@Tim there’s a few on the blog that would not have seen that article on Konia..interesting to see Wiseguy Faiane on the bench for the Bs..

4 x players I reckon will who will make people stand up and take notice are Paripari Parkinson ;Tom Robinson;Dalton Papalii and Jack Debreczeni.
Parkinson I reckon if there’s any injuries to either Retalick or Whitelock comes into the equation as I don’t see another out and out middle of the lineout option..
Thought he was outstanding on the Maori tour last year,his carrying ability being a real feature
Just hoping he comes into the new season with a bit more size.

Tom Robinson if he gets an opportunity at super level he will take it with both hands,from what I understand has been close to the best player in both preseason games brings a whole lot of physical presence and has a massive engine,extremely fit and has added size during the off-season .

I am picking Dalton Papalii will have a massive season,saw a sample of who good this kid could be last year and can only see him getting better.
Love the way this guy plays,very aggressive wether in defence or when carrying .

I know there’s a few people out there who will think I am on drugs,but one player who I believe has made the best decision of his life to come and play in NZ is Jack Debreczeni..
Speaking to Jack towards the end of last season,coming to NZ improved his game out of site given the opportunity to play with more freedom he was close to Northlands best player come seasons end..
Has a boot that betters any of the first fives in the NZ comp,and a goal kicking percentage that ended up at 88% at Mitre 10 Cup level,scored over 100 points for the season..
Runs at the line very well,and 6’3 is a real handful and more importantly identifies space really well.
Debreczeni will be a very tidy acquisition to the chiefs and will win games for them with his kicking alone.

If he has a big season with the chiefs,and like most things I stand to be corrected..It can’t be any worse than Foley who runs the cutter for the Aussie .

On the overall winner,hard to go past the Saders,but I have a sneaky suspicion the Blues given they seem to have better depth ,a first five that can manage a game and more importantly a forward coach that I actually rate could be right there at the end.

Best Aussie teams..Tahs & Rebels
Best Of Africa Stormers and Sharks.zx

@Canes4life it’s a shame someone like Hemapo is not part of the Canes given he plays for the Turbos..not to sure on Parsons but if he’s the next cab off the Rack development team wise, I guess that’s probably where they will go..if Olmstead was not part of the Blues that’s where I would have been heading ..
Can remember one of the steamers locks really impressing me during Mitre 10 Cup..just can’t remember his 2nd name..PI name,
Maybe Laupepe..?

@Canes4life big loss for the Canes,I rate this guy especially when it’s come the physical stakes,has real ability to offload and hold players up in the tackle .

@ARHS was hoping Northland have a look at Landsdowne for Mitre 10 Cup given that the word doing the rounds is that Solomon Alaimalo is heading to Waikato ..if that is the case Landsdowne won’t be getting to much game time at fullback..

@chchfanatic Crotty apparently played for the Saders Knights on Friday or Saturday,so you could be correct

@Stargazer Ennor ran at centre at the Saders training

Jack Goodhue won’t be playing this weekend,has a groin strain he picked up at training.

Be interesting to get some feedback from someone who was at the game..

All over,Canes score late,but the Blues take the win 38-31