NZ Domestic Rugby Competitions 2016

[ACR]

Can anyone tell me what gives with the white tape behind the right ear of the Otago players ? Have they all had a tat !

They've got some gadget from the University of Otago to measure impact/collision forces.

 

[zer0]

Can anyone tell me what gives with the white tape behind the right ear of the Otago players ? Have they all had a tat !

They're accelerometers being used in a concussion study.

 

[ACR]

Ffs, both teams deserve to lose for this kicking.

All the time in the world, he steps 1 metre past the 22 just to kick it out on the full.

 

[swingpass]

Thankyou

 

[galumay]

Just finished watching the final, Otago really threw that one away, how many penalties did they miss?? Some awful decision making too. Cant take it away from NH though, they tackled their hearts out and were the more composed when it mattered.

 

[2bluesfan]

Galumay's summary is spot on. Otago will regret some poor kicking and woeful decision-making but full credit to North Harbour who found some good form over the past few weeks.

 

[Dan54]

Gez I enjoyed that game, some of the kicking wasn't flash, but it just reminded me that games can be won by just tearing into it and knocking over anything that moves. I like most that watch Mitre 10 cup continue to be very impressed with Little and like ACR ( and Nisbo on commentary) believe he has the makings of a pretty competent Super player.

 

[terry j]

I too enjoyed it immensely

quick question tho, the young Gatland fella, any relation?

I kinda decided it was possible, looks like a similar 'square face' but maybe I talked myself into the idea.

 

[Hugh Jarse]

He is Son of CementHead.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/...lying-visit-to-see-son-star-for-north-harbour

 

[Dan54]

Yep he is son of, he actually almost always lived in NZ, he stayed at boarding school whilst Dad went to Wales to coach. He doesn't look too bad for a youngster either.

 

[2bluesfan]

He doesn't look too bad for a youngster either.

Yeah, he's a handy 10. But there's a long list of handy or better 10s in NZ so I wonder if his old man will be asking around up in his part of the world.

 

[Dan54]

Yeah, he's a handy 10. But there's a long list of handy or better 10s in NZ so I wonder if his old man will be asking around up in his part of the world.

I wonder that myself 2blues. You couldn't blame him if he did, though I suspect Gats may want the boy to see if he can make it to super rugby.

 

[BaysideBird]

A bit off topic, but does anyone think Wanganui would be able to compete in M10 Cup if given the opportunity? Considering they've made 9 out of 11 Meads Cup Finals, winning 4 of them with another to be played, they are the reason I think either single 1 up promotion or promotion relegation should be reintroduced. I'm not sure any Heartland team would be any good at first, but at least to give them a shot to see how they would compete.

 

[2bluesfan]

I wonder that myself 2blues. You couldn't blame him if he did, though I suspect Gats may want the boy to see if he can make it to super rugby.

Oh I'd be surprised if he didn't give Super Rugby a red hot go for a couple of years before looking up north.

 

[Dan54]

A bit off topic, but does anyone think Wanganui would be able to compete in M10 Cup if given the opportunity? Considering they've made 9 out of 11 Meads Cup Finals, winning 4 of them with another to be played, they are the reason I think either single 1 up promotion or promotion relegation should be reintroduced. I'm not sure any Heartland team would be any good at first, but at least to give them a shot to see how they would compete.

Nope Paty, the gap is too big I reckon. 9 out of 11 is great, but I really believe the would get beaten real badly every week in M10.

 

[Pfitzy]

Be like the gap from Subbies to Premier I reckon - sure you've got some good players, but all the best ones have found their way to the top already.

Might pull off the odd upset (like Penrith) but you're going to get used to the spoon.

 

[BaysideBird]

Nope Paty, the gap is too big I reckon. 9 out of 11 is great, but I really believe the would get beaten real badly every week in M10.

But then again so did Counties, Manuwatu, Tasman and Hawkes Bay in 2006. Maybe if some of the Heartland teams merged it would be possible, which I know that NZRU were pushing for years. I know both NPEC and Poverty Bay have looked into it, as well as Mid-Canterbury, South Canterbury and North Otago.

 

[galumay]

A brave effort by the Mighty Makos, they just didnt give up, but the class of the Canterburians was just too much. The defence was incredible and the pressure produced uncharacteristic errors from the Makos.

Richie Mo'unga was the most obvious difference between the teams and MOTM for mine.

Congratulations to Canterbury, worthy champions.

Commisserations to Tasman, worthy finalists, just short on the day.

 

[2bluesfan]

Canterbury far too good, Tasman off their game. You have to be at the very top of your game to beat Canterbury.

 

[galumay]

Canterbury far too good, Tasman off their game. You have to be at the very top of your game to beat Canterbury.

You are spot on 2bf, but is it simply cause and effect? Hard to be at the top of your game in the face of such a complete team.

No doubt WoB is a happy old boy and enjoying a few speights in celebration!!