Great news that the man is back playing!

Lealiifano makes rugby return in Singapore

@MajorRage

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.

Haha

@mariner4life said in Hurricanes v Chiefs:

i am going to carry on like an absolute fuckhead.

I seriously don't get why they replace PGS with Frizell. Grace makes way more sense.

I guess his name is already on the squad list of the ABs XV then.

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.

@SouthernMann Thanks for posting the text. It's annoying that also the ODT has now gone behind a pay-wall.

@Kiwiwomble Totally random. They have more posts like that.

Translation for who doesn't understand French:

#TOP14 #FanDays
When coach O'Gara gives a private tackling lesson to a young ball boy... In the middle of a match 😍"

@Winger All contracted Hurricanes players minus the matchday 23?

Black Ferns Sevens and All Blacks Sevens set their sights on Hong Kong return

The All Blacks Sevens and Black Ferns Sevens teams return to the HSBC Hong Kong Sevens this weekend.

Black Ferns 7s

Unavailable for selection: Mahina Paul and Theresa Fitzpatrick.

“We are pleased to welcome both Alena and Manaia back into the team after injury lay off. Both have been training really well and we are looking forward to them having an immediate impact on the team,” finished Sweeney.

All Blacks 7s

Dylan Collier and Sione Molia have been named as co-captains for the side in the absence of All Blacks Sevens captain Sam Dickson.

Unavailable for selection: Andrew Knewstubb, Moses Leo, Payton Spencer, Roderick Solo, Sam Dickson, Scott Curry, Tim Mikkelson and Tone Ng Shiu (injury). Joe Webber and Regan Ware (personal)

“Cody again played in the Super Rugby Pacific Under 20s and has joined the squad as an injury replacement for Andrew Knewstubb. He has played a lot of sevens and really gets the game,” finished Laidlaw.

HSBC Hong Kong Sevens Draw (dates/times listed in NZDT)
Friday 31 March
7.16pm: Black Ferns Sevens v Hong Kong China
7.40pm: All Blacks Sevens v Kenya
11.16pm: Black Ferns Sevens v Great Britain Sevens

Saturday 1 April
3.41pm: Black Ferns Sevens v Canada
4.04pm All Blacks Sevens v South Africa
8.49pm: All Blacks Sevens v Ireland

Play-offs begin.

Sunday 2 April
Play-offs continue.