I like Laban, he genuinely loves the game, and as you say he has watched all these kids play at school, and I have also played againt him!!! So ;ots of plusses!Ken Laban commentating Wellys v Mooloos. Prepare to learn where each & every Welly went to school, who with, who his favorite teacher was... bloke makes TJ look fair & impartial.
And finished of too, makes Manawatu only one without win doesn't it?Stags six minutes away from breaking their drought...
Struggle big time with a few out WOB, especially on forwards, very much play a spoiling type game.^ if only 'naki had played like this earlier in the comp...
I wonder WOB whether Manawatu should look at combining with Whanganui, they tried the HB thing way back, didn't take off, but I think I could see Whanganui being a good fit. Basically go down from Naki, and across to the ranges!!WRT Southland I think Otago need to look at loaning them some players (& Southland need to swallow their pride & accept those offered), it's just not in anyone's interest for them to be so poor. Also need to look into what "origin" players might be available, something else they've been reluctant to do in recent seasons.
WRT Manawatu I think they need to seriously consider merging with Hawke's Bay: them being beyond poor isn't doing anyone any favours, either (no way should Southland merge with Otago or go down to Heartland, that would have too much effect on Clan's ability to be competitive in (SRP (Super Rugby Pacific) super rugby pacific)).
Yep, think Manawatu's problem could be HB don't need them as they pretty good by themselves, and Whanganui I think could find an advantage of not losing the Perofetas, Tikoislomone etc who bail out to get higher level rugby. But as you sau they maybe happy with the big fish idea, it certainly worked for Marlborough and Nelson Bays though.^ I think Whanganui are comfortable being a big fish in a smallish pond, not sure they'd be interested in deeper waters or that they'd add that much to what Turbos already have. Central Vikings v2.0 a much better option IMO (but without the Board-level "we're in charge!" "no, WE'RE in charge!" BS obviously).