Exodus 2016
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<p>I think for rugby everywhere it was crucial Japan captured the momentum from RWC 2015 and got a good coach with Eddie departing.</p>
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<p>I think they've done very well with Joseph - strong track record, has lived/coached/played in Japan. Obviously Highlanders fans won't love it but I think Tony Brown could be well placed to carry on the culture that Joseph has built (ala Gibson at the Tahs, although proof will be in the pudding for both).</p> -
<p>From what I've been told Tony Brown doesn't want the top gig. </p>
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<p>He believes wants to remain a hands on coach and would much rather stick with the assistant role. </p>
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<p>The only coach I can see in New Zealand who would be a good fit is Scott Robertson, so I hope Clarky and the rest of the Highlanders set up hunt him. Although the timing could be a bit tough and he may end up with the Crusaders gig. </p>
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<p>If we can't get Scott Robertson then I would look overseas. </p>
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<p>The franchise doesn't need a coach to rebuild things, it needs a coach who can fit into the systems already in place. </p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="SouthernMan" data-cid="553695" data-time="1453346386">
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<p>From what I've been told Tony Brown doesn't want the top gig. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>He believes wants to remain a hands on coach and would much rather stick with the assistant role. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>The only coach I can see in New Zealand who would be a good fit is Scott Robertson, so I hope Clarky and the rest of the Highlanders set up hunt him. Although the timing could be a bit tough and he may end up with the Crusaders gig. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>If we can't get Scott Robertson then I would look overseas. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>The franchise doesn't need a coach to rebuild things, it needs a coach who can fit into the systems already in place. </p>
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<p>What Hammer up to these days? </p> -
<p>He can stay in Japan, the Highlanders don't need to be wrecked. </p>
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<p>Bring him in, he can chase Ben Smith and Naholo to the Chiefs (they are both so fucking disruptive)</p>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="mariner4life" data-cid="553699" data-time="1453347197">
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<p>Bring him in, he can chase Ben Smith and Naholo to the Chiefs (they are both so fucking disruptive)</p>
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<p>Nah, Ben Smith and Aaron Smith. Gotta work on completing our set of AB halfbacks.</p> -
<p>halfbacks we got, outside backs we need (and tight forwards now too i guess)</p>
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<p>as an aside, if SBW wasn't off chasing different silverware, would any team have a better inside back combination than TKB, Cruden, SBW and Ngatai?</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="mariner4life" data-cid="553721" data-time="1453355387">
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<p>halfbacks we got, outside backs we need (and tight forwards now too i guess)</p>
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<p>as an aside, if SBW wasn't off chasing different silverware, would any team have a better inside back combination than TKB, Cruden, SBW and Ngatai?</p>
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<p>A Smith, Sopoaga, Fekitoa & B Smith moved to 13 where he should be....</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="gollum" data-cid="553737" data-time="1453370479">
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<p>A Smith, Sopoaga, Fekitoa & B Smith moved to 13 where he should be....</p>
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<p> </p>
<p>Cubelli, Toomua, Lealiifano, Kuridrani</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="gollum" data-cid="553737" data-time="1453370479">
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<p>A Smith, Sopoaga, Fekitoa & B Smith moved to 13 where he should be....</p>
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<p>Sounds great, right up until the opposition get the ball and then you've got the weakest tackling first five in the country, a 12 who rushes up out of the defensive line and a 13 who can't defend at centre when he's got a 12 inside him, let alone when he doesn't.</p>
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<p>Leave the 'cuda where he is.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Unco" data-cid="553743" data-time="1453372172">
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<p>Sounds great, right up until the opposition get the ball and then you've got the weakest tackling first five in the country, a 12 who rushes up out of the defensive line and a 13 who can't defend at centre when he's got a 12 inside him, let alone when he doesn't.</p>
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<p>Leave the 'cuda where he is.</p>
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<p>Laurie Mains mentality applies, "sure, they'll score 30 points against us, but we'll score 50 in reply"</p> -
The Sydney City Roosters are trying to lure back Sonny Bill Williams apparently:<br><br>
<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/76436862/sydney-roosters-trying-to-lure-sonny-bill-williams-back--report'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/76436862/sydney-roosters-trying-to-lure-sonny-bill-williams-back--report</a> -
<p>Is this really news though? I wonder if Khoder has met with the likes of Racing, Toulon or any big Euro rugby club in the past few months?</p>
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<p>I'd be surprised if League teams werent chasing him (along with the odd other high profile rugby player) he has proven his worth in League, plus it'd give League a 'win' over rugby with him going back there to finish his career...</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="taniwharugby" data-cid="555638" data-time="1454296000">
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<p><strong>Is this really news though? I wonder if Khoder has met with the likes of Racing, Toulon or any big Euro rugby club in the past few months?</strong></p>
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<p>I'd be surprised if League teams werent chasing him (along with the odd other high profile rugby player) he has proven his worth in League, plus it'd give League a 'win' over rugby with him going back there to finish his career...</p>
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<p>There were reports in the last week or so that Toulon were chasing SBW for 2017 onwards.</p> -
<p>I'm sure he's received a ton of offers recently and the NZRU will be one of them. The 2017 Lions Tour has to be a hell of an incentive to stick around.</p>
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<p>Got to laugh at the idea of the Roosters signing him this year though. As if he's just going to give up on his Olympic dream to run off to a League franchise that's down with the dogs.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Billy Tell" data-cid="546600" data-time="1449590773">
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<p>Do we think Vito is going to stay or go? Think his contract is up at the end of 2016. More rumblings about a Top 14 move.</p>
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<p>Confirmed gone from end of Super season this year. France.</p>
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<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11583821'>http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11583821</a></p>
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<p>I wonder if Dagg will follow? Their respective partners are very good friends.</p> -
Vito was really a nearly man. So much potential never quite enough brawn. Think this was telegraphed a mile off just took a while to finalise. Still he had a pretty decent 2015.
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<p>Not lacking in brawn. His well advertised work on was adding a hard edge to his play. Has always had the size, strength, skills and athleticism. Apart from the odd error he served the ABs very well, let's not forget that.</p>
<p>His 'problem' was that without that extra edge to his tight play (those aggresive moments at the right time that can turn a game) he was never going to be a number one choice.</p>
<p>No one is ever the complete package (apart from the odd freak) it is just that the box Vito didn't tick was higher up the priority list.</p>
<p>Even Messam was preferred at times despite Vito being superior in other areas.</p>
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<p>Good decision for him though. With Akira Ioane coming through, Luatua looking to fight his way back and the experience of Kaino still required Vito has picked a good time to cash in.</p>
