Its actually embarrassing how much people are treating this as a foregone conclusion!Sure the crusaders should be favourites but lets not forget the lions would probably be defending champions if Kwagga Smith hadnt been red carded last year. What happens if Mounga gets red carded? What happens if we play like we did in the first 40 against the Waratahs?The lions are a very good rugby side and deserve to be treated with respect
Thought Mounga had a reasonable first start. Missed couple touch finders, got stepped in lead up to try but to be fair he was trusting inside man and TJ over ran the guy. His passing looked really slick and he goalkicked well.The reality is though that with McKenzie being such an outstanding impact player and B.B. still first Choice hes not going to get a lot of opportunities in the 23.Hopefully they can give him a few opportunities as hell only get better
She says cheating is the one thing shell never ever do and then her coach admits they do it all the time.She also says the lesson is to stay humble and gracious but she smashes her racquet and then complains â˜it isnt fair
Of course Barrett is number 1, it would just be nice to see Mounga get a decent opportunity at some point in RC.So bored of the rolls Royce forward pack call. Yep Mounga had a good forward pack but that doesnt guarantee anything.Maybe you could take the angle the crusaders forwards were so good because their pivot actually directed them around the park and played the territory and possession battle better than everyone else.
Statistics are kind of irrelevant unless its the exact same 23 from each team involved in those stats.Either way it should be a cracking semi, pity its not the final but thats a discussion for another day.I thought the crusaders squad looked unbeatable but then read through the canes squad and thought the same thing.Hoping the saders get up but whatever happens it will be a travesty if whoever wins this semi doesnt win the whole thing
Why not start Barrett at 10 but Mounga on the bench? What if Barrett is injured in the first half? Do you really want McKenzie pulling the strings?McKenzie is a good super sub but imo youd still be better off moving Barrett to 15, Smith to wing and bringing Mounga on at the 50-60 minute mark.At least your bases are covered if Barretts injured early
That Ben Smith is his own worst enemy......If he wants to play 15 why does he go and be the best wing in the world when they put him there?!Hes gotta be one of if not the first name inked in the starting 15 every week
Yea I agree! Im not sure why BBs outstanding performance is an opportunity for some people to belittle Mounga. We could always celebrate how good they all are
Im no Barrett hater, the guys a freak.But imo Moungas super rugby form warrants him at least getting one opportunity to start in the rugby championship.To the people saying Barrett has been good at test level..... I agree he has been. But the all blacks might be better with Mounga in the 23 too.I mean Barrett may as well retire from super rugby and just play all blacks if he cant be usurped no matter his form compared to others.
Personally I will chant cheat whenever I see him Warner or Bancroft play. I can't stand the way they've tried to draw sympathy from this pathetic situation they got themselves into
Hes a very good tackler he was just thrown into the deep end defending at 12. I bet if he was defending at 12 and had Crotty outside him and Barrett inside him helping organise and communicate hed be no worries
Yet the all blacks wouldve beaten the lions if sbw didnt get red carded ay.......Fair point we dont know what wouldve happened if Smith wasnt red carded.My point was that one moment can change the course of a whole season. Anything can happen on the night
Would be interested to hear peoples opinions on the 3 midfielders youd have in the 23 when all fit?Really hard to go past ALB at least on the bench and Goodhue is just made for test rugby, Obviously Hansen rates SBW and Crotty so tough decisions
Its not just about space. Its about putting the ball through the hands in the right situation, not giving it away with low percentage chip kicks. Its creating opportunities to score off rolling mauls by putting touch finders right in the corner. Making the right decision to roll the forward runners and hit the backs out wide.You get my drift now?Heck maybe we should be talking about how good Bryn hall and Drummond are if its not Mounga whos good
Sure Barrett has performed at test level, but Mounga might be better and presents a strong case off super rugby form. How do we know unless he gets his shot?
Sam Cane is still way better than Ardie and luckily shag knows it.Whats with the Savea brothers obsession with running at people instead of gaps?? Oh cool you bumped someone off but you lost all your momentum and didnt notice the unmarked guy on your shoulder.Ardie played better last night and has the potential to be decent but at the moment hes a poor mans 6
Pocock singlehandedly carries a whole forward pack, if he was in a team that had a decent forward pack he'd be phenomenal!Don't forget Beauden Barrett has shockers in the black jersey but still wins IRB player of the year. 1 game doesn't define you
CJ Stander is excellent but Vunipola is lazy. Read is obviously up there when fit but has been off his best for a long time. Vermeulen is big powerful smart durable and Always has s positive impact on the game
I think the lions are a great side!To all those â˜diehard crusaders fans out there writing off the lions, its actually insulting to how hard the crusaders have worked and how well they will need to play this Saturday to win that you just assume they will cruise to victory!
Man BB fans are precious. Not saying we dont want him in all blacks just dont think hes the best starting 10. The things hes really good at arent really that useful for a 10 and he lacks some basics required of a 10 like kicking and passing accurately. If Ben Smith wasnt so damn awesome it would be an easy fix
Good outcome! Some people are just too precious and given none of us are top athletes its hard to say what wed do in any situation with very little reaction time. It was inconclusive either way so correct decision.Personally Id rather see the best players competing in the final anyway
Lions taking huge travel gamble ahead of Super Rugby final as they seek 'miracle'
Its actually embarrassing how much people are treating this as a foregone conclusion!Sure the crusaders should be favourites but lets not forget the lions would probably be defending champions if Kwagga Smith hadnt been red carded last year. What happens if Mounga gets red carded? What happens if we play like we did in the first 40 against the Waratahs?The lions are a very good rugby side and deserve to be treated with respect
All Blacks overcome a bit of adversity to beat determined Argentina in Nelson
Thought Mounga had a reasonable first start. Missed couple touch finders, got stepped in lead up to try but to be fair he was trusting inside man and TJ over ran the guy. His passing looked really slick and he goalkicked well.The reality is though that with McKenzie being such an outstanding impact player and B.B. still first Choice hes not going to get a lot of opportunities in the 23.Hopefully they can give him a few opportunities as hell only get better
Serena Williams gives umpire a serve in US Open final defeat
She says cheating is the one thing shell never ever do and then her coach admits they do it all the time.She also says the lesson is to stay humble and gracious but she smashes her racquet and then complains â˜it isnt fair
Bledisloe I: Five burning questions ahead of Saturday's test between the All Blacks and Wallabies
Of course Barrett is number 1, it would just be nice to see Mounga get a decent opportunity at some point in RC.So bored of the rolls Royce forward pack call. Yep Mounga had a good forward pack but that doesnt guarantee anything.Maybe you could take the angle the crusaders forwards were so good because their pivot actually directed them around the park and played the territory and possession battle better than everyone else.
New All Blacks first-five Richie Mo'unga told to treat Saturday like a Super Rugby game
You wouldve eaten a lot of apple crumble in your time being a canes supporter
"German teenager Anton Segner chasing his All Black rugby dream",
Lol do your research Pom.That EPL is a great breeding ground for English football players too.....
Sediment from housing development pollutes Orewa waterways
Finally! A story painting the picture of the real damage urban people are inflicting on our environment
Beauden Barrett stars as All Blacks retain Bledisloe Cup over Wallabies
As a massive Richie Mounga fan Ive got nothing! I will happily eat my humble pie because Beaudy youre a freak
Statistics only serve to show the Crusaders are due a Super Rugby playoff loss
Statistics are kind of irrelevant unless its the exact same 23 from each team involved in those stats.Either way it should be a cracking semi, pity its not the final but thats a discussion for another day.I thought the crusaders squad looked unbeatable but then read through the canes squad and thought the same thing.Hoping the saders get up but whatever happens it will be a travesty if whoever wins this semi doesnt win the whole thing
Steve Hansen: This is a good test for Jordie Barrett to miss – but he'll be back
Except that shag is from Canterbury....
"German teenager Anton Segner chasing his All Black rugby dream",
It was NZ school boys so only have to be at school in nz
Marc Hinton: Verdict looks clear-cut in the great Mo'unga-Barrett No 10 debate
Why not start Barrett at 10 but Mounga on the bench? What if Barrett is injured in the first half? Do you really want McKenzie pulling the strings?McKenzie is a good super sub but imo youd still be better off moving Barrett to 15, Smith to wing and bringing Mounga on at the 50-60 minute mark.At least your bases are covered if Barretts injured early
Beauden Barrett stars as All Blacks retain Bledisloe Cup over Wallabies
That Ben Smith is his own worst enemy......If he wants to play 15 why does he go and be the best wing in the world when they put him there?!Hes gotta be one of if not the first name inked in the starting 15 every week
Alan Jones: Wallabies should play Michael Hooper at second-five outside Kurtley Beale
Rieko doesnt miss many tackles either but when he was played out of position at 12, Laumape ran riot. Go figure
Marc Hinton: Unlucky Waisake Naholo is left waiting in the All Blacks wings
Lucky Beauden and B Smith go alright at fullback then ay
Beauden Barrett stars as All Blacks retain Bledisloe Cup over Wallabies
Yea I agree! Im not sure why BBs outstanding performance is an opportunity for some people to belittle Mounga. We could always celebrate how good they all are
Reece Hodge gets nod at centre in Wallabies team for Bledisloe Cup opener
Pretty decent side. Still wonder whether theyd be better to put Pocock at 7 and get a big ball carrying/line out option at 8
Mark Reason: Strengths and weaknesses of the All Blacks first-five contenders
Im no Barrett hater, the guys a freak.But imo Moungas super rugby form warrants him at least getting one opportunity to start in the rugby championship.To the people saying Barrett has been good at test level..... I agree he has been. But the all blacks might be better with Mounga in the 23 too.I mean Barrett may as well retire from super rugby and just play all blacks if he cant be usurped no matter his form compared to others.
Mark Reason: Strengths and weaknesses of the All Blacks first-five contenders
2 victorious super rugby seasons.....
Steve Smith hits half century on return to cricket in Canada T20 league
Personally I will chant cheat whenever I see him Warner or Bancroft play. I can't stand the way they've tried to draw sympathy from this pathetic situation they got themselves into
Common sense prevails as Waisake Naholo unleashed to make a run at the Wallabies
Given the centre more often than not has to mark up on the fullback he sure does have a big task ahead of him but I back him to be up to it
Bledisloe II: Five talking points ahead of Saturday night's test at Eden Park
Nice try. Why on earth would hurricanes fans want Ardie Savea starting ahead of Sam Cane then??
All Blacks star Rieko Ioane's mega-contract negotiations continue ahead of Bledisloe Cup
Hes a very good tackler he was just thrown into the deep end defending at 12. I bet if he was defending at 12 and had Crotty outside him and Barrett inside him helping organise and communicate hed be no worries
Lions taking huge travel gamble ahead of Super Rugby final as they seek 'miracle'
Yet the all blacks wouldve beaten the lions if sbw didnt get red carded ay.......Fair point we dont know what wouldve happened if Smith wasnt red carded.My point was that one moment can change the course of a whole season. Anything can happen on the night
Retallick and Laumape out for ABs as Crotty, Cane, Ioane and maybe SBW all return
Would be interested to hear peoples opinions on the 3 midfielders youd have in the 23 when all fit?Really hard to go past ALB at least on the bench and Goodhue is just made for test rugby, Obviously Hansen rates SBW and Crotty so tough decisions
Bledisloe I: Five burning questions ahead of Saturday's test between the All Blacks and Wallabies
Its not just about space. Its about putting the ball through the hands in the right situation, not giving it away with low percentage chip kicks. Its creating opportunities to score off rolling mauls by putting touch finders right in the corner. Making the right decision to roll the forward runners and hit the backs out wide.You get my drift now?Heck maybe we should be talking about how good Bryn hall and Drummond are if its not Mounga whos good
"Canterbury sink Tasman with late try to advance to Mitre 10 Cup final",
Ecocantab you talking about Kieran Read from counties?!Insulting
Assistant coach Reuben Thorne: Nothing beats Canterbury and Auckland's rivalry
So the guy who got heavily involved, dominated collisions, won quality line out ball and was hugely rated by his peers??
Marc Hinton: Unlucky Waisake Naholo is left waiting in the All Blacks wings
If super rugby doesn't matter...... why does Ardie get picked over Todd?
Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger not planning on moving Jackson Hemopo to flanker
Hes most definitely not a 10.He was fullback at Christchurch boys because Fletcher Smith was 10
Springboks beat England 23-12 and clinch series
Duane Vermeulen is Easily the best number 8 in the world and probably alongside Retallick and Pocock as best forwards in the world
Statistics only serve to show the Crusaders are due a Super Rugby playoff loss
I assume youve bet the house on the saders then.....Because you know, the statistics mean its a sure thing right?
Mark Reason: Strengths and weaknesses of the All Blacks first-five contenders
Sure Barrett has performed at test level, but Mounga might be better and presents a strong case off super rugby form. How do we know unless he gets his shot?
Marc Hinton: Unlucky Waisake Naholo is left waiting in the All Blacks wings
Terrain what has Ardie ever done in a black jersey? Nothing.Todd has been awesome as Canes replacement for all blacks when he's had opportunity
Marc Hinton: Verdict looks clear-cut in the great Mo'unga-Barrett No 10 debate
It does matter actually, because Ardie Savea is outstanding at club level and completely invisible at test level
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen sees 'a big future' for Shannon Frizell
Sam Cane is still way better than Ardie and luckily shag knows it.Whats with the Savea brothers obsession with running at people instead of gaps?? Oh cool you bumped someone off but you lost all your momentum and didnt notice the unmarked guy on your shoulder.Ardie played better last night and has the potential to be decent but at the moment hes a poor mans 6
Lions coach Swys de Bruin won't use naysayers to motivate team for Super Rugby final
You have no show of winning. Fact.
Springboks beat England 23-12 and clinch series
Pocock singlehandedly carries a whole forward pack, if he was in a team that had a decent forward pack he'd be phenomenal!Don't forget Beauden Barrett has shockers in the black jersey but still wins IRB player of the year. 1 game doesn't define you
Springboks beat England 23-12 and clinch series
CJ Stander is excellent but Vunipola is lazy. Read is obviously up there when fit but has been off his best for a long time. Vermeulen is big powerful smart durable and Always has s positive impact on the game
"Waikato winger Sevu Reece was banned from Ranfurly Shield game against Otago",
â˜Discharged without convictionDo you understand what that means you muppet?!
All Blacks not planning on standing still for Bledisloe II
Yea hes so electric under the high ball. 2 words...... George Bridge
Lions coach Swys de Bruin won't use naysayers to motivate team for Super Rugby final
I think the lions are a great side!To all those â˜diehard crusaders fans out there writing off the lions, its actually insulting to how hard the crusaders have worked and how well they will need to play this Saturday to win that you just assume they will cruise to victory!
Marc Hinton: Verdict looks clear-cut in the great Mo'unga-Barrett No 10 debate
Why wait? Why not give a man his chance when hes earned it and playing the house down? Confidence is crucial
Mark Reason: Why the jury is still out on All Blacks playmaker Beauden Barrett
Man BB fans are precious. Not saying we dont want him in all blacks just dont think hes the best starting 10. The things hes really good at arent really that useful for a 10 and he lacks some basics required of a 10 like kicking and passing accurately. If Ben Smith wasnt so damn awesome it would be an easy fix
All Blacks overcome a bit of adversity to beat determined Argentina in Nelson
Have a look at the 54th minute. Argentina right wing steps TJ luckily Mounga was covering the inside.Youve obviously not played rugby before
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen won't drop Beauden Barrett for Richie Mo'unga
If supporting a team that wins titles helps your eye then thats a great idea
"Steve Hansen's decision to pick 51 players for All Blacks tour shows he has too much power",
Get up the Darfield ducks
Bledisloe II: Five talking points ahead of Saturday night's test at Eden Park
Brodawgs explain how an eye patch would have a crusaders fan wanting Sam cane to start?
Billy Slater found not guilty of shoulder charge, free to play in NRL grand final
Good outcome! Some people are just too precious and given none of us are top athletes its hard to say what wed do in any situation with very little reaction time. It was inconclusive either way so correct decision.Personally Id rather see the best players competing in the final anyway