Super Rugby News
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<p>Did the Witch Dr use all his medicine last year?</p>
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<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/79083203/highlanders-face-longer-wait-without-injured-wing-waisake-naholo'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/79083203/highlanders-face-longer-wait-without-injured-wing-waisake-naholo</a></p>
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<p>The Highlanders tackle a potentially season-defining block of four Super Rugby matches without star wing Waisake Naholo after his recovery from a leg injury has taken longer than anticipated.</p>
<p>It was originally hoped the 2015 All Black could be available for Friday night's start to the ninth round with the Sharks in Dunedin - but the Fijian-born finisher is still at least a fortnight away from making a comeback.</p>
<p>Naholo, the competition's leading try-scorer last year, crossed against the Blues during the tournament-opener on February 26 but subsequently suffered his latest leg fracture late in the game at Eden Park.</p>
<div><img src="http://www.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/b/3/1/a/9/image.related.StuffLandscapeSixteenByNine.620x349.1b30zn.png/1461041227288.jpg" title="" alt="1461041227288.jpg"><div><span>HANNAH PETERS/GETTY IMAGES</span></div>
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<p>Waisake Naholo's most recent run in Super Rugby, the All Blacks wing fractured a leg during this movement against the Blues in the opening round at Eden Park in February.</p>
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<p>Highlanders assistant coach Tony Brown revealed Naholo has resumed running but is not yet up to speed and club rugby has not been factored into the 24-year-old's rehabilitation.</p>
<p><strong>READ MORE:<br>- <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/79033495/highlanders-approach-hurricanes-assistant-john-plumtree-for-top-job'>Plumtree sought by Highlanders as Jamie Joseph's replacement</a><br>
- <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/79057408/hurricanes-coach-chris-boyd-says-sidekick-john-plumtree-not-joining-highlanders'>Plumtree not leaving Hurricanes: Chris Boyd</a><br>
- <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/78744363/highlanders-remarkable-comeback-not-enough-as-they-fall-to-reds-in-brisbane'>Highlanders hoodoo in Brisbane continues</a><br>
- <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/78682192/ben-smith-to-miss-highlanders-super-rugby-clash-against-queensland-reds'>Ben Smith misses Reds clash due to concussion</a><br>
- <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/77424025/all-black-waisake-naholo-sidelined-for-up-to-eight-weeks-after-breaking-his-leg'>Waisake Naholo out for two months with leg fracture</a></strong></p>
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<div><img src="http://www.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/b/3/1/k/2/image.related.StuffLandscapeSixteenByNine.620x349.1b30zn.png/1461041227288.jpg" title="" alt="1461041227288.jpg"><div><span>HANNAH PETERS/GETTY IMAGES</span></div>
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<p>The Highlanders' Super Rugby title defence hinges on next four-game block says assistant coach Tony Brown.</p>
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<p>"We haven't really made a plan for Waisake yet. We're getting him back running, he's doing that at the moment. Once he can take a bit of contact we'll make a plan for him," said Brown.</p>
<p>Although Naholo's power has been missed, understudies Matt Faddes, Ryan Tongia and Jack Wilson had provided adequate cover on the right wing.</p>
<p>"It's a positive for us that those guys are standing up, we haven't felt the loss of Waisake massively so far but it's going to be pretty exciting to get him back."</p>
<p>Encouragingly, the Highlanders, who reassembled after their bye week on Monday, should have co-captain Ben Smith restored to their back three after he missed the loss to the Reds in Brisbane due to a head knocked suffered against the Force.</p>
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<div>The influential World Cup-winning fullback still has to complete concussion protocols though Brown was hopeful Smith would be fit to return to a side still smarting from a one-point loss to the lowly Reds.</div>
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<p>While the players dispersed Brown admitted spending "a bit of time in the office" reviewing the performance against the Queenslanders, who held off a Highlanders resurgence after the defending champions trailed 25-6 early in the second half at Suncorp Stadium.</p>
<p>It did not long for Brown to realise the Highlanders were off the pace from the outset at a ground they hadn't celebrated at since 2005.</p>
<p>"Our attitude wasn't quite right for that game. Whether we were on attack or defence we weren't positioning fast enough, which led to a pretty poor performance."</p>
<p>Brown said Smith's absence was no excuse and his presence may not have altered the outcome, so significant improvements are required for the fourth-placed New Zealand franchise as they contemplate clashes with the Sharks, Brumbies, Chiefs and Crusaders.</p>
<p>"We're up against some of the best sides in the competition in the next four weeks. It will probably decide where we end up on the table," he said.</p>
<p>Brown said the Sharks, who opened their New Zealand tour with a five-point loss to the Blues, presented a different challenge after facing four Australian franchises in successive weeks.</p>
<p>"The Sharks are a really physical team and very direct," he said, after a training session focused on stopping the South African's rolling maul.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, key loose forward Elliot Dixon is on the mend after a head gash against the Force saw him miss the trip to Brisbane.</p>
<p>Marty Banks injury-hampered campaign continues as he recovers from a rib injury suffered during a 12-minute season debut against the West Australians so Hayden Parker continues as Lima Sopoaga's back-up as playmaker.</p>
<p><strong><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://my.stuff.co.nz/register/newsletter?type=twoMinutesOfStuff'>Sign up to receive our new evening newsletter Two Minutes of Stuff - the news, but different</a></strong></p>
<p><strong> - Stuff</strong></p>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="KiwiMurph" data-cid="573460" data-time="1461041459">
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<p>Lachlan Boshier from Naki has been drafted in.</p>
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<p>Cheers. Sounds like he was picked over Mitch Jacobson because Jacobson's got U20s.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Unco" data-cid="573454" data-time="1461040221"><p>
Christ, that's openside #4. Who's next in line?<br><br>
Thank McGod Cane is invincible.</p></blockquote>
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Sorry. Not following close enough.<br><br>
Who are the others? -
<p>Patrick Tuipulotu has confirmed he has signed on to the Blues/NZ Rugby until end of 2019.</p>
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<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.superrugby.co.nz/News/29061/patrick-tuipulotu-signs-through-until-2019'>http://www.superrugby.co.nz/News/29061/patrick-tuipulotu-signs-through-until-2019</a></p>
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<span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif;background-color:rgb(237,237,237);">Tuipulotu said: “I am really enjoying my rugby at the Blues and I am learning a lot playing under Tana. I like being based at home right now. Next year the Lions are coming to New Zealand which would be great to be part of. Injury meant I missed a chance to play in the World Cup, and so long term I would love to be at the next one.â€</span></blockquote> -
<p>The Hurricanes have announced that Assistant Coach John Plumtree has committed to the Canes until 2018.</p>
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<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.hurricanes.co.nz/the-canes/news/single/item/assistant-coach-john-plumtree-commits-to-hurricanes/'>http://www.hurricanes.co.nz/the-canes/news/single/item/assistant-coach-john-plumtree-commits-to-hurricanes/</a></p> -
<p><span style="font-family:calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">The Highlanders have added Otago prop Aki Seiuli to their wider training group and promoted Craig Millar to the squad to compensate for the loss of Brendon Edmonds to a season-ending knee injury.</span></span></p>
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<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/79238084/prop-aki-seiuli-added-to-highlanders-seasonending-injury-for-brendon-edmonds'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/79238084/prop-aki-seiuli-added-to-highlanders-seasonending-injury-for-brendon-edmonds</a></p> -
<p>Jason Emery cops a 4 week ban</p>
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<p>IMO a bit heavy handed when you look at the inconsistency of some of the rulings SANZAR* dish out but for what it was, no issues really.</p>
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<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/79294929/Highlanders-back-Jason-Emery-banned-for-four-weeks-for-dangerous-tackle-of-Sharks-fullback-Willie-le-Roux'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/79294929/Highlanders-back-Jason-Emery-banned-for-four-weeks-for-dangerous-tackle-of-Sharks-fullback-Willie-le-Roux</a></p>
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<p>*What is SANZAR now? SAJANZAR</p> -
<p>Nadolo posted this tweet yesterday (Monday) evening: "Looks like it's fittness for me"</p>
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<p>Sounds like he got a suspension but I've seen nothing on the SANZAAR website or in the media about the length/number of games. If Evemy only got 4 weeks, this should be much shorter ...</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="taniwharugby" data-cid="574832" data-time="1461615927">
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<p>Jason Emery cops a 4 week ban</p>
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<p>IMO a bit heavy handed when you look at the inconsistency of some of the rulings SANZAR* dish out but for what it was, no issues really.</p>
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<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/79294929/Highlanders-back-Jason-Emery-banned-for-four-weeks-for-dangerous-tackle-of-Sharks-fullback-Willie-le-Roux'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/79294929/Highlanders-back-Jason-Emery-banned-for-four-weeks-for-dangerous-tackle-of-Sharks-fullback-Willie-le-Roux</a></p>
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<p>*What is SANZAR now? SAJANZAR</p>
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<p>No doubt that le Roux's landing was horrifying, and glad he's ok (classy aftermatch reactions from him to)</p>
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<p>however</p>
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<p>does this mean that all these type of careless clashes result in a 4 week ban, even when the jumper lands less spectacularly?</p>
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<p>Time will tell I guess</p>
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<p>To be fair Rugby in general has dealt with this dangerous scenario pretty well over the last 3-4 years. I remember when this stuff first started happening and most were all (correctly at the time) pointing out that it wasn't deliberate and the offender only had eyes on the ball. It's been a positive mindshift that eyes on the ball isn't enough of an excuse and you have to be more mindful of the consequences. We seem to have a happy medium of far less wipe outs and still a contest if the chaser can get there quickly enough </p> -
<p>For the Blues James Parsons has taken over the captaincy from Jerome Kaino full time. Kaino has said a big part of this is because he isn't able to take full part in training due to his shoulder niggle. A good move I think - captaincy seems to sit more naturally with Parsons.</p>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="taniwharugby" data-cid="574832" data-time="1461615927">
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<p>Jason Emery cops a 4 week ban</p>
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<p>IMO <u>a bit heavy handed</u> when you look at the inconsistency of some of the rulings SANZAR* dish out but for what it was, no issues really.</p>
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<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/79294929/Highlanders-back-Jason-Emery-banned-for-four-weeks-for-dangerous-tackle-of-Sharks-fullback-Willie-le-Roux'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/79294929/Highlanders-back-Jason-Emery-banned-for-four-weeks-for-dangerous-tackle-of-Sharks-fullback-Willie-le-Roux</a></p>
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<p>*What is SANZAR now? SAJANZAR</p>
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<p>Agree in every respect taniwha.</p>
<p>But if the resultant "message" is that players have to take a degree of care, then I think that's for the better.</p>
<p>I still cringe when I see replays of Le Roux landing. It was bloody close to being a rugby tragedy. </p> -
<p>Another injury to TKB - broken hand</p>
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<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/79346971/tawera-kerrbarlow-suffers-a-broken-hand-in-another-injury-blow-for-chiefs'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/79346971/tawera-kerrbarlow-suffers-a-broken-hand-in-another-injury-blow-for-chiefs</a></p> -
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<p>Super Rugby sensation Damian McKenzie has re-signed with the Chiefs for the next two seasons.</p>
<p>The 21-year-old has extended his initial two-year contract with the franchise to commit until the end of the 2018 campaign.</p>
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<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/79547702/super-rugby-sensation-damian-mckenzie-resigns-with-chiefs-for-two-years'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/79547702/super-rugby-sensation-damian-mckenzie-resigns-with-chiefs-for-two-years</a></p>
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<p>Also just realised how much Titch must be watching this kid play and wondering what he would be like in the open spaces of a sevens game.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Crucial" data-cid="576512" data-time="1462234034">
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<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/79547702/super-rugby-sensation-damian-mckenzie-resigns-with-chiefs-for-two-years'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/79547702/super-rugby-sensation-damian-mckenzie-resigns-with-chiefs-for-two-years</a></p>
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<p>Also just realised how much Titch must be watching this kid play and wondering what he would be like in the open spaces of a sevens game.</p>
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<p>That's a great call.</p>
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<p>All Blacks certainly wouldn't miss him but Chiefs would. Who are the other fullbacks in the Chiefs squad?</p>
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<p>Horrell I guess.</p>
