Super Rugby 2026
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@Nepia said in Super Rugby 2026:
I can't remember which one but I think it had a spectacular end but was average throughout.
For any union guys who haven't partaked for a while; league has really picked up over the last few seasons;
Even some of my leaguie acquaintances say that.
League is constantly tinker with the rules.
Their ball in-play is up to 56 minutes per game (union is still in the 30's).
Noticed last season the refs were working on getting the play the ball done in less than two seconds.
And the average is now under two seconds.
The players are definitely in energy conservation mode at the start of games, you really notice that when you are actually at a game, not so much on TV.
And getting the spectacular game ending almost looks like it's considered part of the object of any rule changes.
Almost like an NBA (and NFL) game; where the game doesn't really start until half-way thru the 4th quarter.I compare NRL with all union, not just SR/NPC.
SR/NPC is the only brand of union I watch at present.
But SR/NPC is a bit different to the rest of the union game; possibly to the detriment of the NZ national team.
LOL during one of the Aus/NZ tests this year when the ref had to remind the players that they were now playing "international" rules, not "super" rules.I think as entertainment spectacles both codes are heading in the same direction, league just going a bit quicker.
Comments i've read from WR union honchos are that there will be more rule tinkerings this year.
Probably some "super" type rules being brought into the international game.
All these types of rule tinkerings going forward will work in NZ rugbys favour.
So the more tinkering the better.Never played league; keen observer of both, a both sideser.
Constantly comparing both codes, and the way each is evolving.
Often amused when one code makes a change; which has already been done in the other; and found not to have the intended result.
Should be more keen observers of both, save themselves a waste of time.And as a keen observer of both . . . a great game of union is still better than a great game of league.
And if both codes maximise their "rules potential" union will eventually provide a consistently superior "spectacle." -
https://www.reddit.com/r/rugbyunion/comments/1qa9xu3/super_rugby_pacific_ama_thursday_january_15/
Kia ora Reddit
We’re a group of players from the six New Zealand based Super Rugby Pacific clubs, and we’re jumping on here this Thursday, January 15 (NZT) to do a live AMA ahead of the 2026 season starting on Feb 13.
Players from all six clubs will be rotating through the thread across the day to answer your questions:
• Blues
• Chiefs
• Hurricanes
• Crusaders
• Highlanders
• Moana PasifikaYou can ask us pretty much anything you’re curious about, whether it’s rugby related or just about life as a player, as long as it’s respectful and within reason.
Drop your questions below ahead of Thursday and we'll crack into it bright and early.
We’ll update the thread as different players jump in so you’ll know who’s live and when.
Looking forward to it
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2026 Super Rugby Pacific pre-season fixtures
Friday, 23 January
Western Force v Queensland Reds — Scotch College, Perth, Australia (4.35pm WST)Friday, 30 January
Blues v Hurricanes — Sacred Heart College, Auckland, New Zealand (1.30pm NZT)
Chiefs v Fijian Drua — Blake Park, Mount Maunganui, New Zealand (3.00pm NZT)
Crusaders v Highlanders — Fraser Park, Timaru, New Zealand (3.30pm NZT)
Western Force v ACT Brumbies — Scotch College, Perth, Australia (4.35pm WST)Saturday, 31 January
Queensland Reds v NSW Waratahs — Ballymore Stadium, Brisbane, Australia (2.00pm AEST)Thursday, 5 February
ACT Brumbies v NSW Waratahs — Marist College Rugby Grounds, Canberra, Australia (1.30pm AEDT)Friday, 6 February
Highlanders v Moana Pasifika — Queenstown Events Centre, Queenstown, New Zealand (2.30pm NZT)
Blues v Crusaders — Onewa Domain, Auckland, New Zealand (3.00pm NZT)
Fijian Drua v Fiji Provincial Selection Team — Churchill Park, Lautoka, Fiji (4.00pm FJT)Saturday, 7 February
Hurricanes v Chiefs — Jerry Collins Stadium, Porirua, New Zealand (1.00pm NZT) -
@mohikamo said in Super Rugby 2026:
LOL during one of the Aus/NZ tests this year when the ref had to remind the players that they were now playing "international" rules, not "super" rules.
Different rules for NRL and Internationals would never happen in league.
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Angus Chrichton from the NRL signs with the Tahs on a two year deal. Will play for the Roosters this year.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360927546/angus-crichton-defect-australian-rugby-world-cup-tilt
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@Canes4life said in Super Rugby 2026:
Angus Chrichton from the NRL signs with the Tahs on a two year deal. Will play for the Roosters this year.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360927546/angus-crichton-defect-australian-rugby-world-cup-tilt
I watch almost zero league. Does he look like the sort of player who could succeed? Anyone he is similar too in union?
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@Duluth said in Super Rugby 2026:
@Canes4life said in Super Rugby 2026:
Angus Chrichton from the NRL signs with the Tahs on a two year deal. Will play for the Roosters this year.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360927546/angus-crichton-defect-australian-rugby-world-cup-tilt
I watch almost zero league. Does he look like the sort of player who could succeed? Anyone he is similar too in union?
@mariner4life care to shed some light?
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not a huge of one years deals just for a RWC....not exactly a lot of time to integrate into a new (although similar) sport and then play at an international level
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@Canes4life said in Super Rugby 2026:
@Duluth said in Super Rugby 2026:
@Canes4life said in Super Rugby 2026:
Angus Chrichton from the NRL signs with the Tahs on a two year deal. Will play for the Roosters this year.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360927546/angus-crichton-defect-australian-rugby-world-cup-tilt
I watch almost zero league. Does he look like the sort of player who could succeed? Anyone he is similar too in union?
@mariner4life care to shed some light?
if i was putting together a union team of NRL players he would have got a back row spot. Hard working accurate edge forward. Played Aus school boys rugby
The problem is, he's already 29, that school boys campaign has to be 12 years ago, and making the transition to the forwards will be really hard if it's aimed at a miracle appearance at the World Cup.
He's also only 6'2 and not overly bulky.But the guy is a walk up start at Origin and Test level for Australia. You don't get that by being a bum.
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@Duluth said in Super Rugby 2026:
I watch almost zero league. Does he look like the sort of player who could succeed? Anyone he is similar too in union?
The RWC switch not a big surprise.
Always been chat about a switch to union thru his career.
Not quite the usual league junior to union high school story; did play some junior union.
Good get for the wobs. Add some depth for 27.But the usual leaguie conundrum with the switch.
Do they play him as a loose forward or 2â…ť.
Good power with some ball skills; can bend/break the line.
Maybe old Ngani Laumape, but back off the power a touch. Prob better ball skills than Ngani.
Had injuries, but injury free atm, I think. -
@mariner4life Inside Centre was mentioned as a possibility. Does he have the pace or skills?
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no. has good basic ball skills, runs good lines and hits good holes. But he's no SBW.
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would lock down that channel on defense though.
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@mariner4life he's a tough fluffybunny
