He would undoubtedly strengthen the team on the park but he would be even more valuable at training with his super rugby experience. But, playing the lions can be a once in a career experience. He’d be mad not to pick that. At least it gives others a chance to develop.
The Ghost of Raelene
Phil Kearns (64)
For him and the wider landscape staying for the Lions is a no brainer.
If he's jumped the U20s category he's earnt that even though I'm sure he'd be keen to go to the WC. Situations help players and there would be others in this group that could be playing Super Rugby is coaches picked them and had the right guys around them. I know it's a couple years ago but Fakafanua outplayed Pakeho in the NSW v QLD games in the 18s but again a lot goes down to term performance and no doubt heaps has changed since then physically and skill wise.
If he's jumped the U20s category he's earnt that even though I'm sure he'd be keen to go to the WC. Situations help players and there would be others in this group that could be playing Super Rugby is coaches picked them and had the right guys around them. I know it's a couple years ago but Fakafanua outplayed Pakeho in the NSW v QLD games in the 18s but again a lot goes down to term performance and no doubt heaps has changed since then physically and skill wise.
waiopehu oldboy
Rocky Elsom (76)
The Ghost of Raelene
Phil Kearns (64)
Sounds like an uncomfortable one for the HC to fall out with the rest of them and the HC falls on the sword.
Can't help but think there's more to this story.
Shouldn't be that big of a deal for the side. One of the Assistants step up and back fill a role there would be the smoothest. Don't need to install a new guy a month out.
Can't help but think there's more to this story.
Shouldn't be that big of a deal for the side. One of the Assistants step up and back fill a role there would be the smoothest. Don't need to install a new guy a month out.
He will want to line up against the Lions which falls during the U20 tournament.
The Ghost of Raelene
Phil Kearns (64)
He's a good chance to start v the Lions for the Reds on the 2nd July right when the comp starts... I'd say that takes priority myself.
Hard to see them hold an empty spot for him to then fly over when he wouldn't have trained with them either due to Reds prep.
Hard to see them hold an empty spot for him to then fly over when he wouldn't have trained with them either due to Reds prep.
I think it's a blessing in disguise. Gives RA an opportunity to give more game time to Ruebens, or Boston or the other centre options we've been rolling with. Goldsbrough would be good to have there but who knows how long he's out for.
The Ghost of Raelene
Phil Kearns (64)
Agree. This isn't a hit for the squad either because they never had him in the first place.
They have played without him and prepped without all year so it's not as big an impact as say Doyle being plucked from the squad. Would be great if he was included but no harm done to the current group.
What was Goldsbroughs injury? Be good to get some Club footy in prior.
They have played without him and prepped without all year so it's not as big an impact as say Doyle being plucked from the squad. Would be great if he was included but no harm done to the current group.
What was Goldsbroughs injury? Be good to get some Club footy in prior.
Homer
Ted Thorn (20)
Elbow tendon. He was on some Reds clip still with a brace on recently.
Raptured ligament in the elbow
The Ghost of Raelene
Phil Kearns (64)
If he's on the edge I lean towards leaving him to get a full healthy pre season in then. If hes back and gets a couple of rounds in Hospital Cup in then he should be picked but otherwise don't mess with a kid coming back from something like that.
Jimmy_Crouch
Peter Johnson (47)
Like they did with the women in 2022 NZRU the might parachute in Wayne Smith for a short campaign
Rudderless
Arch Winning (36)
Thirty players have been named in the New Zealand Men’s Under 20 squad to contest the World Rugby U20 Championship in Italy from 29 June to 19 July.
New Zealand squad named for World Rugby U20 Championship
Thirty players have been named in the New Zealand Men’s Under 20 squad to contest the World Rugby U20 Championship in Italy from 29 June to 19 July.
www.allblacks.com
Highlander35
Steve Williams (59)
I thought the squad size cap was 28, did they up the numbers in the last year or two?