Geekzone Rugby (Union) Discussion Thread

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#3505807 24-Jun-2026 13:27

networkn:

No-one, that's the point. They had two ('subjectively', so I don't trigger eabeann) average options and picked one of those.

At least when they were considering firing Foster, they had fully sounded out Robertson, who on paper was the clear and obvious choice to replace him.

Coaching Success at Super Rugby, doesn't guarantee coaching sucess at AB level and that was true with Robertson

Foster had 8 years with Hansen as his assistant.

Robertson turned out not to be the saviour that the AB's needed

Maybe the NZRFU shouldn't have panicked and kept Foster on past the 2023 RWC?

after all we did make the final and only lost by 1 point.... despite some people predicting we'd be gone by the qtr / semi finals

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#3505808 24-Jun-2026 13:29

OnceBitten:

apart from Joseph (who's form with the Highlanders was woeful) - who else was in the mix to be AB's coach??

With how Robertson did it goes to show you can't really pick an ABs coach on the back of Super Rugby form alone. Edit: beaten to the point

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#3505810 24-Jun-2026 13:39

lxsw20:

With how Robertson did it goes to show you can't really pick an ABs coach on the back of Super Rugby form alone.

I think one example, with a guy who was clearly struggling with the pressure, does not a definitive statement make. It could be true, but on paper, very few would have picked what happened as the likely result. He was just as likely to be wildly successful.

He was hardly the unpopular choice, reddit and the likes were full of SA, Irish, English, French fans saying they were genuinely frightened of what Robertson could do for the AB's (That went on for 3 years prior to his appointment).

Maybe a stint overseas might have helped, or maybe a better and more supportive employer who didn't bail when the going got tough?

Also, his success wasn't only at super rugby level. He had been succesful at every level he had been coaching. The 'missing' peice was the international experience (which he had played for a number of years overseas). I am yet to have an explanation from anyone on what this magically provides?

Foster didn't have any and took us to within 1 point of a RWC.

networkn

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#3505833 24-Jun-2026 15:24

I think NZR's decision to refuse to transfer Moana Pasifika Super Rugby License to another outfit is the right one. No MP in 2027.

There was no real indication that the new owners would have been better positioned for the long term success of the team, and basing it anywhere but Australia was just nonsense.

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#3506030 25-Jun-2026 14:52

One thing I absolutely fully expect to see Rennie prioritise with the team is significant improvement in our non-place kicking ,and our ability to cope and compete under the high ball.

I was really disappointed with our line out last year too, it did slightly improve but was extremely inconsistent. Even after we hired a specific line out coach. People are quick to blame the hooker when the ball doesn't get to the right person, but it's far more than just that one element that makes a lineout function. Whitelock was the master of that, he often contributed to improving our lineout and was often credited with big sucesses we had against opposition like the boks when we were able to keep our own ball and pinch their own. He was also hailed as the person who spotted the Blues pattern and neutralised it in the Blues Crusaders final at Eden Park where we dismantled them.

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#3506410 26-Jun-2026 20:35

Spot on with lineout and kick reception, imo we have struggled without a genuine third lineout option, I don't see that changing with likely back row of Savea Sititi and Lakai. I desperately wanted Finau to have a coming of age season, and his off the ball workrate was impressive, but his handling seems to let him down a lot more than you would want at test level.

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networkn

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#3506746 28-Jun-2026 09:48

I was listening to ZB yesterday and there was a panel on discussing rugby.

I found some of their comments pretty insightful. There was criticism earlier in the week about Ardies lack of enthusiam and dull interview by Heather D. I felt, having listened to the interview, she wasn't wrong. There are of course those who blindly defend Savea because he can obviously do no wrong, but what is missed in that defense, is the fact that Professional Sport is an entertainment product. Rugby is probably at it's lowest eb ever regards fan engagement and new player sign ups. Whilst Savea (and Barrett, Read, and McCaw) aren't trained or hired for their press engagement skills, one of the roles of the captain that many other players don't have, are the commitments to the sponsors and willingness and ability to be accessible to those who may have a financial interest in the game.

When you hear Kolisi speak about the Springboks and the jersey and what it means, you can really feel the privilege, honour, and responsibility that Jersey has for the players. I have said it before, that it's been a while since I've felt the AB's have had the same ownership.

Ted make the AB's accessible again, and make no mistake, the success of the AB's back then was partially due to the fact the players could see what the jersey meant to the public, and had that connection to their fans. To get off the ground one more time and make another tackle, for the kid they met who was wearing their number jersey and just wanted the AB's to be awesome.

Perhaps the Captain should get some mandatory media training? I couldn't really hurt.

I hope Rennie can re-ignite the passion our players have for the the game.

networkn

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#3506747 28-Jun-2026 09:51

Moana Pasifika is dead. It's a shame, but it was the right decision.

I wonder if they would have had better results if they had allowed fans to buy into the franchise somehow? Perhaps the issue of bonds or something?

They needed a more stable base than Auckland. Australia seems the more obvious choice.

Of all the teams that have been and gone, the Jaugures were the team who I felt benefited the competition the most.

OnceBitten

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#3506961 29-Jun-2026 08:40

networkn:

Moana Pasifika is dead. It's a shame, but it was the right decision.

I wonder if they would have had better results if they had allowed fans to buy into the franchise somehow? Perhaps the issue of bonds or something?

They needed a more stable base than Auckland. Australia seems the more obvious choice.

Of all the teams that have been and gone, the Jaugures were the team who I felt benefited the competition the most.

Moana Pacifica were based at Mt Smart / Go Media when they started, but Auckland FC kicked them out? and they were forced over the bridge to Albany

most of their fan base would have been based in Sth Auckland.... maybe their fans couldn't or wouldn't travel to Albany for games?

but yes - it is a shame they are gone, as they were a competetive team.

networkn

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#3506985 29-Jun-2026 11:41

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80HRX_k11bE&t=7s

On of the most excellent videos I have seen in a while explain who missed out on the squad and why.

It seems very clear where the selectors are focused. This looks like they are building a team to face the boks on physicality. If the team can maintain their discipline along side strong carries and dominant tackes, fix out lineout and high ball takes, there is a huge amount of potential.

I am feeling a bit more confident around Rennies game plan, though it will be interesting to see how well the team plays, and how long it takes them to hit their stride.

Re ALB. I defended Robertson selecting some of the lesser form players from the Crusaders, as a way of carrying his message and having known quantities in the team, as one less thing to manage, so it's only fair there are some picks in there for the same reason. ALB isn't a bad player and played well a few times for the AB's recently.

Reikos exclusion was pretty much for all the reasons I have complained about him for years. He is lacklustre in almost every way.

Earbanean

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#3507001 29-Jun-2026 13:45

networkn:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80HRX_k11bE&t=7s

On of the most excellent videos I have seen in a while explain who missed out on the squad and why.

It seems very clear where the selectors are focused. This looks like they are building a team to face the boks on physicality. If the team can maintain their discipline along side strong carries and dominant tackes, fix out lineout and high ball takes, there is a huge amount of potential.

I am feeling a bit more confident around Rennies game plan, though it will be interesting to see how well the team plays, and how long it takes them to hit their stride.

Re ALB. I defended Robertson selecting some of the lesser form players from the Crusaders, as a way of carrying his message and having known quantities in the team, as one less thing to manage, so it's only fair there are some picks in there for the same reason. ALB isn't a bad player and played well a few times for the AB's recently.

Reikos exclusion was pretty much for all the reasons I have complained about him for years. He is lacklustre in almost every way.

OK, whoever has kidnapped networkn, let him go and give him control of his PC back.

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networkn

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#3507010 29-Jun-2026 13:57

I see Dan McKellar has resigned from the Warratahs, after not making the finals for the second year in a row.

networkn

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#3507017 29-Jun-2026 14:42

Earbanean:

OK, whoever has kidnapped networkn, let him go and give him control of his PC back.

A fair amount of the commentary on that video, reflects my own comments in the past around selection decisions. Bowers inclusion for culture, ALB for his ability to build a defence (also a Havilli strength).

Jordies stats weren't a surprise to me. Beyond a few incredible performances when he was moved to 12, he has been solid rather than exceptional. My reasoning for Havilli over Jordie was because of his leadership/communications skills if Love is put in at 10 and needs extra support/reassurance, and someone to pickup the reigns etc.. Balance that against the familiarity of having Jordie outside him from playing at the canes together.

If weccan get some front foot ball, win collisions, that will be the main thing to providing Love time in the saddle under less pressure. Protecting Love is high up there too, as green, he will be a target.

Earbanean

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#3507024 29-Jun-2026 15:03

Good news on the injury front, with Sititi, Jordan and Vaa'i all OK to play Saturday. That gives a few good selection headaches. The pundits on TV etc have really ramped up their picks for the 23 - and the thing that stands out the most to me, is how varied their picked teams are. With a new coaching/selecting team and a some new ABs in the squad, there really are a lot of spots that are hard to predict.

A number of punters are picking Numia and/or Tosi to start based on form. I totally disagree with that. I think de Groot and Newell give you vast experience AND good form. Both of them were great in Super, even if their teams didn't go all the way. I'd probably start Taylor, but think 16 is too close to call. IMO that comes down to lineout throwing.

Vaa'i starting, but not sure who with. In Holland and Barrett's absence, I'd probably go Darry.

Lots of people calling for Savea, Sititi and Lakai as the loosies. I've always favoured a big 6 and I also think Sititi should be eased back from the bench. So I have Savea, Lakai and Parker, with Sititi on the bench.

Roigard, Love & Barrett I think must start. 13 probably Proctor, but I'm in a tiny minority that think ALB might be a good option with at least one new winger outside him. I have Preston on bench ahead of Ratima, probably along with DMac and Tupaea, or maybe Moorby.

A few pundits have Jordan at 14, but IMO if he's fully fit, he starts at 15. I think Clarke at 11 and probably Fineanganofo 14, assuming he can play RHS.

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#3507031 29-Jun-2026 15:12

So largely I agree wih your picks and reasoning. Not sure they will start Love. I am OK if they do or don't. I'd be inclined to give him 35 minutes off the bench. Jordan could start, but that's a lot for a guy who hasn't played Rugby for many weeks. No warm up through NPC or anything to ease him into it.

Agree Numia to start seems unlikely. deGroot and Newell seem better choices. Also agree on Taylor to start. If Aumua isn't on the bench this week, he will be for the second test.

I don't see Procter at 13 unless they feel his defense has massively improved. Love if he starts will need someone reliable. Clarke seems a lock for the wing (though again, defense). Not sure Fineanganofo, I'd guess Carter starts and Fineanganofo from the bench.

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