For the first time, fans witnessed an Irish team win on New Zealand soil, among a stack of results that showed the ‘home unions’ rebounding from past losses. Ireland, England, Scotland, and then Wales all rebounded to defeat their Southern Hemisphere hosts, which also supported a new Number One ranked team ascending to the top […] READ MORE
Tag: Forsyth-Barr Stadium
New Zealand Super Rugby franchises make adjustments/2022 NPC redesign
Two stories emerged on the same day of last week, to describe how New Zealand Super Rugby franchises were forced to make adjustments to their host stadium draw of this (already) re-arranged domestic draw. And then the 2022 National Provincial Championship (NPC) competition was announced as having a format redesign when the first-class title chase […] READ MORE
Close quarters combat: Otago Highlanders v British and Irish Lions
If anything can be learned from this match, it is that the traditional rivals; such as existed on previous tours, are now replaced by the franchise teams. The Blues, Crusaders, Highlanders, Chiefs and finally the Hurricanes. A huge wall to climb by the tourists--only made more difficult, thanks to a famous Otago Highlanders victory. READ MORE
French cannot catch a break against All Blacks: third test loss 49-14
Unfavourable is the feeling that Les Bleus will hold, after more incidents of referee calls did not fall their way against the All Blacks in Dunedin. In what seems to be a case of that the ‘French cannot catch a break’ seemed to cloud another All Blacks 49-14 win. What was clear, was that an […] READ MORE
All Blacks fresh troops look to ‘sharpen the tool box’
With two matches 'up the sleeve' of All Blacks selectors, they have chose to reach for the tool box. Four players chosen to make their debuts against France READ MORE
Waisake Naholo re-signs with Highlanders, prepares for June Test Series
In positive news for the Southern franchise, Waisake Naholo re-signs with the Highlanders; alongside five other players. The news comes ahead of a clutch-match against the Lions, where Waisake Naholo can also promote his name ahead of the June test series against France READ MORE
Highlanders Super Rugby record at home stays intact
The Highlanders Super Rugby record at home stays intact, after an Ben Smith double helped his team overcome a competitive Brumbies side, at Forsyth-Barr Stadium in Dunedin READ MORE
Big Match, under the Big Roof #HIGvCRU
Which ever conference you are in, the frequency of inter-conference/local derby games is high. It’s ‘high demand, highly entertaining, highly draining, high scoring and highly anticipated’. You get the picture–so with any Big Match, the heat is raised and teams are expected to peak. What if that occurred nearly every week? Or every other week, […] READ MORE
Dane Coles Returns for 50th Test
In his 50th test for New Zealand, Dane Coles Returns from an extended period on the sidelines with concussion injury. We look at his impact and career READ MORE