Scott Barrett had a great game.

This is a good Fijian side. Big men playing European rugby. The ABs kryptonite is not winning physical battle. Good test.

@hydro11 I think that mindset is endemic in our rugby. The high risk option or the players ( coaching tactics ) that take them are often rewarded at lower levels where you get more space. However test matches can sometimes be a grind, and we don’t seem to want to do the hard work ( play the % ) for long enough. Whether it be 2 or 3 more phases or playing it tight into the 60th or 70th minute. They have to learn how to do that especially if they are behind on the scoreboard after 20.

How did they leave Sam Cane on the bench last week. Dumbest selection of all time.

BBs cross kick in 2nd half was worst play of game

Forgot how much I love watching Northland play. Can’t wait for the rest of the season.

Those that talk negatively about NZ provincial rugby ( and individual teams ) don’t understand how great this competition continues to be for NZ rugby - the jewel in the crown. The talent on display is amazing.

But a bit tired of reading articles from hack journalists and listening to ex rugby players acting as commentators who don’t know the players from the opposition team and have no passion for the game they are watching. The comments about Northland before, and after the game on the radio and in print lack any insight into our team.

I guess that’s why this forum is great 😀.

This has been coming for some time. We keep being told that we can play rugby without the ball. Kicking it away. The Wallabies showed that keeping the ball in hand is what matters. Some of our tight forwards struggle with their hands. Tonight they lost the contact as well.

Read has been quality. Captains knock.

@Entertainer15 disagree. We lost it in the forwards an with poor tactical kicking. Their forwards created go forward, won their lineouts and they were tactically miles ahead.

Next World Cup will be more challenging.

Our Junior rugby teams have been beaten up recent years by sides with big forward packs. Development of our tight 5 depth and loose forwards that can win contact will be our challenge. We always have great footballers but size matters as the game gets tighter and defence dominates.

@KiwiMurph said in Blues v Force:

@kev said in Blues v Force:

@KiwiMurph said in Blues v Force:

@kev said in Blues v Force:

Not sure where Big Red sits in the Blues plans now.

I imagine he'll start at 6 next week with Hoskins rested and Akira at 8.

He has had a couple of light weeks. Just load balancing between players?

Edit - sorry I thought you meant Hoskins.

Yeah bit weird how Leon is preferring two starting 7s.

Especially given their lock and lineout options.

@KiwiMurph said in Blues v Force:

@kev said in Blues v Force:

Not sure where Big Red sits in the Blues plans now.

I imagine he'll start at 6 next week with Hoskins rested and Akira at 8.

He has had a couple of light weeks. Just load balancing between players?

Not sure where Big Red sits in the Blues plans now.

@Steven-Harris said in Blues v Crusaders:

Great game ..Crusaders without Jordon ,Goodhue,Havilli,Grace and Newall get the job done ..and then they bring on 3 new guys
Sam Whitelock was colossal..!
Ethan Blackadder a work horse
Hoskins Soututu adding consistency in performance

Scott Barrett a real concern with discipline
Beauden Barrett doing my head

Good teams will take their chances and ride their luck with the officiating
Best game in a very long time

Agree Steve. Great game. Lots of guys playing well.

Scott was around the ruck when Crusaders were penalised but generally it wasn’t him infringing. His work rate is so big he is bound to get a few. One of my favourite players because he always turns up.

Heem better that RTS who still misses too many tackles. Not sure why they didn’t start with Robinson.

@KiwiMurph said in Blues v Crusaders:

@antipodean said in Blues v Crusaders:

Does anyone think Razor is brilliant coach if the best he can do is this result?

Exactly. How does this prove Razor is some super coach?

Someone was labelling the Crusaders a bunch of journeymen earlier. So probably not too bad.

There is no way with the talent they have the Blues should lose a game like that. Is the players or the coaches? Same weaknesses in ABs. In ability to play % and apply pressure. They played their best rugby with 13 when they held the ball.

@Tim said in Blues v Brumbies:

@taniwharugby another shocker

A couple of times recently they have never been in balance over the ball. Falling and then turning…?

@taniwharugby said in Blues v Brumbies:

first the unecessary flick back by Funaki then the fucking moronic kick by BB

He plays like Shaun Johnson

Why is Clark still on not Telea?