Rugby News, Analysis, History, Schedule, Rumours
When a list of names was put forward as potential candidates for the vacant All Blacks Coach position last week, the New Zealand Rugby administration was inundated with quality choices. From domestic title winners, to European and International rugby leaders. It all makes for an interesting selection process, and a widely anticipated appointment. Widely; well […] READ MORE
2018 will be a season of new beginnings as Highlanders select Aaron Mauger as new head coach for Super Rugby. The former Crusader and All Black has previously coached the Leicester Tigers. With a three-year deal, Mauger will be expected to deliver another Super Rugby title to the franchise in that time, and he has all […] READ MORE
Reaction to this afternoons Super Rugby clash at AMI Stadium was literally ‘off the charts’. In a game that went from sublime to incredible, in a climatic rugby match ending where the last gasp kick by Mitchell Hunt seals Win for Crusaders fans. The above image of Mitchell Hunt stepping back and aiming to take […] READ MORE
In two matches on New Zealand soil, Super Rugby Round Nine proved that the high standards of the competition leading conference are certainly consistent. Both fixtures earned high scores, with home fans leaving each fully satisfied on another ‘Super Saturday’. While the rugby was the focus, as happened last night in Napier, ‘rugby remembered’ the […] READ MORE
So both sides will leave the Park with challenges ahead. That is the beauty, and the difficulty of the NZ local derby games like the Blues v Highlanders. When teams have a tough start to the competition [like the Highlanders] they just have to quickly turnaround, stand tall and look forward to the next challenge. READ MORE
In any event, the high stakes rugby is costing the Highlanders. In the 2016 semi final, they were unable to combat the open-style of the Lions (on the Johannesburg ground) and paid the price. They did take the right decisions in the quarter final, and the side must make precise decisions from now on. Dropping points now will be hard to recover in the later stages of Super Rugby. And after a high risk outcome last week, the time is now to play more settled, no nonsense rugby to get back into winning form. Rebuild their battered confidence--before they can again, look to incorporate any 'high stakes rugby' in their game. Oh, and get Ben Smith back to full health asap! READ MORE
The Chiefs always looked the more composed side when the big moments came. A better executed set play was a big difference maker for the Chiefs, and it provided Hika Elliot his ninth try in Super Rugby. James Lowe was gifted two tries from intercepts, and in the end, the Highlanders never dotted over the line themselves. READ MORE
Never one for outlandish behaviour as a player, Tony Brown is ‘getting on with the job quietly’ as ever. Now as the Highlanders head coach for 2017, he might want to make all the noise on the field. A foundation member of the franchise, it is common knowledge that he assumed the role of head […] READ MORE
Rugby writer focusing predominantly on Aviva Premiership and Top14. Big fan of Super Rugby and all things international.
Covered World Rugby U20 Championships in Georgia (2017) for LWOR, ESPN and Rugby World.
Planning for RWC in Japan 2019.