Rugby Most Superb in the land of the long white cloud, TYOOL 2022 edition, now with 20% more Pasifika!

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The Blues

Home ground: Eden Park (Auckland) Wakatipu Rugby Club (Queenstown) and Rugby Park (Invercargill)
Coach: Leon MacDonald
Captain: Dalton Papali'i

Competition Pedigree:
Super Rugby Champions: 1996, 1997, 2003
Super Rugby Trans-Tasman Champions: 2021

After a long time in the wilderness, Super Rugby Aotearoa 2020 was a breakthrough season for the Blues. Despite finishing second, they pushed the Crusaders every step of the way, only to be cruelly denied an opportunity to compete due to an outbreak of COVID-19.

In 2021, they were pipped by a resurgent Chiefs team who managed to get into the SR:A final, before the Blues finally landed some silverware in the SR:TT competition.

Will they be able to follow up? Or will they be their own worst enemies and retreat back into the wilderness?


How have they done in the transfer market?
The propping stocks are in rude health in Auckland, with the team able to field 2 different sets of All Blacks props, supported by a Samoan international and a member of the Maori All Blacks squad.

Hooker has seen some serious changes, with two departures to Moana Pasifika, and one demotion to the NPC, while wider training squad member Soane Vikena is joined by new recruit Ricky Riccitelli.

The locking stocks have taken a bit of a hit, with veterans Jacob Pierce and Gerard Cowley-Tuioti taking up offers from Japan, joined by squad captain Patrick Tuipulotu taking a sabbatical option to try things out in the Japanese competition. The Blues have buttressed this by picking up the well-travelled James Tucker from the Brumbies, and nabbing Luke Romano from the Crusaders.

The loose forward ranks being absolutely loaded always meant that it was going to be a challenge to hold on to everyone, with Blake Gibson taking up an offer from the Hurricanes. Dillon Hunt was also forced to call it quits prematurely due to ongoing concussion issues. The loose forwards are joined by Cameron Suafoa, who can also cover lock, and the German prospect Anton Segner.

Jonathan Ruru departs to take the French payday, and is replaced by Taufa Funaki from Auckland.

Otere Black leaves for Japan, but Beaden Barrett returns from Suntory in his place to join Harry Plummer and Stephen Perofeta. The biggest worry is an injury to Barrett, as the drop in quality here is quite precipitious - Plummer's never really shown he can step up to the Super Rugby level, and Perofeta, as a 10, has not once lived up to the hype machine that seems to have been set up around him.

The midfield loses a general in TJ Faiane, the low-key MVP of the Blues backline last year. However, the Blues pick up Roger Tuivasa-Sheck from the Warriors in a massive cross-code switch. The only worry is that there's been a long time between union games for him, having not played the 15-man code since his age-grade days. Former U20 reps Corey Evans and Tamati Tua join from the wider squad, to add depth to the 12 and 13 stocks respectively.

In the back three quarters, Emoni Narawa has left for the Chiefs, while Jone Macilai-Tori ends up missing out. This makes way for a returning Caleb Clarke, who was unavailable for the 2021 season.


Squad
Hookers
Kurt Eklund (Bay of Plenty)
Ricky Riccitelli (Taranaki)
Soane Vikena (Auckland)

Props
Alex Hodgman (Auckland)
Nepo Laulala (Counties Manukau)
Jordan Lay (Auckland)
Marcel Ranata (Auckland)
Karl Tu'inukuafe (North Harbour)
Ofa Tu'ungafasi (Auckland)

Locks
Sam Darry (Canterbury)
Josh Goodhue (Northland)
Luke Romano (Canterbury)
James Tucker (Waikato)

Loose Forwards
Adrian Choat (Auckland)
Akira Ioane (Auckland)
Dalton Papali'i (Auckland)
Taine Plumtree (Wellington)
Tom Robinson (Northland)
Anton Segner (Tasman)
Hoskins Sotutu (Counties Manukau)
Cameron Suafua (North Harbour)

Halfbacks
Finlay Christie (Tasman)
Taufa Funaki (Auckland)
Sam Nock (Northland)

Five-Eighths
Beauden Barrett (Taranaki)
Stephen Perofeta (Taranaki)
Harry Plummer (Auckland)

Midfield
Corey Evans (Auckland)
Rieko Ioane (Auckland)
Tanielu Tele'a (Counties Manukau)
Tamati Tua (Northland)
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Auckland)

Back Three-quarters
Caleb Clarke (Auckland)
Bryce Heem (Auckland)
AJ Lam (Auckland)
Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens (Taranaki)
Zarn Sullivan (Auckland)
Mark Telea (Tasman)

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The Chiefs

Home ground: Waikato Stadium (THE TRON) Wakatipu Rugby Club (Queenstown) and Rugby Park (Invercargill)
Coach: Clayton McMillan
Director of Rugby: Warren Gatland
Captain: Sam Cane and Brad Weber

Competition Pedigree:
Super Rugby Champions: 2012, 2013


The Chiefs are a team that has, since the mid-2000s, become a team that regularly punches well above their weight, and would often be there or thereabouts in the sharp end of the season. However, they rarely enjoyed much test level recognition for their players, and rarely enjoyed the presence of bonafide star All Blacks players.

Nevertheless, being a team that is often more than the sum of its parts, they were able to finally claim that elusive first title in 2012, before they followed that up with a second title in the next year.

The Chiefs struggled in the COVID-affected 2020 season, where nothing seemed to go their way in the Super Rugby: Aotearoa competition, before they were able to get it together in 2021, pipping the Blues for a spot in the final. Super Rugby: Trans-Tasman was a tough gig for them though, ending up the lowest ranked NZ team, losing to the Reds in Brisbane.

The 2022 season starts with a touch of sadness and tragedy, with the untimely passing of one of their best backs, Sean Wainui, aged just 25. If there is a year where no one could begrudge these guys from taking out the championship, this is it.


How have they done in the transfer market?
The squad is largely unchanged, in the tight 5. Two props that did not feature jumped over to Moana Pasifika, and Nathan Harris retired due to injury. Regardless, they retain the services of the reliable pair Reuben O'Neill and Aidan Ross on one side of the scrum, and the All Blacks duo of Angus Ta'avao and Atu Moli on the other.

The locks stay more or less intact, and they even pick up Brodie Retallick from his sabbatical stint in Japan.

The loose forwards sees most of last year's original selection intact, other than the standout openside Lachlan Boshier, who took up a contract offer from Panasonic to play in Japan.

The backline sees Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi leave for the Crusaders, replaced by the impressive Cortez Ratima of Waikato, who joins Xavier Roe and co-captain Brad Weber.

At first-five, McMillan adds depth to the stocks, with Josh Ioane having to compete with Bryn Gatland, who enjoyed a breakthrough season for the Chiefs last year, and the promising Rivez Reihana.

The midfield is largely intact, with no new selections. However, Bailyn Sullivan leaving for the Hurricanes, Wellington's gain is Hamilton's loss.

The back-three quarters lose two important figures - the aforementioned Sean Wainui, and Damian McKenzie, who will spend some time in Tokyo.

Squad
Hookers
Bradley Slater (Taranaki)
Samisoni Taukeiaho (Waikato)
Tyrone Thompson (Wellington)

Props
Aidan Ross (Bay of Plenty)
Angus Ta'avao (Auckland)
Atunaisa Moli (Tasman)
Ollie Norris (Waikato)
Reuben O'Neill (Taranaki)
Sione Mafileo (North Harbour)

Locks
Brodie Retallick (Hawke's Bay)
Josh Lord (Taranaki)
Lachlan McWhannell (Waikato)
Naitoa Ah Kuoi (Bay of Plenty)
Tupou Va'ai (Taranaki)

Loose Forwards
Kaylum Boshier (Taranaki)
Mitchell Brown (Taranaki)
Sam Cane (Bay of Plenty)
Samipeni Finau (Waikato)
Luke Jacobson (Waikato)
Simon Parker (Waikato)
Pita Gus Sowakula (Taranaki)


Halfbacks
Brad Weber (Hawke's Bay)
Cortez Ratima (Waikato)
Xavier Roe (Waikato)

Five-Eighths
Bryn Gatland (North Harbour)
Josh Ioane (Otago)
Kaleb Trask (Bay of Plenty)
Rivez Reihana (Waikato)

Midfield
Anton Lienert-Brown (Waikato)
Alex Nankivell (Tasman)
Rameka Poihipi (Canterbury)
Quinn Tupaea (Waikato)
Gideon Wrampling (Waikato)

Back Three-quarters
Jonah Lowe (Hawke's Bay)
Etene Nanai-Seturo (Counties Manukau)
Emoni Narawa (Bay of Plenty)
Shaun Stevenson (North Harbour)
Chase Tiatia (Bay of Plenty)

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The Hurricanes

Home ground: Sky Stadium (Wellington) Wakatipu Rugby Club (Queenstown) and Rugby Park (Invercargill)
Coach: Jason Holland
Captain: Ardie Savea

Competition Pedigree:
Super Rugby Champions: 2016


The Hurricanes have always been an exciting and frustrating team to watch - they could finish near the bottom of the table one season, and then fight their way into the playoffs the next. Their biggest Achilles' heel has been their tight five, and at first-five, where they've struggled to consistently develop genuine test-class talent. Sure, Aaron Cruden came through in their catchment area and played a season or two, but he fucked off to do better things in Hamilton, and while they enjoyed some success with Beaudy at 10, he's upped sticks and moved to the Big Smoke, leaving the capital in his rear-view.

The Hurricanes have been in a rebuild for a couple of years now, slowly putting together a stronger, experienced team. However, if you're a fan of the Wellywood wonders, you might want to dampen your expectations after a tough 2021 where they came dead last in Super Rugby: Aotearoa, and were the second-lowest ranked NZ franchise in Super Rugby: Trans-Tasman.


How have they done in the transfer market?
There has been a huge amount of movement between seasons outside of the tight-five. Riccitelli has gone to the Blues and Fraser Armstrong has called it quits, but they already have two All Blacks at hooker, and they have lured Owen Franks back home, and have signed the eye-catching Bay of Plenty prop Pasilio Tosi, who recently converted to the front-row after some time playing as an 8. There are some questions over his scrummaging, but with the right development, he could be a serious asset for them.

In the second row, Liam Mitchell has taken the Euros, heading to play for Zebre in Italy, while Samoan international Kane Le'aupepe has retired. Replacing them is Dominic Bird, back from France, and James Sangster, who had a strong season with Bay of Plenty.

The already stacked loose forwards have lost two former All Blacks - Vaea Fifita, who'd fallen quite down the pecking order after some truly indifferent form, and Gareth Evans, who must have been frustrated by a lack of first-team opportunities. The big recruit is Blake Gibson from the Blues, who adds depth at 7. Also joining the squad are Caleb Delaney of the Wellington NPC team, who can cover lock, and TK Howden and Tyler Laubscher of Manawatu.

Halfback sees an important figure return in TJ Perenara, off his stint in Japan. Jamie Booth, and short-term recruit Cam Roigard, who gets a full contract, will likely compete for a spot on the bench behind TJ.

10 continues to be a problem position with experienced 10 Simon Hickey leaving for the Crusaders, and Orbyn Leger leaving for a contract in Japan. Jackson Garden-Bachop will likely fill in again, with Aidan Morgan being recruited from the Wellington Lions.

Midfield sees a few significant departures, with Ngani Laumape heading to France, and Vince Aso flying to Japan, while reserve midfielder Danny Toala defects to Moana Pasifika. Replacing them are Bailyn Sullivan of the Chiefs, and Teihorangi Walden of the Naki.

The back three quarters are relatively stable, with Lolagi Visinia being the only departure, as he takes up an opportunity with Moana Pasifika, and Josh Moorby from the Hurricanes moving up to the North Island.

Squad
Hookers
Asafo Aumua (Wellington)
Dane Coles (Wellington)
James O'Reilly (Bay of Plenty)

Props
Alex Fidlow (Wellington)
Owen Franks
Tyrel Lomax (Tasman)
Tevita Mafileo (Bay of Plenty)
Xavier Numia (Wellington)
Pouri Rakete-Stones (Hawke's Bay)
Pasilio Tosi (Bay of Plenty)

Locks
Dominic Bird (Wellington)
James Blackwell (Wellington)
Justin Sangster (Bay of Plenty)
Scott Scrafton (Auckland)
Isaia Walker-Leawere(Hawke's Bay)

Loose Forwards
Caleb Delaney (Wellington)
Devan Flanders (Hawke's Bay)
Blake Gibson (Auckland)
TK Howden (Manawatu)
Brayden Iose (Manawatu)
Du'Plessis Kirifi (Wellington)
Tyler Laubscher (Manawatu)
Reed Prinsep (Canterbury)
Ardie Savea (Wellington)


Halfbacks
Jamie Booth (Manawatu)
TJ Perenara (Wellington)
Cam Roigard (Counties Manukau)

Five-Eighths
Jackson Garden-Bachop (Wellington)
Aidan Morgan (Wellington)

Midfield
Billy Proctor (Wellington)
Bailyn Sullivan (Waikato)
Peter Umaga-Jensen (Wellington)
Teihorangi Walden (Taranaki)

Back Three-quarters
Jordie Barrett (Taranaki)
Wes Goosen (Wellington)
Ruben Love (Wellington)
Josh Moorby (Southland)
Pepesana Patafilo (Wellington)
Salesi Rayasi (Auckland)
Julian Savea (Wellington)

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The Crusaders

Home ground: Orangetheory Stadium (Christchurch) Wakatipu Rugby Club (Queenstown) and Rugby Park (Invercargill)
Coach: Scott Robertson
Captain: Scott Barrett

Competition Pedigree:
Super Rugby Champions: 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 (SR:A), 2021 (SR:A)


There are three inevitabilities - death, taxes and the Crusaders winning. Or so, in theory. We haven't discovered immortality yet, but tax evasion is a thing and the Crusaders finally faltered after what seemed an age, when they failed to qualify for the Super Rugby: Trans-Tasman final, opening the way for their rival franchise, the Blues to finally take home the silverware after over 15 years in the wilderness. They're not the team that is there or thereabouts at the pointy end of the season, they are meant to be the team that sets the standard for everyone else. The Crusaders will come into the competition intending to set the record straight and prove a point to everyone else, and remind us that Super Rugby is the Crusaders' world, and we're just living in it.


How have they done in the transfer market?
The team has been surprisingly quiet, even taking into account the two big transfers they landed for the season. They've definitely ended up in the red on the ledger in terms of replacing departing players, but the team nevertheless has an air of being settled, with the majority of their recruits coming off the Canterbury-Crusaders pipeline.

Upfront, Samoan international Michael Ala'alatoa moves to Dublin for a contract with Leinster, while Ofa's brother Isi heads off to Moana Pasifika.

At hooker, other than offloading short-termer Quentin MacDonald and barely featured reserves Nathan Vella and Andrew Makalio to the provinces, there are no big changes. Shilo Klein comes into the team as the 3rd hooker, to continue developing his game at a higher level.

At lock, Luke Romano departs for the Blues, to provide a valuable veteran presence for the boys in blue. The locking stocks for the Crusaders seem relatively healthy though, with Barrett and Whitelock being backed up by almost-All Blacks Mitch Dunshea and Quinten Strange, as well as new recruit Zach Gallagher, also off the Canterbury production line.

The loose forwards lose veteran no. 8 Whetukamokamo Douglas and Tom Sanders, who take an offers for a Japanese payday. They're replaced by Dominic Gardner and Corey Kellow out of the Canterbury player factory, and Pablo "nice day to murder black people lol" Matera. The jokes about the racist assbag heading to the racism capital of New Zealand write themselves.

Promising halfback Ere Enari has left for Moana Pasifika, aiming for more game time. In his place, they've recruited former All Black Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi from the Chiefs, meaning there are 2 test All Blacks and a former All Blacks squad member competing for one spot.

At 10, former All Black (for some reason) Brett Cameron has seen the writing on the wall, and has headed off to Japan, being replaced by the well-travelled veteran provincial stalwart Simon Hickey to support Richie Mo'unga while Fergus Burke continues his development.

Midfield remains more or less unchanged, with Rene Ranger, a short term ring-in last year, being the only one not being called up.

The back three quarters are relatively stable, with Lolagi Visinia being the only departure, as he takes up an opportunity with Moana Pasifika, and Josh Moorby from the Hurricanes moving up to the North Island.

Squad
Hookers
Shilo Klein (Canterbury)
Brodie McAlister (Canterbury)
Codie Taylor (Canterbury)

Props
George Bower (Otago)
Finlay Brewis (Canterbury)
Oli Jager (Canterbury)
Joe Moody (Canterbury)
Fletcher Newell (Canterbury)
Tamaiti Williams (Canterbury)

Locks
Scott Barrett (Taranaki)
Mitchell Dunshea (Canterbury)
Zach Gallagher (Canterbury)
Quinten Strange (Tasman)
Sam Whitelock (Canterbury)

Loose Forwards
Ethan Blackadder (Tasman)
Tom Christie (Canterbury)
Dominic Gardiner (Canterbury)
Cullen Grace (Canterbury)
Sione Havili (Tasman)
Corey Kellow (Canterbury)
Pablo Matera


Halfbacks
Mitchell Drummond (Canterbury)
Bryn Hall (North Harbour)
Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (Bay of Plenty)

Five-Eighths
Fergus Burke (Canterbury)
Simon Hickey (Auckland)
Richie Mo'unga (Canterbury)

Midfield
Brayden Ennor (Canterbury)
Jack Goodhue (Northland)
David Havili (Tasman)
Dallas McLeod (Canterbury)
Isaiah Punivai (Canterbury)

Back Three-quarters
George Bridge (Canterbury)
Leicester Fainga'anuku (Tasman)
Chay Fihaki (Canterbury)
Will Jordan (Tasman)
Kiniviliame Naholo (Taranaki)
Sevu Reece (Tasman)

[cashead]

The Highlanders

Home ground: Forsyth-Barr Stadium (Dunedin) Wakatipu Rugby Club (Queenstown) and Rugby Park (Invercargill)
Coach: Tony Brown
Captain: Aaron Smith

Competition Pedigree:
Super Rugby Champions: 2015


The Highlanders are the battlers in the South Island, whom like the Chiefs, often punch well above their weight class. A team mostly made up of honest workers, they're able to maximise their abilities and often prove the adage of a star team always beating a team of stars. After a pretty decent Super Rugby Trans-Tasman campaign, the Highlanders will be looking to do one better, and return to the winner's circle that they occupied 7 years ago. Can they do it? Probably. Will they do it? Only one way to find out.


How have they done in the transfer market?
They've actually done alright. Ash Dixon has finally called it a day in New Zealand, and has taken a contract in Japan for a big payday at the end of his career. With All Black Liam Coltman at hooker, he should be able to pull his weight, and he is joined by the well-travelled veteran Rhys Marshall, and recent-Crusader, Andrew Makalio.

Siate Tokolahi heads to France, and he is replaced by Saula Ma'u from Otago, a 1.93m, 140kg behemoth who is pegged for a big future. Luca Inch of Tasman is also with the squad in the short term, covering for new All Black Ethan de Groot.

The second row is quite stable, with the only loss being Irishman Jack Regan heading to Wales to play for the Ospreys. He is replaced by Sam Caird, who has been lured back to New Zealand from the Waratahs.

The backrow sees the most movement, with the big recruit being former All Black Gareth Evans who returns to Dunedin from the Hurricanes, alongside promising new recruits Sean Withy, and Max Hicks.

The halfbacks remain largely unchanged.

At five-eighths, Josh Ioane heads to the Chiefs for more regular time at 10, while short-term injury cover guys Caleb Makene and Tim O'Malley head offshore to play in the USA and Italy respectively. Joining Mitch Hunt in the five-eighths stocks is living legend and Siberia's favourite Kiwi, Marty Banks, who returns to the Highlanders after a stint in Japan.

The midfield remains stable and unchanged, with the exception of Michael Collins, who heads to the Ospreys.

The back three quarters remain largely stable. Nehe Milner-Skudder misses out on selection this time around, and is probably better for it, so he can get over his many niggly injuries.

Squad
Hookers
Liam Coltman (Otago)
Andrew Makalio (Tasman)
Rhys Marshall (Waikato)

Props
Jermaine Ainsley (Otago)
Ethan de Groot (Southland)
Josh Hohneck (Otago)
Ayden Johnstone (Waikato)
Daniel Lienert-Brown (Canterbury)
Saula Ma'u (Otago)
Jeff Thwaites (Bay of Plenty)

Locks
Sam Caird (Northland)
Josh Dickson (Otago)
Bryn Evans (Hawke's Bay)
Pari Pari Parkinson (Tasman)
Manaaki Selby-Rickit (Bay of Plenty)

Loose Forwards
Gareth Evans (Hawke's Bay)
Shannon Frizell (Tasman)
Billy Harmon (Canterbury)
Max Hicks (Tasman)
James Lentjes (Otago)
Marino Mikaele-Tu'u (Hawke's Bay)
Hugh Renton (Tasman)
Sean Withy (Otago)


Halfbacks
Folau Fakatava (Hawke's Bay)
Kayne Hammington (Otago)
Aaron Smith (Manawatu)

Five-Eighths
Marty Banks (Southland)
Mitch Hunt (Tasman)

Midfield
Scott Gregory (Northland)
Fetuli Paea (Tasman)
Ngatungane Punivai (Canterbury)
Thomas Umaga-Jensen (Otago)

Back Three-quarters
Solomon Alamaio (Southland)
Mosese Dawai (Waikato)
Connor Garden-Bachop (Wellington)
Sam Gilbert (Otago)
Vilimoni Koroi (Otago)
Jona Nareki (Otago)
Josh Timu (Otago)

[cashead]

Moana Pasifika


Home ground: Mt Smart Stadium (Auckland) Wakatipu Rugby Club (Queenstown) and Rugby Park (Invercargill)
Coach: Aaron Mauger
Captain: Sekope Kepu

Competition Pedigree:
Nope


Moana Pasifika are the newbies on the block, having been introduced into the competition starting this year. Acting as essentially a Pacific Islanders All Stars squad, made up of players with Samoan, Tongan and Fijian heritage, they'll be up against it when they tussle with the other NZ-based teams.


How have they done in the transfer market?
The team has recruited intelligently, picking up a core of solid test-level players, supplemented by eligible players sitting in the fringes. The loose forward ranks are stacked with quality players, but the second row appears to be a position of some weakness.

Squad
Hookers
Sam Moli (Tasman)
Ray Niuia (Manawatu)
Luteru Tolai (North Harbour)

Props
Joe Apikotoa (Hawke's Bay)
Chris Apoua (Southland)
Sekope Kepu (Counties Manukau)
Tau Koloamatangi (Otago)
Ezekiel Lindunmuth (Counties Manukau)
Isi Tu'ungafasi (Tasman)

Locks
Don Lolo
Mike McKee (Southland)
Alex McRobbie (Counties Manukau)
Veikoso Poloniati (Manawatu)

Loose Forwards
Penitoa Finau (Bay of Plenty)
Solomone Funaki (Hawke's Bay)
Lotu Inisi (North Harbour)
Jack Lam (Waikato)
Alamanda Motuga (Counties Manukau)
Sam Slade (Counties Manukau)
Henry Stowers
Sione Tuipulotu (Auckland)

Halfbacks
Ere Enari (Hawke's Bay)
Manu Paea (Auckland)
Jonathan Taumateine (Counties Manukau)


Five-Eighths
William Havili (Tasman)
Christian Leali'ifano
Lincoln McClutchie (Hawke's Bay)

Midfield
Levi Aumua (Tasman)
Fine Inisi (North Harbour)
Solomone Kata (Auckland)
Henry Taefu
Danny Toala (Hawke's Bay)

Back Three-quarters
Tomasi Alosio (Wellington)
Tima Fainga'anuku (Manawatu)
Neria Fomai (Hawke's Bay)
Timoci Tavatavanawai (Tasman)
Anzelo Tuitavuki (Hawke's Bay)
Lolagi Visinia (Hawke's Bay)

[morepork]

Nothing screams heartland as much as playing rugger in the Rod and Gunn nightmare that is Queenstown.

[morepork]

I know it's the "other" code, but Pasifika sporting cultural icon Olsen Filipaina passed away today. A role model for generations of young talented Polynesians. RIP.

[cashead]

So Omicron happened in the camps, and a few players have found they've been close contacts with a COVID case. Yay for pandemics!

[J Dory]

Has RTS had a run out for the blues yet?

[cashead]

Has RTS had a run out for the blues yet?

He started at 12 in the annual pre-season run-around against the Hurricanes. It wasn’t aired, so no idea yet on how he went. The opening fixture against Moana Pasifika has been delayed as well, so there’s that.

[morepork]

RTS has some of that Ruben Wiki mana about him. He might not adapt to kick and clap but he won’t die wondering.

[Cameo]

I only saw the first half last night but he looked very good. His feet are obviously amazing but he also got a few great offloads away. Wasn't paying enough attention to see how he was in defence but that might take time.

[cashead]

His defence wasn't too bad.

What impressed me was his workrate. Dude was fucking everywhere. Consistently got over the gainline, and constantly looking to distribute. One swallow does not a summer make, but yeah, you wouldn't be out of your mind to be talking him up as a potential All Black later this year.

[cashead]

One thing that might be worth talking about is Julian Savea's potential career revival as a midfielder. He wasn't spectacular or anything, but it was also one of his best games in a while, and he hardly embarrassed himself at 12.

[zer0]

Those punisher-in-chiefs TJ and Marshall bitching about a Highlanders knock-on advantage being over from a lame duck clearing kick that led directly to a Blues was erotically delicious. A good five minutes of solid bitching from tired old TJ and Marshall. Then wounder Wheeler gets in on it post-match. ToUgH sOuThErN mEn. You love to see it.

[cashead]

It's not easy being a Blues supporter though. They let the Highlanders back into the game in the final quarter and almost threw it away in the end.

[zer0]

They only really came back into it because old Ben O'Queef decided that a #8 completely detached from the scrum and playing the ball, somehow, means the ball is still in the scrum. He must've been bitterly disappointed to have been defeated on consecutive weekends.

[Cameo]

First win for Moana Pasifika! And they did it in style too. Clinging on first half, much better in the second to finish 19 all against the Hurricanes, and then Danny Toala scores a length of the field try to win it.

Weakened Hurricanes team but frankly who cares. In one night they have turned what was in danger of being quite a chastening first half of the season into one full of promise. No, they won't compete for the title, or even the playoffs, but they have given hope for the future.

I also think it is important in terms of attracting a few stars back from overseas. Cash is one thing but it must mean something seeing a team so clearly enjoying battling to a win together.

[Puja]

First win for Moana Pasifika! And they did it in style too. Clinging on first half, much better in the second to finish 19 all against the Hurricanes, and then Danny Toala scores a length of the field try to win it.

Weakened Hurricanes team but frankly who cares. In one night they have turned what was in danger of being quite a chastening first half of the season into one full of promise. No, they won't compete for the title, or even the playoffs, but they have given hope for the future.

I also think it is important in terms of attracting a few stars back from overseas. Cash is one thing but it must mean something seeing a team so clearly enjoying battling to a win together.

Excellent news. I was a bit worried that the two PI sides might go winless given their lack of stars, but they've both got an early victory under their belts which will do big things to establish their legitimacy.

Puja

[Cameo]

First win for Moana Pasifika! And they did it in style too. Clinging on first half, much better in the second to finish 19 all against the Hurricanes, and then Danny Toala scores a length of the field try to win it.

Weakened Hurricanes team but frankly who cares. In one night they have turned what was in danger of being quite a chastening first half of the season into one full of promise. No, they won't compete for the title, or even the playoffs, but they have given hope for the future.

I also think it is important in terms of attracting a few stars back from overseas. Cash is one thing but it must mean something seeing a team so clearly enjoying battling to a win together.

Excellent news. I was a bit worried that the two PI sides might go winless given their lack of stars, but they've both got an early victory under their belts which will do big things to establish their legitimacy.

Puja

The Drua have gone very close a couple of other times too (though they may regret not winning those as they have their easier part of the season first up before having to play the NZ sides).

[morepork]

That Moana win was ferkin ace. The team looks like it has a great positive culture for young Island boys exposed to professional footy.

[zer0]

Chufs thoroughly spanked by a Blues team playing half the match with a rugba league team. Crusaders are next up for the spanking.

[J Dory]

That was a pants down spanking complete with red hand prints.

Looking forward to the game with the Cru. Anyone fancy taking a stab at a form ABs 15?