Great news that the man is back playing!

Lealiifano makes rugby return in Singapore

Arrived back home from hospital, this morning. I missed most of the SR final due to an asthma attack. I'm okay again, but it was a bit scary for a while. Absolutely bad timing, of course (although I think I know what triggered it), but fortunately we recorded the final on mysky and I just watched it, although it's not quite the same when you know the final score.

I don't have much to add to comments already made. It was a typical final in which defence won the game. Todd and Read were outstanding in the forwards, and Bridge, Mo'unga and Havili in the backs. Lots of dew on the ground and a wet ball can explain some of the bad ball handling, but it has to be said that the Jaguares also made some really stupid mistakes. Their 10 was terrible. Overall, the Jaguares played reasonably well and they'll learn from their mistakes. The Crusaders looked - as expected - the more experienced team. Awesome how they changed their game plan when the first one didn't work and good decision-making when they went for the points when they were on offer. Mo'unga's goal-kicking is outstanding now and that's good for the RWC. Not sure whether some of the other rookies are ready though. Still think Havili should have been named in the ABs.

And then reading this thread .. jaysus. How can a welcome new addition to the Fern with a fresh point of view turn so quickly into an arrogant, trolling twat. Although it was quite hilarious to read how those who responded to his nonsense were referred to as the "Cantab crew & their cheerleaders", considering many of them support other franchises in SR games other than the final and are quite fervent anti-cantabs 52 weeks per year.

Anyway, 2019 SR season done and dusted. I'll put the Crusaders 2020 blog post up tonight (had already prepared most of it). Can't wait for the Mitre 10 cup now, oh, and yes, some international games ...

@mariner4life said in Hurricanes v Chiefs:

i am going to carry on like an absolute fuckhead.

He may not have been at his best since his serious back injury and surgery in 2017, but IMO he's one of the best no. 8s we've ever had. A true All Blacks great and it has been a pleasure watching him play.

Thanks for all the great moments, Reado. Enjoy spending time with your family, and good luck for what's next.

An absolute legend of the game. One of the best, ever, has retired.

No more starts for SBW, please.

One of Hastings Boys' tries v St Pat's Silverstream:

https://www.facebook.com/317152071806331/videos/879040599343306

Chief Luke Jacobson escapes further sanction after red card

Jacobson became the first player in Super Rugby Trans-Tasman to receive a red card after he was issued two yellows during their one-point win.

The All Black was initially sent from the field in the 35th minute after collapsing the maul close to their tryline in a scoring position, with the Force subsequently awarded a penalty try.

He was then gone for good in the 64th minute after repeated infringements on their line.

The case was referred to SANZAAR's Judicial Committee, who believed that whilst the on-field sanction was justified, Jacobson would not miss any further time for his actions.

"The Judicial Committee conducted a detailed review of all the available evidence, including all camera angles, and additional evidence from the player and submissions from his representative, Aaron Lloyd," Judicial Committee Chairman Adam Casselden SC said.

“With respect to sanction the Judicial Committee ruled, after considering a number of factors, including the direction provided by World Rugby's Regulation 17 - Appendix 4, owing to the nature of the yellow cards being for technical offences with no malice, it was felt that along with the Player’s exemplary disciplinary record, that the Player’s ordering off merited no further sanction.”

"The player is therefore free to play and will serve no suspension”

This will ensure that Jacobson is free to face the Brumbies on Saturday.

St Andrew’s College would like to welcome Robbie Fruean as a new coach in the College’s Rugby Programme for the 2021 season!

Robbie comes with a wealth of experience and an impressive playing career representing two Mitre 10 Cup teams (Wellington Lions and Hawke's Bay Magpies) and playing for three Super Rugby franchises (Hurricanes, Crusaders and Chiefs) before heading overseas to play for Bath.

Robbie’s goal is to pass on his knowledge to the next generation and help deliver a positive rugby experience to all players he works with in representing the Thistle!

https://www.facebook.com/StACRugby/posts/2574411122860800

Good news.

Hurricanes first five-eighth Ruben Love will miss Friday’s match against the Rebels in Wellington, but has avoided serious injury after frightening scenes at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Coach Jason Holland said the 20-year-old rising star would be sidelined for a week after suffering concussion when taking a heavy knock in the second minute of Friday’s remarkable 64-48 victory over the Waratahs in Super Rugby Trans-Tasman.

Fears of a spinal injury were allayed, after the match was held up for 10 minutes while Love was attended to on the turf.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/125146755/super-rugby-hurricanes-playmaker-ruben-love-out-of-rebels-match-avoids-serious-injury

For who can read French, here is the FFR's media release: https://www.ffr.fr/actualites/federation/la-ffr-sengage-pour-linclusion-des-trans-identitaires-dans-le-rugby

@yeetyaah Not as Tasman. According to Wikipedia (assuming that's correct), Marlborough held the Shield in 1973.

@bovidae Yeah, I know. Our third choice Magpies hooker is playing no. 8 these days.

Just heard on the Breakdown:

Tomorrow, the draws for the NPC, FPC and Heartland will be announced.

And guess what, please, someone send some tranquilizers to our Tasman faithful ....

Tasman will get a Shield challenge .. if one of the other challengers hasn't grabbed the Shield before them, that is.

They also mentioned Waikato. I missed the rest.