Woodcock chooses to be a Highlander in 2013.

[Scorz]

Actual. Bet some Blues fans are scratching their heads - Kirwan, Henry combo not enough to "reinvigorate" you Tony?
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/7642698/Tony-Woodcock-to-join-Highlanders

All Blacks prop Tony Woodcock will play his Super Rugby with the Highlanders next year, ending his long association with the Blues.
The Blues confirmed the move with coach John Kirwan expressing his disappointment at losing such an experienced player.
The specialist loosehead has played 113 games for the Blues since his debut in 2002.
"We've been in discussions with Tony about his plans and while he wanted to continue playing rugby and living in New Zealand, he was searching for something new to refresh and invigorate him and his rugby," Kirwan said.
"Of course I'd like to have him stay with us, but after 113 games for the Blues and a decade of commitment, sometimes a change is as good as a rest and I understand and support him in this tough decision."
It's a huge coup for the Highlanders who already have former All Blacks prop Jamie Mackintosh in their mix.
"It's a big call and not an easy one to make. It's tough to leave the Blues and my team-mates but I've made this decision because I think this is best for me and my family at this time," said Woodcock.
"I want to thank the Blues for their support both now and during my 10 years with the franchise."
- © Fairfax NZ News

 

[qwerty51]

Good acquisition for them, I hear they might also get Ben Franks? Excellent front row if they can. However they desperately need a 7.

 

[Hairy Test Eagle]

Are there any openside flankers off contract? There's something not right with the Blues culture. To have all the added firepower from Nonu and Weepu on top of an already established team and not be in the top 6 is appalling. Now a veteran of the club leaving.

 

[tigerland12]

So Woodcock and maybe Ben Franks, are the Highlanders trying to tell Mackintosh his time is done?

If they want a seven go for Sam Cane, because the Cheifs seem to pick him only as a bench warmer for some strange reason.

 

[ACR]

Good acquisition for them, I hear they might also get Ben Franks? Excellent front row if they can. However they desperately need a 7.

We don't really need one, we just had about three open side flankers out injured or suspended last year (Hardie, Crosswell, Haskell, Boys all out at the same time). A shame we lost Nick Crosswell though.

Imagine if we picked up Ben Franks as well, an All Black front row right there (old but still). Stick Mackintosh on the bench and keep him there.

1. Tony Woocock
2. Andrew Hore
3. Ben Franks
4. Tall prick who can't catch or pass (Jared Hoeata)
5. Tall prick who can't catch or pass (Josh Bekhuis)
6. Adam Thomson
7. Tim Hardie
8. Nasi Manu
9. Aaron Smith
10. Colin Slade (fit)
11. Hosea Gear
12. Shaun Treeby
13. Tamati Ellison
14. Buxton Popoalii
15. Ben Smith

That is a strong ass 15, problem is we always have injury plagues.

 

[Scorz]

There's something not right with the Blues culture. To have all the added firepower from Nonu and Weepu on top of an already established team and not be in the top 6 is appalling. Now a veteran of the club leaving.

Andy Dalton and friends at board level, if you believe the jungle drums.


Regarding Sammy C, the guy who keeps him on the bench is Tanerau Latimer, one time AB, tackling machine and Super experienced.
Cane's young, and the Chiefs had a lot of young guys come into the front line this Title winning glorious brilliant season. He eneded up being the only bloke who was able to be eased in to things, as was the plan for Tameifuna, Tikoirotuma, Smith, Nemani etc who all got way more involved after injuries.

 

[Hugh Jarse]

Andy Dalton and friends at board level, if you believe the jungle drums.


...snip....

So the JAFA Blues are like the NSW Blues then. Well the Tahs play in blue - stay with me here.

All full of board level politics and intrigue which spills over on to the field. Shame, but according to my kiwi mates (non JAFA's), they rather uncharitably believe that the JAFAs deserve every misery visited upon them. Others (mostly JAFA's) reckon when Auckland rugby is strong, so is the NZRT.

From a Shackle Dragger perspective all I can say in relation to the latter statement is that if it is true, then it is lucky that Auckland Rugby isn't strong at the moment, because it would be cricket scores if it was.

 

[Penguin]

We don't really need one, we just had about three open side flankers out injured or suspended last year (Hardie, Crosswell, Haskell, Boys all out at the same time). A shame we lost Nick Crosswell though.

Imagine if we picked up Ben Franks as well, an All Black front row right there (old but still). Stick Mackintosh on the bench and keep him there.

1. Tony Woocock
2. Andrew Hore
3. Ben Franks
4. Tall prick who can't catch or pass (Jared Hoeata)
5. Tall prick who can't catch or pass (Josh Bekhuis)
6. Adam Thomson
7. Tim Hardie
8. Nasi Manu
9. Aaron Smith
10. Colin Slade (fit)
11. Hosea Gear
12. Shaun Treeby
13. Tamati Ellison
14. Buxton Popoalii
15. Ben Smith

That is a strong ass 15, problem is we always have injury plagues.

Is Kade Poki still a Highlander?

 

[ACR]

Is Kade Poki still a Highlander?

Yes as far as I know. Hasn't quite lived up to his potential yet, still a good option to start on the wing or the bench. Siale Piutau is another.

 

[tigerland12]

Highlanders have copius amounts of depth out wide. But I agree Poki hasn't lived up to his potential, I thought he could of been close to an All Black if he displayed it.

 

[AngrySeahorse]

Poki has been hampered by a chronic knee injury hasnt he? When uninjured he has been brilliant.

 

[si_rangi]

I am kind of hoping Franks ends up at the Hurricanes, we would welcome him with open arms

 

[TOCC]

Can't think of a team who wouldn't welcome him with open arms

 

[AlexH]

Good acquisition for them, I hear they might also get Ben Franks? Excellent front row if they can. However they desperately need a 7.

Hardie was prolific before he was injured.

 

[Scorz]

Can't think of a team who wouldn't welcome him with open arms

Ben Franks? No thanks. His brother is useful, he's not.

 

[TOCC]

Ben Franks? No thanks. His brother is useful, he's not.

guess thats why he keeps getting picked in the All Blacks

 

[Scorz]

He is used to cover both sides (they balance mediocrity in versatility) and a Cantab. His arrival usually coincides with our scrum diminishing. He's never smashed an opposition scrum, and with new laws on 8 bench boys, he's an endangered species. Hence his move away from Owen to play tighthead.
Which is why he won't go to the Blues. Faumuina is there.

 

[TOCC]

He may not be the best... He is quite obviously not useless though

 

[No4918]

Reds have a spot open and could do with a hard nut. Anae is progressing but Daley appears to have stalled in his development this season. Most people are looking to a backrower for the last spot but prop is an area of concern.

 

[Blue]

So now the Clan front row will scrum with an extra leg.