@donsteppa said in Crusaders v Hurricanes - SF:

DMac is there over Mo’unga because several NZ rugby journalists and the AB’s brains trust seem to be blindly in love with the razzle dazzle and “exciting risk taking” of DMac. Which is so amazing that we have to convert him to first five so he can cause even more damag... err... sorry... exciting plays.

Yeah, I’m still sulking about last week.

DMac is the RWC2019 Marc Ellis. There to beat up some minnow on a flat track. Please please please lets have BB and Mounga in the first choice 23 for the important games.

The professional rugby player Lions will probably run over this NZ barbarions team later in the game, but by fuck these lads should be proud of themselves no matter what happens.

He got replaced a couple of minutes ago but another good start from Laulala. With Franks injurred and Charlie gone it could have been a problem but Nepo has done awesomely well.

NZ Barbarians take a bow. Be proud. Kia Kaha.

Normally the score says who was the winner. This time it was wrong.

Gentlemen.

Haven't forumed on TSF for a year or two for various reason but popped in to say that I'm really enjoying this Cant versus NH game. Its like the old days!!

I think the ABs are trying to change their style/game plan based on where they think the rules/interpretations of rules are currently at in order to really hit their straps in 2019.

I think what I saw yesterday was the ABs lowering their point of impact in tackles for example. A lot more "ankle cutters" or waist high hits, rather than the previous chest high attempt at a dominant tackle. This means the opposition will get dropped but will have the chance to off load/recycle but also means less chance of an AB YC/RC from a poor (or slipped up) tackle. This may mean that while we continue to expect both backs and forwards to be able to play the jackal, we have to rethink the openside role again....but I think Cane would adapt if necessary, just like McCaw adapted to a changing role over time.

I think also the ABs think pace/elusiveness is the answer to a new style of game and this smothering rush defense but have yet to figure out the rest of what that game means. Their non-injury/retirement/off-to-Europe-to-earn-big-euro forced picks kinda suggest this. DMac brings elusiveness. Reiko brings pace.

The problem is that when trying to find a new style game, shit happens, players get selected that might remind you of Ben Blair style midgets but I guess its good they are trying to move the game forward while everyone else (looking at you England) tries to be what the ABs used to be.

@tim said in Highlanders vs. Hurricanes:

@dingo Dropped the ball from set piece attacks like the Blues.

Gnawing fingernails down to the bone is occasionally more enjoyable than watching 'canes play when they are in dumb/stupid shit mode.

SCOTT OF THE BARRETTS!!!!

Dane Coles. New Zealand's best winger.

Is it just me being a 'canes support and all, but do Hanson's big calls in bringing back Jules, and starting Laumape and Jordie seem like pretty good calls at half time?

@Machpants said in North Harbour v Canterbury:

@dingo said in North Harbour v Canterbury:

I wish the M10 teams got to play all season with their Soup/AB players. How fantastic would that be!!

It will be interesting, in that the ABs will have to take a mega squad to Oz for the RC, so there maybe another 10 more players removed from M10 at the pointy end. That could really effect the finals

Bro. I'm old school. I remember when Wellington last won the NPC/M10. I was in the UK. Our Wellington team with its (few) ABs beat Canterbury with its ABs. You saw what it meant to the players. Forits supporters we watched at 11Am and partied all day and nght.

I like this version of the M10. ABs play with Super Rugby players who play with NPC/M10 players who a few weeks ago were really good club players . A club player like me could easily imagine it could be you (if you weren't so old, broken and generally were a bit shit).

I wish the M10 teams got to play all season with their Soup/AB players. How fantastic would that be!!

@Machpants said in North Harbour v Canterbury:

@Bones said in North Harbour v Canterbury:

Great pace.

Gatland not fafita

To be fair. Gatland isn't bad at M10 cup level. He must wonder why he came home with his dad.

@Bones
I'm trying to remember when it was. I remember we had mutual friends.

Were you in Wellingtown in 2005 when Lions were in town? I was a bit more active foruming back then.

Fuck. To easy try.

@Bones said in North Harbour v Canterbury:

@antipodean a baby stole your dingo?

So...@bones....you clearly remember we caught up many years ago and where my userid came from.

@Bones

Bro. Not wrong.

And fortanatly something remembered by userid/pwd.

Gentlemen.

Haven't forumed on TSF for a year or two for various reason but popped in to say that I'm really enjoying this Cant versus NH game. Its like the old days!!

@machpants said in NZ vs. Aust - Japanese yawn edition:

@stargazer said in NZ vs. Aust - Japanese yawn edition:

Todd on for Squire, so who'll play at 7?

Read at six!

On the attacking scrum, Read was at six, Ardie at Eight. On the defensive scrum, they reversed.