The Silver Fern

@Crazy-Horse said in Blues v Hurricanes:

@Bones said in Blues v Hurricanes:

@KiwiMurph yeah I really like him, like @Duluth pointed out, his post contact is great, seems to be one of the best in that regard for me.

You know they'll opt for Shalfoon don't you?

Shalfoon sounds like a gentlemans insult from the 1700s

Sotutu, Fin Christie and Renata.

Obviously the knives are out for Sotutu from people in the south, but I felt he carried really strongly (unless I was watching a different game)

Renata got a meat pie so he can have one, and Fin Christie looked lively enough when he came on even if the game was gone, so he can have one.

@Bones I can see Beehre getting a shot but not McWhannell. With four or five 'experienced' options in the mix I imagine the selectors will go for a young gun, even if they aren't in especially impressive form, knowing they can mould them into a long-term All Black.

@nzzp said in Chiefs v Blues:

@Machpants said in Chiefs v Blues:

That should be a points loss, disgusting

You can't ding the team for that. The individual should lose pitchside privileges for some time though - it's a muppet thing to do... twice!

The rot starts at the top: “We have co-operated fully with Sanzaar on this matter and accept responsibility for the technical breach and the outcome of this process,” Graafhuis said. “As this is an employment matter, we will not be making any further comment.”

What a great catch-all comment that is as practically everything can be considered an employment matter.

@Bones said in Blues MOTM v Brumbies:

@voodoo said in Blues MOTM v Brumbies:

Am I mental for thinking that Christie was mostly really good? His pass was crisp and his decision making seemed quick. A couple of howlers eg the charge down, but mostly pretty fairly solid?

Yeah I thought he had a decent first half, but those howlers were pretty howly.

Very very howly

Screenshot 2025-03-12 121830.png

@Duluth said in Blues MOTM v Hurricanes:

Beehre was very good. Huge work rate on defence

He's very good. Probably my MOTM.

Gave one to Riccitelli and Tele'a just for the try alone.

Very difficult to find 3. Clarke played well.

@gt12 said in Highlanders v Blues:

@Dan54 said in Highlanders v Blues:

POTY points
6 - Finn Hurley (HIG)

3 - Harry Plummer (BLU), Hoskins Sotutu (BLU), Folau Fakatava (HIG)

2 - AJ Lam (BLU), Caleb Clarke (BLU), Timoci Tavatavanawai (HIG)

1 - Patrick Tuipulotu (BLU), Finlay Christie (BLU), Tanielu Teleʻa (HIG)

As good as Hurley was, Jim only getting 2 points from that game while Plummer and Hoskins walk away with 3, is, well, fucking mad.

I thought that Jim would get more, but as I say with system, I am sure the players on field know who is causing them the most problems in the opposition team. I was also surprised that Hoskins and Plummer got them too, but guess I missed stuff.

Found it hard finding 3. Gave the 3rd to Ofa just because of it being his 150th.

Pack looking a little lightweight without Akira and Sotutu.

@Frank said in Blues v Chiefs:

@Dan54 said in Blues v Chiefs:

Blues v Chiefs
4 - Naitoa Ah Kuoi (CHI)

AB contender but we are pretty flush at lock.

is he? Has appeal but is kind of a loosie/smaller lock crossover at AB level?

Thanks for the write ups. The comments about no major injuries is great.

A good captain too, wouldn't hurt for more smarts on the field to counter Savea's input.

Lam for me - very very good again, physical, low error rate runs hard and hits hard. Love it. He's 25 - a season at 12 could throw him up towards the top level.
RR for solid lineout play and good work around the park
Dalton because his engine is top tier

Hoskins - superb work, lineouts in particular, lots of involvements but a few errors
Clarke has a big edge for the ABs with his work on restarts and chasing. Has gone to anothe rlevel this year, particularly in the air. Two head knocks i the game worry me though.
Plummer very solid.
Locks get a shout, along with the front row for their outstanding set piece.

@Tim said in SF - Blues v Brumbies:

@African-Monkey No, they played as "individuals" because they are bad people from Auckland. We have a real genius here.

Pfff.... I am a mere product of the environment.

There's a lot to like about they way Plummer is controlling the game and not overplaying his hand. Constantly keeps the ball in front of his forwards.