019?ex_cid=espnTW_ANZL</a></p>
?
?
<p>1pm sports news on radio says Richard Buckman has signed with Highlanders for two more years.</p>
With 50 gone, SW's are within 2 of the Reds, and looking to fuck up my tipping again :(<br><br>
Goromaru kicks well, but he looks bloody slow. Kicks a penalty now to take it out to 25-20.<br><br>
Reds scrum has been making a mess of the SW's.
<p>Sunwolves are great for the comp. Entertaining style. More competitive than predicted. Great crowds. Growth market. </p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="taniwharugby" data-cid="581227" data-time="1463812617"><p>SW gonna ruin my. Multi of reds 13+</p></blockquote>
<br>
I had them 8-14 in mine at $4.50. Sweet. <br><br>
Only first leg though.
<p>Sharks result was the surprise for me. Their travel schedule has been as bad as the Chiefs one earlier in the year and I thought they may just secure a BP win then paint by numbers. Looks like they may have taken out some frustration on the Kings.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Jaguares competed for a while then lubed up and bent over.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Bulls/Stormers as expected. Nearly always close those games.</p>
Leitch is out for eight to ten weeks. <br><br>
<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/80253993/chiefs-no-8-michael-leitch-out-for-two-months-with-dislocated-thumb'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/80253993/chiefs-no-8-michael-leitch-out-for-two-months-with-dislocated-thumb</a>
<p>I'm still not convinced that the Chiefs' travel schedule (which will be the same for the Highlanders) is harder than the travel schedule of the other NZ teams. Unless you only take into account the kms & not the duration of the tour and the opposition.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Chiefs: one easy game in SA (Kings), one in Argentina, back home (2 week tour)</p>
<p>Highlanders: same as Chiefs</p>
<p>Hurricanes: 2 games in SA (Lions, Sharks), back home (2 week tour)</p>
<p>Blues: 2 games in SA, one of them easy (Kings, Lions), one game in Oz (Force) (3 week tour)</p>
<p>Crusaders: 2 games in SA (Lions, Sharks), one game in Oz (Force) (3 week tour)</p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Stargazer" data-cid="581559" data-time="1463885447">
<div>
<p>I'm still not convinced that the Chiefs' travel schedule (<strong>which will be the same for the Highlanders</strong>) is harder than the travel schedule of the other NZ teams.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>The circumstances are now quite different. The Chiefs had to face the Jaguares in their first ever home game in BA so the expectations were huge, and the crowd very vocal. Playing them now won't be such a difficult task.</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote">
<p> </p>
<p>Unless you only take into account the kms & not the duration of the tour and the opposition.</p>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>Which is what everyone was doing. The Chiefs and Highlanders had/have to do a round-the-world trip (NZ->SA->Arg->NZ).</p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Bovidae" data-cid="581891" data-time="1463983365">
<div>
<p>The circumstances are now quite different. The Chiefs had to face the Jaguares in their first ever home game in BA so the expectations were huge, and the crowd very vocal. Playing them now won't be such a difficult task.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Which is what everyone was doing. The Chiefs and Highlanders had/have to do a round-the-world trip (NZ->SA->Arg->NZ).</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>I'm not sure if the Highlanders will have to do the same but the Chiefs had to leave their hotel at 3am after the game in SA to get on their flight to Argentina then had to squeeze into a tiny domestic plane to get to their final destination.</p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="gt12" data-cid="581223" data-time="1463811497">
<div>
<p>With 50 gone, SW's are within 2 of the Reds, and looking to fuck up my tipping again :(<br><br><strong>Goromaru kicks well, but he looks bloody slow. </strong>Kicks a penalty now to take it out to 25-20.<br><br>
Reds scrum has been making a mess of the SW's.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p>He can go be slow somewhere else now, as he's likely played his last game for the Reds.</p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Dice" data-cid="581959" data-time="1464003565"><p>He can go be slow somewhere else now, as he's likely played his last game for the Reds.</p></blockquote>
<br>
Terrible buy. The word on the street with my is that it's all done and dusted for him to move to Toulon... Be trying to get out of that buy if I were them.
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="gt12" data-cid="581963" data-time="1464005870">
<div>
<p>Terrible buy. The word on the street with my is that it's all done and dusted for him to move to Toulon... Be trying to get out of that buy if I were them.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p>Up there with the Benji signing. If he can't make the Reds backline when Hunt is healthy, then he is going to find it even harder to make that loaded Toulon backline.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Their owner won't be scared to publicly blast Goromaru if he stinks it up.</p>