Here's a clip with Solomone Funaki's highlights. It's a clip from 2019, so mostly footage from the Hawke's Bay Saracens (the Magpies Development team). You can see him in the 7, 8 and 20 jersey.

I don't know how good he can or will be at SR level, and whether he will be better than Harmon or Lentjes, because he simply hasn't played at that level yet, but he's bigger (heavier, at about the same height).

He's in the Tonga squad, so you'll be able to watch him if he gets into the matchday 23.

@bones said in SR T-T FINAL: Blues v Highlanders:

@nzzp you're gonna ruffle people's hair if they say anything about it eh

is there another way?

@antipodean said in Brumbies v Highlanders:

@stargazer said in Brumbies v Highlanders:

@antipodean 2020 Kirifi was quite a lot better than the 2021 version. The early 2020 version of L Boshier was better

That's the problem.

In 2021 both are a long way off Dalton and Billy.

Given the quality of 6s and 8s around, I'd say that Boshier is miles away, with Paps and Ardie and Cane, plus they like Kirifi (he's playing like shit, but they like him), and that's not even talking about Christie, Harmon, or even the use of Blackadder as a 7.

@kiwiwomble I like the idea of being unbeaten. That'll do me. But I gave up on respecting the TT trophy as anything highly treasured a few weeks ago, sadly.

@taniwharugby they call the knock on dont they?

3 on 3 with a 3rd of the pitch i would often back the attacking team, but at least on of our three was Johnston (prop) so then you start thinking, is he going to try and barge over himself, does he have the quick hand to get it wide...really wish there was a wider angle

@stargazer I knew he had spent time in Northland, was looking up something a few weeks ago and his wiki page said he was born in Perth, if you cant trust Wiki, what can you trust!!

@derpus Hegarty was very pedestrian at 1st 5. Stifled momentum by just receiving the ball flat footed.

I thought Scott-Young toiled hard. Both halfbacks had their moments. I like the young kid that started at halfback, he’s got some talent, just needs to calm it down a bit.

Aaron Smith’s speed to the ruck and then clearance is still world class for an old fella....

@canes4life said in SRA Round 10: Highlanders v Hurricanes:

@siam I saw that live too but it wasn’t that bad after seeing it on the replay.

Yeah I don't think any of it was bad either but they seem to apply the letter of the law very arbitrarily. This time "beyond horizontal" made way for "retaliation".
I've given up making sense of what they're trying to officiate

Cameron Millar kicks it! Highlanders win!

Full time: Crusaders 23 - 25 Highlanders

There was really nothing between these teams. If you haven't watched it, try to catch a replay if there is one. Great game, with some great quality rugby!

@kiwiwomble said in SRA U20: Hurricanes U20 v Highlanders U20:

Nice power play use yellow for our announcement, put the canes on the back foot right from the start

Yellow is nicer than what I thought it was - lemon.

@crucial yeah they arent far off, but definitely missing something out there.

@stargazer The Highlanders played well but the Barbarians took it to them, and created try-scoring chances. Mistakes and a lack of combinations hurt them. Individually the Barbarians have some quality players but had less than 2 days preparation.

@bovidae said in Highlanders v Chiefs (Sat 10/4/21):

@dan54 My invoice to NZR has been posted.

A logical, thought through idea? You're barking up the wrong tree there pal.

@pakman said in Crusaders v Highlanders (2 April 2021):

@frank said in Crusaders v Highlanders (2 April 2021):

@pakman said in Crusaders v Highlanders (2 April 2021):

Couple of things I’ve not seen mentioned.

Highlander runners seemed for at least first 60 to back off/slow a tad/change line at last moment going into contact. Result was a bit like when a scrum fakes at hit. Oppo overbalanced and contact ineffective. Whatever it was it really threw Saders momentum at breakdown.

Clan seemed to target running one out and then angling back in behind ruck. Seemed that analysis may have identified space there, and good yards made.

Seemed also to result in Saders not getting the rub of the red and black, as per usual.

If I were Super coaches I’d be pouring over tape!

A bit of actual rugby analysis rather than endless moaning about the refereeing. Awesome stuff!!

Apologies for any inconvenience caused.

We don't like change.

@mikey07 I have learned something new today, Jensen is a recognised Maori name! Looks like he might be eligible for one of the Scandinavian teams as well.
I'm sure @nepia will agree that the names Gemmell, Wakefield and Blake over our way are also recognised Maori names too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

@kirwan said in Blues v Highlanders:

@tim Look at the length and accuracy of that pass, amazing considering he was sprinting while he passed it.

outrunning a back.

Also, how good was the 'don't argue'. One of the best tries I've seen live in ages (first proper game in a year or so, of course 😃 ) As I said in the match thread, Rieko came from nowhere - used his gas to get in position, but then had a lot of work to do to wrong foot the defender and gas everyone.

Absolute quality. Still pissed that it didn't get awarded.

@arhs yes, the way he gave up was frustrating. I agree the defensive accuracy of the entire team was miles off, when your All Balcks are missing routine one on one tackles that indicates a broader issue.

@pakman watching the nations cup on the prime app on a few telly's, it was crap.

@stargazer said in Highlanders vs Hurricanes pre-season:

@machpants With Hickey gone, the Canes basically only have one ten, JGB, who is pretty average. Leger is a midfielder, Jordie and Love are fullbacks. Just shit recruiting.

But surely your not surprised....

@Kiwiwomble said in Crusaders vs Highlanders pre-season:

this seems to be working currently, don't know if it will stay up

Awesome Cheers for that @Kiwiwomble

@stargazer haven’t watched yet…is it the same try several times on loop 😉

@Bones

Then hats off to Hunt, defo should be on that under-rated list.

@Nepia said in Crusaders v Highlanders:

But, I don't think anyone has ever said that the Hammetteur might not be a good assistant forward coach, but .

I'm going to go out on a limb and suggest they might have. 🙂

@nzzp said in Highlanders v Blues:

@Bones said in Highlanders v Blues:

@nzzp Just me that is instantly irritated at the sight of Christie then? Definitely triggers me.

That feeling of wanting to throw up when he scores against your team....

it's only because you're racist against ginga.

PAUL TITO

TOM ROBINSON

FINLAY CHRISTIE

HELP I'M OUT OF REDHEADS

James Blackwell
Cullen Grace
Mitch Drummond comes close
Ayden Johnstone's beard, too
Oli Jager's mo
Sam McNicol's beard

Halfbacks discussing their Bantam weight scrap post match -

@Darren haha agree with you there

@Darren said in Highlanders v Crusaders:

Smith was amazing, if he is not the highest paid AB then he should renegotiate.

Now is really not the time to re negotiate your contact lol

@pukunui said in Blues v Highlanders:

@Bones said in Blues v Highlanders:

@pukunui I think there was one early on in this game!

I said rarely, not never, so there may well have been.
Which would highlight how inconsistent it is.

Oh I know, I've never seen it, that's why I was surprised and at the same time TJ mentioned that it is one of the areas the refs are looking at.

Always annoyed me that it should be ruled so differently.

@Hooroo about 20 or so?

Didnt stand out, but then his team was getting bullied and didnt look like they had much of a game plan, so tough to make too much of an assessment

Juan Cruz Mallia, Sebastian Cancelliere, Matias Moroni, Jeronimo de la Fuente (c), Santiago Carreras, Domingo Miotti, Felipe Ezcurra, Tomas Lezana, Marcos Kremer, Francisco Gorrissen, Lucas Paulos, Guido Petti, Lucio Sordoni, Agustin Creevy, Mayco Vivas

Reserves: Julian Montoya, Javier Diaz, Joel Sclavi, Matias Alemanno, Bautista Pedemonte, Gonzalo Bertranou, Joaquin Diaz Bonilla, Santiago Chocobares

@Darren not to mention that consistently one of the best and most influential players over the past couple of seasons is sitting on the bench... and he's a fucking 12! But yeah let's disregard how good Ioane was at 10 last year.

@Stargazer said in Crusaders v Highlanders (round 4):

@nzzp Nothing wrong with two koru.

Anyway, I'm not going to have this conversation again with you lot.

I knew someone who's name was Christopher P Bacon.

Chris P Bacon.

His parents could blame people for laughing at it, but at the end of the day it's on them.

The red card would have made a difference, in all probability.

But the Ponies fucking bottled that.
One shitty exit - when they're getting the upper hand - leads to a chargedown try.
A failure to close the game out gives the Clan the penalty they need.

They shouldn't take any time to blame the officials for what was a completely fucking unfathomable decision to award a yellow instead of the blindingly obvious red for contact to the head.

@ACT-Crusader poor @booboo

@Stargazer I enjoyed that very much

@Yeetyaah said in QF1: Crusaders v Highlanders:

Bloody Landers. Was backing them for the slim chance of a Chiefs home final. First half was great from both teams. Squire ruined the chances. Dunno what was up with Franklin swearing at the ref either. Crusaders too good. Rebuilding time for the Landers. Thanks for the memories Bender.

@Jaguares4real See how I've written slim chance? I'm backing my boys but I know it's going to be a hard slog.

@Steven-Harris said in Highlanders v Bulls:

If you were picking people on super rugby form Jackson Hemapo and Liam Coltman should be joining Brad Weber on the plane to the RWC..totally underwhelmed by Naholo .just looked absolutely lethargic this evening despite getting over the whitewash

Don't disagree with this. Coltman in particular has improved massively in the last few years.

Have been watching some old AB games while exercising. Naholo of 4 years ago was incredible - just massive power and pace. Was playing wales, they showed him the sideline, and he just disappeared. Not seeing that from him at the moment. Also used to be a real menace over the ball.

Now he seems a bit more like a donkey, can't make good decisions going into aerial contests, and positionally weak. But - who else do you take with any experience?