The Silver Fern

@steven-harris Perofeta did struggle at times last season but he has far more upside than Gatland and ideally would have been coming off the bench last season but ended up starting. I'm convinced that he'll have far more impact next season coming off the bench providing Black stays fit.

@KiwiMurph I was very impressed with Plummer at 12 the other night. The kid has a massive future at 10/12 as he can not only run a game but isn't scared going into contact both on attack and defence.

Glad to win that. Hard to play against 16.

Jackson is a borderline cheat.

Parkinson was the standout player in this match. Great to see some young talented locks coming through.

@williethewaiter said in Taranaki v Waikato - Ranfurly Shield:

@chris-b said in Taranaki v Waikato - Ranfurly Shield:

@hooroo An extra glass of what? Water?

What happened to the days of being written off for three days (and your bosses expecting it) because you'd won the Shield? 🙂

this is one of the shit things about the NPC format now - the players don't even get to celebrate it properly - certainly no crazy stories like the old days.. cause they have to defend it 4 days after winning it.

rubbish!

Did you celebrate though?

Not a bad effort by Pulu.

When are the Aussies calling him up? He's better than Maddocks.

Turbos should get a bonus point just for that mascot.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/provincial/105893549/Taranaki-unconvincing-in-Ranfurly-Shield-defence-against-Wanganui

Jordan, Lowe, Nankivell, Hunt, Frizell, Halakonuka and Makalio the standouts for the winning team.
Tamanivalu, Perofeta and Sowakula were very good for Taranaki.
TTT did a replay of his game for the Canes against the BIL. He has a lot of qualities but his decision making is something that has to be fixed.

As mentioned in another thread, I very much doubt that Li will reach an AB jersey. Very surprised the Sevens team haven't snapped him up though, they certainly need that pace.
Maybe an offer was rejected? I guess that he can still build a reasonable highlights reel in XVs to command some good pounds or Euros in a couple of years.

Full time: never in doubt, Taranaki keep the shield. 46 - 25.

@shark said in Canterbury vs Taranaki (Ranfurly Shield):

Some saw the funny side in the responses.

I think everyone did!

https://cf-e2.streamablevideo.com/video/mp4/477px_3.mp4?token=1506741639-gwmzvUMVCip%2BcPYZpUMYXnNxwU7VZDXYu2ieDMxiNIk%3D

Just caught up with this one. Entertaining game but boy that Orcs side are frustrating to watch.

Defence and concentration seem to be a real issue for the Orcs. They've shipped some points this season.

That last minute pass by Trainor to Aso was sweet as.

@taniwharugby Haven't seen hat much of Goodhue, but agree it would makes sense to take him on EOYT as apprentice.

@Rugger-Quizzes said in Wellington v Taranaki:

Was annoyed initially that the Lions had signed Kirifi to be honest but he looks to be a pretty decent player.

Fidow destroyed a few times in the scrums which will surprise nobody.

Aumua outstanding though. What a prospect he is!

I've finally watched the game

The Wellington scrum was good until both props were replaced around the 55 minute mark. they were destroyed in one scrum but the next scrum hard on defense they destroyed the Taranaki scrum. I have been impressed with Fidow and hope the Canes sign him up pronto. Hes still only 20 so lots of upside

Kirifi is not the biggest 7 so needs to bulk up but he's good. Kemara Hauiti-Parapara was impressive (a third Canes HB option) and Jackson Garden-Bachop has improved a lot after his time with the Rebels. or maybe having a decent coach at wellington now is having an impact

That was a quality game from both sides I thought.

Slick handling and players running in support. Marty Mackenzie far better fullback then 10.

That really was a perfect microcosm of a party at the rugby club rooms.
Uncomfortable "dancing"/shuffling by most of the guys; one little shit trying to give it the hip-hop treatment; bad singing-along to the Exponents, and a bit of aggro.

Another quality game from these two teams. Great to watch.

@antipodean said in Taranaki v Auckland:

How does a union with the resources at its disposal look so average on the field? Why do Auckland players give away so many dumb penalties?

as a fan, if you find out pleaes let me know.

Very frustrating season.

Still, my return on investment was a bunch of games, and a sack'o'spuds. Can't complain too much.

The Lions halfback and 1st Five are very unexperienced. With Shields missing as well, I can't see Wellington winning this one.