Geekzone Rugby (Union) Discussion Thread

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Networkn
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#2183669 19-Feb-2019 14:21

I agree with a fair bit of this article, but I think it's going a bit far to say they got what they paid for. They paid (the going rate) for an AB's superstar, but by the time he got their, he was no longer that.

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=12205242

Or perhaps they didn't get good value would be another way to say it.

itxtme

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#2183795 19-Feb-2019 16:34

What is crazy is that he had a very public fall from form over 2 seasons. Why did they think they would be able to do what the All Blacks, Hurricanes and Lions couldn't!?

networkn

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#2185735 23-Feb-2019 10:02

itxtme:

What is crazy is that he had a very public fall from form over 2 seasons. Why did they think they would be able to do what the All Blacks, Hurricanes and Lions couldn't!?

It really depends what the issue was in my view. Sometimes a change of scenery, and an abrupt lifestyle change can affect someones perspective. I am in agreement with you, however, that it seemed unlikely.

networkn

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#2185739 23-Feb-2019 10:06

The Reds Highlanders game was a cracker. The Reds would be justified in feeling hard done by by the miss of the meter plus forward pass.

They reviewed what looked to be the Reds forward pass on their try too, but deemed it ok, but at least they reviewed it.

The Reds look like a different team, defensively they looked better than I can recall them looking for a long time (even though it was a high scoring game). Early in the season, but if they play to this standard all season, hard to see them not being in the top 8.

For the Highlanders, Frizell is a monster! He played really well. Highlanders player of the match I think.

Lastly, a mention of Rodda's father passing away just 2 days before the match. It's a big call to play anyway, and to score a try on top.

networkn

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#2186102 24-Feb-2019 00:00

Big results round two so far. I didn't expect the Crusaders to dominate the Hurricanes so much in this game, and it was a bit disappointing to see us concede our bonus point right at the end. Credit the Hurricanes to give it everything they had. I was expecting a win given it was a home game for the Crusaders and they put forward their A team against a Hurricanes side missing some key players. Manasa Mataele's offload was unbelievable, as was Jack Goodhue's. Gareth Evans exceedingly fortunate not to have seen yellow and conceded a penalty try. Dane Coles looks good, thankfully. I can't understand Jordie Barrett batting the ball TOWARD the incoming Crusaders players. He is an odd one. Some times he is good, bordering on amazing, other times, I am very worried about his temperament and decision making. Havilli also looks more compelling this year.

I haven't seen Chiefs Brumbies, but what a hiding they got. I guess it's nice to see Australian Rugby showing signs of life again.

Handle9

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#2186143 24-Feb-2019 07:42

Great result for Wales beating England. England were firmly in control but missed a chance to score points before halftime. Wales were successful in making the game messy in the second half, which seems to suit them. They chipped away until they had a chance to capitalise.

England just kicked and kicked and kicked. They didn't have any variety and while they don't have a bad scrum it's just a little bit suspect. Their discipline was also really poor while Wales were pretty good. Wales lineout is an embarrassment at the moment, then were really poor.

I liked the way Wales ran pick and go at England. It wasn't super effective but it engaged the English forwards phase after phase. England don't want to commit numbers to the ruck so it seems a good way of squeezing them to compress their forwards. I think pick and go followed with inside balls off the first five could be a really effective tactic against England.

One thing that really stood out in this game was the use of subs. The northern hemisphere teams just don't use them tactically unless a player is getting pinged or having a poor game. I do wonder if this is sustainable in a really open game.

Dingbatt

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#2186206 24-Feb-2019 10:12

networkn:
I haven't seen Chiefs Brumbies, but what a hiding they got. I guess it's nice to see Australian Rugby showing signs of life again.

I don't know if Aussie Rugby is any better but the Chiefs put together one of the worst performances I've seen recently. Their defence resembled Swiss cheese and their ball handling looked like they were trying use a wet piece of soap.
The only stat they were ahead on at half time was they had less penalties against them.
At least they had a kicker this week.
If they had played that badly against the Highlanders last week they probably would have lost by 73 points not 3.

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Jogre

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#2186684 25-Feb-2019 09:21

networkn:

Big results round two so far. I didn't expect the Crusaders to dominate the Hurricanes so much in this game, and it was a bit disappointing to see us concede our bonus point right at the end. Credit the Hurricanes to give it everything they had. I was expecting a win given it was a home game for the Crusaders and they put forward their A team against a Hurricanes side missing some key players. Manasa Mataele's offload was unbelievable, as was Jack Goodhue's. Gareth Evans exceedingly fortunate not to have seen yellow and conceded a penalty try. Dane Coles looks good, thankfully. I can't understand Jordie Barrett batting the ball TOWARD the incoming Crusaders players. He is an odd one. Some times he is good, bordering on amazing, other times, I am very worried about his temperament and decision making. Havilli also looks more compelling this year.

I haven't seen Chiefs Brumbies, but what a hiding they got. I guess it's nice to see Australian Rugby showing signs of life again.

I expected the Crusaders to do that, historically it's been a strong offense vs a solid defense and the Crusaders have won often by squeezing the Hurricanes. In recent years, the Crusaders offense has been lethal so they can squeeze and punish. Evans was lucky a try was scored or there might not have been much choice, although the irony of that vs the two knockdowns by the Crusaders against the Blues may have been raised (yes I let that go but still :) ).

Looked like the ball bounced into Jordie and came onto him faster than he was expecting and went off his chest? Didn't look to closely but was a goof regardless. I would like to see some fierce competition for his spot as I think there's a bit of "he's a Barrett bro" clouding whether he's actually worthy of selection in the ABs.

Jas777

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#2187612 26-Feb-2019 15:10

After 2 weeks the NZ sides (Crusaders apart) look weaker than last year.

Not too sure how the Chiefs will do as they are down on talent a lot when their best players are injured or taken out for rest etc. I think they might miss the top 8 this year.

The Hurricanes were wise in using forced rest breaks against the Crusaders in Christchurch. I think they will still be in the top 4 but maybe not quite as talented as last year.

Not sure about the Blues yet as it is a tough start for them, I think how they do against the Chiefs and Highlanders will make or break their season.

The Highlanders will make the top 8 but I worry about how they will put away teams in the back end of the season.

Jas777

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#2187617 26-Feb-2019 15:18

Networkn,

How many of the Crusaders do you think will be gone next year?

I am thinking

Moody , Franks (gone) , Alaalatoa, Romano , Whitelock?? , Todd (gone), Read, Taufua (gone)

Hall, Bateman, Crotty, Dagg.

Plus a couple of fringe players go to another Super team or Overseas

Likes of Funell, Dunshea, Hunt

networkn

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#2187621 26-Feb-2019 15:23

Yeah that sounds about right.

Owens as well possibly. Why do you think Alaalatoa?

I think Hall will stay. Crotty and Dagg are gone I think.

I think Hunt may stay, Funnell will be promoted to regular games methinks.

Jas777

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#2187694 26-Feb-2019 17:58

networkn:

Yeah that sounds about right.

Owens as well possibly. Why do you think Alaalatoa?

I think Hall will stay. Crotty and Dagg are gone I think.

I think Hunt may stay, Funnell will be promoted to regular games methinks.

I think with Alaalatoa he would have done it all at Super level so an overseas gig or back to Australia as not going to be an All Black.

Not sure about Hall but maybe for the same reasons as above or stay in Auckland.

Owens?

Jogre

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#2187853 27-Feb-2019 08:32

Jas777:

networkn:

Yeah that sounds about right.

Owens as well possibly. Why do you think Alaalatoa?

I think Hall will stay. Crotty and Dagg are gone I think.

I think Hunt may stay, Funnell will be promoted to regular games methinks.

I think with Alaalatoa he would have done it all at Super level so an overseas gig or back to Australia as not going to be an All Black.

Not sure about Hall but maybe for the same reasons as above or stay in Auckland.

Owens?

Guessing Owen Franks. I don't think he'll go overseas, maybe link up with his bro in running Franks Brothers gym. Was Alaalatoa in contention for Wallabies when he was with Warratahs? Can't really remember. Good performer at Super Rugby level but there's a few props ahead of him. Question of is he content to keep going with Crusaders/stay at SR-level or try again for Wallabies.

Hall definitely gone, he's trying to be a bit like Aaron Smith but ABs are looking at TTT as their back-up Smith failing an ordinary season this year. I wonder about Drumond leaving as well as he sits between Perenara and Smith in playstyle but isn't good enough at either to force his way into selection.

Jas777

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#2187967 27-Feb-2019 11:38

Jogre:

Jas777:

networkn:

Yeah that sounds about right.

Owens as well possibly. Why do you think Alaalatoa?

I think Hall will stay. Crotty and Dagg are gone I think.

I think Hunt may stay, Funnell will be promoted to regular games methinks.

I think with Alaalatoa he would have done it all at Super level so an overseas gig or back to Australia as not going to be an All Black.

Not sure about Hall but maybe for the same reasons as above or stay in Auckland.

Owens?

Guessing Owen Franks. I don't think he'll go overseas, maybe link up with his bro in running Franks Brothers gym. Was Alaalatoa in contention for Wallabies when he was with Warratahs? Can't really remember. Good performer at Super Rugby level but there's a few props ahead of him. Question of is he content to keep going with Crusaders/stay at SR-level or try again for Wallabies.

Hall definitely gone, he's trying to be a bit like Aaron Smith but ABs are looking at TTT as their back-up Smith failing an ordinary season this year. I wonder about Drumond leaving as well as he sits between Perenara and Smith in playstyle but isn't good enough at either to force his way into selection.

Owen Franks is already signed to go to England.

If Alaalatoa doesn't make either NZ or AUS he might declare for Samoa to go to the World Cup.

Drummond at best is a Super Rugby back up halfback so maybe get a Japan or Second tier Europe gig for some extra money.

networkn

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#2187969 27-Feb-2019 11:41

Not sure I agree about Drummond actually, he was in the frame for the AB's last year. Same with Hall.

Yes, I apologise, wasn't concentrating and wrote Owens, meant Owen Franks, but as per above he has signed overseas too.

The Crusaders will have a big 2020 challenge I believe, a little like the Chiefs are having right now.

I'll be beyond delighted if the Crusaders can win SR this year, but I am realistic, with so many AB's in the Crusaders, their AB's time will be limited (perfectly fairly in my view). This will have an impact, as it would with any team, and I'd rather win the RWC than the SR.

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