Super 18 Rugby 2017

sydthebeat

so as 6 nations fever is bubbling nicely, i thought id drop this sneaky thread in for all S18 lovers out there.... kicking off in less than one month!

Some little quirks about this season compared to previous ones:

There will be one game in both Samoa (Blues v Reds) and Fiji (Chiefs v Crusaders)

The semi final draw will be predetermined in that semi final host teams will be the higher ranked teams from the quarter finals.

For those who want to wreck their heads trying to figure out the format of the competition see here.

Ill attached full team squads when released
Full fixture list attached to this post

sydthebeat

New Zealand Squads:

Blues (Auckland)
FORWARDS
PROPS ; Charlie Faumuina , Alex Hodgman , Sione Mafileo , Pauliasi Manu , Sam Prattley , Ofa Tu’ungafasi ,
HOOKERS , Hame Faiva , Matt Moulds , James Parsons ,
LOCKS , Gerard Cowley-Tuioti , Josh Goodhue , Brandon Nansen , Scott Scrafton , Patrick Tu’ipulotu , Jimmy Tupou
LOOSE FORWARDS , Blake Gibson , Akira Ioane , Jerome Kaino , Steven Luatua , Kara Pryor , Murphy Taramai
BACKS
HALFBACKS : Billy Guyton , Sam Nock , Augustine Pulu ,
FIRST FIVE-EIGHTHS , Piers Francis , Ihaia West
MIDFIELD BACKS , Michael Collins , TJ Faiane , George Moala , Rene Ranger , Matt Vaega , Sonny Bill Williams ,
OUTSIDE BACKS , Matt Duffie , Rieko Ioane , Melani Nanai , Declan O’Donnell , Stephen Perofeta , Jordan Trainor
COACHES
HEAD COACH: Tana Umaga
ASSISTANT COACHES , Sir Graham Henry, Mick Byrne, Grant Doorey,

Chiefs (Hamilton)
FORWARDS
PROPS: Siegfried Fisi’ihoi , Mitchell Graham , Kane Hames , Sosefo Kautai , Nepo Laulala , Atunaisa Moli
HOOKERS , Hikawera Elliot , Nathan Harris , Liam Polwart
LOCKS , Michael Allardice , Dominic Bird , Brodie Retallick , James Tucker
LOOSE FORWARDS , Mitchell Brown , Lachlan Boshier , Sam Cane , Mitchell Karpik , Michael Leitch , Liam Messam , Tom Sanders , Taleni Seu
BACKS
HALFBACKS : Tawera Kerr-Barlow , Finlay Christie , Brad Weber
FIRST FIVE-EIGHTHS , Aaron Cruden , Stephen Donald , Damian McKenzie
MIDFIELD BACKS , Fa’ase’e (Johnny) Fa’auli , Anton Lienert-Brown , Tim Nanai-Williams , Charlie Ngatai ,
OUTSIDE BACKS , Solomon Alaimalo , Glen Fisiiahi , James Lowe , Sam McNicol , Toni Pulu , Shaun Stevenson , Chase Tiatia
HEAD COACH , Dave Rennie ,
ASSISTANT COACHES , Andrew Strawbridge , Kieran Keane , Neil Barnes , Carl Hoeft

Crusaders (Christchurch)
FORWARDS
PROPS : Michael Alaalatoa , Wyatt Crockett , Oliver Jager , Joe Moody , Tim Perry , Owen Franks ,
HOOKERS , Ben Funnell , Andrew Makalio , Codie Taylor
LOCKS , Scott Barrett , Luke Romano , Quinten Strange , Sam Whitelock
LOOSE FORWARDS , Heiden Bedwell-Curtis , Jed Brown , Mitchell Dunshea , Kieran Read , Pete Samu , Jordan Taufua , Matt Todd
BACKS
HALFBACKS : Mitchell Drummond , Leon Fukofuka , Bryn Hall ,
FIRST FIVE-EIGHTHS , Tim Bateman , Marty McKenzie , Richie Mo’unga
MIDFIELD BACKS , Ryan Crotty , Jack Goodhue , David Havili , Seta Tamanivalu , Sean Wainui
OUTSIDE BACKS , George Bridge , Israel Dagg , Sione Fifita , Mitchell Hunt , Digby Ioane , Jone Macilai , Manasa Mataele
HEAD COACH , Scott Robertson
ASSISTANT COACHES , Brad Mooar , Leon MacDonald , Jason Ryan

Highlanders (Dunedin)
FORWARDS
PROPS : , Siosiua Halanukonuka , Daniel Lienert-Brown , Craig Millar , Guy Millar , Greg Pleasants-Tate , Aki Seiuli , Siate Tokolahi ,
HOOKERS , Liam Coltman , Ash Dixon ,
LOCKS , Alex Ainley , Josh Dickson , Tom Franklin , Jackson Hemopo , Joe Wheeler
LOOSE FORWARDS , Shane Christie , Elliot Dixon , Gareth Evans , James Lentjes , Dan Pryor , Liam Squire , Luke Whitelock
BACKS
HALFBACKS : Josh Renton , Aaron Smith , Kayne Hammington ,
FIRST FIVE-EIGHTHS , Hayden Parker , Fletcher Smith , Lima Sopoaga ,
MIDFIELD BACKS , Richard Buckman , Jason Emery , Matt Faddes , Malakai Fekitoa , Rob Thompson , Patelesio Tomkinson , Teihorangi Walden ,
OUTSIDE BACKS , Tevita Li , Waisake Naholo , Patrick Osborne , Ben Smith ,
HEAD COACH , Tony Brown ,
ASSISTANT COACH , Mark Hammett ,Scott McLeod , Clarke Dermody

Hurricanes (Wellington)
FORWARDS
PROPS: Chris Eves , Reg Goodes , Mike Kainga , Ben May , Jeff To’omaga-Allen , Loni Uhila ,
HOOKERS , Leni Apisai , Dane Coles , Ricky Riccitelli
LOCKS , Mark Abott , James Broadhurst , Geoff Cridge , Michael Fatialofa , Sam Lousi
LOOSE FORWARDS , Vaea Fifita , Callum Gibbins , Toa Halafihi , Reed Prinsep , Hugh Renton , Ardie Savea , Brad Shields , Blade Thomson
BACKS
HALFBACKS , Kylem O’Donnell , TJ Perenara , Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi
FIRST FIVE-EIGHTHS , Beauden Barrett , Otere Black ,
MIDFIELD BACKS , Pita Ahki , Jordie Barrett , Vince Aso , Wes Goosen , Ngani Laumape , Matt Proctor ,
OUTSIDE BACKS , Cory Jane , Ben Lam , Nehe Milner-Skudder , Julian Savea , Peter Umaga-Jensen
HEAD COACH , Chris Boyd ,
ASSISTANT COACHES , John Plumtree , Jason Holland , Daniel Cron , Richard Watt

Sabre0001

Looking forward to this. Always great to wake up to a game over breakfast.

sydthebeat

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/88784281/highlanders-coach-tony-brown-says-global-10s-will-provide-a-twist-to-a-tough-preseason

marty banks officially a highlander again

sydthebeat

Brumbies 2017 Super Rugby Squad:

Robbie Abel, Nigel Ah Wong, Allan Alaalotoa, Chris Alcock, Ben Alexander, Rory Arnold, Tom Banks, Jarrad Butler, Sam Carter, Tomas Cubelli, Tom Cusack, James Dargaville, Blake Enever, Anthony Fainga’a, Saia Fainga’a, Lolo Fakaosilea, Scott Fardy, Kyle Godwin, Ben Hyne, Jordan Jackson-Hope, Nic Jooste, Tevita Kuridrani, Christian Lealiifano, Leslie Leulua’iali’i-Makin, Ryan Lonergan, Josh Mann-Rea, Nic Mayhew, David Pocock, Joe Powell, Jordan Smiler, Scott Sio, Faalelei Sione, Andrew Smith, Henry Speight, Tom Staniforth, Lausii Taliauli, Aidan Toua

Western Force squad:

Jermaine Ainsley, Richard Arnold, Adam Coleman, Angus Cottrell, Pek Cowan, Ben Daley, Tetera Faulkner, Richard Hardwick, Ross Haylett-Petty, Matt Hodgson, Kane Koteka, Ben Matwijow, Ben McCalman, Isi Naisarani, Matt Philip, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Anaru Rangi, Harry Scoble, Brynard Stander, Heath Tessmann, Francios van Wyk, Shambeckler Vui, Marcel Brache, Luke Burton, Robbie Coleman, Peter Grant, Dane Haylett-Petty, Jono Lance, Ryan Louwrens, Semisi Masirewa, Bill Meakes, Luke Morahan, Chance Peni, Ian Prior, Curtis Rona, Michael Ruru

Queensland Reds squad:

Sef Fa’agase, Pettowa Paraka, James Slipper, Sam Talakai, Taniela Tupou, Markus Vanzati, Alex Mafi, Stephen Moore, Andrew Ready, Kane Douglas, Cadeyrn Neville, Izack Rodda, Rob Simmons, Lukhan Tui, Michael Gunn, Reece Hewat, Scott Higginbotham, Leroy Houston, Adam Korczyk, George Smith, Caleb Timu, Hendrik Tui, Nick Frisby, Moses Sorovi, James Tuttle, Quade Cooper, Jake McIntyre, Samu Kerevi, Campbell Magnay, Duncan Paia’aua, Henry Taefu, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Karmichael Hunt, Chris Kuridrani, Lachlan Maranta, Jayden Ngamanu, Eto Nabuli, Izaia Perese.

Melbourne Rebels squad:

Cruze Ah-Nau, Steve Cummins, Dominic Day, Jack Debreczeni, Tom English, Colby Fainga’a, Pama Fou, Harley Fox, Jackson Garden-Bachop, James Hanson, Reece Hodge, Mitch Inman, Sam Jeffries, Marika Koroibete, Pat Leafa, Rob Leota, Tyrel Lomax, Jack McGregor, Sean McMahon, Jack Maddocks, Amanaki Mafi, Ben Meehan, Tim Metcher, Tom Moloney, Sefa Naivalu, Jonah Placid, Jordy Reid, Culum Retallick, Dominic Shipperley, Siliva Siliva, Toby Smith, Mick Snowden, Nic Stirzaker, Lopeti Timani, Alex Toolis, Sione Tuipulotu, Jordan Uelese, Laurie Weeks.

NSW Waratahs squad:

Sekope Kepu, Sam Needs, Tom Robertson, Paddy Ryan, Matt Sandell, Angus Ta’avao, Damien Fitzpatrick, Tolu Latu, Hugh Roach, Ned Hanigan, Ryan McCauley, Dean Mumm, Will Skelton, Senio Toleafoa, Jack Dempsey, Jed Holloway, Michael Hooper, Michael Wells, Brad Wilkin, Jake Gordon, Matt Lucas, Nick Phipps, Andrew Deegan, Bernard Foley, Bryce Hegarty, Mack Mason, Israel Folau, Irae Simone, Rob Horne, David Horwitz, Cameron Clark, Harry Jones, Taqele Naiyaravoro, Andrew Kellaway, Reece Robinson.

RugbyLover123

sydthebeat wrote: »

Brumbies 2017 Super Rugby Squad:

Robbie Abel, Nigel Ah Wong, Allan Alaalotoa, Chris Alcock, Ben Alexander, Rory Arnold, Tom Banks, Jarrad Butler, Sam Carter, Tomas Cubelli, Tom Cusack, James Dargaville, Blake Enever, Anthony Fainga’a, Saia Fainga’a, Lolo Fakaosilea, Scott Fardy, Kyle Godwin, Ben Hyne, Jordan Jackson-Hope, Nic Jooste, Tevita Kuridrani, Christian Lealiifano, Leslie Leulua’iali’i-Makin, Ryan Lonergan, Josh Mann-Rea, Nic Mayhew, David Pocock, Joe Powell, Jordan Smiler, Scott Sio, Faalelei Sione, Andrew Smith, Henry Speight, Tom Staniforth, Lausii Taliauli, Aidan Toua

Western Force squad:

Jermaine Ainsley, Richard Arnold, Adam Coleman, Angus Cottrell, Pek Cowan, Ben Daley, Tetera Faulkner, Richard Hardwick, Ross Haylett-Petty, Matt Hodgson, Kane Koteka, Ben Matwijow, Ben McCalman, Isi Naisarani, Matt Philip, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Anaru Rangi, Harry Scoble, Brynard Stander, Heath Tessmann, Francios van Wyk, Shambeckler Vui, Marcel Brache, Luke Burton, Robbie Coleman, Peter Grant, Dane Haylett-Petty, Jono Lance, Ryan Louwrens, Semisi Masirewa, Bill Meakes, Luke Morahan, Chance Peni, Ian Prior, Curtis Rona, Michael Ruru

Queensland Reds squad:

Sef Fa’agase, Pettowa Paraka, James Slipper, Sam Talakai, Taniela Tupou, Markus Vanzati, Alex Mafi, Stephen Moore, Andrew Ready, Kane Douglas, Cadeyrn Neville, Izack Rodda, Rob Simmons, Lukhan Tui, Michael Gunn, Reece Hewat, Scott Higginbotham, Leroy Houston, Adam Korczyk, George Smith, Caleb Timu, Hendrik Tui, Nick Frisby, Moses Sorovi, James Tuttle, Quade Cooper, Jake McIntyre, Samu Kerevi, Campbell Magnay, Duncan Paia’aua, Henry Taefu, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Karmichael Hunt, Chris Kuridrani, Lachlan Maranta, Jayden Ngamanu, Eto Nabuli, Izaia Perese.

Melbourne Rebels squad:

Cruze Ah-Nau, Steve Cummins, Dominic Day, Jack Debreczeni, Tom English, Colby Fainga’a, Pama Fou, Harley Fox, Jackson Garden-Bachop, James Hanson, Reece Hodge, Mitch Inman, Sam Jeffries, Marika Koroibete, Pat Leafa, Rob Leota, Tyrel Lomax, Jack McGregor, Sean McMahon, Jack Maddocks, Amanaki Mafi, Ben Meehan, Tim Metcher, Tom Moloney, Sefa Naivalu, Jonah Placid, Jordy Reid, Culum Retallick, Dominic Shipperley, Siliva Siliva, Toby Smith, Mick Snowden, Nic Stirzaker, Lopeti Timani, Alex Toolis, Sione Tuipulotu, Jordan Uelese, Laurie Weeks.

NSW Waratahs squad:

Sekope Kepu, Sam Needs, Tom Robertson, Paddy Ryan, Matt Sandell, Angus Ta’avao, Damien Fitzpatrick, Tolu Latu, Hugh Roach, Ned Hanigan, Ryan McCauley, Dean Mumm, Will Skelton, Senio Toleafoa, Jack Dempsey, Jed Holloway, Michael Hooper, Michael Wells, Brad Wilkin, Jake Gordon, Matt Lucas, Nick Phipps, Andrew Deegan, Bernard Foley, Bryce Hegarty, Mack Mason, Israel Folau, Irae Simone, Rob Horne, David Horwitz, Cameron Clark, Harry Jones, Taqele Naiyaravoro, Andrew Kellaway, Reece Robinson.

Thought Pocock was out for the year? Hoping the Reds will be stronger than the last few years. Don't think any of the Oz sides will compete though, Brumbies not as strong as previous years.

Quintis

Good overview articles...

http://www.espn.com.au/rugby/story/_/id/18642945/super-rugby-scouting-report-south-african-group

http://www.espn.com.au/rugby/story/_/id/18643597/super-rugby-scouting-report-new-zealand-conference

Bigbok

Blue bulls beat chiefs today in Brisbane 28-7

sydthebeat

https://youtu.be/9VISI-mfxKc
Interesting

Sabre0001

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qkl9ZJ3Jp_A

Fan made promo video

sydthebeat

South African Squads

BULLS

Forwards: Jacobie Adriaanse, Martin Dreyer, Lizo Gqoboka, John-Roy Jenkinson, Nqoba Mxoli, Trevor Nyakane, Pierre Schoeman, Gerhard Steenekamp, Conraad van Vuuren, Corniel Els, Edgar Marutlulle, Adriaan Strauss, Alandré van Rooyen, Jaco Visagie, Lood de Jager, Jason Jenkins, Abongile Nonkontwana, Ryno Pieterse, Eli Snyman, RG Snyman, Hendré Stassen, Ruben van Heerden, Shaun Adendorff, Arno Botha, Nick de Jager, Jannes Kirsten, Freddy Ngoza, Jacques Potgieter, Roelof Smit, Ruan Steenkamp, Marco van Staden, Renaldo Bothma, Hanro Liebenberg, Eduan Lubbe.

Backs: Rudy Paige, Embrose Papier, Ivan van Zyl, Piet van Zyl, André Warner, Francois Brummer, Tony Jantjies, Manie Libbok, Handré Pollard, Tian Schoeman, Joshua Stander, Boeta Hamman, JT Jackson, Johnny Kôtze, Jesse Kriel, Franco Naudé, Burger Odendaal, Jan Serfontein, Dries Swanepoel, Irvin Ali, Travis Ismaiel, Andell Loubser, Kefentse Mahlo, Sibahle Maxwane, Luther Obi, Jade Stighling, Jamba Ulengo, Ulrich Beyers, Earll Douwrie, Warrick Gelant, Duncan Matthews, Divan Rossouw.

CHEETAHS

Forwards: Tom Botha, Aranos Coetzee, Luan de Bruin, Erich de Jager, Günther Janse van Vuuren, Charles Marais, Danie Mienie, Ox Nché, Jacques du Toit, Joseph Dweba, Elandré Huggett, Torsten van Jaarsveld, Reinach Venter, Justin Basson, Reniel Hugo, Armandt Koster, Francois Uys, Ntokozo Vidima, Dennis Visser, Carl Wegner, Tienie Burger, Uzair Cassiem, Hilton Lobberts, Steven Meiring, Oupa Mohojé, Gerhard Olivier, Boom Prinsloo, Fiffy Rampeta, Paul Schoeman, Henco Venter, Jasper Wiese, Niell Jordaan, Junior Pokomela.

Backs: Tian Meyer, Zee Mkhabela, JP Smith, Shaun Venter, , Ryno Eksteen, Niel Marais, Clinton Swart, Fred Zeilinga, Nico Lee, Ali Mgijima, William Small-Smith, Michael van der Spuy, Francois Venter, Lihleli Xoli, Rayno Benjamin, Maphutha Dolo, Mosolwa Mafuma, Sergeal Petersen, Raymond Rhule, Clayton Blommetjies.

KINGS

Forwards: Schalk Ferreira, Justin Forwood, Ross Geldenhuys, Chris Heiberg, Schalk van der Merwe, Dayan van der Westhuizen, Tango Balekile, Martin Bezuidenhout, Mike Willemse, Irné Herbst, Cameron Lindsay, Sintu Manjezi, Tyler Paul, Wandile Putuma, Mzwanele Zito, Thembelani Bholi, Chris Cloete, Andisa Ntsila, CJ Velleman, Stefan Willemse, , Christiaan de Bruin, Ruaan Lerm.

Backs: James Hall, Ricky Schroeder, Johan Steyn, Rudi van Rooyen, Coyi Banda, Lionel Cronjé, Pieter-Steyn de Wet, Garrick Mattheus, Berton Klaasen, Neil Maritz, Waylon Murray, Alshaun Bock, Ntabeni Dukisa, Siyanda Grey, Malcolm Jaer, Makazole Mapimpi, Wandile Mjekevu, Yaw Penxe, Luzuko Vulindlu, Chrysander Botha, Johann Tromp.

LIONS

Forwards (TBC): Justin Ackerman, Ruan Dreyer, Corné Fourie, Johannes Jonker, Pieter Scholtz, Sti Sithole, Dylan Smith, Jacques van Rooyen, Robbie Coetzee Pieter Jansen, Malcolm Marx, Akker van der Merwe, Bobby de Wee, JP du Preez, Lourens Erasmus, Andries Ferreira, Rhyno Herbst, Robert Kruger, Franco Mostert, Marvin Orie, Ruan Ackermann, Fabian Booysen, Cyle Brink, Hacjivah Dayimani, Wiehan Jacobs, Jaco Kriel, Victor Sekekete, Kwagga Smith, Jano Venter, Warren Whiteley

Backs (TBC): Ross Cronjé, Faf de Klerk, Marco Jansen van Vuren, Dillon Smit
Andries Coetzee, Ashlon Davids, Eddie Fouché, Elton Jantjies, Shaun Reynolds, Stokkies Hanekom, Rohan Janse van Rensburg, Lionel Mapoe, Howard Mnisi, Jarryd Sage, Gerdus van der Walt, Harold Vorster, Ruan Combrinck, Aphiwe Dyantyi, Selom Gavor, Dean Gordon, Koch Marx, Courtnall Skosan, Michael Tambwe, Anthony Volmink, Jeanluc Cilliers, Gerrie Labuschagné, Sylvain Mahuza, Jaco van der Walt

SHARKS

Forwards: Lourens Adriaanse, Thomas du Toit, Mzamo Majola, John-Hubert Meyer, Enoch Mnyaka, Tendai Mtawarira, Coenie Oosthuizen, Juan Schoeman, Stephan Coetzee, Franco Marais, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Hyron Andrews, Ruan Botha, Jean Droste, Stephan Lewies, Giant Mtyanda, Etienne Oosthuizen, Keegan Daniel, Jean Deysel, Jean-Luc du Preez, Francois Kleinhans, Khaya Majola, Tera Mtembu, Jacques Vermeulen, Dan du Preez, Philip van der Walt.

Backs: Michael Claassens, Rowan Gouws, Cobus Reinach, Garth April, Benhard Janse van Rensburg, Patrick Lambie, Inny Radebe, Lukhanyo Am, Tristan Blewett, Johan Deysel, André Esterhuizen, Marius Louw, Jeremy Ward, Ilunga Mukendi, Lwazi Mvovo, Odwa Ndungane, S’busiso Nkosi, S’bura Sithole, Kobus van Wyk, Curwin Bosch, Clément Poitrenaud, Rhyno Smith.

STORMERS

Forwards (TBC): JC Janse van Rensburg, Oli Kebble, Frans Malherbe, JP Smith, Alistair Vermaak, Wilco Louw, Bongi Mbonambi, Scarra Ntubeni, Ramone Samuels, Jan de Klerk, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, JD Schickerling, Jurie van Vuuren, Chris van Zyl, Rynhardt Elstadt, Siya Kolisi, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Jacques Vermeulen, Stephan de Wil, Johan du Toit, Nizaam Carr, Kobus van Dyk.

Backs (TBC): Jano Vermaak, Godlen Masimla, Louis Schreuder, Justin Phillips, Kurt Coleman, Jean-Luc du Plessis, Robert du Preez, Brandon Thomson, Damian de Allende, Juan de Jongh, Dan du Plessis, Huw Jones, Dan Kriel, Dillyn Leyds, Seabelo Senatla, Scott van Breda, Kobus van Wyk, Leolin Zas, Cheslin Kolbe, EW Viljoen, SP Marais.

sydthebeat

Jaguares

Forwards: Cristian Bartoloni, Santiago García Botta, Facundo Gigena, Ramiro Herrera[, Lucas Noguera Paz, Enrique Pieretto, Roberto Tejerizo[, Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, Facundo Bosch, Agustín Creevy, Julián Montoya, Matías Alemanno, Juan Cruz Guillemaín, Marcos Kremer, Ignacio Larrague, Tomás Lavanini, Guido Petti, Rodrigo Báez, Facundo Isa, Juan Manuel Leguizamón, Tomás Lezana, Pablo Matera, Javier Ortega Desio, Benjamín Macome, Santiago Portillo, Leonardo Senatore

Backs: Gonzalo Bertranou, Felipe Ezcurra, Martín Landajo, Joaquín Díaz Bonilla, Santiago González Iglesias, Juan Martín Hernández, Nicolás Sánchez, Santiago Álvarez, Gabriel Ascárate, Jerónimo de la Fuente, Bautista Ezcurra, Matías Moroni, Matías Orlando, Emiliano Boffelli, Santiago Cordero, Nicolás Freitas,, Manuel Montero, Ramiro Moyano, Joaquín Tuculet


Sunwolves

Forwards: Takuma Asahara, Kohei Asahori, Keita Inagaki, Heiichiro Ito, Koo Ji-won, Masataka Mikami, Yasuo Yamaji, Koki Yamamoto, Takeshi Hino, Shota Horie[, Takeshi Kizu, Yusuke Niwai, Kyosuke Kajikawa, Naohiro Kotaki, Shinya Makabe, Liaki Moli, Hitoshi Ono, Kazuhiko Usami, Sam Wykes, Willie Britz, Uwe Helu, Shokei Kin, Shunsuke Nunomaki, Ed Quirk, Malgene Ilaua, Shuhei Matsuhashi, Yuhimaru Mimura, Yosh!taka Tokunaga, Rahboni Warren-Vosayaco

Backs: Takahiro Ogawa, Kaito Shigeno, Fumiaki Tanaka, Keisuke Uchida, Yuki Yatomi, Hayden Cripps, Jumpei Ogura, Hikaru Tamura, Harumichi Tatekawa, Michael Bond, Derek Carpenter, Timothy Lafaele, Yu Tamura, Will Tupou, Shota Emi, Kenki Fukuoka, Teruya Goto, Ataata Moeakiola, Takaaki Nakazuru, Kotaro Matsushima, Yasutaka Sasakura, Riaan Viljoen

sydthebeat

http://www.rugbyhd.com/single-post/2017/02/19/Waraths-vs-Highlanders-Highlights---97-Point-Try-Fest-1

Appetite duly whetted.....
Some very obvious Tony Brown influences there.

Roll on next weekend !!!!!

SuprSi

I'm so out of touch with who has form and who had a good pre-season, but can't wait for this to kick off again.

kittyeater102

Will be watching eagerly and,just like every year, I'll have no clue about the format. It really shouldn't be as complicated as it is.

sydthebeat

if anyone is interested in the superbru super rugby predictor game, send me a request here:

https://www.superbru.com/superrugby/pool.php?p=11655570#tab=leaderboard

swiwi_

Thanks for starting the thread syd.

Like last year I'll pretty much only watch games involving NZ sides, and get my kicks out of seeing what new talent emerges - last season it was Damian McKenzie. Thursday game this week is pretty cool.

I hope they fix Super Rugby going forward with a better format and probably fewer teams.

At one stage it was definitely the world's best quality club competition: when you had the 5 NZ sides, 3 Aussie sides and the 4 SA sides there were few easy games. Not so much now, although all the NZ sides look to be decent enough quality.

Don't expect too many selection surprises for the Lions, but the Autumn internationals could see some new faces.

NMS back

sydthebeat

swiwi_ wrote: »

Thanks for starting the thread syd.

Like last year I'll pretty much only watch games involving NZ sides, and get my kicks out of seeing what new talent emerges - last season it was Damian McKenzie. Thursday game this week is pretty cool.

I hope they fix Super Rugby going forward with a better format and probably fewer teams.

At one stage it was definitely the world's best quality club competition: when you had the 5 NZ sides, 3 Aussie sides and the 4 SA sides there were few easy games. Not so much now, although all the NZ sides look to be decent enough quality.

Don't expect too many selection surprises for the Lions, but the Autumn internationals could see some new faces.

NMS back

https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/sport/rugby/he-picked-up-twinge-nehe-milner-skudder-under-injury-cloud-ahead-hurricanes-super-rugby-opener

Maybe not just yet....

The lions were the big surprise last year, though I think they will find it harder this season against the Nz teams. Aussies still in the doldrums a bit, the tahs are rebuilding, so it will be interesting to see which of the reds, tahs or brumbies comes out on top.

Like the last two seasons, I'm expecting great things from the blues.... Such a good squad on paper but just haven't clicked as a team

Quintis

swiwi_ wrote: »

Thanks for starting the thread syd.

Like last year I'll pretty much only watch games involving NZ sides, and get my kicks out of seeing what new talent emerges - last season it was Damian McKenzie. Thursday game this week is pretty cool.

Pretty much, try get a few Lions games and a few Jaguares home games on a Saturday night

Locke_Lamora

Definitely expecting big things from the blues this time around. They started to click towards the end of last season - two narrow losses to the crusaders and hurricanes, then they destroyed the brumbies and beat the waratahs. Hopefully with the right coaching and the injection of experience from Ranger and SBW, they can really push on. 

Who're the players everyone's looking out for this season?  Willemse, the young  South African fly half, has a lot of hype around him (and possibly the best schoolboy highlight reel out there). Not too sure about Australia's up-and-coming players tbh - their teams had a pretty poor season.

From NZ I'm excited to see if the Ioane brothers can make a case for more international game time - two of my favourite players. For the Hurricanes I think everyone will be keeping an eye on Milner-Skudder's recovery and Jordie Barrett's first season - but it'll be interesting to see where the coaches decide his best position is. I'm also looking forward to seeing if Ardie Savea and beat out Sam Cane for the 7 jersey. Umaga Jensen was quite highly rated, and I think he's still qualified for the u20's, and they have Pita Ahki who I reckon could still become a decent player. From the Crusaders I hope Oliver Jager can get plenty of game time - it'd be awesome seeing an Irishman making it out there. Also reckon Jack Goodhue could be one hell of a 13 - deceptively quick and a really intelligent player. For the Chiefs, I hope Lienert-Brown can continue his form - he was a real find for the All Blacks. For the Highlanders I'm not too sure - I'll probably keep an eye on Tevita Li to see if a team change can help him find his form.

Bridge93

Will be interesting to see what, if any, strides the reds have made. A few good signings

sydthebeat

Pulu is gonna be some signing for the blues this year !!

Bridge93

Good first game so far. Only one game of course but the Blues look to have something going finally. Hopefully Lam doesnt gut them to play Championship

errlloyd

I see the defensive intensity is just as good as always. Barbarians rugby out there.

Sabre0001

Seems like it'll be well worth checking out the highlights!

Sabre0001

Ioane's tries can be seen here: https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/sport/rugby/watch-unstoppable-blues-blow-away-melbourne-rebels-in-super-rugby-opener

Nice from his brother on the last

sydthebeat

Ridiculous from highlanders

sydthebeat

Laughable

sydthebeat

Absolute rubbish, it's gonna be a long season

errlloyd

How many caps would George Smith have if he had stayed in Australia. He retired from international rugby 8 years ago, and he's still playing.

Bridge93

Where do people see the Sharks in the South African pecking order? Behind the Lions or further down?

sydthebeat

Bridge93 wrote: »

Where do people see the Sharks in the South African pecking order? Behind the Lions or further down?

last year it would have been

lions > stormers ................> sharks > bulls ..............> cheetahs > kings

Kiwi_knock

This 'on field decision' for a TMO review is a bit strange, don't see what it adds to the game.

Bridge93

Ref and AR having a mare in this side the last few mins

pickarooney

Hurricanes score 83 points in an hour in Japan. This Super 18 can't last too long at this rate.

damianmcr

Magic

sleepyman

Doesn't look like there's many at the Waratahs-Force game.Is that just because of the weather?

PhilipsR

sleepyman wrote: »

Doesn't look like there's many at the Waratahs-Force game.Is that just because of the weather?

I bet if they were watching it on TV they'd be glad they stayed away too. Horrible error strewn game.

turnikett1

PhilipsR wrote: »

I bet if they were watching it on TV they'd be glad they stayed away too. Horrible error strewn game.

It was pretty dire. Like watching the dregs of the Pro 12. I too noticed the lack of people in the stadium. I hope it was due to the weather, though I have a feeling it might just be because union isn't that popular in Oz.

Bridge93

turnikett1 wrote: »

It was pretty dire. Like watching the dregs of the Pro 12. I too noticed the lack of people in the stadium. I hope it was due to the weather, though I have a feeling it might just be because union isn't that popular in Oz.

I had a season ticket for the Tahs a few years ago and they would average in and around 21/22,000 a game. Sometimes more for big derbies or important games. Allianz Stadium can hold about 45,000. Looked well below that today but the weather seemed brutal all day in Sydney

Sabre0001

Real Rugby TV uploads highlights and full matches (handy for those with crazy kick off times!)

LuckyGent88

Just seen the highlights of the chiefs and blues game. What in the sweet name of Jaysus was Luatua thinking for his red card. Pure stupidity when the game was quite tight.

pickarooney

The speed of the Chiefs' maul!

sydthebeat

The back and forth in the landers Saders game is mind boggling

pickarooney

154 points in two games for the Hurricanes

swiwi_

pickarooney wrote: »

154 points in two games for the Hurricanes

Opposition have been poor but canes looked excellent today. Their back line to a man was on fire. Next week chiefs I think. Should be a better test to evaluate them.

pickarooney

Are they Zebre bad or Grenoble bad?

swiwi_

pickarooney wrote: »

Are they Zebre bad or Grenoble bad?

Didn't watch last week.

This week the rebels defence was just too passive. When you have speed in the halves like the canes and then nms and savea out wide it's just asking for trouble.

I don't get too excited until I see how they go vs better defences.

sydthebeat

Landers second try.

Last week we couldn't score with a bucket load of possession
This week we're living on scraps and scoring from first phase

swiwi_

sydthebeat wrote: »

Landers second try.

Last week we couldn't score with a bucket load of possession
This week we're living on scraps and scoring from first phase

Reckon Naholo was slightly ahead but meh the crusaders had no one defending back.

Crusaders have very average options this season at 9 and back up 10. Not sold on the crotty goodhue combination either.

What are your thoughts on Taufua syd? The feeling seems to be he is too short for an international 6.

sydthebeat

swiwi_ wrote: »

Reckon Naholo was slightly ahead but meh the crusaders had no one defending back.

Crusaders have very average options this season at 9 and back up 10. Not sold on the crotty goodhue combination either.

What are your thoughts on Taufua syd? The feeling seems to be he is too short for an international 6.

He's not found wanting in tackles or in the tight, but I suppose at the very top level he hasn't been tested yet.
Very decent player and a Bollox to try to get off your ball.