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ILTW, the discussion centred more about giving him a year off from playing rugby whilst still being paid, which is a structure of contract issue. The ARU have already deemed he is worth whatever it is they have paid him (I don't know what the specifics are) and Pocock has agreed to that. Whether...

Conrad got an EOYT off back in 2013. McCaw was given the 2013 Super rugby season and France test series off.

They've had arguments and part of breaking the deadlock was allowing the very top players to have time overseas to receive significant payments for short stints (e.g. Carter, Nonu, Kaino) or having periods off without reduced pay (e.g. McCaw, Conrad Smith)

This might be an unpopular opinion because I've heard other Tahs forwards names bandied around, but from my armchair, Hooper has been the only Tahs forward that has turned up game in game out this year. By and large the others have only been average or below.

How much of the pie he gets is more an affordability issue rather than what he's worth. Agree with BH, that the offers from overseas clubs were probably substantial given his profile, ability and leadership experience. So the ARU management made a call on the structure of a contract that had...

I've been in OZ most of my life and this is my view. There's no lack in passion from its supporters, but even when it transitioned to the professional era, it was still viewed in media circles and the majority of sports fans I knew as an afterthought. Rugby has had some good times, but league...

Inside Shoulder, doesn't it just come down to what is Pocock worth? When and how he is paid isn't really an issue. Not a exact comparison, but akin to this type of scenario, I knew of at least theee of the large firms that during the GFC engaged highly talented graduates on a contract that...

I think there has been "integrity" issues on player pay dating back to the splurge days of Sailor, Medicare and Lote. It appeared the ARU broke the bank for these and others which whilst other players wouldn't begrudge the individuals 'gettin paid', there would've been an element of, 'I'm gonna...

Well said mate. The reffing group had a shocker. I personally think it didn't cost the result, because both teams played some poor footy. They missed some stuff that have resulted in cards - Treeby, Ofa Tu'ungafasi both incident S should've been reviewed and called out for cards. Nothing to...

A great win considering this.......... https://thaicastle.co/2017/05/19/crusaders-get-hammered-at-marika-vunibakas-50th-birthday-may-forfeit-tonights-match/

Not sure Kiap. But I guess a more critical question is whether the recommendations of the Mark Arbib review into governance commissioned a few years ago were actually implemented. Some of them required revisiting the constitution.

Harris is probably 3rd choice and has even been 2nd choice when fit. Coltman has been in the AB camp and I reckon if they got desperate an SOS to Hika (who will play for the Maori). On the props, Laulala and Goodes probably in that next rung after those front 5.

The days of "protecting" players within the catchment are over. Direct contracting is occurring, allowing for greater player movements.

I think what they like about Harris is that he likes to play a little wider similar to Coles. Codie Taylor isn't really that guy but has that physical edginess where he throws himself into the tackle and ruck with plenty of mustard. More akin to a seasoned Mealamu.

I thought Naholo made a poor decision in that contest. But we've seen it from him before. If he can eliminate that stuff he would be a much better player.

A real pleasant surprise this season has been the form of Havili. He looks quicker and makes good decisions. Confidence seems sky high. If Dagg's AB chances seem destined for the wing (where he played very well last year along side Bender), perhaps Dagg to the wing and keep Havili at full...

Argies in control against the Aussies.

Some pretty staunch defence from the Lions in that final 10. Brumbies were going backwards and had no strategy to unlock it, create space or put the Lions under real pressure.

Reaction of fans does make it easier to find ways to not like (hate is such a strong word......) an opposition team :)

Without Sam Whitelock, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Andy Ellis and Corey Flynn, the Canes are clear favourites....