@Bovidae that was my point.

The cards were easy decisions but I didnt like the way the ref controlled the game from the start, creating flow is a must between nz teams, other than that i feel wellington scoring after a minute was the worse thing that they did as after that they seemed to relaxed, b4 they knew it and 1 million free kicks later it was still only 5nil. But well done blues finally got sm rub of the green.

@Winger said in Hurricanes v Sunwolves: Kobus Van Wyk I thought he was great, but have no idea why he is there in the first place. He really should not be. But as a Canes fan, since he is there, might as well play him now

@Bones Former sharks coaches with the Canes? Anyway I like seeing it.

Well moving on from hot woman, or just a shoet break, finally watched the game. Huge improvement from last week, showed a little heart and commitment this game. Forward pack stood up and didn't get totally walked over. No 10 is still a problem, as we knew it would be, but JGB starts ever week over Smith now. I read Jordies kick was 1m short of the record at super level, was crazy when you see it cleared the posts by at least 10m. I know he has many detractors but I thought had a very good game. I thought Proctor was ok at 13, but you could see the spark Aso added, he just has the great combo with Laumape. But how about that soccer dive when Proctor scored, I know its a carryover from soccer there, but it is ridiculous. At least the weird ref called them out one time for "simulation" I think the Canes bench added a lot of spark, and scored the 2 late tries. I still can't see the Canes making if far, unless we can try Jordie at 10, whats the harm? But happy we played with some heart compared to last week.

@booboo said in Stormers v Hurricanes (Round 1): @macandcheese said in Stormers v Hurricanes (Round 1): Kolisi confirmed out for 6 weeks with a Grade 2 MCL tear caused by a dog shot by that piece of shit Riccitelli https://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/SuperRugby/kolisi-set-for-6-weeks-on-sidelines-20200203 I'm not convinced you know anything about rugby if you claim a player tackling around the legs makes him a "piece of shit". I watched the "controversial" tackle and relied primarily on what my eyes saw at normal speed - a tackler aiming up, moving in head down and completing the tackle immediately after the ball was passed. When they collide Kolisi has taken less than a full stride and the catcher hasn't caught the ball yet. The linesman had an unimpeded view, did not react and followed the ball runner. The referee had a clear line of sight and showed no spontaneous reaction, he re-entered the frame looking merely inquisitive if anything. The broadcast commentators, and fans since, drew a long bow on being late; and it certainly wasn’t a “cheap shot”, as the more excitable critics had it. There has been no citing. I suspect they are getting all indignant more about who was tackled. Riccitelli would be entitled to quote Andrew Hore, questioning Chris Pollock all those years ago “Is there a new rule that you can’t tackle Dan Carter?” (Ricky was only 9 years old at the time.) More importantly, he is due a jolly good thrashing for sticking his scone in the wrong place in the tackle after five years professional rugby!

@canefan said in Semi Final 1: Crusaders vs Hurricanes: @Rapido said in Semi Final 1: Crusaders vs Hurricanes: @pakman said in Semi Final 1: Crusaders vs Hurricanes: @taniwharugby said in Semi Final 1: Crusaders vs Hurricanes: @WillieTheWaiter it is ridiculous that a prop hooker or anyone other than the guy with 9 on his back are fair game in that situation At the risk of raking over old coals, isn't it the case that the Laws don't make distinction? I realise that there is an official interpretation which stipulates that the ball is out when halfback picks it. In the modern real world of refereeing. If you bump the arm of a halfback about to spin it wide and cause him to drop the ball you could get carded, if you bumped the arm of a prop in the same position but about to pick and go - you would get chess pumps from your teammates for forcing a turnover. Ruby laws should be interpreted and applied that encourage forwards to congregate at a breakdown (IMO); The defending team to attempt to win possession and if not then disrupt clean possession. The attacking team forwards should need to congregate to ensure possession is maintained and is then clean. At no point should one of the above actions, performed legally (or even just slightly mis-timed) risk incurring a card because refs don't understand the essence of rugby. In other words It ain't tiddlywinks mate!!! Rather it ain't League mate !!!! What next, illegal strips, and sit in protests blocking Queens Street for a week?

Against the Crusaders in pre season the Canes had Price, Callum Harkin and Jono Hickey as their halfbacks. I was really impressed by Harkin but he unfortunately broke his ankle in that game. Maybe they are looking at him as one option?

@booboo said in Hurricanes v Blues: @Bones said in Hurricanes v Blues: @Chris said in Hurricanes v Blues: Totally agree the percentage of kicks neutralized by players skill sets this year far out way how effective the kicks made have been. [booboo mode] out weigh[/booboo mode] You wouldn't believe the Engrish I decline to correct ... Here you are posting on the Hurricanes versing Blues thread... Which could be a thread about a couple of rugby teams in a poetry competition. I didn't actually realise that was a word but found it from this sauce: verse /vəːs/ verbARCHAIC gerund or present participle: versing speak in or compose verse; versify. "he began to verse extemporaneously in her ear" Thread diversion complete - I will now Blexit (so still here really).

@Damo said in Lions vs Canes: @booboo said in Lions vs Canes: @nzzp said in Lions vs Canes: @MajorRage I hadn't seen the tackle, so dragged it out. Link bel @Jaguares4real it's a clear yellow all day, and getting towards a red. Lions player swung around ... I'm not a fan of players going down like a sniper hit them, but I think it's pretty ugly. Sheesh. Wasn't a yellow card ... It's an orange card. On a good day it's a yellow and on a bad day it's a red. Are you telling me it wasn't a card at all? No. Not a yellow card though. (IMO)

@Canes4life and the rest

@Gunner said in Hurricanes vs Jaguares: I know it’s the rules...but... I don’t get why you can knock it back in the general field of play but as soon as you are in goal it’s suddenly illegal? I know @Nepia and @Kirwan has replied but just to add a wee bit more explanation you can knock the ball back (or down ) anywhere, including in goal. You just can't deliberately throw or knock the ball dead or into touch with your hands.

@Nepia said in Blues v Hurricanes: @Rancid-Schnitzel said in Blues v Hurricanes: @Nepia said in Blues v Hurricanes: So after watching this game I’ve decided that Tony Johnson is either @Rancid-Schnitzel or Jordie Barrett’s publicist. I swear if JB had crouched down and taken a dump in the middle of the field Johnson would have been praising him for the consistency of the tutae (hopefully the advertisers algorithms don’t speak Maori). And I could swear you're related to the Ioanes or in love with them or both. Don't forget Josh! You still loved Weepu, even when he was (extra) fat and shït. Now that's loyalty!

Took my three year old daughter (first game) to this game and it was a heap of fun. Kids add such a different experience to it. Was a real strong northerly for the whole game so it was no surprise that it was a game of two halves. Also the fact that this Canes team isn't that much better than the Rebels. Ardie really stands head and shoulders above the rest of the forward pack. Most things he does at the moment are of high quality and his timing of picking moments has come along way from the raw player he was a few years back. And in saying that, id still pick an in form Cane over him for knockout rugby.

@Chester-Draws said in Hurricanes vs Chiefs: @Rancid-Schnitzel said in Hurricanes vs Chiefs: @No-Quarter said in Hurricanes vs Chiefs: @Rancid-Schnitzel I've been waiting for days for you to comment on Jordie's performance. This thread is now complete. Ha ha. He still wasn't at 12 though! For me, this isn't a Canes thing or Beadie's brother thing. I saw Jordie play for the NZ U20s and Canterbury before he ever signed for the Canes (I assumed he would stay down south) and could see that he was a special talent. It's frustrating when he does stupid shit (unnecessary offloads etc) but the potential is massive and he's still very young. Some people are very quick to throw players on the scrap heap. Just look at Nonu. NZ sees lots of "special" players. Sorry, but that's not enough. Damien McKenzie is plenty special, but that doesn't mean he should start every game. Another really special player was Rupeni Caucaunibuca. But special really, really isn't enough. The follow through is just as important. I'm sorry, but that is a bizarre post.

That was really my first time seeing Fletcher Smith, thought he looked pretty good. Was a very frustrating game to watch, way too many silly mistakes.

@Higgins said in Highlanders v Hurricanes: And that is why you take the gift three points, a draw is waaaaaaay better than a possible win/probable loss in my books I thought about that, but given they were in bonus point territory, they were only sacrificing one point by trying to go for the win.

@taniwharugby said in Hurricanes vs Crusaders: @Stargazer maybe Jordie took the last piece of pavlova when they were last home? Brilliant eh, Jordie looked pissed like Scott really sticks it to him after a win.

@Rancid-Schnitzel said in Hurricanes v Stormers: @Crucial said in Hurricanes v Stormers: @Rancid-Schnitzel said in Hurricanes v Stormers: @Crucial said in Hurricanes v Stormers: @Rancid-Schnitzel said in Hurricanes v Stormers: @Crucial said in Hurricanes v Stormers: @Rancid-Schnitzel said in Hurricanes v Stormers: Any of you caarnts still don't think Jordie is a 12? Clearly he's far more comfortable there. The dilemma now is what the fug to do about Laumape... Me. Great with ball in hand and running lines. Medium length pass way too slow and loopy for distribution needs at international level. He may be more comfortable there but at the top level I agree with the assessment of the AB coaches. Those skills work better at the back (except when attempting quick throw ins ). Needs to sharpen his passing game to be considered. Well knock me down with a feather. I'm sure you applied the same standards to SBW when he burst onto the scene. Or probably not. His pass was fine today. Just needs more time at 12. Tiatia is a natural fullback. Jordie isn't. Go and watch the first half again and watch how many laboured loopy passes he threw. If he got better then fair enough, but he was stand out horrid to start. I don't think i've seen SBW throw a loopy pass ever. You were probably too busy looking somewhere else. I'm happy for you to prove me wrong. I just don't think that among all the masses of criticism SBW has copped over the years I have noticed a theme of poor passing. Perhaps, if you are going to come up with a smart comment, back it up with fact instead of another smart comment? Wouldn't have made any difference. You would have defended him regardless. And his passing in 2011 definitely wasn't world class. In fact there were multiple aspects of his game that needed to be worked on. Would have been rather unfair to straight out write him off as a 12 don't you think? The point was that JBs passing was ropey. Try playing the ball instead of taking aim at the person making the point. I haven’t written JB off as a 12 just commented that if he has international aspirations in the position he needs to sharpen his passing game.

Weber looks well off the pace to me. Hesitant at the breakdown and his passing is erratic at best.

Switching DMac back to his best position is the best news out of Hamilton so far this season, let's hope they try it.

@sparky said in Hurricanes vs Highlanders: Aaron Smith, James Letjens and Pari Pari Parkinson did well for the Landers. Dane Coles, Ardie Savea and Ngani Laumape were outstanding for the Hurricanes. Laumape is the player of the competition so far IMHO. He's coming along well, hopefully they ditch the ease him into Super rugby plan and just play him.

Laumape's best ever game. Great to see Dane Coles returning to top form. Ardie Savea excellent yet again. One of TJP's best games for while. All four will be part of the ABs' RWC squad.

@Stargazer Looking forward to seeing him sign with Toulon and 3 games in the owner saying this isnt the Dagg I saw in the 2011 RWC highlights I watched....

@KiwiMurph said in Waratahs vs Hurricanes: @Bones said in Waratahs vs Hurricanes: @ShadowTrooper said in Waratahs vs Hurricanes: @Canes4life Yep agree with all the changes suggested fro next week. Was impressed the Canes stayed in the fight though, and that (plus Jordie's boot) is what got them over the line. Compare and contrast that with tghe Chiefs who had the bloody game there for the taking ,and let it slip from right under their noses to a much hungrier Landers side. Soooo....Canes won, but Chiefs lost huh? As opposed to NSW lost, and landers won.... Perhaps it has something to do with the Highlanders being down to 14 men for the last 13 minutes of the game...... Ok

I guess this news still belongs in the 2019 thread. TOBY SMITH RETIRING FROM RUGBY Hurricanes prop Toby Smith has announced he is retiring from rugby following issues with concussion. 31-year-old Smith, a Super Rugby centurion and former Australian international, has opted not to renew his contract with the Hurricanes to preserve his long-term health by seeking out new opportunities. “I am making the difficult choice now to leave the game I love and that has given me so many amazing experiences and where I have made some life-long friendships. I have had some on-going issues with concussion, and while I am currently symptom-free, I do not wish to put that at further risk. ...

Leon MacDonald was a good #10 in my opinion, except he had a fullback's kick -- too slow, and hence prone to charge downs, and lacking a bit in variety. At the time it made sense to play him though.

The French should feel mortified they lost to a team that had that as a first five-eighth. Exactly the sort of game that gives me All Black RWC nightmares.

@stargazer said in Chiefs v Hurricanes: @crucial Yep. Blackadder signed him; he hardly got game time for the Crusaders because others were considered better; and Robbertson led him go. The few times he did play for us I actually thought he went okay. Provided some impact off the bench.

@pakman said in Hurricanes v Blues: @crucial said in Hurricanes v Blues: @snowy said in Hurricanes v Blues: @bones There will have been a shit load more to that. Annoying for you but you got there alive didn't you. There is reason air travel is safe. Yep, it is as annoying as fuck but aircraft repairs are way more complicated than chucking on a replacement part and crossing your fingers. Any fault has to be logged with full tracing of the faulty part in case it is potentially from a faulty batch. Any replacement must also have that same traceability and be checked for potential compatibility issues with other parts on that plane. The level of checking and caution is very high. Admittedly, I believe that like many airlines AirNZ have pulled back on their engineering spend to find a better cost balance although compared to some other large airlines they are still very good. Talk to an airline engineer about what airlines they won't fly on and you will get some surprises. Can't remember who told me this, about 20 years ago, but some engineering fellow said to stick to airlines with 'British' trained engineers. Back then I recall that as including BA, Virgin, ANZ, Qantas, Cathay, Singapore and SAA. Avoid American if possible. Three grades of fault, 1,2 & 3. Grade 1 immediate fix, 2 something like that week. Grade 3 was not vital but needed to be done at some point. Trouble was to save on costs American Airlines only did 3s every six months, as against promptly by 'Brits'. Cumulative impact of many 3s can become as risky as a 2, and in exceptional circumstances a 1. May be out of date by now. I occasionally have this discussion with an ex AirNZ engineer and this is what I picked up BA are awful now, massive interference in engineering by the accountants. Cathy and Singapore have always been very good and maintained high standards The UK/US thing is a bit true but doesn't always hold water. One of the key things is the investment in parts on hand. As I described earlier every nut and bolt on a commercial aircraft is computer logged with identifiers and makes it possible to trace faults, compatibility and batch issues If you need to order a part (as opposed to having it in store) this safety aspect can mean that it takes a little longer. In passenger impact this can mean that an expected small repair becomes a bigger issue when the part you expect to use is not usable on that particular aircraft. So you get those situations where they sit you on the tarmac saying short delay, which then becomes a long delay.

Game on now for 2nd in the NZC and a home QF. The Chiefs-Canes game in the final round could determine that, assuming both teams win next round and the Highlanders don't upset the Crusaders.

@rapido yea, i sort of remember those days. Around 2000 suddenly everyone had their hands in rucks, and cleanouts involved a heap of force.

@broughie All elbows and knees.

@pukunui I would prefer Lousi to PT at the moment. He has made some pretty impressive strides since the days of the Tahs. Would add some needed starch to the AB pack compared to Barret.

@kirwan said in Blues v Hurricanes: Doesn’t have a two game AB break due? I hope so, Tana is grinding him into dust because he’s so reliant on the Ioanes saving his blushes. I'm not sure he does as he's not an AB, only those that played full ABs tests last year are included, I think. Even if they're on the radar. Hard enough to take those guys out of two games, let alone possibles and fringe players.

@mariner4life said in Hurricanes v Lions: you need a lesson in damning stills, and bold red arrow placement from that delusional Aussie bloke. Video with boring monologue over the top is also appreciated. I can't see anything but a pile of arms and legs, and can't tell who is who. Almost makes me miss the days when players from different positions had different body shapes. Ah the 90s aye @MN5 ? But, based on experience, if we are charging A Savea with doing something physical, and actually being involved in tough stuff, then weight of evidence says not guilty. Absolutely. Royce Willis and Norm Maxwell locking the scrum, Isi Maka off the back. Mayerhofler at centre. Marvellous.

@bones said in Hurricanes all time XV: @nepia Lowe could be the next Ngatai minus the injuries. Thought it would be good to have a set of brothers in there.

@chester-draws said in Hurricanes v Sunwolves: Julian Savea might be finding his mojo. He may be playing well. But players don't suddenly "find" their old pace, like it slipped down the back of the sofa and he didn't look hard enough. If he is to "find" some pace it will be in the off-season. And I have a lovely bridge that you might like to buy, if you fall for that. Only one owner, a lovely Nigerian Prince. Losing the weight might be a start, he’s looking trim. I agree with you, have an old memory of Savea or was it the Rok being sent to sevens to sharpen up and came back quicker.

@mn5 said in Hurricanes v Chiefs: @gt12 said in Hurricanes v Chiefs: @mn5 said in Hurricanes v Chiefs: @bones said in Hurricanes v Chiefs: @mn5 something about penetrating from the back and blokes getting something up so that it goes straight down your throat. Good God man. Do you actually think before you post? Stones and glass houses right here. Guilty as charged As am I, during any Chiefs game.