Horror-canes - The Fever Union thread

Tom you are very wrong. I'm a Highlander's fan, but we didn't make Israel Dagg. He was always a promising player, behind a long line of outside backs in the Hurricanes set up, we brought him in knowing very well he would leave in a year or two. There's so many players we pick up in the draft because and give game time. Nick Evans was also originally from Auckland, wanted to be closer to his family. Colin Slade has made it clear he wants to crack the Crusaders squad next year, but he is a very good signing. Other than game time for a young player, there's not much the Highlanders can offer players. Wellington is a much more appealing place to live, I couldn't imagine a bro living down there either.Luis Garcia2010-10-01 21:56:17

Correcting you for being wrong. He was fantastic for Hawkes Bay. Had plenty of potential, but lots of experienced players in front of him in the Hurricanes.

To call Dagg an Otago product is stretching the truth, as is calling Evans an Otago product. Both of them probably kicked on there though.

bopman2010-10-02 16:49:38

The Otago team is good for exactly that. They get a lot of draft players and they end up with players who are good/talented/have potential but just missed out in there province of origin. They go to Otago where they get the chance to show what they've got. It's a good thing for both the players and Otago.

Along with these guys...

Kieran Read - Rosehill College - Moved to Canterbury one year out of college
Sean Maitland - Hamilton Boys High - Moved to Canterbury one year out of college
Sam Whitelock - Fielding Boys High - Moved to Canterbury after college
Corey Flynn - Southland Boys High - Debuted with Southland
Robbie Freuan - Porirua College - Debuted with Wellington
Israel Dagg - Lindisfarne College - Debuted with Hawkes Bay
Zac Guildford - Napier Boy's High - Debuted with Hawkes Bay
George Whitelock - Fielding Boy's High - Debuted with Otago.

deleted post.Luis Garcia2010-10-05 22:05:18

One thing I find interesting is the players going overseas who haven't been capped by New Zealand. Canterbury prop Peter Borlase has just signed with Munster, meaning he could go on to play for Ireland if he stays there for a few years, same with Daniel Bowden with England. Bowden is a classy player, and it's crazy how we let talent like him go because we just can't afford it. There needs to be more appeal in New Zealand than the black jersey.

Oh hai,

I haz Ranfurly Shield!!!

Counties will have it by next weekend.

Canterbury winning it back off Southland is the worst possible outcome that could be imagined. Ugh.

 

I would also add to that they all became significantly better players in the Canterbury culture. From all reports I hear Maitland was a knob in Hamilton and not a particularly good player but then went to Chch and is now quality.

Exactly and to help that case even Stephen Donald (Counties) and Mils (Auckland) are from out of the region. I'm sure there are more but I'm too lazy to research it.

The dream might be over for Southland. Once top of the table and shield holders, they have lost the shield aren't even in the semifinal places.

Granted I feel a bit sorry for them but as an Auckland supporter with my team in the semifinal race it's nice to see another team competing for the semifinal places drop out.Tricia McMillan2010-10-16 19:30:25

No Aaron Cruden, no Victor Vito. Instead we get bloody Stephen Donald. Colin Slade was much better than them both. Daniel Braid pretty much comes in for Vito. Hika Elliottt is a good player, but would have had Jason Rutledge. Hosea Gear replaces the injured Israel Dagg, SBW comes in for Benson Stanley, and one of either Joe Rokocoko or Sitiveni Sivivatu come in for the injured Richard Kahui. Ellis is a safe third option with no Piri Weepu, but I'd expect Alby Mathewson to see more game time.Luis Garcia2010-10-17 19:41:28

not enough Bay of Plenty players

Colin Bourke may have pushed for a spot, but other than him, tell me one player that is even good enough to be there?

it was a bit tongue in cheek 

bourke has been really good, was hoping delaney would get picked but hasn't played to hit best. also i think retallick (sp?) has done alot for the team

Delany if he had played a full NPC would have been picked. I dont think Braid is any better than Latimer and Masaga would make any other international team in the world. Just happens that we have about the worlds 15 best wingers.

Braid is easily better than Latimer. You're right about Masaga, but Latimer is so mediocre. Braid was outstanding for Queensland. It's a shame he still can't play in Australia and play for New Zealand.

Anesi back to the Waratahs along with Auckland winger Pakalani.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-15/4254439/Waratahs-sign-Kiwi-duo-for-Super-15

 

Come on Northland!

 

Boo-urns. C'mon the Bay!

f**ken horrendous officiating in the bay game, the howell try should have been referd to the tmo, then he would have seen he dropped it. they have refered the last 2 northland tries, both were knock ons, but both awarded

wish these commentators would stop sperming on about northland  

Not as bad as Matthew Cooper. They should keep him away from Waikato games, I know he lives there, but he's so biased. For example Auckland will score, "Oh but you have to credit Richard Kahui's defensive in that previous play." Frig he annoys the hell out of me. Tony Johnson and now Justin Marshall are the only rugby commentators that I actually enjoy.

Anyone a bit sad that the semifinalists ended up being Akl, Waik, Wgtn, Cant? After a season of the underdogs it seems a bit strange not to see Southland, Naki or the Bay in there.

Agreed it does seem a little odd, though in saying that the 5th Super Rugby base got the wooden spoon...

As unlikely as this may be, anyone have any ideas on what they will do for the final if Auckland & Wellington win (League double header at Eden Park)

Final where ever it is going to be will be Friday night because of this.

North Harbour Stadium?

Eden park!

I'm obviously glad Auckland made it back into the semi-finals, but it is good to see some diversity. I thoroughly enjoyed Southland holding the shield for as long as they did as well, though seeing Canterbury of all teams finally take it away from them was infuriating.

Wellington aren't even the bridesmaid this season.

5 years in the semi's in a row, 4 of those making the final and nothing to show for it.

Ouch.

Viagra are now proud sponsors of Wellington RFU. For those of us who can only achieve a semi.