What an honour it was for the Blues Super Rugby team. The very first franchise to face the touring British and Irish Lions, and somehow they managed to create even more history in beating the tourists 22-16. In a massive game, the Blues created a piece of history as Ihaia West ran 30 metres to […] READ MORE
Tag: Rieko Ioane
Neither will be particularly happy with a Drawn Test match
As neither side will be particularly happy with a drawn test match, one side will have a better grasp on how well they played (than the other). Both sides will feel displeased to not take away the advantage in the annual trans-Tasman contest yet, Dave Rennie will feel much better because his side held the […] READ MORE
Richie Mo’unga answers call in local derby victory
When he was needed most, Richie Mo’unga answered the call of his Crusaders team, to direct them towards a win in a local derby victory over the Blues. The All Blacks and Crusaders first-five was again at his prominent best, in driving his side for the entire 80 minutes. And that fact will be where […] READ MORE
Julian Savea public judgement 101: Modern Rugby, who judges who
Challenges Promote Julian Savea Public Judgment As Ioane moved from center to wing, he was growing as one of the great future prospects of the New Zealand rugby. With options like James Lowe and [in 2016] Johnny McNichol signing overseas contracts, the former Sevens player was heralded as an option. And his successes on the field, perked the interest of the national selectors - as much as Julian Savea public judgment. READ MORE
Last Word on Rugby contributors End of Tour ‘Lions Series Wrap’
The DHL Lions Series has concluded, with a drawn series after the 15-15 result on Saturday. The All Blacks have been held from their ambition of holding back the best of Britain. And with this 'end of tour wrap' it is time to reflect on the highlights. READ MORE
New Stars and Old Hands : Rieko Ioane and Kieran Read
And on every occasion the two sides have faced the other, it has required a total effort. Where both the new stars of the day, and the old hands combine to see off that challenge. READ MORE
Composure the All Blacks key asset: DHL Lions series first Test
While the execution let the side down in the end; in the opening attacking play, and in the middle of the second half, this Lions team showed the glimpses that everyone knew they possessed. Quality players, good motivation and combined strength. But with mixed messages issued from the coaches box, it had a counter-intuitive affect. READ MORE
Beauden Barrett ‘brilliance’ sees All Blacks retain Bledisloe Cup
Complete drama and ultimate entertainment summed up a brilliant fightback as the All Blacks retain the Bledisloe Cup, in dramatic fashion. The match ended with an All Blacks victory over Australia, with a scoreline of 35-29. But, the winner wasn’t determined until the very final moments. When fans look back at this match, the end […] 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
Under 20s Championship tournament begins June 4
Six months into the year; one where the Rugby World Cup holds much attention, the Under 20s Championship tournament begins on June 4 in Argentina. The annual contest between the leading sides will again showcase the young talent, which will become the superstars in the future. This tournament is the setting where names like Rieko […] READ MORE