The Silver Fern

Now that all the finalists for the top four are into their last qualifying games can I make this observation.
The Super 8 competition is at least equal if not better than any other schoolboy competition.
Both Napier and Hastings beat their Wellington opponents this year to qualify.
Top four winners for the last 2 ( or 3 ? ) years have been super 8 teams. The super 8 has no easy games and half the schools are much smaller than their Auckland Wellington and Christchurch opponents and despite rumours to the contrary there very little,if any, poaching certainly here in Hawke’s Bay.
I know every dog has his day and other teams will rise but the media coverage even locally does not give enough credit for the quality of rugby played in the Super 8 competition.

Really don’t think Penny did himself any favours by trying to blank some repetitive questions. It’s part of the shit you sign up for up for in professional sport and there was some validity to the questions. Then to call him a c unit straight after and get overheard is just naive.

Happy with the game but getting really pissed off with Dagg and all the advertorials for the TAB. Also not sure what Wheeler brings to the package. I just listen to what Mils ( and surprisingly Beaver ) says after the game and then do something else.

@stargazer The second XV have had good results for the last couple of years as have the under 15s and the under14s won a super 8 competition during tournament. Having said that I think this team was an exceptional one and we would be lucky to see one of this quality again. Only 700 boys and other competitive schools close by mean it is hard to dominate. No doubt Napier will come back strongly and in yesterday’s Hawke’s Bay Manawatu game ( at last ) there were 4 past Lindisfarne players and at least 3 ex Napier. One thing in our favour is the quality of our coaches esp Tafi Ioasa.

@stargazer
As well as being a piss poor commentator is anyone else annoyed as me with nearly all the commentators spouting useless statistics and comments. Has no one told them that viewers can see and that for them less is better.a

Re: BLEDISLOE 3

As a fervent All Black supporter am I the only one embarrassed by Johnson and Marshall tonight?

Yes and posted in the wrong place . Not too good with computers.

Saudis have ruined the beginning of 2023 season for me. Not only did they take Mitrovic ( although he might have been approaching busted flush stage ) but also unsettled Willian and coach Silva. I really want Fulham to go back to their early century form and stop yo yoing.

@Billy-Tell I’m here basking in the glory of beating Man U who were diabolical and we were a little bit better.
Have never forgiven them for the FA cup game in 2023 which had all sorts of ramifications for Fulham.
Would be lovely to think we could go further but Palace are looking good.
I have been kicked off the Fulham forum for life for calling some of them whingers. They were at it again today and even in victory they just grizzle about their own team as much as the opposition.