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All Blacks players renew Hurricanes deals
By Russell Greaves
New Zealand duo Ngani Laumape and Vaea Fifita are among four players to have signed new Hurricanes contracts.
The Super Rugby champions have tied down former NRL player Laumape until 2019, while Fifita has committed to the club until 2020.
Matt Proctor has also agreed terms to stay in Wellington for the next two years, while Geoff Cridge has signed on for one year.
"Coming back to rugby union from rugby league in 2016 was a massive challenge, but the Hurricanes coaches have made the transition a lot easier and I've loved every minute," said wing Laumape, who made his All Blacks debut in the second Test against the British and Irish Lions.
"The Hurricanes environment has really helped me develop my game and I can't wait to continue that progress over the next two seasons."
Fifita has one cap to his name, which came against Samoa last month, but was an unused member of the squad for the Lions tour.
He did, however, score a try for for his club side against Warren Gatland's men.
The 25-year-old said: "I've learned so much since joining the Hurricanes in 2015 and I feel very lucky to have been part of the club over the past three years.
"Representing the All Blacks was a dream come true and I'm thankful to the Hurricanes coaching staff for helping me realise my potential.
"I know I still have a long way to go and the Hurricanes is the right place for me to continue my career."
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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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