It's a little sad to see Aaron Cruden ending his NZ Rugby Career. It's probably the right choice for him really. 

$ talks

I don't agree with ChrisR much, I think he is basically a big troll, but he does have some good points in this article. 

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11784309

I have to say though, I still think Damien McKenzie would have to be the most overhyped player of the last 12 months. He's good, but he isn't THAT good. He started his season with the Chiefs pretty well admittedly, but without space he isn't nearly as good, and teams learned pretty quickly not to give him any space. 

He still has potential, but he isn't Gods gift to Rugby just yet.

networkn:

 

I don't agree with ChrisR much, I think he is basically a big troll, but he does have some good points in this article. 

 

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11784309

 

I have to say though, I still think Damien McKenzie would have to be the most overhyped player of the last 12 months. He's good, but he isn't THAT good. He started his season with the Chiefs pretty well admittedly, but without space he isn't nearly as good, and teams learned pretty quickly not to give him any space. 

 

He still has potential, but he isn't Gods gift to Rugby just yet.

 

Agreed - I couldn't stand the hype last year, especially when people were talking him up after only a few games. I think the media & some rugby fans were too eager to find the next up & coming player after the amazing year we had with Nehe Milner-Skudder.

Rattue is right about McKenzie blundering the decision to not leave the Chiefs - rugby is a team sport (aka it doesn't matter who scores the try) & his decision seems a bit individualistic. I understand the franchise loyalty though it feels like he's taken the easy route & once you're in the ABs it's irrelevant what franchise you play for.

If he chose the Blues he could be influential in their resurrection - the Blues have some great young players (e.g. Ioane brothers) & they weren't "too" bad last year, the NZ conference was just extremely competitive. If McKenzie was able to be the "on-field commander" for the Blues he'd be guaranteed a starting ABs position. The Blues wont be amazing this year, though with Umaga & SBW on-board I don't think they'll be at the bottom of the NZ table.

I hope with the departure of Cruden that Lima Sopoaga gets some proper international experience, I reckon he has more potential at #10 than McKenzie.

Surely Charlie Ngatai needs to look after his health and retire from Rugby. Reports today he may not play Super Rugby and is still suffering symptoms of concussion. 

It would be a huge loss to the Chiefs, but one would hope he is getting good advice on whether it's better he stop playing, rather than end up a vegetable. 

Doping within the All Blacks - 3 explanations

1. doped with real intentions

2. trainer who works at the local amateur gym accidentally gave it to a pro or maybe ate mate's powder

3. successful sabotage, but why a low ranked AB, they'd usually go for the top dogs, maybe they're too hard to infiltrate

joker97:

 

Doping within the All Blacks - 3 explanations

 

1. doped with real intentions

 

2. trainer who works at the local amateur gym accidentally gave it to a pro or maybe ate mate's powder

 

3. successful sabotage, but why a low ranked AB, they'd usually go for the top dogs, maybe they're too hard to infiltrate

 

 

 

Or.. None of the above. 

Anyone know where I can see the 10's on TV in the weekend? I expected it to be on Sky, but unless I am blind, they don't have it. 

networkn:

 

joker97:

 

Doping within the All Blacks - 3 explanations

 

1. doped with real intentions

 

2. trainer who works at the local amateur gym accidentally gave it to a pro or maybe ate mate's powder

 

3. successful sabotage, but why a low ranked AB, they'd usually go for the top dogs, maybe they're too hard to infiltrate

 

 

 

 

 

 

Or.. None of the above. 

 

Anyone know where I can see the 10's on TV in the weekend? I expected it to be on Sky, but unless I am blind, they don't have it. 

 

 

 

They did yesterday afternoon as I watched some of it at the M-in-laws.

RIP Sione

Woot Izzy Dagg staying in NZ. As usual, Steve Hansen gets it right. He predicted 2 from 3 would re-sign.

Not so much a fan of Rugby 10's. 

2 nasty looking injuries for the Chiefs as well. 

Congrats to the Chiefs who managed to pull off a win. A touching Tribute to their fallen brother as well.

This is why Cheika is a pretty average coach. Personnel choices...

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/rugby/news/article.cfm?c_id=80&objectid=11800141

Other than very small periods of brilliance, Beale has been nothing but trouble for the Wallabies. He was at least partially responsible for Ewen McKenzie pulling the pin on his coaching and it's shocking to me, that Australia can't produce someone 95% as good and 10x more reliable and less troublesome. 

I believe if they stop treating their individual Wallabies as Gods and get the team to appreciate the Jersey and representing their country as a team, then they have a better long term chance. 

Most countries don't have the depth of Rugby competitions and quality of coaches of NZ. It was something Deans was SCREAMING about when he was coach, they needed more school-boy Rugby, then NPC type competitions. England has cottoned on. 

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/international/89508428/super-rugby-closes-phantom-ban-loophole

Good stuff. 

Dan Carter allegedly booked for DUI. I really hope that isn' true. Would be disgraceful if so. 

It's time drinking and driving was just banned altogether. If you can afford to drink, you can afford alternative transportation!

Edit: Well, he has admitted it, and apologised. What a poor show from a usually classy guy. I guess everyone makes mistakes, but I don't look at him quite the same way any-more. I am grateful he didn't do this when he was playing in NZ.