The Silver Fern

@Darren said in Wellington v Manawatu:

Lakai looked great, reminds me of a harder working Ardie. Possibly less highlights, but just doesn't stop working.
And why do we persist with J Savea? He doesn't offer anything.

I think in time Lakai will be a bigger and better version than Ardie. He's got the frame that's made for international footy and I feel the ABs have him earmarked as Sam Cane's replacement when he retires at the end of the year. He just needs to keep learning his craft and improving.

In the future I can see him and Sititi forming a pretty awesome combo for the All Blacks at 7 and 8 together, maybe even by the next WC.

@Duluth said in Auckland v Wellington:

@Bones said in Auckland v Wellington:

@cgrant said in Auckland v Wellington:

he is one of the most reviled players on this forum.

Say what now? You confusing him with Christie/Havili?

Not even the most criticised in this Wellington 23. J Savea and Apisai would be battling for that. Kirifi not far behind

Imagine that short ginger lock was still around.

@Canes4life two things:

I agree. And hopefully, if they're not already convinced, it ensures the Canes get him putting pen to paper immediately! If he has a ripper (like he did in his other starts) you can bet your house JGB will still be back.

@foobaNZ said in SF - Wellington vs Shield Snorters:

Flanders very very good.

Looked AB potential. Luckily for him Savea's away so we can all see if he's good enough at 8 to go all the way

Lakai and Kirifi can share the 7 position.

@booboo Asafo Aumua was running water so must be close. Not sure where Lakai and Sheck were either, not much comms from Wellington on those injuries.

@Chris-B said in Wellington v Hawkes (RS):

https://getyarn.io/yarn-clip/18ea9d01-4d93-4fcf-aed6-acb231268acc

Great flick.

For some reason (or two ) I distinctly recall Jamie Lee Curtis in this in amongst some outstanding 80s comedy.

I’d have to get Stargazer to confirm but if they’re testing for Heroin and didn’t find any there’s a good chance it could have been PCP or Angel Dust on the Shield.

For shame Bay, FOR SHAME.

@Winger I wouldn't mind seeing this pack to start the year. Plenty of experience in that 8 now and there is a good mix of x-factor and grit.

Numia / Mafileo Aumua Lomax Delany Bird / Sangster Shields Kirifi (new Captain) Flanders

Bench forwards:
16. not sure about Hooker. Southall and O'Reilly are my preferred signings.
17. Mafileo / Numia
18. Lauaki
19. Bird / Sangster
20. Lakai (covering 7/8)

Players there or there abouts: Iose, Howden, Walker-Leawere, Rakete-Stones

Final gets one 27-17

@ACT-Crusader said in Canterbury vs Wellington:

Exciting game.

Did Umaga-Jensen release the ball in that tackle after his break? Looked pretty suss to me, even on the replay.

On the front on replay it didn't actually look like PUJ was held - so therefore didn't have to release. A lot of refs would have pinged him though.

@Stargazer said in Wellington vs Ta$man (RS):

@Dan54 said in Wellington vs Ta$man (RS):

Don't know wht Naki would put up that (I know it was a joke etc), because we play Ta$man in New Plymouth, so wouldn't of got a crack, unless they were hoping someone took it off Ta$man.

Because there's more than one route to a Shield challenge*: if Ta$man had won it off Wellington and then lost the Shield to Harbour; Harbour successfully defended it to Waikato and then lost it to Otago, and Otago defended it successfully against Northland, then Taranaki would have their only possible challenge this season against Otago in Dunedin on 16 September.

*according to picture in NPC thread

F*** me Star, appreciate the info, and eyes might stop spinning in an hour or so, and brain will try and compute that!😲

@Stargazer said in Wellington v Southland:

This was quite impressive.

Some of those guys were not even born when Limp Biskit were big !

@Stargazer this is gold aye. I could be wrong but I think Peter has had the better of Thomas in all the games they've faced each other in professionally. I wonder if we'll ever see them on the same side again.

@Duluth good stuff, deserves it.

@Winger I'd rather we give guys like Pettett and Plummer game time if that's the case. Blackwell doesn't offer any more than what they bring, especially height.

@Darren Ethan Webster-Nonu isn't Ma'a's son despite what the commentator said. I think he's a nephew.

Didn’t know where to post this so..

Dominic Bird hangs up the boots after 12 years in professional rugby Dominic Bird hangs up the boots after 12 years in professional rugby

@cgrant alt text