Super Rugby News

Stargazer10 years ago

Isn't it a bit ott to sack a coach after losing the two first games of the season? 

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote">
Queensland Reds coach Richard Graham sacked after back-to-back losses to start Super Rugby season The Queensland Reds have sacked Richard Graham after back-to-back losses to open their Super Rugby season. 
 The Reds lost to the Waratahs in round one before failing to score a try in Saturday's 22-6 home loss to the unheralded Western Force. 
 He took over at Ballymore in 2013 after championship-winning coach Ewen McKenzie was elevated to his ill-fated stint at the Wallabies. Graham has presided over seasons of turmoil at the Brisbane side highlighted by star signing Karmichael Hunt's drug suspension last year. 
 MORE TO COME
</blockquote>
 Just imagine Boyd being sacked by the Canes ...

#75

KiwiMurph10 years ago

#75

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Stargazer" data-cid="563074" data-time="1457325096">
<div>
Isn't it a bit ott to sack a coach after losing the two first games of the season? 

 Just imagine Boyd being sacked by the Canes ...
</div>
</blockquote>
 
Graham should have been sacked at the end of last season at least. It's not over the top - it's 6 months too late.

#76

antipodean10 years ago

#76

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Stargazer" data-cid="563074" data-time="1457325096">
<div>
Isn't it a bit ott to sack a coach after losing the two first games of the season?
</div>
</blockquote>
 
Not given his record, no.
 
What's OTT is the Reds gave him two games this season to fuck up.

#77

mariner4life10 years ago

#77

What's fucked is they gave him the gig at all. He was fucking terrible at the Force, and they promoted him?
 
The Reds lack a lot, so this won't be the instant fix many of their rabid supporters hope it will be

#78

Stargazer10 years ago

#78

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="antipodean" data-cid="563077" data-time="1457325386">Not given his record, no. What's OTT is the Reds gave him two games this season to fuck up.</blockquote> That's what I meant. Either you sack him over Summer, or you give him a reasonable number of games in the new season. Sacking him two games into the season is just ridiculous. <blockquote class="ipsBlockquote">Reds coach calls it quits Reds head coach Richard Graham has been released from the remainder of his contract with immediate effect. Graham, who was head coach for the past three seasons, will be replaced by co-interim head coaches Matt O'Connor and Nick Stiles. Stiles has been the Reds' forwards coach since 2014 and also led Brisbane City as head coach to back-to-back titles in the National Rugby Championship. O'Connor joined the Reds as attack coach ahead of the 2016 season after spending the last seven years coaching in Europe, most recently as head coach of European Cup semi-finalists Leinster. The QRU will commence a worldwide process to appoint a head coach for the 2017 Super Rugby season. It is likely that this process will take between 90 and 120 days once the QRU formally goes to market. Both O'Connor and Stiles will be invited to be part of this open process. "QRU conducted a high-performance review in the middle of last year and as a result implemented significant change across our Rugby department. At that time the Board made the decision to reappoint Richard as head coach for a year, but we always said there would be periods within the 2016 Super Rugby season where we would take stock of how the team was performing," said QRU Chairman Damien Frawley. - ONE News</blockquote>

#79

antipodean10 years ago

#79

Agreed. It just makes the board look even more incompetent.

#80

booboo10 years ago

#80

Isn't that the problem? ie the chairman who loved him has gone so the road block to getting rid of him has gone too.

8 days later

#81

Stargazer10 years ago

#81

Bugger, Nehe Milner-Skudder out for the rest of the season!
 
Scans have revealed he needs shoulder surgery.

#82

Crucial10 years ago

#82

Are we back to looking for another 14 for the ABs? Naholo and Dagg need to come back strong, Jane looks to have been ditched at the right time as well. Maybe Bender moves back to 14 and McKenzie comes into FB?

#83

KiwiMurph10 years ago

#83

Another option would be Barrett to 15 and Bender to 14 with Cruden/Sopoaga starting/on bench.
 
Hopefully Rene Ranger starts to get his old mojo back and putting his hand up for that 14 jersey.

#84

Stargazer10 years ago

#84

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Crucial" data-cid="564889" data-time="1458089568">
<div>
Are we back to looking for another 14 for the ABs? Naholo and Dagg need to come back strong, Jane looks to have been ditched at the right time as well. Maybe Bender moves back to 14 and McKenzie comes into FB?
</div>
</blockquote>
 
I certainly hope Naholo and Dagg will return from injury soon and come back strong, because Ranger hasn't been convincing enough yet to re-claim a spot in the ABs IMO.

#85

Smudge10 years ago

#85

I saw Naholo at the supermarket at lunchtime today walking freely to his All Blacks Ford Falcon, so that's a good sign...

#86

No Quarter10 years ago

#86

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Stargazer" data-cid="564887" data-time="1458089209">
<div>
Bugger, Nehe Milner-Skudder out for the rest of the season!
 
Scans have revealed he needs shoulder surgery.
</div>
</blockquote>
 
That really really sucks, he's my favourite player to watch at the moment.

#87

broughie10 years ago

#87

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="KiwiMurph" data-cid="564890" data-time="1458089924">
<div>
Another option would be Barrett to 15 and Bender to 14 with Cruden/Sopoaga starting/on bench.
 
Hopefully Rene Ranger starts to get his old mojo back and putting his hand up for that 14 jersey. 
</div>
</blockquote>


That is my preference. Not sure Mackenzie is AB material yet and his size makes him a defensive liability. International rugby is another step up but I could be wrong. We have plenty of good wingers to allow Bender to stay at FB. Osbourne, the ex Mako Waikato winger, heck memory is bad but I like more size. The game is trending bigger and stronger. This is probably why Cruden has so many injuries. Love the way Cruden runs into space with the ball.

#88

Bovidae10 years ago

#88

Moala played on the right wing vs Samoa. 
 
I don't rate Osborne that highly myself.

#89

Crucial10 years ago

#89

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="broughie" data-cid="564939" data-time="1458100861">
<div>
That is my preference. Not sure Mackenzie is AB material yet and his size makes him a defensive liability. International rugby is another step up but I could be wrong. We have plenty of good wingers to allow Bender to stay at FB. Osbourne, the ex Mako Waikato winger, heck memory is bad but I like more size. The game is trending bigger and stronger. This is probably why Cruden has so many injuries. Love the way Cruden runs into space with the ball.
</div>
</blockquote>
 
 
Tell that to Nadolo

#90

broughie10 years ago

#90

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Bovidae" data-cid="564940" data-time="1458101094">
<div>
Moala played on the right wing vs Samoa. 
 
I don't rate Osborne that highly myself.
</div>
</blockquote>
 
Fair enough. The ABs did bring him into camp as cover so he must have some stock. You are right on Moala. Names werent coming to me.

#91

broughie10 years ago

#91

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Crucial" data-cid="564944" data-time="1458101889">
<div>
Tell that to Nadolo
</div>
</blockquote>

I don't think based on one tackle you can consider MacKenzie a defensive force? Maybe brave. He is known more for his offense.

#92

Billy Tell10 years ago

#92

Preference 1: give Naholo an extended run at 14
Preference 2: Barrett at 15, Smith to 14
Preference 3: Dagg miraculously finds form, or give McKenzie a shot
 
Not a Ranger fan. Not top class AB material, and don't think he ever will be. Bench at best.

#93

African Monkey10 years ago

#93

#94

Billy Tell10 years ago

#94

Remind me, who exactly is over-rating Osborne??

#95

Unite10 years ago

#95

So is he gone for the year or just Super season, the couple of articles say the Super season? 
Could he be back for RC or EOYT?

#96

ACT Crusader10 years ago

#96

I would say Osbourne has exceeded many expectations. Not highly rated in Canterbury for some time. Got picked up by the Landers and worked his butt off to get in shape and has played some very good footy. 
Got rewarded by the AB selectors by being brought into the squad.

#97

Bovidae10 years ago

#97

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Unite" data-cid="564988" data-time="1458118542">
<div>
So is he gone for the year or just Super season, the couple of articles say the Super season? 
Could he be back for RC or EOYT?
</div>
</blockquote>
 
On the TV news they were saying until September (~ 6 months).
 
 
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="ACT Crusader" data-cid="564992" data-time="1458118946">
<div>
I would say Osbourne has exceeded many expectations. Not highly rated in Canterbury for some time. Got picked up by the Landers and worked his butt off to get in shape and has played some very good footy. 
Got rewarded by the AB selectors by being brought into the squad.
</div>
</blockquote>
 
Osborne played for the Chiefs in 2013 before signing for the Highlanders. He played OK with limited opportunities.
 
My concerns at international level would be his defence, mainly positional play, and Osborne can be dodgy under the high ball. 
 
Lastly, if Cory Jane tears it up for the Canes I wouldn't be surprised to see him back in black.

#98

Milk10 years ago

#98

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="ACT Crusader" data-cid="564992" data-time="1458118946">
<div>
Got rewarded by the AB selectors by being brought into the squad.
</div>
</blockquote>
 
Perhaps Hansen hadn't heard that Osbourne enjoys eating fish and chips at the beach.

#99

leytonandamanda10 years ago

#99

NZ Rugby reportedly in 'secret talks' to sign Kiwi league prospect Nelson Asofa-Solomona 
One of rugby league's brightest prospects, Kiwi forward Nelson Asofa-Solomona, could be on his way to the Hurricanes after reportedly holding "secret talks" with New Zealand Rugby. 
Brisbane's Courier-Mail claims the towering Melbourne Storm sensation is considering a switch to the 15-man game as he looks to fulfil his dream of playing for the All Blacks. 
At 201cm and 122kg, Wellington-born Asofa-Solomona is one of the biggest players in the NRL and was earmarked as a star of the future after playing 10 games for the Storm last season. 
But after exploring the possibility of a code switch during last month's Auckland Nines, the Courier-Mail have reported that his family have since hired a Wellington-based lawyer to oversee negotiations with the Hurricanes. 
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

#100

ACT Crusader10 years ago

#100

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Bovidae" data-cid="565002" data-time="1458123940">On the TV news they were saying until September (~ 6 months). 
Osborne played for the Chiefs in 2013 before signing for the Highlanders. He played OK with limited opportunities. 
My concerns at international level would be his defence, mainly positional play, and Osborne can be dodgy under the high ball. 
Lastly, if Cory Jane tears it up for the Canes I wouldn't be surprised to see him back in black.</blockquote>
 
Even though he was in the Saders squad in 2012 there were concerns whether he could make the step up to Super rugby. From what I heard that was the case when he was at the Chiefs. He was given some opportunity there due in large part to injuries. 
He's had a couple of very good ITM seasons since and obviously a real break out year for him last Super campaign. 
I think his defence is much improved. He moves a lot better laterally and seems to read the game well. High ball is still a concern but to me most of these seem to be about poor timing on the jump rather than "Toeava-hands"

#101

ACT Crusader10 years ago

#101

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Milk" data-cid="565025" data-time="1458137164">Perhaps Hansen hadn't heard that Osbourne enjoys eating fish and chips at the beach.</blockquote>
 
I'd be surprised, everyone knows that.....

#102

SammyC10 years ago

#102

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="ACT Crusader" data-cid="565143" data-time="1458180478">
<div>
Even though he was in the Saders squad in 2012 there were concerns whether he could make the step up to Super rugby. From what I heard that was the case when he was at the Chiefs. He was given some opportunity there due in large part to injuries. 
He's had a couple of very good ITM seasons since and obviously a real break out year for him last Super campaign. 
I think his defence is much improved. He moves a lot better laterally and seems to read the game well. High ball is still a concern but to me most of these seem to be about poor timing on the jump rather than "Toeava-hands" :)
</div>
</blockquote>
 
 
He was fucking awesome at club level in Christchurch for a number of seasons. Seen him win games on his own for what was often a pretty average university team.
 
Never got an extended run with the Crusaders because Toddy didn't like his attitude apparently. 
 
He definitely looks fitter since he got to the Highlanders, perhaps realised that it was his last chance.

#103

Dice10 years ago

#103

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Bovidae" data-cid="565002" data-time="1458123940">
<div>
On the TV news they were saying until September (~ 6 months).
 
 
 
Osborne played for the Chiefs in 2013 before signing for the Highlanders. He played OK with limited opportunities.
 
My concerns at international level would be his defence, mainly positional play, and Osborne can be dodgy under the high ball. 
 
Lastly, if Cory Jane tears it up for the Canes I wouldn't be surprised to see him back in black.
</div>
</blockquote>
I'd be super surprised if Jane gets close to tearing it up. He wasn't that great last year and he hasn't started this season too well either. He's a 33 year old winger and looking every bit like one at the moment. I think the ABs look at Lowe, Osbourne or even Moala before they look at Jane.

#104

Billy Tell10 years ago

#104

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Dice" data-cid="565157" data-time="1458186224">
<div>
I'd be super surprised if Jane gets close to tearing it up. He wasn't that great last year and he hasn't started this season too well either. He's a 33 year old winger and looking every bit like one at the moment. I think the ABs look at Lowe, Osbourne or even Moala before they look at Jane.
</div>
</blockquote>
Agree totally. Even if he finds dazzling form, he's 33, and therefore a stopgap.
 
I don't think we need an amazing on-form Jane to beat Wales.
 
Surely NZ has enough depth that the loss of NMS doesn't mean we need to bring back a 33 year old?

#105

Disgusted of TW10 years ago

#105

This piece fromthe Daily Telegraph implies that Lancaster might be in the frame for a SH coaching role: 
<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/2016/03/16/stuart-lancaster-old-rfu-job-vacant-as-joe-lydon-quits/'>http://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/2016/03/16/stuart-lancaster-old-rfu-job-vacant-as-joe-lydon-quits/</a> 
Seriously?

#106

Bones10 years ago

#106

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote">
 
 
There is little doubt that Lancaster is held in some regard in the southern hemisphere following his four years in charge of England</blockquote>
 
Say wha?
 
I seriously doubt he's in consideration for the Highlanders. As for coaching any NZ franchises, I really can't see it. What other non-NZ coaches have we had (apart from Deans)? Nucifora? Yeah that was a success...
 
I will eat Kirwan's hat if he gets a job in NZ. That would be all shades of shit.

#107

Bovidae10 years ago

#107

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Dice" data-cid="565157" data-time="1458186224">
<div>
I'd be super surprised if Jane gets close to tearing it up. He wasn't that great last year and he hasn't started this season too well either. He's a 33 year old winger and looking every bit like one at the moment. I think the ABs look at Lowe, Osbourne or even Moala before they look at Jane.
</div>
</blockquote>
 
Most wingers are specialists and prefer to play either on the left or the right, not both. Piutau was the exception and he isn't available anymore.
 
Both Lowe and Osborne are left wingers so are not direct replacements for NMS. That's why I think Jane could still be in the frame but I'd favour Moala myself.

#108

leytonandamanda10 years ago

#108

I would preference smith on wing and give Barrett or Mckenzie the full back jersey 
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

#109

taniwharugby10 years ago

#109

no point starting a new thread...
 
interesting try awarded
 
<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/sport/rugby/brumbies-suffer-first-super-rugby-loss-stormers?autoPlay=4808588916001'>https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/sport/rugby/brumbies-suffer-first-super-rugby-loss-stormers?autoPlay=4808588916001</a>

#110

Stargazer10 years ago

#110

Jerome Kaino out for a month with shoulder injury
 
<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/78086185/Blues-captain-Jerome-Kaino-out-for-month-with-shoulder-injury?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/78086185/Blues-captain-Jerome-Kaino-out-for-month-with-shoulder-injury?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter</a>

#111

Crucial10 years ago

#111

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="leytonandamanda" data-cid="565757" data-time="1458367608">
<div>
I would preference smith on wing and give Barrett or Mckenzie the full back jersey 
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
</div>
</blockquote>
 
 
Can go all old school and have a goalkicker in the 15 jersey as well.

#112

cgrant10 years ago

#112

Sam McNicol looks a fine prospect on the wing. Too early for an AB call as he must first cement his spot in the starting Chiefs backline but he is quick, elusive and his kicking from hands is not bad.

#113

mooshld10 years ago

#113

Talk around the Irish provinces is that after a poor 6 nations Schmidt may be looking to head back to NZ. With the Highlanders being keen to take him.