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 ...

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.

@mariner4life said in Hurricanes v Chiefs:

i am going to carry on like an absolute fuckhead.

Geez, aren't we all chirpy today! We all know why the ABs are playing tests against Tonga & Fiji, and not against stronger opposition. We all know that Tonga and Fiji (and Samoa) can't field all the players they'd want to have in their squad, and why. And we all know that they wouldn't even be strong enough, if they had all the players they'd like to have.

So what? Why can't you lot just be happy to see the team play? These are exceptional times, so expect things to be different from our usual July Series. Just enjoy the game, even if it's a one-sided one.

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

So the first one has now been announced by NZR, the last four by the opponents (but not confirmed by NZR):

• Sat 23 October: v USA in Washington DC (k/o 3.00pm)
• Sat 30 October: v Wales in Cardiff
• Sat 6 November: v Italy (venue TBC)
• Sat 20 November: v France in Paris (k/o 9.00pm)
• Sat 13 November: v Ireland in Dublin

All local time.

Yesss, the Black Sticks win again! Close and entertaining game.

Full time score: NZL 2 - 1 Japan

Good use of the referral.

We're lucky that Japan have not scored of single penalty corner.

I find it so stupid in hockey that a team can get a penalty corner by hitting the ball against an opposition player's ankle.

Still 2 - 1 to the Black Sticks at the end of the 3rd quarter.

Are they always so quick to show cards in hockey?

Great defence from the Black Sticks; the Japanese not able - thus far - to convert penalty corners into points.

Half time score: Black Sticks women 2 - 1 Japan

And they score another one!!

The Black Sticks lead 2 - 1!