As the debate and swings and roundabouts of public machinations from New Zealand Rugby, the disclosure that the 2024 All Blacks squad won’t include current head coach Ian Foster. This week, as his employers publicly addressed discussion over the appointment of the next coaching group, leading to the the incumbent ‘calling time’ on his final […] READ MORE
Tag: Sam Cane
Chelsea Alley now Black Ferns ‘seasoned campaigner’ – ASB Rugby Awards
With Chelsea Alley now a ‘seasoned campaigner’ for the Black Ferns XVs side, it is a story of recognized talent developing into a supreme talent. Celebrated this week at the New Zealand Rugby, ASB Rugby Awards, Alley was one of many women and men to be highlighted. Given praise in a year like no other yet, […] READ MORE
Ian Foster’s All Blacks earn pass mark (Pumas loss notwithstanding)
Even with a barely tolerable 50% win ratio, Ian Foster’s All Blacks gain a pass mark in the books of most fair-minded critics. Most, although the so-called ‘brutal fans’ might still struggle with the overall results of 2020. Saturday’s victory over Argentina has pushed the team just into the pass category. Not a strong season, […] READ MORE
Pablo Matera leads Argentina to famous win over All Blacks
After the final siren blew time, Pablo Matera was standing proudly after leading his 2020 Los Pumas side to a famous, first-ever win over the All Blacks. More than famous. More like heartfelt, and with all the passion and intent which Argentina has shown in 30 attempts previously to defeat New Zealand. Yet at Bankwest […] READ MORE
A new star found, as All Blacks win comfortably at Eden Park
As has happened before, the All Blacks win at Eden Park was both comfortable, and one where a new star was given his first opportunity to shine. Caleb Clarke had his first start with the national team, after debuting from the bench a week earlier. And as the 21-year old demonstrated his monster athletic form, […] READ MORE
2020 Wallabies; are they ‘all that’ after One Test
All that, as in ‘all that good’ insinuates that the 2020 Wallabies are of vast difference to sides of previous years/eras after just one test. This is after one match so jumping the gun, however, that is how some Australian media and former players are reacting. Speaking of times where the All Blacks aura has […] READ MORE
Bledisloe Cup: first match in two-game series on Kiwi soil
This first match of the two-game series for the Bledisloe Cup with be played on Kiwi soil between New Zealand and Australia. With that, the return to International rugby has begun. Suitably, the same nation who was the first to restart domestic rugby back in May, New Zealand will host the first of the annual […] READ MORE
Sam Cane concussed, luckless Chiefs lose yet again
In a match that saw Sam Cane concussed, the result was the same as it has been all season, where the luckless Chiefs lose yet again to the Hurricanes. The nominated All Blacks captain was brought down in a collision with a leaping Jordie Barrett. Contact with the taller players hip caused Sam Cane to […] READ MORE
Kieran Read injury raises concern for All Blacks v Lions availability
Overnight, the Kieran Read injury sustained during the Cheetahs v Crusaders game has raised concerns for the New Zealand All Blacks team. That, along with minor surgery taken by Jerome Kaino and an ankle sprain for Ben Smith, places an injury-cloud over all three men’s All Blacks v Lions availability. Injury is an issue for […] READ MORE
Chiefs Super Rugby leadership change is Brodie Retallick benefit
Not that he would ever think so, but after the shift north of former Chiefs captain Charlie Ngatai, and the devastating injury to current skipper Sam Cane, the Chiefs Super Rugby leadership change is a Brodie Retallick benefit. The self effacing team player is not likely to raise his hand for the task, but like the […] READ MORE