With his blistering pace and sheer power-play, Ngani Laumape reminded rugby observers and his naysayers of his game-breaking quality, as the Hurricanes defeated the Blues. In Round Six of Super Rugby Aotearoa, the clash in Wellington saw the ‘Canes overtake the Blues place on the ladder; as the Crusaders enjoyed their second bye round. In […] READ MORE
Tag: Jordie Barrett
Corey Jane: 12 year experience invaluable for Hurricanes v Lions
The former All Black, Cory Jane will play off the bench in the Hurricanes v Lions match on the Tuesday night. In being named, it is tribute to his staying power and fitness. The 34 year old still holds a place within the Wellington franchise, playing in the opening game of this 2017 Super Rugby season. READ MORE
All Blacks hot favourites in DHL Lions Series decider
The All Blacks have more than history on their side at Eden Park as one of the biggest matches in the careers of 46-players kicks off later tonight. It’s the game that World Rugby has been crying out for – but even the most informed of rugby pundits wouldn’t be backing anything other than an […] READ MORE
DHL Lions Series: All Blacks/Lions share spoils. LWOR player ratings
The third test was probably where each side was more studied on the other. Tactically, both managed to excite the crowd yet the pressure mounted on each. As that happened the game became more centered. It was a game that wasn't able to open up as easily. Which was great for purists, but was less exciting than test one of the DHL Lions Series. READ MORE
Steve Hansen names All Blacks wider training group for DHL Lions Series
The presure is now on, as Steve Hansen names his All Blacks ‘wider training group’ for the DHL Lions Series. The selected 33 men will be challenged to hold-up the aura of the New Zealand team, and the New Zealand (NZ) rugby public’s expectation. That factor will weigh heavy on Steve Hansen, the head coach […] READ MORE
Hurricanes discipline hands Blues crucial away derby win
Persistence is one way of correcting an unwanted run of bad form. Try and try again. It helps when your opposition suffers from their own poor performance, so as the Hurricanes discipline reduced their compliment from 15 to 12 [at one stage], the Blues Super Rugby team took advantage to gain a crucial away derby […] READ MORE
All Blacks team named, as RWC rest days apply new pressures
The All Blacks team to play Canada has been named, with 16 players ready to make their World Cup debut, in only the defending champions second match. 10 days after #NZLvRSA, it appears that RWC rest days has applied unfamiliar pressure on the All Blacks with assistant coach Ian Foster addressing the pressures of the […] READ MORE
Here it is: Super Rugby 2019 the improved edition
Improved, and it is bound to be – in the second season of the reduced competition. So, here it is; Super Rugby 2019 the improved edition. To reinforce this factor, the players will need to be on form from the get-go. And if that is tonight [7:35pm in Hamilton, New Zealand] then performances and match […] READ MORE
For Alex Lozowski versatility is both blessing and curse
Saracens sprung a surprise in naming Alex Lozowski on the right wing ahead of their game with Leicester Tigers this weekend. Lozowski, dropped from England’s 28-man squad this week in favour of Piers Francis, returns to Gallagher Premiership action in an unfamiliar position, allying alongside Alex’s Goode and Lewington in the back three. Versatility is […] READ MORE
Second Bledisloe Cup Test includes another 100-cap All Black
As teams are announced for the second Bledisloe Cup Test match this Saturday night, the list of players includes another 100-cap All Black, in Owen Franks. A name which has been a consistent inclusion for head coach Steve Hansen, the head coach was glowing of the contribution by Owen Franks; as well as his older […] READ MORE