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Last Word on Rugby, by Scott Hornell. A ruthless Crusaders team have held off the Chiefs, in a ‘Clash of the Titans’ game in Christchurch. The result decides one of the challengers for the 2017 title. And as the Crusaders earn a Grand Final spot, that side now heads to the *Grand Final next weekend. […] READ MORE
In a way, it is a tough ask all around. But to the credit of the organizers and planners, the marketing blitz launched the tagline "Out Roar". For the supporters to out-roar the loud traveling support of the Lions team. Attracting a huge support-base, so to combat that fans of each franchise are asked to "be there". Not only that, the home fans need to raise their voices; to "be heard" but so too the home teams also need to 'put up their best'. READ MORE
Super Rugby Round Seven provided us with many talking points, with some interesting and surprising results adding interest to the competition. READ MORE
From Last Word on Rugby, Ryan Jordan Super Rugby Week Six provided a lot more to cheer about for the South African franchises. Watching the games in the African Conferences, it is evident that the national template that SARU has called for does involve a higher tempo of play and a lot more off-loading in […] READ MORE
An experienced Chiefs Rugby side eventually overcame a determined Rebels side that pushed their Kiwi opposition all the way and deserved more from the match READ MORE
Fans learned several things from Round One. That teams can win away from home. That teams who focus on the defense will 'start as they mean to carry on' yet the Chiefs best defense only just held--the Highlanders lack of precision was as much to blame for their failure. So teams too, must adapt for Super Rugby Round Two. Take learnings from last week. READ MORE
Can it be countered? To a degree yes - 'keep the ball in the tight forwards'. But across an 80 minute match, countless occasions may be more fallible to an intercept try--although, the best ones seem to be unplanned. And that is sport in a nutshell. Unpredictable, beautiful but also, incorrigible. READ MORE
And with Super Rugby set to review it's current format, success in these matches is evidence needed to show the strength of the region. As an option, but not yet in position to support any ambitious developments, it might be the start of a measured path to further increases in matches and participation through Fiji Rugby, Samoa Rugby and [possibly] other nations and venues; including Singapore. READ MORE
Last Word On Rugby, by Scott Hornell. The Investec Super Rugby season 2017 begins in February, and each of the five NZ Super Rugby franchises have announced their squads. A total of 190 contracted players have been announced across the Blues, Chiefs, Hurricanes, Crusaders and Highlanders Super Rugby squads–with 33 players to make their debut. […] READ MORE
Last Word On Rugby, by Mike Pullman. Widely-touted as a star of the future, Damian McKenzie has survived his first appearance for the All Blacks and can now continue to grow into his role. Given 30-minutes on the field, McKenzie was able to experience the white-hot heat of test match rugby as an All Black. The […] READ MORE