Rugby Australia name 41 players in U20 Junior Wallabies' squad

Broken hand or not, Richie Mo'unga is still New Zealand's best 10

Spew_81 1 hour ago

From memory. In his first Hurricanes game, first touch. He fielded a high ball that was that awkward length, not clearly carrying to him, not clearly going to bounce first. So, he slid, caught the ball, got up and kept running. Not bad for a 19-year-old.

Are Brumbies good enough to take next step? Will Reds ever make final four?

Brett McKay 1 hour ago

Interesting theory SS!

I’m not sure how they benefit from losing hosting rights, and the revenue that comes with?

Broken hand or not, Richie Mo'unga is still New Zealand's best 10

Spew_81 1 hour ago

Agree, if he stayed he would be the starting 10.

I’m sure he will be welcomed with open arms in 2026 - by most people (always some haters) :)

Broken hand or not, Richie Mo'unga is still New Zealand's best 10

Spew_81 2 hours ago

The loss of one talented individual can seriously reduce the quality of an organization.

The other sports website you left has reduced significantly since you departed :)

Not having a go, just having a laugh :) Not sure of the circumstances, they seem to have wanted more tabloid, Australian focused content. Glad you’re still enlightening us here.

It would be good if Highlander was on this site as well.

The Reds' 'whimpering' exit shows Super Rugby scrums still matter

Mzilikazi 2 hours ago

“I miss Harry’s or JD’s articles mostly because I don’t get to the site with enough frequency.”

I’m the same…most frustrating when I do see them 24/48 hrs late !

The Reds' 'whimpering' exit shows Super Rugby scrums still matter

Mzilikazi 2 hours ago

Good post Mitch.

The Reds' 'whimpering' exit shows Super Rugby scrums still matter

Mzilikazi 2 hours ago

I would be looking at Tizzano too. McReight is a Qldr, has Ulster heritage, but never the less, I see him too often played out of games, and being too often not strong enough the withstand the cleanout. Tizzano is a more rugged player. But McReight has the better all round game, and I would have my money on Joe playing him at 7. Pity his great mate Harry looks like not being with him….they do combine so well for great moments.

Broken hand or not, Richie Mo'unga is still New Zealand's best 10

Spew_81 2 hours ago

Love recently said: “I want to be the best player in the world, whether that’s at 10 or 15. I’m just focused on improving every day and helping the team wherever I’m needed.”.

My gut feeling is at 10. Winners want the ball. More ball and influence at 10 than 15.

Broken hand or not, Richie Mo'unga is still New Zealand's best 10

Spew_81 2 hours ago

Maybe not 100% the same level of athlete. But very close.

Cory Jane signs off on Hurricanes' season with message for All Blacks selectors

JS 2 hours ago

Would be helpful with links or timestamps in games to back up your assertion….

Otherwise your post just reverts to your ‘opinion’

I can timestamp Billys wayward passing.

11 Go to comments

Spew_81 2 hours ago

Broken hand or not, Richie Mo'unga is still New Zealand's best 10

O Jacko :)

Broken hand or not, Richie Mo'unga is still New Zealand's best 10

Spew_81 2 hours ago

Considering the amount of people who support the All Blacks, it would be a really hard choice to go. I’m sure Mo’unga and his family like the change of scene and pace. Good for them.

But the aspect that I return to is that the All Blacks are a product of the New Zealand rugby system. The system works as many people sacrifice their time to make the system work. It’s not outrageous ask the best players (who have benefited massively from the system) to spend their best playing years giving back to the system - while being well paid, agreed not quite as well as overseas.

I hold no animosity to anyone who turns their back on New Zealand rugby (when they have a lot they could give back). It’s just disappointing to miss out on what might have been. Also, the New Zealand rugby system is fragile. The reduction in revenue, from not being the best, could be a significant step in the long term downfall of New Zealand rugby.

The Reds' 'whimpering' exit shows Super Rugby scrums still matter

Mzilikazi 2 hours ago

Agree, T. That game was closer than the score shows. An out of form, imo, Will Genia just knocking on at a ruck, a forward pass not picked up for an NZ try, all adds up. One bit of magic from Sonny Bill putting Nonu into space probably the key moment for the AB’s.

Super Rugby Pacific's greatest season stained by one playoff game

SS 2 hours ago

Agree. Would the Chiefs have played differently if they were to have lost their home advantage? Absolutely

34 Go to comments

Cantab 2 hours ago

Are Brumbies good enough to take next step? Will Reds ever make final four?

We are definitely in agreement on those points.

Broken hand or not, Richie Mo'unga is still New Zealand's best 10

Spew_81 2 hours ago

While not officially announced, Robertson was clearly going to be the coach in 2024. He nearly replaced Foster in 2022. If Mo’unga didn’t lead the team to victory at Ellis Park in 2022 Foster was most probably gone at that point.

All Blacks player wages are difficult to get 100% right. Mo’unga was almost certain to have earnt millions by that point. Being the 10 in Robertson’s All Blacks would be worth about a million a year. Mo’unga still could’ve played in Japan after that in 2028. Nonu is still playing in the midfield in his mid 40s. It’s not like Mo’unga was one head knock or other injury away from enforced retirement.

Are Brumbies good enough to take next step? Will Reds ever make final four?

SS 2 hours ago

I’m backing the Brumbies to win now, since they took out my Canes. Normally would have gone for the Chiefs, but for all their talk on playing like it was a knock-out game, I call rubbish. They knew they had a lifeline and they bottled.

Are Brumbies good enough to take next step? Will Reds ever make final four?

Brett McKay 2 hours ago

I feel like you’re reinforcing my point, Cantab.

The Reds couldn’t emulate what confronted them from the Crusaders at breakdown and scrum, and that’s where the match becoming one-way traffic began.

And the Brumbies will have to play their best game to top the wounded Chiefs, no doubt. But the Chiefs strangely played into the Blues hands too, which they surely won’t repeat...