The Silver Fern

Explains why I keep losing my keys, I guess.

Mini black holes could be hiding in your HOME, scientists warn

QT simply outstanding so far. Will be the starting AB 12 at this rate

@mariner4life said in All Blacks 2025:

@Dan54 said in All Blacks 2025:

@brodean said in All Blacks 2025:

@Dan54

Is there really no snow on Mt Taranaki at the moment?

Lol no, there is some on the top, well on this side ,so really the pic was taken a month or so ago when Toyota were announced as new sponsors I think. Was taking liberties mate.

isn't that a Defender?

Probably broken down.....

@Bones said in All Blacks 2025:

@WoodysRFC said in All Blacks 2025:

@Bones said in All Blacks 2025:

@antipodean said in All Blacks 2025:

@zedsdeadbaby said in All Blacks 2025:

Presumably he was going for good if he didn’t get 2

Then "thanks for your service". He's not the 🐐 and considering his form last year, we'd be better off without him.

He's bloody good and worth a shit load to NZ rugby. I'm more than ok with loyal servants getting "extras" if it gets them sticking around for over a decade (especially if it gets them playing out their career in NZ).

Yeah agreed, no issue with sabbaticals personally.

I've no issue with the idea and using it for those that have provided great value and years long service. Not happy if it is used in conjunction with automatic AB selection though.

Personally, I wonder if we should be a bit radical and look at a few sabbaticals for contracted players on the fringe on Test XXIII selection if the selectors think a spell overseas would round out/improve their game.

Costs would be kept low and players like Plummer wouldn't be lost.

@gt12 said in All Blacks 2025:

@KiwiMurph said in All Blacks 2025:

No Fakatava?

That says a lot.

Glad Howden is in their sights, not sure he is there yet but he has the size and tools.

Looking OK at 9 with Ratima, Roigard and Hotham TBF

@pakman said in All Blacks 2025:

https://www.theroar.com.au/2025/06/17/all-blacks-coach-has-worked-it-out-at-last-the-only-head-on-the-chopping-block-is-his/

Journalist reckons it's taken Robertson a year to realise it's his head on the chopping block if he doesn't succeed? Seriously?

@Bones said in Grumpy Old Man:

@Victor-Meldrew said in Grumpy Old Man:

@Bones said in Grumpy Old Man:

Fuck these fucking ever increasingly, sickeningly sycophantic USA led global town halls. Anyone ever thrown up their whole insides?

Working at a US Insurrer and at the Town Hall

Head of UK Operation: "I hope you all have your house, car and other insurance with us. We expect you to use your 10% staff discount"

Voice from the floor: "Why would i do that when our car and house insurance is 40% more than NFU or Direct Line"

Killed the buzz stone dead.

X PERSON + Y PERSON + Z PERSON (2 Senior Leadership plus new senior leadership) ARE THE DREAM TEAM!!!

The best CEO I knew used his Town Halls to explain what the top management had got right - and, in detail, where it had screwed up..

Ex-Army. Used to spend 2 Fridays a month actually working in one of his firms customer-facing areas. Knew the business and people inside out. Rare breed.

@Bones said in Grumpy Old Man:

Fuck these fucking ever increasingly, sickeningly sycophantic USA led global town halls. Anyone ever thrown up their whole insides?

Working at a US Insurrer and at the Town Hall

Head of UK Operation: "I hope you all have your house, car and other insurance with us. We expect you to use your 10% staff discount"

Voice from the floor: "Why would i do that when our car and house insurance is 40% more than NFU or Direct Line"

Killed the buzz stone dead.

@kiwiinmelb said in All Blacks 2025:

@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2025:

@Bones said in All Blacks 2025:

@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2025:

For some weird reason, he seems to agree.

He says, before razor has even selected his squad.

From the article.......

He admits at times last year he might have been “too conservative”, and that he could have been “braver”, with approach and selections.

I like that from razor , to be openly transparent like that is a positive imo .

Coaches can be a secretive protective bunch

Yeah, it's a positive statement and hopefully we'll see a bit more adventurous stuff this year.

@Bones said in All Blacks 2025:

@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2025:

For some weird reason, he seems to agree.

He says, before razor has even selected his squad.

From the article.......

He admits at times last year he might have been “too conservative”, and that he could have been “braver”, with approach and selections.

@reprobate said in All Blacks 2025:

@Victor-Meldrew said in All Blacks 2025:

@KiwiMurph said in All Blacks 2025:

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360722762/scott-robertson-what-hes-learnt-all-blacks-coach-youve-got-stay-your-course

He admits at times last year he might have been “too conservative”, and that he could have been “braver”, with approach and selections. “You learn on the job,” he surmises with a smile, and he “feels better for that”.

But, but, but...... Weren't we repeatedly assured international experience wasn't necessary and he'd bring a totally fresh approach?

As arguably Foster's most ardent defender on here, it's kinda strange that you keep heaping criticism on Robertson for not changing enough?

Nah. Just pointing out the absurdity of much of the hype posted on here and elsewhere about what a "once-in-a-century, transformational coaching God" Robertson was touted to be.

I've consistently predicted Robertson would be understandably conservative in his first year, and equally consistently, said this year is the opportunity for him to be much bolder. For some weird reason, he seems to agree.

@SouthernMann said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:

@KiwiMurph said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:

@SouthernMann said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:

@KiwiMurph said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:

@SouthernMann said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:

Just not an All Black.

That's how I feel about JRK

I'm not sure on whether JRK is there either. I'm just reading on the basis of timing on announcements, and what isn't being stated. I think he has the potential to be a strong 14/15. He just needs an injury free season.

I get the upside potential of JRK - I just worry about his decision making - he seems a bit flaky to me.

He has also made some really impressive decisions. This season especially, he came back into a team that needed him to, not only perform, but potentially perform miracles. That looked like it weighed on him. Hopefully with a more capable 10, there may be less pressure on him. As well as having t Tabgitau alongside him. Plus having someone like Hurley coming on with 30 minutes ot go as a miracle worker. JRK can focus on being a good fullback.

I agree. Maybe just me, but JRK seemed to make exactly the right decision when it really mattered.

That said, don't think he's quite there yet, but def. one for Robertson to keep an eye on and help develop.

@KiwiMurph said in All Blacks 2025:

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360722762/scott-robertson-what-hes-learnt-all-blacks-coach-youve-got-stay-your-course

He admits at times last year he might have been “too conservative”, and that he could have been “braver”, with approach and selections. “You learn on the job,” he surmises with a smile, and he “feels better for that”.

But, but, but...... Weren't we repeatedly assured international experience wasn't necessary and he'd bring a totally fresh approach?