All Blacks post-2019

[cashead]

I'm a big fan of sabbatical seasons, since it's meant that our players get an opportunity to get a proper break, it reduces the team's reliance on specific individuals by challenging the depth available and IMO, Japan is the ideal destination because it means they still get a decent standard of rugby (roughly equivalent to the NPC here) in a short amount of time.

I read somewhere that in this case it will mean that Retallick will go straight into the Japanese season then back into another NZ one, without a break. Good financially but means that over 2 years he will effectively play three seasons.

Sure, he will probably play a fair chunk of the Top League season (and play-offs assuming it's a big-time club like the Steelers, Wild Knights or the Sungoliath - i.e. with considerable corporate backing), but as has been pointed out, the Top League system is relatively short - which is also why it's an ideal destination for players winding down their careers. With the player management in NZ, it'll be reasonably likely that he'll also get a bit of a rest before being fielded by the Chiefs anyway, and say what you will about them, they've always found a way to cope and make the most out of their available personnel.

[cashead]

He said Japan is shorter....

Ma'a Nonu is in action for the Bloos latest pre-season false dawn I see. Is SBW playing at the moment? What use a Nonu and a SBW in the same team?

In 2015, SBW and Nonu often paired up in the midfield, with Nonu hopping out to 13 and SBW coming in at 12. Looking at the squad, I'd go with a XV of:

1. Tu'inukuafe
2. Parsons
3. Tu'ungafasi
4. Tuipulotu (Co-C)
5. Goodhue
6. Papalii
7. Gibson (Co-C)
8. A Ioane
9. Pulu
10. Black
11. R Ioane
12. SBW
13. Nonu
14. Duffie
15. Nanai

[zer0]

He said Japan is shorter....

U havin' a giggle at me Englandish m8?

In 2015, SBW and Nonu often paired up in the midfield, with Nonu hopping out to 13 and SBW coming in at 12. Looking at the squad, I'd go with a XV of:

1. Tu'inukuafe
2. Parsons
3. Tu'ungafasi
4. Tuipulotu (Co-C)
5. Goodhue
6. Papalii
7. Gibson (Co-C)
8. A Ioane
9. Pulu
10. Black
11. R Ioane
12. SBW
13. Nonu
14. Duffie
15. Nanai

Scrafton will 100% be starting ahead of Goodhue. Perofeta may also be used at fullback if/when an extra play-maker is required. Also not so sure on Pulu. Ruru may be a better bet as he actually passes the ball sometimes.

[Puja]

He said Japan is shorter....

Ma'a Nonu is in action for the Bloos latest pre-season false dawn I see. Is SBW playing at the moment? What use a Nonu and a SBW in the same team?

Japan is shorter than Europe, but that doesn't matter when you're using that season in lieu of your off-season. They'll be playing 20 months straight without a break, if I have it right. Not even an England international gets flogged quite that hard.

Puja

[Lizard]

On the other hand, Beaver is back at the Chiefs so that’s Beauden’s back-up sorted.

[Lizard]

Liam Squire is going to Japan

[Lizard]

Owen is off to reunite the Franks cult at Northampton.

NMS confirmed for France and Taufua to Leicester

[cashead]

Owen is off to reunite the Franks cult at Northampton.

NMS confirmed for France and Taufua to Leicester

Taufua's a bit of a surprise, but the other two, fair enough.

Owen Franks has been getting long in the tooth and his lack of mobility last year was a bit exposed. He's also accomplished just about everything there is to accomplish in the 10 years he's been an All Black. With Tu'ungafasi stepping it up last year, Alaalatoa as pretty much an AB-in-waiting, Nepo Laulala back to full fitness and the emergence of guys like Tyrel Lomax, Atu Moli and Angus Ta'avao as potential viable test-level tightheads, can't blame him for choosing to get going while the going's still good.

There's plenty to like about Nehe, but he's just too injury-prone, so I can totally understand why he'd take the money on the table while he can. I hope he enjoys Southern France.

[morepork]

Julian Savea has bombed spectacularly at Toulon. Word is he has been released early from his contract.

[paddy no 11]

Boujedaal is a jerk but his comments are pretty hilarious on this says they swapped him with someone else on the plane

Told him not to come in Monday and take the year off

[cashead]

That'll motivate the rest of the team. You hit a rough patch, something just about every player goes through, and the team owner will publicly shit all over you.

[morepork]

French coaching and management obviously at it's zenith on evidence of this years 6 nations.


Apparently Toulon had been playing him at 12 occasionally. Brilliant. Thank christ Ardie stayed put

[Puja]

To be fair to Boudjellal, Savea has been absolutely phoning it in this season. It's far from unfair criticism, if spectactularly classless.

Puja

[cashead]

I don't think anyone's saying Boudjellal should be verbally fellating Savea or anything, but fuck me, the shit he's spewed isn't exactly the most helpful now is it? If he's unmotivated, then actually talk to him, and discuss the issue.

Like, which do you think is likelier to get a positive response:

1. "Hey, you seem unhappy. Let's talk about it, and see if we can work on a solution collaboratively."

or

2. "FUCK YOU, YOU FUCKING FUCK, FUCKING FUCK OFF, YOU USELESS FUCKING FUCKER."

If you picked 2, then congratulations on owning Toulon, I guess.

[cashead]

Oh, and now that he's re-signed with the NZRU, there's basically a non-zero chance that Robertson won't be involved with the ABs in some capacity, possibly as head coach. Like, there's no way they didn't dangle that carrot in front of him as an incentive to sign. "Oh, I know you've basically achieved all you can at the levels you've coached. Hey, did you realise there might be a few openings later in the year? Hmmm?"

[Puja]

I don't think anyone's saying Boudjellal should be verbally fellating Savea or anything, but fuck me, the shit he's spewed isn't exactly the most helpful now is it? If he's unmotivated, then actually talk to him, and discuss the issue.

Like, which do you think is likelier to get a positive response:

1. "Hey, you seem unhappy. Let's talk about it, and see if we can work on a solution collaboratively."

or

2. "FUCK YOU, YOU FUCKING FUCK, FUCKING FUCK OFF, YOU USELESS FUCKING FUCKER."

If you picked 2, then congratulations on owning Toulon, I guess.

Hasn't Boudjellal told him not to bother coming back? I don't think he's looking for a positive response; I think he's looking the napalm the bridges.

Puja

[Puja]

What's the general opinion on Taufua here? He's just signed for my team and I know very little about him, but on paper he seems to be just the back row player we've needed for years.

Puja

[morepork]

He is the blindside Brad Shields could have been.


He is quality, if he gets used as a proper back row. Bit of a loss to NZ imo. Been knocking on the door for the ABs for some time, but Hansen went for others instead.

[cashead]

I don't think anyone's saying Boudjellal should be verbally fellating Savea or anything, but fuck me, the shit he's spewed isn't exactly the most helpful now is it? If he's unmotivated, then actually talk to him, and discuss the issue.

Like, which do you think is likelier to get a positive response:

1. "Hey, you seem unhappy. Let's talk about it, and see if we can work on a solution collaboratively."

or

2. "FUCK YOU, YOU FUCKING FUCK, FUCKING FUCK OFF, YOU USELESS FUCKING FUCKER."

If you picked 2, then congratulations on owning Toulon, I guess.

Hasn't Boudjellal told him not to bother coming back? I don't think he's looking for a positive response; I think he's looking the napalm the bridges.

Puja

And that's not exactly likely to help team morale or improve performance, because why would anyone want to play for someone like that? Drew Mitchell has been vocally criticising Boudjellal for his comments, and based on the responses he's getting, it's a sentiment shared by many of his peers. To Savea's credit, he's responded like a grown-ass man and a professional, so at least he's come out of this looking good.

[Mellsblue]

I don't think anyone's saying Boudjellal should be verbally fellating Savea or anything, but fuck me, the shit he's spewed isn't exactly the most helpful now is it? If he's unmotivated, then actually talk to him, and discuss the issue.

Like, which do you think is likelier to get a positive response:

1. "Hey, you seem unhappy. Let's talk about it, and see if we can work on a solution collaboratively."

or

2. "FUCK YOU, YOU FUCKING FUCK, FUCKING FUCK OFF, YOU USELESS FUCKING FUCKER."

If you picked 2, then congratulations on owning Toulon, I guess.

Hasn't Boudjellal told him not to bother coming back? I don't think he's looking for a positive response; I think he's looking the napalm the bridges.

Puja

And that's not exactly likely to help team morale or improve performance, because why would anyone want to play for someone like that? Drew Mitchell has been vocally criticising Boudjellal for his comments, and based on the responses he's getting, it's a sentiment shared by many of his peers. To Savea's credit, he's responded like a grown-ass man and a professional, so at least he's come out of this looking good.

They are well used to it by now. Peak Moumad was cancelling the team’s ride home after an away match and making them find their own transport.

[morepork]

Sounds an effective and professional micromanager.

[Lizard]

Updated: Naholo to London Irish

[morepork]

Updated: Naholo to London Irish

When? After the cup?

[Lizard]

Updated: Naholo to London Irish

When? After the cup?

Dude. What is the title of this thread?

[Lizard]

Also, Read now confirmed as going to Toyota.