Geekzone Rugby (Union) Discussion Thread

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Networkn
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#3505200 22-Jun-2026 12:42

I'll qualify my Procter comment by saying, that primarily the concern was defence. He showed more on attack than Ioane had shown in the last number of years combined. He created questions in defensive lines.

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#3505201 22-Jun-2026 12:50

I wonder what will become of Ardie for next years Super Rugby... There is still a non-zero chance of Moana Pasifika being reborn, but surely, all those players let go, will have been looking for new homes, and would have concerns that the same disbanding would occur again if they sign up again.

Canes would be the obvious choice, but I think it would be better for NZ Rugby, if he went to the Highlanders.

I doubt the Crusaders would even try, or the Chiefs, probably, possibly, the Blues?

OnceBitten

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#3505219 22-Jun-2026 14:16

networkn:

..

Scooter was in form, had winning captaincies and experience, and yes, was known to Scott Roberston, which is perfectly fine, as you want someone who sings from the same hymm sheet when lots of changes are being made.

Scott was unpredictable on the field sometimes and sometimes his lack of discipline cost him with stints in the bin..... Savea IMO was a better all round player and had better leadership credeitials than Barrett....

Earbanean

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#3505250 22-Jun-2026 16:18

I guess it's a fairly predictable squad. The really interesting decisions don't really come until they name the 23 for the first test. Then we find out what they think about loose forward mix, stating 10, 13, wings etc.

The only (mild) surprise for me was Segner over Kirifi - but not disagreeing with it. I haven't heard the interviews etc, so not sure if they've spoken about that decision, but maybe it was having a bit more versatility and/or height and lineout work. I wasn't really surprised about Numia, Moorby, Preston or ALB - or Ioane being dropped. Rennie has always been a big ALB fan since he brought him into the Chiefs (I think as a teenager), and has had him in his team in Japan. Whether he's in the match day 23 or not remains to be seen.

Can't wait for the first test.

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#3505278 22-Jun-2026 19:44

I was disappointed to see in the interview with Ardie Savea that he made the comment that Rennie would come into the squad and make sure they are working hard.

That's the problem. If it's driven by the coach, then it's not going to be a successful team.

The coach shouldn't be driving IF a team is working hard, they should determine WHAT they are working hard on.

cshwone

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#3505400 23-Jun-2026 10:57

I am sort of getting the impression that we have seen the last of Scott Barrett in a black jersey. Extended injuries, new coaching staff, new captain, and a new(ish) team bedding in. Suspect BB won't be long to follow either.

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OnceBitten

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#3505403 23-Jun-2026 11:17

cshwone:

I am sort of getting the impression that we have seen the last of Scott Barrett in a black jersey. Extended injuries, new coaching staff, new captain, and a new(ish) team bedding in. Suspect BB won't be long to follow either.

could be right about Scott.... I still think Beauden has a lot to offer and has the experience the AB's need.

if Beauden gets good game time in the upcoming tests and performs well then he should retain his place in the team

Scott might be picked lster on if he is injury free

Earbanean

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#3505406 23-Jun-2026 11:27

cshwone:

I am sort of getting the impression that we have seen the last of Scott Barrett in a black jersey. Extended injuries, new coaching staff, new captain, and a new(ish) team bedding in. Suspect BB won't be long to follow either.

I reckon with the benefit of a decent break from the game and the weight of the captaincy taken off him, that he could be new and improved. In that case, I'd definitely have him in the squad. I guess that remains to be seen and he'll need to play his way back in via Canterbury.

MikeAqua

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#3505429 23-Jun-2026 12:19

OnceBitten:

.... I still think Beauden has a lot to offer and has the experience the AB's need.

if Beauden gets good game time in the upcoming tests and performs well then he should retain his place in the team

Scott might be picked lster on if he is injury free

Beaudy is still a vastly talented player, super experienced and still fast. When he fires, he is still awesome. But ... he hasn't fired very often lately. even in Super Rugby, we saw glimpses of form but ..... nothing that I'd call a commanding performance. For the ABs he kicks away far too much possession.

DMac is a highly talented player, with a great work rate, but he's just too small.

BB, DMac and RL are all talented utility 10s. Damian MacKenzie (84%) is the better goal kicker with the other two on 71%.

I think we'll see DMac/BB start against France/Ireland with Love off the bench. Love may get a start against Italy, if he plays well off the bench.

Probably all three first fives will go on the SA/US tour, with Love coming off the bench for some games.

If Love performs, I think we'll see DMac or BB dropped for the Bledisloe matches in favour of a new selection.

Mike

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#3505438 23-Jun-2026 12:43

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/crusaders-captain-david-havili-announces-departure-will-continue-to-play-in-japan/QDTCZAE7XFH2LD6ZTQQ7J2GXBA/

That's a big hit for the Crusaders. I wonder if he wasn't selected in the squad because he told AB selectors he wasn't going to be around, or that was the nail in the coffin that made him sign overseas.

That might explain ALB over Havilli, though to be honest, ALB would be 5th or 6th best center based on 'form' that Dave Rennie said he was selecting on. Some favourtism is normal and probably fairly acceptable.

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#3505448 23-Jun-2026 13:17

networkn:

I was disappointed to see in the interview with Ardie Savea that he made the comment that Rennie would come into the squad and make sure they are working hard.

I suspect that's a reference to the sort of conditioning schedule Rennie would likely implement.

Mike

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Earbanean

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#3505450 23-Jun-2026 13:32

networkn:

That's a big hit for the Crusaders. I wonder if he wasn't selected in the squad because he told AB selectors he wasn't going to be around, or that was the nail in the coffin that made him sign overseas.

Yeah, the guys on The Breakdown said on Sunday that they had heard Havili was heading overseas. Maybe he would have reversed that if he had feelers from the AB selectors, but quite likely locked in the move.

networkn:

That might explain ALB over Havilli, though to be honest, ALB would be 5th or 6th best center based on 'form' that Dave Rennie said he was selecting on. Some favourtism is normal and probably fairly acceptable.

Have you actually seen ALB play this year? Do you actually know his form, either good or bad? I know Rennie has definitely seen him play and can judge his form.

MikeAqua

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#3505453 23-Jun-2026 13:39

networkn:

... ALB would be 5th or 6th best center based on 'form' that Dave Rennie said he was selecting on. Some favouritism is normal and probably fairly acceptable.

Coaches often need to think about combinations as well as individual players. Combinations are very important in the midfield.

Mike

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#3505515 23-Jun-2026 15:55

MikeAqua:

Coaches often need to think about combinations as well as individual players. Combinations are very important in the midfield.

A point I have made here many times. (and usually scoffed at).

Teams aren't always made up of the x number of best players. A player might be put into a game, because they have a particular communication skill, to support other players, or because they can organise other players better. George Bridge was a great example of this. His support play and the stuff he did that allowed others to score, even if he wasn't scoring himself. As a winger, many people assume their only value is on the the wing.

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#3505585 23-Jun-2026 16:26

Earbanean:

Have you actually seen ALB play this year? Do you actually know his form, either good or bad? I know Rennie has definitely seen him play and can judge his form.

How many times has ALB been mentioned for his outstanding contributions to the Chiefs/Other teams in the last 2-3 years? A few years ago, he was the name on everyones lips. Since then he is barely mentioned (though there have been some games, including 1-2 tests where he has been pretty good). There are a lot of names mentioned in the centers far more frequently. Japanese Rugby is a far different beast to super rugby, yet he is pretty much off a plane and into the AB's. I've seen complaints about this here previously.

I don't think he's a bad player, but if you think of centers in NZ right now, his name is far further down the list than many others.

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