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@Victor-Meldrew think i mentioned elsewhere on here, heard Enoka speak at a conference (wasnt even there as the "main" speaker we had to listen to, but was by far the more memorable) he was awesome to listen to, I'll be reading his book too.
One fella i was sitting with said it was his 3rd time hearing him, said he told so many different stories and kept everyone engaged.
Haven't clicked on that link, but I recall him saying Mealamu was a player who carried more mana than anyone.
I know we are getting off topic here, but I've always been in the camp of the day and k/o times are probably the biggest issue.
I mean, mid-winter, Thursday at 7pm is always gonna suck...I assume the powers that be have the data on average crowd numbers, what days they get better attendances, times etc...weather is always a factor too.
Choice of beer at a game is certainly not a factor for me, there are numerous quality food caravans in attendance, but often big queues so I rarely bother.
@Nepia or it is just a different style or coach that gets the best out of them.
@cgrant he went to an 'unfashionable school'? and seems he left fairly early on in his career.
@nzzp yeah I just think it is overstated, but would love to know what he pitched to them, or, as many think, the role was his and they didnt bother much with the detail of his pitch?
@DurryMexted I mean if you put the 'business' spin on it, this guys been running your provincial arm for many years, making good profits, do you make him go work for a competitor overseas to gain further experience before being considered for the top job?
I dont think it is essential, and his CV at the time meant he demanded serious consideration but based on what we have heard since, what did he sell NZR on his vision, 1st year, 2nd and 4 year plan (last one included winning the RWC one assumes)
Where a real world model vs the NZR model part ways, is he gets to bring a team with him, in the business world, these other roles would in most cases be filled already.
@SouthernMann said in NZ U20s 2026:
Biggest weaknessss at the moment seem to be unfer the highball
He aint alone!
@nostrildamus said in All Blacks 2026:
It does lead me to wonder if there will be pressure to allow non NZ AB coaches in the future
is there actually something in place for that (like the players eligibility) I just assumed it was that up until now, the best coaches were usually Kiwis, so coaches from other nationalities were never considered.
@canefan well is a decent core of those that came out in support of Fozzie, is good if they are being open and honest about it now too, especially when there has been alot of talk, particularly about the senior under-performing players being all about self preservation.
@antipodean his work rate and energy with the work he did (super this year and most of his international career prior to this year) ticker probably not the right way to define him.
He is hugely talented, but certainly not getting the best use out of him, especially with who we put alongside him
@No-Quarter i think how Ardie plays, he will unbalance most trios he is part of at international level.
Phenomenal athlete, huge ticker, has been an awesome player for us over the years, but for me, we need him to play a different game, or as many have said for several years, we need to have a 6 and 7 (or 8 depending where you start him) that compliment him, whether he is still good enough to dictate that we pick 2 loosies to suit his game, who knows.
@reprobate big moment for me was seeing him walk from the scrum in the 2nd test v SA and them scoring moments later, obviously single him out because he usually doesnt stop, but in this case, seeing him basically 'giving up' summed up the team for me.
@Victor-Meldrew the sportsmanship is having a beer with him after you've punched him in the face.
@Duluth you'd hope with him being on the outside watching this unfold for 2 years, along with NZR supposedly aware of the issues there would be a bit of pressure on Razor to make some changes to how they do things, you'd hope
Hope or hopeless...
Well lets hope if it is Evans, he is given the appropriate level due for the role, certainly speaks well and comes across with great analysis of the game, hopefully this transfers to the park if given the role...his own experience with AFL and being able to kick certainly should be a good additon too.
@gt12 i like his idea with being able to take a mark anywhere, amd weve done the TNO to death...but shortening the game and stopping the clock...can't see how that speeds the game up and reduces stoppages nor will it add fatigue.
Oh, only read your summary, didnt listen, might do so at work tomorrow if I remember
@Dan54 and that is one of the things so many love about rugby and will often point to differentiating from football...spend 80 mins trying to smack each other, then have beers together: the old 'thugs game played by gentlemen'
I think there was a period in the 2000's where it seemed that the mingling post-match wasnt happening, and was it Chieka who seemed to discourage it.
The All Blacks’ kicking out of hand has been found wanting at times this year
At times....id say most of the time
@SouthernMann id say he's got a bit of growth still in him too, up and bulk.
Smart kid with good work rate, I saw something recently on nru page how they are keeping in touch with him and several others off to uni.
Bit surprised Jack Saunders hasn't shown up in the Otago age group sides, talented 9 who was at WBHS lastbyear and was in Blues training squad.
@DaGrubster the way I heard it, the 2007 game that didnt happen broke Jerry.