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Super XV 2015 General Discussion Thread
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06-01-2015 2:41pm#1
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sydthebeat wrote: »hoping youre going to do a season preview like you did last year??
I might do, yeah. It's trying to muster up the enthusiasm for the 5 people or so on the forum who regularly watch the games
There's a bit of a pre-season to kick off first - you can never read much into these games (not unusual for Crusaders to lose all of them, and the Canes to come thru unscathed...), but they tend to unfortunately cause a few injuries.
I'll probably also cheat a bit by reading some of the other previews that come out in the next bit, as I'd be less up with the new talent promoted from the 2014 ITM cup.
If I don't get round to it, these should keep you going anyway
Season preview Crusaders & Canes
Season preview Blues & Highlanders
Another Canes preview0 -
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Journeyman_1 wrote: »That tends to be the problem, she doesn't like when i try watching rugby all day!
saturday morning, give her the lie on
super vx from 8:00 am onwards .... happy days!!!
she gets up at 10:00, oh hunny, why dont you go shopping.
super xv on at 11:00 am... happier days!!!!0 -
By request - Highlanders Season Preview 2015
The Highlanders surprised everyone, including Swiwi, and probably even themselves (but not sydthebeat, who never doubted), by proving more than competitive in 2014, reaching the knockout stages before ultimately falling to the Sharks. A side hewn from solid teamplayers melded to the class of Smith & Smith, and with a breakout season from Malakai Fekitoa saw them record some memorable victories, none more so than their spanking of the Sharks at Durban. Ultimately their setpiece, especially the scrum, just wasn't good enough to go deeper into the tournament...
...and this is likely to be one of the issues in 2015 with not a single AB in their pack. However Kane Hames and Liam Coltman played pretty well at prop and hooker respectively (the latter even piquing Swiwi's AB interest), and Shane Christie and John Hardie (actively pursued by Scotland) are both good opensides. Setpiece parity is probably the best the Highlanders can hope for, but if they can manage that, they can hope for another good season.
Provided the injury curse doesn't strike (and it didn't in 2014), the Highlanders have a good backline, with capped internationals at 9, the dynamic Sopoaga at flyhalf and the better game management of Hayden Parker in reserve, Treeby and Fekitoa form a good midfield, and then solid finishers in Osborne & Buckman with the classy (and Munster-bound :pac:) Ben Smith at fullback. As highlighted earlier, new wing Waisake Naholo is one newby to watch.
If the cards fall right, the Highlanders can be competitive, but after an opening round bye they have a difficult start to the campaign (Crusaders, Reds, Chiefs, Waratahs, Canes) and they need minimal injuries to their star players.
Prediction: anywhere from fringe play-off contenders to mid-table fodder. But hopefully I'm wrong, and they go far!0 -
thanks swiwi, great preview
yeah a repeat of last season (consolidation) is a goal i would imagine.
completely agree that our set piece was our main stumbling block last year, and JJ has gone some way to addressing that by making numerous forward signings, although none really whom youd consider 'marquee'.
4 new props in, probably Josh Hohneck the stand out coming in from the chiefs, though i expect Brendon Edmonds to be a bit of a surprise package. Pingi Tala’apitaga and Ross Geldenhuys make up the other 2, gledenhuys being the older journeyman.
I have great expectations for dan pryor however. had 2 excellent games for the maoris in november and had a stand out ITM season has seen him get a second chance im sure he wont turn up his nose at.
its teh lock situation id be worried about. Alex Ainley is 33 and been around the block a long time it seems (cant say he rings any bells for me). Mark Reddish has higher level experience with 30 hurricanes caps, and at 29 hopefully is hitting his prime, still, 6 5" aint exactly massive for a lock......
naholo is simply an excellent finisher, and although buckman had a good 2014, he will be well challanged for his starting spot.
teams will be aware of the threat of fekito this season and will plan to negate him, which will affect our results... he was priceless last year.
im hoping for better things from sopoaga this season. he spent quite a bit of last year injured, and hayden parker deputised well. this will be his "fekitoa" year i hope
im going to predict 3rd place NZ team, but just falling short of play offs battling with canes, reds and force for 6th spot
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Great write ups once again Swiwi.
Unfortunetly I am now back home here so won't get to any matches this year.
Thoroughly enjoyed going to watch the crusaders. Atmosphere was pretty poor but the matches were quite entertaining.
Looking forward to seeing how the highlanders go again this year. They won't be a surprise anymore but I'm sure they will get plenty of positive results but a lot depends on the platform the forwards can provide for their backs. Hopefully we see more exciting back play from Fekitoa and ben smith (please please come to munster )
Crusaders will be in the final four once again I'd say. Just so consistent in the competition and have a very impressive forward pack. Interesting to see how nandolo goes this year after his tremendous efforts last season.
Chiefs will be very interesting this year. Lot of pressure on cruden to perform with his all black place under threat and he now has SBW on his outside.
Blues and hurricanes should both be very competitive but are possibly still prone to not performing on the big occasion. The canes backline is very impressive so hopefully we see some great play from them.
Really looking forward to seeing if west can make the step up from itm cup and fully establish himself as the blues number 10. Very exciting player.
Predictions, but will be a highly competitive conference.
Crusaders
Chiefs
Canes
Landers
Blues
And out of the australia and SA teams, the one I'm most excited to see will be the Queensland reds. Have done quite well with there signings this year and a lot of players have points to prove with World Cup spots on the line.
Think Adam Thomson will be there best signing. Brings a bit of bite and steel to their forwards.
Also, very interesting to see how NSW go in defending their title and how CHeika manages both jobs.0 -
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George Hook wrote: »Really? Oh, I should pay more attention then.
Still need Aus and SA added though.
season doesnt kick off for another 4 weeks 0 -
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If you intend on following the NZ conferences this season, why not try your hand at selecting? Not the obvious selections (that would be too easy) but the fringe selections...
Here are some interesting battles to keep an eye on
Battle of the tall timber: Jeremy Thrush (Canes) vs Luke Romano (Saders)
Even the casual follower of NZ rugby would probably know that Brodie Retallick (Chiefs) and Sam Whitelock (Saders) are locked
in, and in Swiwi's opinion you can add Patrick Tuipolotou (Blues) to that mix. So the battle for the 4th AB locking spot between Gloucester-bound Thrush and Romano should be a good one. Romano is a lock in the Brad Thorne mould, and was actually a steady 1st XV choice until a run of injuries saw him spend large periods of time away from the playing field. Thrush was until last season largely viewed as a bit of a journeyman, but the selectors saw something they liked, and he rewarded his & their patience with a decent international season.
Swiwi's verdict: Romano is a Hansen favourite, and if he remains injury free, will get the nod. In a 50/50 call, his decision to keep playing in NZ will work in his favour.
Battle of the blindsides: Steven Luatua (Blues) vs Victor Vito (Canes)
Jerome Kaino (Blues) and Liam Messam (Chiefs) should have 2 spots nailed down, but the battle of 6/8 Vito vs 6/lock Luatua should be worth following. It may come down to whether the selectors more want 8 or lock cover (although if the big matches were on tomorrow, and Read were unavailable, I'd rather fancy Kaino or McCaw to get the 8 jersey). Vito seems to have been around for ages, but is only 27, and seems to have got better with age. No luck with injury last season, though. Luatua had a great 2013 followed by a mediocre 2014, mainly due to pre-season laziness and taking his spot for granted.
Swiwi's verdict: Vito will get selected if fit and shows some form. Remains to be seen whether he recommits to NZ, Stade Français was rumoured at one stage, but seems to have died down for the moment. Being a new dad might keep him in NZ a bit longer...0 -
If you intend on following the NZ conferences this season, why not try your hand at selecting? Not the obvious selections (that would be too easy) but the fringe selections...
Here are some interesting battles to keep an eye on
Battle of the tall timber: Jeremy Thrush (Canes) vs Luke Romano (Saders)
Even the casual follower of NZ rugby would probably know that Brodie Retallick (Chiefs) and Sam Whitelock (Saders) are locked in, and in Swiwi's opinion you can add Patrick Tuipolotou (Blues) to that mix. So the battle for the 4th AB locking spot between Gloucester-bound Thrush and Romano should be a good one. Romano is a lock in the Brad Thorne mould, and was actually a steady 1st XV choice until a run of injuries saw him spend large periods of time away from the playing field. Thrush was until last season largely viewed as a bit of a journeyman, but the selectors saw something they liked, and he rewarded his & their patience with a decent international season.
Swiwi's verdict: Romano is a Hansen favourite, and if he remains injury free, will get the nod. In a 50/50 call, his decision to keep playing in NZ will work in his favour.
Battle of the blindsides: Steven Luatua (Blues) vs Victor Vito (Canes)
Jerome Kaino (Blues) and Liam Messam (Chiefs) should have 2 spots nailed down, but the battle of 6/8 Vito vs 6/lock Luatua should be worth following. It may come down to whether the selectors more want 8 or lock cover (although if the big matches were on tomorrow, and Read were unavailable, I'd rather fancy Kaino or McCaw to get the 8 jersey). Vito seems to have been around for ages, but is only 27, and seems to have got better with age. No luck with injury last season, though. Luatua had a great 2013 followed by a mediocre 2014, mainly due to pre-season laziness and taking his spot for granted.
Swiwi's verdict: Vito will get selected if fit and shows some form. Remains to be seen whether he recommits to NZ, Stade Français was rumoured at one stage, but seems to have died down for the moment. Being a new dad might keep him in NZ a bit longer...
I'd love to but I barely get the opportunity to catch recordings of Leinster games these days due to training, coaching and playing commitments over the weekend and I'd just delete the recording by the next round having not had time to watch them.
So having seen very little Super XV last year I'll give my pretty ill-informed opinion.
I agree with you on Thrush. Having last seen him in a row with Reddish they were both solid but not spectacular. I think it was an ITM cup game in Ardie Savea's breakout year that they looked pretty dominant.
I think with the hype around Bird calming down and Romano coming back into the AB squad I'd agree he's regarded higher.
Luatua or Vito. Whenever I think of Vita I always imagine a slightly underpowered carrier but a fantastic general footballer a la Harinordiquy or Tipuric. I guess I'd have to fudge the question by giving a horses for courses answer.
Luatua is the better carrier and gives 2nd row cover/back row flexibility but Vito is an immense line out forward with wonderful hands and a great skill set.
(All views are based on vague and hazy half-recollections. Boards.ie accepts no responsibility for print journalism levels of made-uppy-ness)0 -
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LuckyGent88 wrote: »http://m.foxsports.com.au/rugby/wallabies-and-super-rugby-star-quade-cooper-out-for-months-with-fractured-collarbone/story-e6frf4pu-1227195295862
Pretty bad news for the Reds who would have been quietly confident of doing very well this year. Was really looking forward to cooper performing well this year as well trying to force his way into the wallabies fly half spot.
As a rugby fan, thats disappointing news.
As Blues fan and a kiwi fan
:D 0 -
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Last Season: 1st in the table and eventual Champions
Last Year’s Prediction: 2nd (in the Aussie Conference). I have rewritten this so many times, swapping between 1st, 2nd and 3rd. I just believe they have the talent to edge out the Reds but will fall short of coming first. (Giving myself partial credit for this. The Tahs had the talent but was unsure if it would all come together last year.)
Transfers
Notable Additions: None
Notable Departures: Kane Douglas (Leinster), Alofa Alofa (La Rochelle), and Cam Crawford (Rebels)
Overview
A great year for Michael Cheika’s team, surprising a lot of people including myself along the way to top the table comfortably and then go on and win it outright. Played some lovely rugby at times as well. Now comes the difficult task of defending their title. The team are saying all the right things about wanting to go out and win it again, stating that they won’t have proved themselves unless they have back to back wins. They will have pretty much the same squad to achieve this with. The only first team losses are Douglas and Alofa Alofa. I know Cheika says Douglas is the best Australian lock, which is not that high of a compliment, but I think the Tahs have the depth to cover his loss. Taquele Naiyaravoro will be more than a capable replacement for Alofa even if his name doesn’t quite match up to the greatness of Alofa Alofa. The squad is packed full of talent all over the pitch that are well able to defend their title. Jacques Potgieter and Skelton are great to watch when they are in the mood. One of the best backlines in the competition as well, when they are in full flow it is hard to stop them. The biggest threat to a successful defence of their title has nothing to do with the players but with coaching staff. Cheika has the unenviable task of planning for both a Super Rugby season and a World Cup. There is no way his full focus will be on the Waratahs. How Cheika and the team manage this will decide whether they will be able to defend their title.
Players to Watch
Wallaby Watch
Kurtley Beale – A fairly eventful year for Kurtley, seemingly turned his career around during the Super Rugby season which led to a recall to the Australian squad. Then a text message later and he brought to an end McKenzie’s tenure and left his career in the balance. Fortunately he had the support of key Wallaby figures like Hooper and Ashley-Cooper, and the eventual appointment of Cheika insured his return to the Wallabies. Where he fits into the Wallaby team is another matter. He is not reliable or good enough to replace Toomua at 12 or Folau at 15. The competition for places on the bench for the World Cup will be fierce with Beale in contention for one of two spots along with Quade Cooper, James O’Connor, Christian Lealiifano, Rob Horne, Joe Tomane, Nick Cummins, and Karmichael Hunt. That shows how strong the competition will be for not just the bench but even making the Wallaby squad. With him still being a largely divisive figure in Australian rugby he needs a big season to get the fans behind him. Cheika is a supporter of him but any poor performances along with negative fan reactions could scupper his World Cup chances. A defining year for him, can he finally just concentrate on his rugby.
Wallaby Bolter
Dave Dennis – When looking through a few of the Australian journalists predicted squads for the World Cup, I was surprised that none of them mentioned Dave Dennis. A lot of his work goes under the radar but he is crucial to the Tahs, and he can bring these qualities to the Australian squad. An injury robbed him of the chance of captaining the Tahs into the playoffs last season, so he will be determined to get them back there. My reasons for believing that he is capable of making the World Cup squad is based on reports that he will be moving from the backrow into the second row this season. I don’t think it is a coincidence that in a World Cup year, the Australian coach is moving one of his most experienced players into a problem position for the Australian squad. He will be partnering up with Skelton, who Cheika has earmarked for an increased role going forward with the Wallabies. If Dennis and Skelton can build a strong partnership, it will be hard for Cheika to leave both of them out. With the stocks of quality and even above average locks very depleted in Australia, a solid season bring Dennis into contention. Dennis is exactly the type of player you want in your World Cup squad with his versatility. With Dennis being driven to experience the playoffs this year, his determination might bring him into contention for the World Cup.
Prediction
The quality they have the squad is enough to see them top the Aussie conference again. If they manage to top the whole league again, it is possible for them to go on and retain the title. If they have to go away to New Zealand or South Africa in the playoffs, I wouldn't be so confident. I will go with a semi-final loss.0 -
Last Season: 4th in the table, and reached the semi-finals
Last Year’s Prediction: 1st. I initially had them finishing second, with the off-field turmoil but now I do not think it will have that much of an impact. They will be driven to prove that Jake White was not responsible for their success, and that last year was not a once off. With the experience they have and their newly capped players they should once again be a force to be reckoned with (Happy enough with this prediction, they had a good season without ever looking like they would be champions).
Transfers
Notable Additions: No one really, Sean Doyle will be a familiar name to Ulster fans
Notable Departures: Leon Power (Oyonnax), Ben Mowen (Montpellier), Andrew Smith (Munster), Pat McCabe (Retired)
Overview
A team that can field Toomua, Lealiifano, Kuridrani, Tomane, Speight, and Mogg in the backline should be one of the most entertaining teams in the competition. Unfortunately the Brumbies have been anything but entertaining the last two seasons. Last season saw the hangover from the Jake White era, and the Laurie Fisher-Stephen Larkham dual head coaches idea did not work out. Now it is Larkham's team, and he should be able to stamp his own approach to the game. Larkham has been linked with the role of Attack Coach with the Wallabies for the World Cup, so it is a perfect chance to test some of the attacking plays this season. He has a strong combative pack led by Stephen Moore. Nic White, when he doesn't do his pointless box kicks, is a pretty good scrumhalf. If Larkham puts his trust in a more expansive gameplan, his backs have the ability to bring this team success.
Players to Watch
Wallaby Watch
David Pocock - Injuries have wrecked his previous two seasons, and this period has seen him spend more time in a police station than on the pitch. During his absence he has seen Michael Hooper usurp him and earn some plaudits along the way. At one time the best seven in the world, and an absolute beast at the breakdown. It is hard to see a way back into the 1st team for him with Hooper holding the captaincy and being one of Australia's most consistent players. The one thing Hooper lacks is an effective presence at the breakdown, preferring to hang out in the backline. That could provide Pocock with a way back into the team if he can return to form this season and avoid any injuries. I don't think Hooper will be displaced for the World Cup, but Pocock will be a formidable presence in the squad.
Wallaby Bolter
Siliva Siliva - I was tempted to go with Scott Sio here, but I think he will make the squad anyway as 3rd choice loosehead. Most of the Brumbies 1st team are in the Aussie squad already so I have dropped down to their bench to pick my bolter. Siliva is the backup hooker to Stephen Moore. If it wasn't for injury over the summer and autumn internationals he would have picked up a Wallaby cap due to the injury crisis with the hookers. Fainga'a who would have been 6th or 7th choice before the summer internationals took the jersey. I would have Moore and Polota-Nau as the two automatic choices in the squad. Fainga'a is in pole position for the 3rd spot, but he is not an automatic starter for the Reds so it opens it up to the other contenders to make a strong push. Siliva is a good backup the Moore, and is a great player to have around a squad. Moore is only coming back from injury so there is a likelihood Siliva will see some increased game time. If he impresses there, he will certainly be on Cheika's radar.
Prediction
Like the Waratahs, they should have enough quality to see them into the playoffs again. Whether it is a defensive minded Brumbies team this year again or a more expansive team will decide how far they can go. I will go with them being knocked out in the qualifiers.0 -
Last Season: 8th
Last Year’s Prediction: 5th in the Aussie conference again, but a higher points total. (Got that one wrong, I don't think many would have predicted that last season would be the Western Force's best year in their history)
Transfers
Notable Additions: Steve Mafi (Leicester), Albert Nikoro (Blues), and the return of Nick Cummins
Notable Departures: Kieran Longbottom (Saracens), Phoenix Battye (Béziers), Hugh McMeniman (Honda Heat), Jayden Hayward (Treviso), Chris Tuatara-Morrison (Castres
Overview
I think many, including myself, were guilty before last season of concentrating too much on the exploits of the Honeybadger and not giving proper credit to the rest of the squad. Last season showed that the Force are a lot more than a support cast for the Honeybadger show. The star of the team was their captain Matt Hodgson. The saying "heartbeat of the team" get thrown around a lot in sport but it really captures what Hodgson means to this team. It was his 100th game that spurred the team onto a 5 game winning streak. A real leader on and off the pitch. He will be central again to the Force's chance of repeating last season's success. They have lost some good players, but the signing of Steve Mafi may prove to be one of the best this year. They will be happy to see Nick Cummins return from his sojourn in Japan. The side isn't packed with quality compared to the other Australian sides, but they are a hardworking side that seem to play for each other. If they play with the confidence they showed last season, a challenge for the playoffs is on.
Players to Watch
Wallaby Watch
Ben McCalman - In my preview last season, I earmarked McCalman for a return to the Wallaby squad. However, I don't think I could have predicted how well he would do on his return. He took advantage of the injuries to Palu and Higginbotham to make the No 8 shirt his own. He might be more known in Ireland for getting driven back by POC, but that shouldn't overshadow how good he was last year. Never afraid to carry the ball and got through a lot of work on the pitch. His versatility across the backrow means he will be a crucial part of the Wallaby squad at the World Cup. He will want to hold off the challenge of the fit again Palu and Higginbotham for the 8 jersey going into the World Cup. Another strong season with the Force should secure the shirt going forward.
Wallaby Bolter
Adam Coleman - I really was tempted to put Kyle Godwin here, I think he is a special talent. However I can't see him getting ahead of the other talented players in the Aussie backline before the World Cup. So I have gone with an up and coming talent in a problem position for the Wallabies, the second row. Cheating a bit here, because I do not really remember him from last season but he has been highly rated by Nathan Sharpe and by former Australian World Cup winning coach Bob Dwyer. He is only 23 years old so plenty of time for development, but Cheika hasn't been afraid in the past to blood talented young players. If he continues to get the backing of former players and gets a bit of media attention, he will certainly be in the thoughts of Cheika. I honestly don't think any of the locks are set in stone for the World Cup, so a strong season from Coleman would definitely bring him into contention.
Prediction
Will their failure to make the playoffs dent their confidence or will it drive them on? I don't think they have enough to challenge for the playoffs again. I can see them finishing somewhere between the 10th and 12th spots. They proved me spectacularly wrong last season, so I am prepared for them to do it once again.0 -
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