Recent content by KiwiM

The word is he's been pretty banged up with some shoulder niggles. Playing in midfield you have to deal with some pretty heavy traffic with some large players. Makes me wonder if he is cut out to be a test match midfielder.

Brumbies have a chance to finish 2nd, 3rd or 4th depending on results. Blues locked up top spot. Completely different scenarios.

Pleased to see Blues rest and rotate - Blues bye got all stuffed up covid reschedules earlier in the season. Still plenty of talent in that Blues team so it should be a fun contest.

You have missed Sotutu - I'd suggest Sotutu is ahead of Grace - Sotutu is an incumbent and playing well - Grace i'm not sure has done enough to get back in though with playoffs still to come lots can still change with form/injury etc. I would like to see one of Pita Gus or MMT in as another ball...

I agree with you but it doesn't look like changing anytime soon.

That was an intense game. Can see why it was called test match like. Brumbies scramble defence was fantastic. Nic White was everywhere. Tom Hooper looks a good prospect - mobile and big frame. For the Blues Sotutu really stood out I thought - particularly with a lack of bulk at 6 to support...

If Cane can't play due to injury then Papali'i will start at 7. They (Ardie and the ABs) are pretty adamant these days that Ardie is an 8.

Smart move by Big Karl. I don't think he would have cracked the ABs squad this year barring injuries.

https://www.sen.com.au/news/2022/05/10/second-nz-side-set-to-shadow-all-blacks-for-foreseeable-future/

Well that was fun. Blues scored some champagne tries even against half-arsed defence. Telea's try and Rieko's 3rd try were top drawer. Rebels need to look at the Tahs turnaround this year to get a blueprint of how to get some starch back next year.

Surprised to see Leali’ifano there after the shot he copped from Ray Nu'u last week. It is frustrating that Visinia has played so little this season after such a strong NPC for Hawke's Bay - however Toala went well at 15 last week I thought.

Very well summarised. Baffles me after 5 or so years in the ABs that McLeod is reappointed as defence coach. in addition to being a selector Schmidt is going to be involved in strategy/tactics etc as well so will be interesting if there's some fresh ideas.

Some believe that he has simply been burnt out by being overplayed by Razor the last few Super seasons. The backup hookers Crusaders haven't had a ton of game time in recent seasons (unless injury enforced) hence why Makalio shifted south to the Highlanders. Combine that with a pretty heavy AB...

I think he's off contract at the end of the year - if he's looking elsewhere (and fair enough) then I don't mind not playing him if it's not necessary. Blues can't keep everyone.

Would like to see Zarn spend some time at 10 if the game allows it. My gut says it won't.