Super Rugby 2020

[Ignoto]

The other big change is that Australia and NZ games have moved half an hour earlier with kick off at 7:05pm NZ time and Australian games at 7:15pm.

Just noticed this change to the time. Wonder if the wife will mind me moving the TV into the dining room to watch the game over dinner! Anyway, I prefer the proposed change to 7:15pm, makes it a lot easier to grab a drink before the game, a couple after and be home before 10pm.

Just need the Queensland Government to make some AC stadiums so we can play Rugby/Football in summer.

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

NZ squads to be confirmed on Tuesday. Tribe's big signing will be Aaron Cruden:

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby...hiefs-big-signing-for-2020-super-rugby-season

Still only 30 but seems to have been around for a very long time.

 

[Dan54]

NZ squads to be confirmed on Tuesday. Tribe's big signing will be Aaron Cruden:

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby...hiefs-big-signing-for-2020-super-rugby-season

Still only 30 but seems to have been around for a very long time.

Be a bloody good signing WOB, DMac,Cruden and Tiann Falcon will give plenty of options in the double playmaker role, and still jack Deb to fill in as needed, geez the Tribe may take run out a decent team next year, especially if Luke Jacobson gets over concussion problems.

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

Was already hearing "next year's our year" before confirmation of Cruden's signing!


Also hearing that he may yet still be released from his Japan contract depending on the form & fitness of Carter etc. No doubt if that happens Gatland will lock him in for another 2-3 years.

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

NZ squads being named tonight live on Sky TV's "The Breakdown" show from 8:30 our time.

One name missing from 'canes will be Toby Smith who's had to retire due to ongoing head injury-related issues. Hopefully his symptoms got caught in time & can be managed or mitigated.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby...rced-into-retirement-due-to-concussion-issues

EDIT: story says he's currently symptom-free which is encouraging.

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

BLUES 2020:

Hookers:

Kurt Eklund (*), Ray Niuia (1), James Parsons (105).

Props:

Alex Hodgman (33), Ezekiel Lindenmuth (2), Sione Mafileo (41), Marcel Renata (8), Karl Tu'inukuafe (26), Ofa Tuungafasi (79).

Locks:

Gerard Cowley-Tuioti (43), Josh Goodhue (18), Jacob Pierce (2), Patrick Tuipulotu (67), Baden Wardlaw (*).

Loose forwards:

Blake Gibson (40), Akira Ioane (64), Tony Lamborn (4), Dalton Papalii (21), Waimana Riedlinger-Kapa (*), Tom Robinson (15), Hoskins Sotutu (1), James Tucker (*).

Halfbacks:

Finlay Christie (15), Sam Nock (22), Jonathan Ruru (27).

First five-eighths:

Beauden Barrett (125), Otere Black (36), Jack Heighton (*), Stephen Perofeta (15), Harry Plummer (16).

Midfielders:

TJ Faiane (30), Rieko Ioane (48), Joe Marchant (*), Tanielu Tele'a (9).

Outside backs:

Caleb Clarke (13), Matt Duffie (41), Jordan Hyland (7), Emoni Narawa (*), Jared Page (*), Mark Telea (*).

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

CHIEFS 2020:

Hookers:

Nathan Harris (58), Bradley Slater (2), Samisoni Taukei'aho (22).

Props:

Ryan Coxon (4), Nepo Laulala (64), Atu Moli (36), Reuben O'Neill (*), Aidan Ross (24), Angus Ta'avao (79).

Locks:

Naitoa Ah Kuoi (*), Tyler Ardron (26), Michael Allardice (40), Laghlan McWhannell (*).

Loose forwards:

Lachlan Boshier (42), Mitchell Brown (31), Sam Cane (111), Pita Gus Sowakula (15), Luke Jacobson (21), Mitchell Karpik (19), Dylan Nel (*).

Halfbacks:

Lisati Milo-Harris (*), Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (42), Brad Weber (71).

First five-eighths:

Aaron Cruden (114), Tiaan Falcon (3), Damian McKenzie (72), Kaleb Trask (*).

Midfielders:

Orbyn Leger (9), Anton Lienert-Brown (68), Tumua Manu (20), Alex Nankivell (21), Bailyn Sullivan (5).

Outside backs:

Solomon Alaimalo (37), Sam McNicol (12), Kini Naholo (*), Etene Nanai-Seturo (11), Shaun Stevenson (33), Quinn Tupaea (*), Sean Wainui (35).

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

HURRICANES 2020:

Hookers:

Asafo Aumua (15), Dane Coles (110), Ricky Riccitelli (56).

Props:

Fraser Armstrong (22), Alex Fidow (4), Tyrel Lomax (30), Ben May (124), Xavier Numia (9), Pouri Rakete-Stones (*).

Locks:

James Blackwell (23), Devan Flanders (*), Kane Leaupepe (10), Liam Mitchell (12), Scott Scrafton (22), Isaia Walker-Leawere (18).

Loose forwards:

Gareth Evans (67), Vaea Fifita (57), Du'Plessis Kirifi (15), Reed Prinsep (44), Ardie Savea (91), Murphy Taramai (*).

Halfbacks:

Jamie Booth (11), TJ Perenara (127), Jonathan Taumateine (10).

First five-eighths:

Jackson Garden-Bachop (20), James Marshall (53), Fletcher Smith (22).

Midfielders:

Vince Aso (44), Jordie Barrett (48), Ngani Laumape (60), Jonah Lowe (3), Billy Proctor (1), Danny Toala (2), Peter Umaga-Jensen (5), Kobus Van Wyk (*).

Outside backs:

Wes Goosen (37), Ben Lam (38), Salesi Rayasi (5), Chase Tiatia (11).

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

CRUSADERS 2020:

Hookers:

Andrew Makalio (33), Brodie McAlister (*), Codie Taylor (77).

Props:

Michael Ala'alatoa (69), Harry Allan (12), George Bower (10), Oliver Jager (15), Joe Moody (82), Isileli Tuungafasi (4).

Locks:

Scott Barrett (68), Mitchell Dunshea (9), Luke Romano (123), Quinten Strange (25).

Loose forwards:

Ethan Blackadder (7), Tom Christie (*), Whetukamokamo Douglas (22), Cullen Grace (*), Billy Harmon (8), Sione Havili (*), Ethan Roots (*), Tom Sanders (28).

Halfbacks:

Mitchell Drummond (79), Ereatara Enari (5), Bryn Hall (84).

First five-eighths:

Fergus Burke (*), Brett Cameron (6), Richie Mo'unga (57).

Midfielders:

Braydon Ennor (25), Jack Goodhue (44), Dallas McLeod (*).

Outside backs:

George Bridge (49), Leicester Faingaanuku (1), David Havili (75), Inga Finau (*), Will Jordan (9), Manasa Mataele (23), Fetuli Paea (*), Sevu Reece (14).

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

HIGHLANDERS 2020:

Hookers:

Liam Coltman (101), Ash Dixon (87), Ricky Jackson (1).

Props:

Ethan De Groot (*), Josh Iosefa-Scott (1), Ayden Johnstone (15), Daniel Lienert-Brown (74), Jeff Thwaites (11), Siate Tokolahi (67).

Locks:

Josh Dickson (17), Pari Pari Parkinson (7), Manaaki Selby-Rickit (*), Jack Whetton (9).

Loose forwards:

Teariki Ben-Nicholas (*), Shannon Frizell (27), Dillon Hunt (31), Zane Kapeli (*), James Lentjes (35), Marino Mikaele-tu'u (7), Sione Misiloi (*), Jesse Parete (24).

Halfbacks:

Folau Fakatava (3), Kayne Hammington (42), Aaron Smith (137).

First five-eighths:

Bryn Gatland (20), Mitchell Hunt (43), Joshua Ioane (22).

Midfielders:

Michael Collins (29), Ngane Punivai (2), Rob Thompson (50), Patelesio Tomkinson (21), Teihorangi Walden (34).

Outside backs:

Connor Garden-Bachop (*), Scott Gregory (*), Karisi Kuridrani (*), Josh McKay (6), Tevita Nabura (3), Jona Nareki (*), Thomas Umaga-Jensen (7).

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

Newbies:

Crusaders 9/ 38
Highlanders 9/ 39
Blues 9/ 40
Chiefs 8/ 39
Hurricanes 4/ 39
Total 39/ 195 (20%)

 

[Brumby Runner]

That seems like a large amount of churn; perhaps to be expected post-RWC, WOB. How does it compare with a notional ordinary year (if there is one)?

What are your tips for finishing order across the NZ sides?

 

[Blake]

That seems like a large amount of churn; perhaps to be expected post-RWC, WOB. How does it compare with a notional ordinary year (if there is one)?

What are your tips for finishing order across the NZ sides?

Crusaders
*daylight*
Chiefs
*daylight*
Blues
Hurricanes
Highlanders

Really think this has the potential to be the Crusaders easiest premiership for a while. Only slight concern is the loose forwards and depth outside of the starting 23 IE if their are injuries.

Main factor for my confidence is the regression of the other top teams (IE hurricanes)

 

[Dismal Pillock]

Really think this has the potential to be the Crusaders easiest premiership for a while.

Some fapworthy hubris here, just waiting to be enshrined in my signature space 6 months from now

 

[Blake]

Some fapworthy hubris here, just waiting to be enshrined in my signature space 6 months from now

 

[Brumby Runner]

Crusaders
*daylight*
Chiefs
*daylight*
Blues
Hurricanes
Highlanders

Really think this has the potential to be the Crusaders easiest premiership for a while. Only slight concern is the loose forwards and depth outside of the starting 23 IE if their are injuries.

Main factor for my confidence is the regression of the other top teams (IE hurricanes)

The Hurricanes have the fewest number of changes to the roster next year. Interesting to see you think they will have regressed. The loss of BB will undoubtedly be felt though.

My take on all of the squads is that there is a distinct weakness in every front row. The various second rows don't look to be particularly intimidating either without the likes of Retallick and Whitelock.

Would you expect Cruden to start at 10 for the Chiefs and DMac at 15? No-one wanted Jack Debreczini this year?

 

[Dan54]

The Hurricanes have the fewest number of changes to the roster next year. Interesting to see you think they will have regressed. The loss of BB will undoubtedly be felt though.

My take on all of the squads is that there is a distinct weakness in every front row. The various second rows don't look to be particularly intimidating either without the likes of Retallick and Whitelock.

Would you expect Cruden to start at 10 for the Chiefs and DMac at 15? No-one wanted Jack Debreczini this year?

Geez you a hard man BR if you think the Chiefs are a weak front row!! Nep Laulala , Angus Taavoa and Moli are as good set of props in super rugby I think, I quite like the Canes with Lomax there too, couple of good young uns! I not sure how strong the second rows will be until I see the partnerships, but Chiefs didn't really have Lurch last year, so really just the Csaders down Whitelock. Personally I think the Chiefs are looking good, afraid my Canes maybe short a classy 10, (I surprised noone picked up that McCutchie from Hawkes Bay). Apparently we NZ super teams lost 50 players or some such thing watching the naming of teams on Breakdown. That was a good interesting show!

 

[Dan54]

Crusaders
*daylight*
Chiefs
*daylight*
Blues
Hurricanes
Highlanders

Really think this has the potential to be the Crusaders easiest premiership for a while. Only slight concern is the loose forwards and depth outside of the starting 23 IE if their are injuries.

Main factor for my confidence is the regression of the other top teams (IE hurricanes)

Geez and you think the Chiefs have regressed big time? I like the look of them, seem to have a good pack, and a pretty handy backline, think with Cruden/DMac running the cutter a good midfield, and back 3 are pretty good whether DMac there or not, I have said before I think Tiann Falcon pretty handy at 10 or 15 too.
Crusaders should be ok too, can see Havili moving to midfield and Jordan at 15 could be ok backline.
Canes as I said in last post worry me at 10, but maybe TJ and Laumape will help out whoever runs cutter.
Clan really worry me they have lost a shitload and will take a lot of shrewd coaching to fill holes!

 

[Blake]

Hurricanes have done terrible the last couple of years when BB hasn’t played, Not sure what the win percentage would be but under 25%, maybe even 0%. Plus a couple of times off the bench to turn a deficit into a win.

Pack was average last year, it’s not any better now. Can’t see them doing well with an average pack and a well below average fly half.

Chiefs look good. Brodie is a big loss for 2020.

 

[Blake]

The Hurricanes have the fewest number of changes to the roster next year. Interesting to see you think they will have regressed. The loss of BB will undoubtedly be felt though.

My take on all of the squads is that there is a distinct weakness in every front row. The various second rows don't look to be particularly intimidating either without the likes of Retallick and Whitelock.

Would you expect Cruden to start at 10 for the Chiefs and DMac at 15? No-one wanted Jack Debreczini this year?

Yeah Nz front rows were also weak in 2019, look worse in 2020.
Moody and Taylor are good starts for the crusaders.

Interesting to see what happens with Cruden, if he can fight his way into the starting lineup. Was a great player and still young, but he’s back because he had a shocker of a year and Europe didn’t work out.