RugbyRebels

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/rugby/news/ar ... d=12032231

Aidan Ross is the latest Chief to break, apparently a serious fracture of an ankle. They've had a horrendous run with injuries.

Hurricanes looked to be the best side in the comp before last week's "loss" to the Sharks — they were behind when full time sounded — and seemingly have re-established that.

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World Player of the Year Beaudy Barrett obviously made a huge difference. He didn't start against the Bulls either, and though he came off the bench in the 2nd half and scored with his first touch of the ball, it wasn't enough to prevent the Canes' only defeat so far. I'm beginning to sense this could be the Canes' year again, provided Beaudy and the others stay healthy and we don't have an injury crisis of the Chief's proportions. Never discount the Saders, of course, but right now the Canes are the form team - and getting stronger.

D. MacKenzie showed he’s a long way from the finished article at 10. He seemed to try too much himself rather than running the backline. Not surprising given his recent time at 15.

Warriors are playing if you need a pick me up Liz.

Hell of a game so far btw, wow.

Kata needs to work on his D. Luke's passing from the base has been UK halfback bad.

Lizard wrote:D. MacKenzie showed he’s a long way from the finished article at 10. He seemed to try too much himself rather than running the backline. Not surprising given his recent time at 15.

Got thrown about like a rag-doll a number of times as well. The little guy's always been a bit suspect on defence, though not for want of courage.

Lizard wrote:D. MacKenzie showed he’s a long way from the finished article at 10. He seemed to try too much himself rather than running the backline. Not surprising given his recent time at 15.

Yeah. He's never impressed me. Dunno why he plays Tests.

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Stripe wrote:

Lizard wrote:D. MacKenzie showed he’s a long way from the finished article at 10. He seemed to try too much himself rather than running the backline. Not surprising given his recent time at 15.

Yeah. He's never impressed me. Dunno why he plays Tests.

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Just seems to small for the modern game - even if he were a halfback. The Canes forwards trampled all over him and he wasn't able to stop their backs either. Ben Lam is impressing me more with every game. Doesn't seem like the most spectacular player, but defenders just can't bring him down, evidently.

rowan wrote:

Stripe wrote:

Lizard wrote:D. MacKenzie showed he’s a long way from the finished article at 10. He seemed to try too much himself rather than running the backline. Not surprising given his recent time at 15.

Yeah. He's never impressed me. Dunno why he plays Tests.

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Just seems to small for the modern game - even if he were a halfback. The Canes forwards trampled all over him and he wasn't able to stop their backs either. Ben Lam is impressing me more with every game. Doesn't seem like the most spectacular player, but defenders just can't bring him down, evidently.

I wouldn't say size is the defining issue, think Geoff Toovey. However, McKenzie he does seem to attract opposition forwards — they probably target him — and he makes costly errors.

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rowan wrote:

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Lam has been something else. Will he push someone out of the ABs?

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Can't see how they can ignore him. Talk about an embarrassment of riches! The only question is whether he'll be able to break into the test XV and consolidate his place there.