Rugby News, Analysis, History, Schedule, Rumours
While humble in his self-assessment, new Hurricanes captain Ardie Savea will steel himself by having solid leadership around him, as he steps up into his new role in 2021. Savea says he is honoured to have the opportunity to lead. “This is getting out of my comfort zone, but I feel like this is a time […] READ MORE
Building his rugby knowledge ‘on the job’ is 2019 Harbour Rugby assistant coach Sam Ward. Part of the leadership group in the Mitre 10 Cup Championship – it is one steep learning curve that the assistant coach is fully embracing. While 2019 has not yet been full of highs, a sweet victory over Manawatu on […] READ MORE
Finishing second best to the Tasman Mako on Saturday night, Harbour Rugby must now ‘steel themselves’ ahead of the Mitre 10 Cup three-match cycle; starting next Sunday afternoon versus the Wellington Lions. Ahead of what has been referred to as the ‘storm week’ – where sides play three games in ten days, head coach Tom […] READ MORE
In the latest news on injured All Blacks hooker Dane Coles, he has honestly assessed that he is still yet to recover to ‘All Blacks fitness’ levels. This is after he tore the ACL in his knee, that required surgery in late 2017. The Test hooker is yet to earn his place with the Hurricanes, let […] READ MORE
In last weeks edition of the NZ Rugby Grandstand column, the challenge was who might be in line to make the knock-out stages. In the conclusion of Week Nine Mitre 10 Cup action, we now know who they are. Not only did the Mitre 10 Cup provincial competition wrap-up, but the Heartland Championship also reached […] READ MORE
Waikato’s Mitre 10 Cup season is still alive after a narrow 28-24 victory over Wellington, away at Westpac Stadium. In a match that Waikato needed to win in order to stay alive, the visitors had to battle to the very end. Waikato had a lot of attacking ball in the second half, but yet, it seemed unlikely […] READ MORE
Michael Pulman is a contributor for Last Word On Rugby and writes regular content with a New Zealand focus. Beginning as a blogger on his own and through various other platforms, Mike has gone on to become a genuine sports reporter, covering NZ Rugby and all competitions domestic, and Internationally, as well as Cricket.