Rugby 2018 Discussion

The Hurricanes defeated the Chiefs 32-31 to book their spot in the super rugby semi finals. They'll play the winner of the Crusaders vs Sharks match which kicks off at 8:30 am UK time Saturday July 21.

If the Crusaders win they'll host the Hurricanes in Christchurch. If the Sharks win, the Hurricanes will host the Sharks win Wellington.

 
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Xaviesta said:
The Hurricanes defeated the Chiefs 32-31 to book their spot in the super rugby semi finals. They'll play the winner of the Crusaders vs Sharks match which kicks off at 8:30 am UK time.

If the Crusaders win they'll host the Hurricanes in Christchurch. If the Sharks win, the Hurricanes will host the Sharks win Wellington.

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How different the 6N could have been if England did that to Finn Russell's spectacular looping pass.

What are folks saying about the knockon?
 
unchanged_lineup said:
How different the 6N could have been if England did that to Finn Russell's spectacular looping pass.

What are folks saying about the knockon?
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I wouldn't have given the try. I've read split opinions on the try given from a possible knock on.

Funny thing about the intercept try in the 1st minute, is there was nearly a carbon copy 2 minutes later, Julian Savea was too beat to score his 2nd intercept of the game, so he was run down about 10 meters from the line.

Naive from the Chiefs to thrown looping cutout passes on a typical windy Wellington evening.
 
Xaviesta said:
I wouldn't have given the try. I've read split opinions on the try given from a possible knock on.

Funny thing about the intercept try in the 1st minute, is there was nearly a carbon copy 2 minutes later, Julian Savea was too beat to score his 2nd intercept of the game, so he was run down about 10 meters from the line.

Naive from the Chiefs to thrown looping cutout passes on a typical windy Wellington evening.
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I only have what's in that video but looks kinda dodgy to me. Considering the winning margin, that's pretty tough.
 
Some horrific additional details to the story of Melbourne Rebels players Amanaki Mafi and Lopeti Timani and what went on in Dunedin last week.

 
The Crusaders had far too for the Sharks despite the Sharks having more ball, more territory, more time in the opposition 22 and fewer missed tackles.

The Crusaders will host the Wellington based Hurricanes in Christchurch for a spot in the super rugby final

 
An Aussie team will be involved the super rugby semi finals for the first time since 2015 after the New South Wales Waratahs came from 23-6 down at half time to beat the Dunedin based Highlanders 30-23.

All Blacks and Highlanders winger Waisake Naholo was correctly yellow carded for a high tackle. The yellow card was crucial as the Waratahs scored 21 unanswered points to book a semi final appearance.

 
Anybody else been watching the Rugby Sevens World Cup?

Edit: just finished...

1. New Zealand
2. England
3. South Africa
4. Fiji
5. Argentina
6. United States
 
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The super rugby final isn't until August 4 however that hasn't stopped SANZAAR guaranteeing Aussie involvement one way or another by announcing leading Aussie ref Angus Gardner as the referee for the final. If the Lions beat the Waratahs tomorrow, Gus's appointment won't be an issue. If the Tahs win, we'll have a Sydney born, Sydney based referee refereeing a Sydney based team in the final against a Kiwi team which is fodder for conspiracy theorists. It is important to point out that refereeing appointments in super rugby are purely based on merit, not nationality.

In other news, Richie McCaw and his wife are expecting their 1st child. Hopefully his child looks like its mother. If his child takes up a sport, hopefully its hockey, just like its mother. His child though is more than welcome to take up being a pilot just like its father because Aussies have seen enough somebody with last name McCaw dominating on the sporting field.
 
The 2018 super rugby final will be held in Christchurch after the Crusaders defeated the Hurricanes 30-12 in the 1st super rugby semi final. The men in red and black have been the best team all season, they've set the standard and they'll start odds on favourites to beat the Lions or the Waratahs in next week's final.

 
Xaviesta said:
The 2018 super rugby final will be held in Christchurch after the Crusaders defeated the Hurricanes 30-12 in the 1st super rugby semi final. The men in red and black have been the best team all season, they've set the standard and they'll start odds on favourites to beat the Lions or the Waratahs in next week's final.

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That big skip pass on the try line to score was gorgeous. Impressive stuff.
 
That's one thing the Crusaders get away with. They also don't mind packing down with 4 props on occasion.

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This led to them receiving a penalty try against the Waratahs in May. They did the same thing vs the Sharks in the quarter final. On both occasions, Kiwi refs rewarded them for illegal dominance. Hopefully if they pull that trick out in the final, Gus Gardner is onto them.
 
The Crusaders are super rugby champions for he 9th time. They've won back to back titles for the 3rd time in their history while the Lions have now lost 3 consecutive finals.

Crusaders flyhalf Richie Mo'unga has given Steve Hansen food for thought ahead of the rugby championship while Rassie Erasmus will be hoping Handre Pollard is fit and firing come rugby championship as Elton Janjties (Elton Pogba as he's known in my household) had another disappointing game on the big stage.

For four years in a row, a Kiwi team has won the super rugby title. A team from outside New Zealand winning the comp next year would give super rugby a much needed shot in the arm.




The now traditional break dancing celebration from the outstanding Crusaders coach Scott Robertson.

 
Michael Hooper has re-signed with Aussie rugby for a further 5 years which means we better get used to another 5 years of the Wallabies playing with 8 backs and 7 forwards.

John Mitchell looks like becoming England's defence coach. It'll 15th job across 6 countries in 22 years. He was head coach of the Bulls who had the 2nd worst defence in super rugby this season.

Steve Hansen said on Monday that the Wallabies are favourites heading into the Bledisloe Cup series which kicks off on August 18. I'd love to know what Hansen has been drinking over the last week or so and i hope Cheika doesn't get sucked into believing Hansen's dribble.
 
Sean Edwards moving back to League with Wigan in 19/20 season. The Welsh RFU must be bricking it. Generally, I would say never go back, leave your legacy as it is because he may not succeed as a coach and then be devalued from one of the best players of the game ever.
 
Stephen Larkham has been inducted into World Rugby's hall of fame. Well deserved too i'd say even if there's some bias attached to that. Now i hope he can get the Wallabies to attack with the verve and panache he played with back in the day.
 
Xaviesta said:
Michael Hooper has re-signed with Aussie rugby for a further 5 years which means we better get used to another 5 years of the Wallabies playing with 8 backs and 7 forwards.

John Mitchell looks like becoming England's defence coach. It'll 15th job across 6 countries in 22 years. He was head coach of the Bulls who had the 2nd worst defence in super rugby this season.

Steve Hansen said on Monday that the Wallabies are favourites heading into the Bledisloe Cup series which kicks off on August 18. I'd love to know what Hansen has been drinking over the last week or so and i hope Cheika doesn't get sucked into believing Hansen's dribble.
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Hansen said this? :lol:
 
Wallabies team to face NZ 15-1: Israel Folau, Dane Haylett-Petty, Reece Hodge, Kurtley Beale, Marika Koroibete, Bernard Foley, Will Genia, David Pocock, Michael Hooper (C), Lukhan Tui, Adam Coleman, Izack Rodda, Sekope Kepu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Tom Robertson.

Reserves: 16-23 Tolu Latu, Allan Alaalatoa, Taniela Tupou, Rob Simmons, Pete Samu, Nick Phipps, Matt Toomua, Jack Maddocks.

No powderpuff Hanigan which is good news.

All Blacks team to face AUS 15 to 1: Ben Smith, Waisake Naholo, Jack Goodhue, Ryan Crotty, Rieko Ioane, Beauden Barrett, Aaron Smith, Kieran Read (C), Sam Cane, Liam Squire, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Owen Franks, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody.

Reserves 16-23: Nathan Harris, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Ofa Tuungafasi, Scott Barrett, Ardie Savea, TJ Perenara, Damian McKenzie, Anton Lienert-Brown.

Sam Whitelock will bring up his 100th test match this weekend. Congratulations to him.
 
Xaviesta said:
Wallabies team to face NZ 15-1: Israel Folau, Dane Haylett-Petty, Reece Hodge, Kurtley Beale, Marika Koroibete, Bernard Foley, Will Genia, David Pocock, Michael Hooper (C), Lukhan Tui, Adam Coleman, Izack Rodda, Sekope Kepu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Tom Robertson.

Reserves: 16-23 Tolu Latu, Allan Alaalatoa, Taniela Tupou, Rob Simmons, Pete Samu, Nick Phipps, Matt Toomua, Jack Maddocks.

No powderpuff Hanigan which is good news.

All Blacks team to face AUS 15 to 1: Ben Smith, Waisake Naholo, Jack Goodhue, Ryan Crotty, Rieko Ioane, Beauden Barrett, Aaron Smith, Kieran Read (C), Sam Cane, Liam Squire, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Owen Franks, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody.

Reserves 16-23: Nathan Harris, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Ofa Tuungafasi, Scott Barrett, Ardie Savea, TJ Perenara, Damian McKenzie, Anton Lienert-Brown.

Sam Whitelock will bring up his 100th test match this weekend. Congratulations to him.
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Mo'Unga injured or rested?
 
Ish said:
Mo'Unga injured or rested?
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Not injured and he's being not rested. Hansen seems to have Beauden Barrett as 1st choice, Damien McKenzie 2nd choice then Richie Mo'Unga. Richie Mo'Unga should ahead of Damian McKenzie on the pecking order.

Strange to have the best performing super rugby flyhalf below a player who's a better fullback than flyhalf.
 
Xaviesta said:
Not injured and he's being not rested. Hansen seems to have Beauden Barrett as 1st choice, Damien McKenzie 2nd choice then Richie Mo'Unga. Richie Mo'Unga should ahead of Damian McKenzie on the pecking order.

Strange to have the best performing super rugby flyhalf below a player who's a better fullback than flyhalf.
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Indeed my line of thought. After the season he's just had, Mo'Unga should be pushing Beauden hard for that #1 jersey, let alone be behind McKenzie. But then again there is a hint of loyalty in sport, especially if your team is as successful as these AB's are. Their depth in talent alone. SMH.
 
South Africa have named their team to play Argentina on Saturday in Durban.

15. Willie le Roux 14. Makazole Mapimpi 13. Lukhanyo Am 12. André Esterhuizen 11. Aphiwe Dyantyi 10. Handré Pollard 9. Faf de Klerk 8. Warren Whiteley 7.Siya Kolisi (captain) 6. Francois Louw 5. Pieter-Steph du Toit 4. Eben Etzebeth 3. Frans Malherbe 2. Malcolm Marx 1. Tendai Mtawarira

Replacements:
16. Bongi Mbonambi 17. Steven Kitshoff 18. Thomas du Toit 19. Marvin Orie 20. Marco van Staden 21. Embrose Papier 22. Lionel Mapoe 23. Damian Willemse
 
Xaviesta said:
Not injured and he's being not rested. Hansen seems to have Beauden Barrett as 1st choice, Damien McKenzie 2nd choice then Richie Mo'Unga. Richie Mo'Unga should ahead of Damian McKenzie on the pecking order.

Strange to have the best performing super rugby flyhalf below a player who's a better fullback than flyhalf.
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It's actually not strange at all, Mckenzie has been pretty good at fly half this season and having him as a subs means that you fill two positions with one player. It's particularly obvious when you look at the bench, if you lose a winger you can simply put Smith on the wing and have a very good fullback, if you loose Smith you have a very good fullback too and if you loose your fly half you have a good sub.
I wouldn't be surprised if for Hansen, the backs substitutes are Mckenzie/Lienert-Brown or J. Barrett/Mo'Unga.
 
So, the big day in Aussie rugby will arrive this weekend - the opening Bledisloe Cup test against New Zealand. Is this the year the Bledisloe Cup comes back to Australia?

That's the question ahead of the opening Bledisloe test each year and that question has been answered in the negative every year since NZ regained Bledisloe supremacy in 2003.

A new year brings new hope the Wallabies can beat the All Blacks twice in the same year for the 1st since 2001. No Aussie captain has held the Bledisloe cup since 2002 when the Wallabies retained the cup on the back of a 1-1 drawn series.

The time for the Wallabies to turn new hope into something tangible comes 7:45 pm (10:45 am UK, 11:45 am RSA and France) tomorrow.

It's going to be tough, it's going to take something special. If the Wallabies fall into the trap of believing the All Blacks are unbeatable and mighty, forget it, the Bledisloe Cup is staying in New Zealand for another year.

Heart says Wallabies by 7. Head says New Zealand by 14. I generally go with my head, not heart and i really hope I'm wrong.
 
Xaviesta said:
So, the big day in Aussie rugby will arrive this weekend - the opening Bledisloe Cup test against New Zealand. Is this the year the Bledisloe Cup comes back to Australia?

That's the question ahead of the opening Bledisloe test each year and that question has been answered in the negative every year since NZ regained Bledisloe supremacy in 2003.

A new year brings new hope the Wallabies can beat the All Blacks twice in the same year for the 1st since 2001. No Aussie captain has held the Bledisloe cup since 2002 when the Wallabies retained the cup on the back of a 1-1 drawn series.

The time for the Wallabies to turn new hope into something tangible comes 7:45 pm (10:45 am UK, 11:45 am RSA and France) tomorrow.

It's going to be tough, it's going to take something special. If the Wallabies fall into the trap of believing the All Blacks are unbeatable and mighty, forget it, the Bledisloe Cup is staying in New Zealand for another year.

Heart says Wallabies by 7. Head says New Zealand by 14. I generally go with my head, not heart and i really hope I'm wrong.
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Come on you All Blacks! :D:p

But on a serious note, good luck to you guys.
 
Ish said:
Come on you All Blacks! :D:p

But on a serious note, good luck to you guys.
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Am i right in saying you're South African? It'd better for the Boks if the Wallabies tomorrow considering the All Blacks will beat AUS in Auckland.
 
Xaviesta said:
Am i right in saying you're South African? It'd better for the Boks if the Wallabies tomorrow considering the All Blacks will beat AUS in Auckland.
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I am, Xavi and spot on, indeed. I can't look past an AB victory for the Championship though. Hell, I think best we can hope for is for a defeat either in SA or Aus. I think Argentina might even have a better chance as things currently stand for our 2 nations ;)
 
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