Super XV Rugby 2018

sydthebeat · 26-01-2018 4:39pm #1

While another closer to home rugby competition takes our attention at this time of year, its always good to look forward to the forthcoming Super Rugby competition half a world away (starts in 3 weeks folks!)

For starters.... heres how the new (back to the future) competition will work.

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

Simples !

Ill give an update on the Team squads shortly, working by conference.

sydthebeat · 26-01-2018 4:51pm

New Zealand Conference Squads:

Blues

Blues squad: Leni Apisai, Matt Moulds, James Parsons, Alex Hodgman, Sione Mafileo, Pauliasi Manu, Isaac Salmon, Mike Tamoaieta, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, Josh Goodhue, Scott Scrafton, Patrick Tuipulotu, Jimmy Tupou, Blake Gibson, Akira Ioane, Jerome Kaino, Dalton Papalii, Glenn Preston, Kara Pryor, Murphy Taramai, Sam Nock, Augustine Pulu, Jonathan Ruru, Otere Black/Daniel Kirkpatrick, Bryn Gatland, Stephen Perofeta, Matt Johnson, George Moala, Tamati Tua, TJ Faiane, Sonny Bill Williams, Caleb Clarke, Michael Collins, Matt Duffie, Rieko Ioane, Melani Nanai, Jordan Trainor

Chiefs

Chiefs squad: Liam Polwart, Nathan Harris, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Aidan Ross, Atu Moli, Kane Hames, Mitchell Graham, Nepo Laulala, Sosefo Kautai, Brodie Retallick, Dominic Bird, Fin Hoeata, Michael Allardice, Lachlan Boshier, Liam Messam, Luke Jacobson, Mitchell Brown, Mitchell Karpik, Sam Cane, Taleni Seu, Tyler Ardron, Brad Weber, Jonathan Taumateine, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Damian McKenzie, Marty McKenzie, Tiaan Falcon, Alex Nankivell, Anton Lienert-Brown, Charlie Ngatai, Johnny Fa’auli, Regan Verney, Levi Aumua, Sam McNicol, Shaun Stevenson, Solomon Alaimalo, Toni Pulu, Tim Nanai-Williams

Crusaders

Crusaders squad: Ben Funnell, Andrew Makalio, Codie Taylor, Mike Alaalatoa, Wyatt Crockett, Owen Franks, Oliver Jager, Joe Moody, Tim Perry, Scott Barrett, Mitchell Dunshea, Luke Romano, Quinten Strange, Sam Whitelock, Ethan Blackadder, Billy Harmon, Kieran Read, Tom Sanders, Pete Samu, Jordan Taufua, Matt Todd, Mitchell Drummond, Bryn Hall, Jack Stratton, Mike Delany, Mitchell Hunt, Richie Mo’unga, Tim Bateman, Ryan Crotty, Jack Goodhue, Braydon Ennor, George Bridge, Israel Dagg, David Havili, Will Jordan, Jone Macilai, Manasa Mataele, Seta Tamanivalu

Highlanders

Highlanders squad: Liam Coltman, Ash Dixon, Greg Pleasants-Tate, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Tyrel Lomax, Guy Millar, Aki Seiuli, Siate Tokolahi, Kalolo Tuiloma, Alex Ainley, Josh Dickson, Tom Franklin, Jackson Hemopo, Pari Pari Parkinson, Elliot Dixon, Shannon Frizell, Dillon Hunt, James Lentjes, Dan Pryor, Liam Squire, Luke Whitelock, Kayne Hammington, Josh Renton, Aaron Smith, Josh Ioane, Fletcher Smith, Lima Sopoaga, Richard Buckman, Patelesio Tomkinson, Rob Thompson, Teihorangi Walden, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Matt Faddes, Tevita Li, Josh McKay, Tevita Nabura, Waisake Naholo, Ben Smith

Hurricanes

Hurricanes squad: Asafo Aumua, Dane Coles, Ricky Riccitelli, Chris Eves, Alex Fidow, Reg Goodes, Ben May, Toby Smith, Jeffery To’omaga-Allen, James Blackwell, Murray Douglas, Michael Fatialofa, Sam Lousi, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Gareth Evans, Vaea Fifita, Sam Henwood, Reed Prinsep, Ardie Savea, Brad Shields, Blade Thomson, Jamie Booth, Finlay Christie, TJ Perenara, Beauden Barrett, Jackson Garden-Bachop, TJ Va’a, Ihaia West, Vince Aso, Ngani Laumape, Matt Proctor, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Jordie Barrett, Wes Goosen, Ben Lam, Jonah Lowe, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Julian Savea

sydthebeat · 26-01-2018 4:53pm

Australian Conference

ACT Brumbies

ACT Brumbies squad: Robbie Abel, Allan Alaalatoa, Ben Alexander, Richie Arnold, Rory Arnold, Sam Carter, Tom Cusack, Blake Enever, Mees Erasmus, Folau Fainga’a, Lolo Fakaosilea, Ben Hyne, Leslie Leulua’iali’i-Makin, Josh Mann-Rea, Nic Mayhew, Lachlan McCaffrey, Isi Naisarani, David Pocock, Scott Sio, Faalelei Sione, Darcy Swain, Rob Valetini, Tom Banks, James Dargaville, Kyle Godwin, Mack Hansen, Wharenui Hawera, Jordan Jackson-Hope, Tevita Kuridrani, Christian Lealiifano, Ryan Lonergan, Matt Lucas, Andrew Muirhead, Chance Peni, Joe Powell ,Andrew Smith, Henry Speight, Lausii Taliauli, James Verity-Amm

Queensland Reds

Queensland Reds squad: Sef Fa’agase, Harry Hoopert, James Slipper, JP Smith, Taniela Tupou, Markus Vanzati, Alex Mafi, Andrew Ready, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Angus Blyth, Kane Douglas, Harry Hockings, Izack Rodda, Lukhan Tui, Michael Gunn, Reece Hewat, Scott Higginbotham, Adam Korczyk, Angus Scott-Young, George Smith, Caleb Timu, Liam Wright, Tate McDermott, Moses Sorovi,James Tuttle, Hamish Stewart, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Samu Kerevi, Duncan Paia’aua, Filipo Daugunu, Karmichael Hunt, Lachlan Maranta, Eto Nabuli, Izaia Perese

Melbourne Rebels

Melbourne Rebels squad: Jermaine Ainsley, Ben Daley, Tetera Faulkner, Tom Moloney, Fereti Sa’aga, Sam Talakai, Laurie Weeks, James Hanson, Anaru Rangi, Jordan Uelese, Adam Coleman, Esei Ha’angana, Trevor Hosea, Sam Jeffries, Geoff Parling, Matt Philip, Alex Toolis, Colby Fainga’a, Richard Hardwick, Ross Haylett-Petty, Rob Leota, Amanaki Mafi, Jordy Reid, Lopeti Timani, Will Genia, Harrison Goddard, Michael Ruru, Nic Stirzaker, Tayler Adams, Jono Lance, Jack McGregor, Reece Hodge, David Horwitz, Bill Meakes, Hunter Paisami, Sione Tuipulotu, Tom English, Pama Fou, Henry Hutchinson, Marika Koroibete, Sefa Naivalu, Dom Shipperly, Semisi Tupou, Dane Haylet-Petty, Jack Maddocks.

NSW Waratahs

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

Sunwolves

Sunwolves squad:
Asaeli Ai Valu, Keita Inagaki, Koo Ji-won, Craig Millar, Ruan Smith, Hencus van Wyk, Jaba Bregvadze, Shota Horie, Grant Hattingh, Uwe Helu, Kazuki Himeno, Sam Wykes, Willie Britz, Michael Leitch, Shunsuke Numomaki, Ed Quirk, Wimpie van der Walt, Yutaka Nagare, Fumiaki Tanaka, Hayden Parker, Yu Tamura, Timothy Lafaele, Michael Little, Harumichi Tatekawa, Sione Teaupa, Will Tupou, Kenki Fukuoka, Lomano Lemeki, Hosea Saumaki, Gerhard van den Heever, Akihito Yamada, Robbie Robinson

sydthebeat · 26-01-2018 4:54pm

South Africa Conference

Bulls

Bulls squad:
Matthys Basson, Lizo Gqoboka, John-Roy Jenkinson, Nqoba Mxoli, Trevor Nyakane, Pierre Schoeman, Gerhard Steenekamp, Dayan van der Westhuizen, Conraad van Vuuren, Frans van Wyk, Jan Henning-Campher, Corniel Els, Johan Grobbelaar, Edgar Marutlulle, Adriaan Strauss, Jaco Visagie, Lood de Jager, Aston Fortuin, Jason Jenkins, Abongile Nonkontwana, Eli Synman, RG Snyman, Hendre Stassen, Ruben van Heerden, Shaun Adendorff, Tim Agaba, Jaco Bezuidenhout, Thembelani Bholi, Nic de Jager, Denzil Hill, Jannes Kirsten, Hanro Liebenberg, Eduan Lubbe, Kwezi Mafu, Ryno Pieterse, Jacques Potgieter, Boom Prisnloo, Roelof Smit, Ruan Steenkamp, Marco van Staden, Jano Venter, Theo Maree, Rudy Paige, Embrose Papier, Ivan van Zyl, Andre Warner, Marnitz Boshoff, Tinus de Beer, Tony Jantjies, Manie Libbok, Handre Pollard, Ulrich Beyers, Francois Brummer, Stedman Gans, JT Jackson, Johnny Kotze, Jesse Kriel, Burger Odendaal, Dries Swanepoel, Travis Ismaiel, Andell Loubser, Franco Naude, Divan Rossouw, Jade Stighling, Jamba Ulengo, Warrick Gelant, Duncan Matthews

Jaguares

Jaguares squad:
Felipe Arregui, Santiago Garcia Botta, Enrique Pieretto, Nahual Tetaz Chaparro, Franco Brarda, Javier Diaz, Nicolas Leiva, Juan Pablo Zeiss, Agustin Creevy, Julian Montoya, Diego Fortuny, Matias Alemanno, Marcos Kremer, Tomas Lavanini, Guido Petti Pagadizabal, Juan Manuel Leguizamon, Tomas Lezana, Benjamin Macome, Pablo Matera, Javier Ortega Desio, Leonardo Senatore, Rodrigo Bruni, Santiago Montagner, Gonzalo Bertranou, Tomas Cubelli, Felipe Ezcurra, Martin Landajo, Joaquin Diaz Bonilla, Santiago Gonzalez Igelsias, Nicolas Sanchez, Santiago Alvarez, Jeronimo de la Fuente, Bautista Ezcurra, Juan Martin Hernandez, Matias Orlando, Emiliano Boffelli, Sebastian Cancelliere, Matias Moroni, Ramiro Moyano, Joaquin Tuculet, Bautista Delguy

Lions

Lions squad:
Justin Ackerman, Ruan Dreyer, Corne Fourie, Johannes Jonker, Sti Sithole, Dylan Smith, Jacques van Rooyen, Hencus van Wyk, Robbie Coetzee, Malcolm Marx, Akker van der Merwe, Lourens Erasmus, Andries Ferreira, Robert Kruger, Franco Mostert, Marvin Orie, Ruan Ackermann, Fabian Booysen, Cyle Brink, Hacjivah Dayimani, Jaco Kriel, Kwagga Smith, Warren Whiteley, Ross Cronje, Faf de Klerk, Dillon Smit, Andries Coetzee, Elton Jantjies, Shaun Reynolds, Rohan Janse van Rensburg, Lionel Mapoe, Howard Mnisi, Jacques Nel, Harold Vorster, Ruan Combrinck, Courtnall Skosan, Madosh Tambwe, Anthony Volmink, Sylvian Mahuza, Jaco van der Walt

Sharks

Sharks squad:
Andre Esterhuizen, Tendai Mtawarira, Benhard Janse van Rensburg, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Clement Poitrenaud, Cobus Reinach, Coenie Oosthuizen, Curwin Bosch, Daniel du Preez, Etienne Oosthuizen, Franco Marais, Francois Kleinhans, Garth April, Hanco Venter, Hyron Andrews, Inny-Christian Radebe, Jacques Vermuelen, Jean Deysel, Jean Droste, Jean-Luc du Preez, Jeremy Ward, Johan Deysel, John-Hubert Meyer, Juan Schoeman, Keegan Daniel, Khaya Majola, Kobus van Wyk, Lourens Adriaanse, Lukhanyo Am, Lwazi Mvovo, Marius Louw, Michael Claassens, Odwa Ndungane, Philip van der Walt, Rhyno Smith, Rowan Gouws, Ruan Botha, S’Bura Sithole, Sibusiso Nkosi, Stephan Coetzee, Stephan Lewies, Tera Mtembu, Thomas du Toit, Tristan Blewett

Stormers

Stormers squad:
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, 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.

Tigerandahalf · 26-01-2018 4:58pm

I presume the Wallaby squads will be stronger this year with the Force gone.

I presume the NZ sides will still be favourites to win it out.

I see from the video the 1/4 finalists will be made up of 3 teams each from NZ & SA conferences and 2 from the Australian one.

Buer · 26-01-2018 5:29pm

Tigerandahalf wrote: »

I presume the Wallaby squads will be stronger this year with the Force gone.

The Rebels will probably be the only team to really benefit. They signed 11 players and a coach from the Force.

The other teams signed very few:

Brumbies: 4
Red:1
Waratahs: 3

sydthebeat · 26-01-2018 5:31pm

Tigerandahalf wrote: »

I presume the Wallaby squads will be stronger this year with the Force gone.

I presume the NZ sides will still be favourites to win it out.

I see from the video the 1/4 finalists will be made up of 3 teams each from NZ & SA conferences and 2 from the Australian one.

no guarantee at all.
remember the force finished 12th overall on 26 points, and were cut, whereas the rebels languished in last (18th) place with a mere 9 points.

the vast majority of the force' squad was retained by the owner to play club rugby (hes actually renaming Perth spirit to western force for NRC comp) although anyone good enough to warrant a move away has gone.

The rebels were the big winners recruitment wise, taking 10 force players.
The reds took one, brumbies 4 and waratahs 2, though the tahs are waiting on Ben McCalman to pass a medical, dodgy shoulder.

6 or 7 moved abroad to europe or to japan. Most notably morohan to bristol, polota-nau to Leicester, prior to quins.

and yes, the betting suggests as usual teh kiwi teams are the teams to beat. Defending champs Crusaders are rightly favourites followed by all NZ teams, with the only other team to feature in the top 6 betting is the lions in 3rd.
Personally i think the lions flattered to deceive a bit last year. They played excellent rugby at home but were average away, and benefited from having an easier fixture list last season

sydthebeat · 28-01-2018 11:38pm

a little quirk about the sun wolves this season: from wiki:

On 29 September 2017, following an unconvincing first two seasons in the Super Rugby, the Sunwolves went under a review in conjunction with the Japan Rugby Football Union and SANZAAR. The review concluded with the team undergoing a restructure which sees the side move from the JRFU to a new organisation, the Japan Super Rugby Association (JSRA). One of the main changes saw the national team's head coach Jamie Joseph replace Filo Tiatia as head coach, doubling up his duties with the national team

an interesting approach.

Jamie has also brought in Hayden Parker this season as an alternative 10, a player he knows well from the highlander days. If Parker can stay injury free he may be the steering wheel the sun wolves have badly needed .. though of course its in Jamies interest to give Tamura as much game time as possible.

c.p.w.g.w · 28-01-2018 11:44pm

sydthebeat wrote: »

a little quirk about the sun wolves this season: from wiki:

an interesting approach.

Jamie has also brought in Hayden Parker this season as an alternative 10, a player he knows well from the highlander days. If Parker can stay injury free he may be the steering wheel the sun wolves have badly needed .. though of course its in Jamies interest to give Tamura as much game time as possible.

Would i be correct in saying that in the Japanese Domestic League there is a lot of money floating around? With some of the players playing in the domestic league far better than player who play with the sunwolves?

Squidgy Black · 29-01-2018 1:08am

c.p.w.g.w wrote: »

Would i be correct in saying that in the Japanese Domestic League there is a lot of money floating around? With some of the players playing in the domestic league far better than player who play with the sunwolves?

Most players play in the Top League and then also play with the Sunwolves. The Top League finishes a couple weeks before Super Rugby starts, one of the arguments for the Sunwolves poor performances has been that the players are only released from their Top League teams 15 days before the season starts so there's no real preseason as a team.

c.p.w.g.w · 29-01-2018 1:28am

Squidgy Black wrote: »

Most players play in the Top League and then also play with the Sunwolves. The Top League finishes a couple weeks before Super Rugby starts, one of the arguments for the Sunwolves poor performances has been that the players are only released from their Top League teams 15 days before the season starts so there's no real preseason as a team.

Oh I thought they ran on the same calendar...

Squidgy Black · 29-01-2018 8:57am

c.p.w.g.w wrote: »

Oh I thought they ran on the same calendar...

Top league runs from mid August through to mid January. Super Rugby is mid February through to the start of August.

Locke_Lamora · 31-01-2018 8:38pm

Are we doing the predictor this year?

Anyway, is there anybody anyone's particularly excited to see? I've given up having hope for the blues, they're ceratin to finish last in the conference - but Perofeta and Caleb Clarke should be fun to watch. Clarke has two years left at u20 I think but he's still an exciting athlete. I'll probably tune in to most of their games just to watch Rieko, and who knows..maybe this is the year Akira finally starts pushing on. Doubt it.

Not sure on the chiefs. Luke Jacobson looked a really smart forward when he captained NZ u20's last year, but I reckon he may need a couple of years to adapt to the step up in physicality. Hope Falcon gets plenty of time at 10. Exciing player to watch and I'd rather Mackenzie stayed at fullback. Has Retallick played any rugby since his family circumstances sidelined him?

For the Highlanders I guess it's the usual suspects to watch. Squire has really started to kick on, and they've got Naholo, Sopoaga and A Smith in the backs. Hopefully B Smith can get back into the swing of things after his hiatus.

Hurricanes will be disappointed with how they got knocked out last year. Barrett and Barrett are unreal players. I'would've seen Jordie as a long term 12 for NZ but with laumape there the Hurricanes will probably see it as a better use of resources to use him elsewhere. Milner-Skudder, Aso and a resurgent Savea will be a dangerous back three. In the forwards there's Fifita and A Savea who're always good for a feww good carries. Aumua is definitely one to watch. With Coles' concussion problems he could really stake a claim for a permanent place in the NZ squad. Fidow was incredible to watch in the Mitre10 so I'm looking forward to seeing how he goes as well.

I'm pretty sure I talked a lot about crusaders backline last year, and quite frankly it's only going to get worse this year. I'll be amazed if they can hold onto all their talent over the next couple of seasons. Mo'unga is one of my favourite players and Hunt is a very good backup to have. Goodhue's another of my favourites and I could see him lining up for NZ at 13 long term. Dagg is back from a hiatus and Havili just earned his first cap, but I can't wait to see how Will Jordan gets on. He's got one year left at u20 level but he was unreal in the Mitre10, and he's one of the most naturally talented fullbacks out there I reckon. There are rumours Tamanivalu is off next season, but I doubt the crusaders will care. They've still got Bridge and Mataele on the wing. Ennor couldn't stop scoring for canterbury as well and I'm interested to see where they see as his best position.

That's me done being a fanboy for NZ rugby for now - I'm only writing this to avoid thinking about the state of Ulster right now anyway. Hope Damian Willemse gets plenty of game time this time round. Didn't look out of place in his first year out of school and I reckon he could be one of the most exciting flyhalf's in the world.

Yeah_Right · 31-01-2018 9:08pm

sydthebeat wrote: »

a little quirk about the sun wolves this season: from wiki:

an interesting approach.

Jamie has also brought in Hayden Parker this season as an alternative 10, a player he knows well from the highlander days. If Parker can stay injury free he may be the steering wheel the sun wolves have badly needed .. though of course its in Jamies interest to give Tamura as much game time as possible.

Is that the same Hayden Parker who played 7s for NZ? Spiky blonde hair, played for Otago, BOP and North Harbour?

This is the Blues' year! We're gonna win it all!

sydthebeat · 31-01-2018 9:30pm

Yeah_Right wrote: »

Is that the same Hayden Parker who played 7s for NZ? Spiky blonde hair, played for Otago, BOP and North Harbour?

This is the Blues' year! We're gonna win it all!

He certainly played for otago and has spiky blonde hair.... I don't know anything about bay of plenty or north harbour, or sevens... Though he was a kiwi u20.
Spent a few years as reserve 10 for the Highlanders since 2013 behind Slade and then Sopoaga

razorblunt · 01-02-2018 11:37am

Looking forward to this, not as avid a follower as I was back in the early 00s but I love the pre and post gym Saturday mornings watching these games before the missus is up out of bed!

Yeah_Right · 01-02-2018 11:59am

sydthebeat wrote: »

He certainly played for otago and has spiky blonde hair.... I don't know anything about bay of plenty or north harbour, or sevens... Though he was a kiwi u20.
Spent a few years as reserve 10 for the Highlanders since 2013 behind Slade and then Sopoaga

It's not who I was thinking of. I got him mixed up with Hayden Reid who is about 10 years older. I was thinking "holy **** he's still playing!" But it's a completely different person. Never mind, ignore me.

sydthebeat · 01-02-2018 1:06pm

Yeah_Right wrote: »

It's not who I was thinking of. I got him mixed up with Hayden Reid who is about 10 years older. I was thinking "holy **** he's still playing!" But it's a completely different person. Never mind, ignore me.

no bother.... i wouldnt have a clue who Hayden Reid was either

how would you view a successful season for the Blues?

I think the make up of the new play off system gives them the best chance of making the play offs for the first time in a long while.
All 5 NZ teams can qualify, which wasnt possible last year.

Yeah_Right · 01-02-2018 1:49pm

Obviously the Blues are going to win the title. That's my expectation.

However I would settle for making the quarter finals. Also I think it's important for the Blues to not be the bottom placed kiwi team. That would be a successful season and would show that the team was heading in the right direction. They have a lot of talent but questions remain about their 9 and 10. Also does their tight 5 have the hard edge and the experience to grind out wins.

The playoff structure is interesting. The fact all the teams from one conference can make the quarters is strange. I would have thought that they would have had the top two from each conference go through and then the next two highest ranked teams.

Zzippy · 01-02-2018 2:02pm

razorblunt wrote: »

Looking forward to this, not as avid a follower as I was back in the early 00s but I love the pre and post gym Saturday mornings watching these games before the missus is up out of bed!

Lol. Wait til you have kids!

razorblunt · 01-02-2018 3:24pm

Zzippy wrote: »

Lol. Wait til you have kids!

Don't curse me with that voodoo magic jinx!

Tigerandahalf · 01-02-2018 4:18pm

Yeah_Right wrote: »

The playoff structure is interesting. The fact all the teams from one conference can make the quarters is strange. I would have thought that they would have had the top two from each conference go through and then the next two highest ranked teams.

I thought it was the first 3 from nz and sa conferences and first 2 from oz one that made the 1/4s?

Didactic Ninja · 01-02-2018 5:53pm

rumours abound that Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is on his way to the city of sails.

Quality athlete. Would be interested to see if he transitioned well.

sydthebeat · 01-02-2018 6:02pm

Tigerandahalf wrote: »

I thought it was the first 3 from nz and sa conferences and first 2 from oz one that made the 1/4s?

nope, its the first 3 from each conference and the next highest overall points team making up the 4 home QF-ists

Then the next 4 highest overall points teams make up the away teams.
So theoretically 5 from one conference can make the QFs.....

so basically.....
the three conference winners will automatically qualify, but there'll be five wildcard spots awarded to the next best based on points.

Didactic Ninja · 01-02-2018 9:12pm

Temanivalu and Ngatai the next cabs off the rank to prostitute themselves in Europe. Sad to see.

Locke_Lamora · 01-02-2018 9:53pm

Didactic Ninja wrote: »

rumours abound that Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is on his way to the city of sails.

Quality athlete. Would be interested to see if he transitioned well.

Played for NZ schools I think, so at least he has experience. Hands down one of the most exciting players in the world in either code. Which franchise would you want him to play for? I'd hope for the Hurricanes - frees up Jordie to get some game time in center, and I prefer Milner-Skudder on the wing anyway.

sydthebeat · 01-02-2018 10:08pm

Didactic Ninja wrote: »

Temanivalu and Ngatai the next cabs off the rank to prostitute themselves in Europe. Sad to see.

Ngatai got that bad injury at the complete wrong time. Great player

Didactic Ninja · 02-02-2018 10:52pm

Locke_Lamora wrote: »

Played for NZ schools I think, so at least he has experience. Hands down one of the most exciting players in the world in either code. Which franchise would you want him to play for? I'd hope for the Hurricanes - frees up Jordie to get some game time in center, and I prefer Milner-Skudder on the wing anyway.

development wise the crusaders i suppose.
from an excitement point of view probably canes or chiefs.

but he is blues bound apparently.

Quintis · 02-02-2018 11:30pm

Will be interesting to see if there is any upturn in the Aussie franchises fortunes this year, the Rebels benefited most from the Force dispersion, still don't see any of the 4 franchises having a serious chance. Looking forward to seeing both Izaia Perese & Filipo Daugunu with the Reds, squad seems short though. Pocock out for 3 months after surgery too, great timing after his sabbatical. Fancy the Tahs to come out of the conference

Locke_Lamora · 03-02-2018 12:07am

Didactic Ninja wrote: »

Locke_Lamora wrote: »

Played for NZ schools I think, so at least he has experience. Hands down one of the most exciting players in the world in either code. Which franchise would you want him to play for? I'd hope for the Hurricanes - frees up Jordie to get some game time in center, and I prefer Milner-Skudder on the wing anyway.

development wise the crusaders i suppose.
from an excitement point of view probably canes or chiefs.

but he is blues bound apparently.

Too much quality in the crusaders backline. At least the Blues poor overall performance doesn't stop some of the backs from thriving. Ioane, Nanai were all quality last season.

Quintis · 14-02-2018 9:31am

Kicks off this week with SA conference only,

13:05 Stormers v Jaguares (SS Action)
15:15 Lions v Sharks (SS Action Red Button)

Have to fancy the Stormers at Home and Lions

Super XV Rugby 2018

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