The Silver Fern

Cheers - makes sense although I am not sure of the justification for it being an 'all boys' comp, when STAC could clearly hold their own.

Anyone got any insight as to how the new South Island comp(s) are working?

Agreed.
I think he has flaws in his game and has Shaun Johnson-itis where he can go missing in big games but he’s nowhere near as bad as made out here - nor do I think he’s as good as he’s often made out in media etc

Definitely - good scouting year for 2028

Expecting a down year for the BF7s.
Not quite in transition but with no Comm Games now, 2028 is a while away and feels like a mini-rebuild - with Brake and Hirini away

Sorry - I didn’t mean Kyra, I mean their media managers dealing with the media. Apologies.
My understanding is Kyra does a (very good) job with their digital media but their media/communications (ie releases and news on their website), is led by Alyse - but she was the fourth person who did the role last year IIRC.

The Chiefs went through I heard 4 media managers last season (Feb-Jun) alone. Take from that what you will but I assume it means they aren’t paid well, the workload is immense and the built in knowledge of this is how we do things doesn’t exist

Fair - I was just thinking if jt got down to the point of needing a 10.

Rico Simpson presumably around

Zarn?

Was stunned to hear theTV commentary say Coleman is going around next year. He shouldn’t really be going around this year.

I’ve mentioned Bleyendaal before - would love to know if he’s got an out clause in his contract.

Manasa Mataele has signed with the Drua.

@Dan54 said in ALL BLACKS TOUR TO SOUTH AFRICA 2026:

@sparky said in ALL BLACKS TOUR TO SOUTH AFRICA 2026:

More and more indications that the 4th Test will take place at a "neutral venue". An utterly bizarre decision IMHO.

It's always been in a neutral venue mate, most likely Twickenham or likewise, as extra money spinner.

Yeah it’s definitely never been South Africa. If they are going to cash grab I’d like to see it sit outside the series tally and just call it the rematch or whatever

Moving to blindside has been the making of Gallagher.

Agree @Steven-Harris on Fakatava, it’s why he can’t play tests for mine - and another bombed kick there

@Steven-Harris said in SF: Canterbury v Hawkes Bay:

Nick Grigg out with a fractured cheekbone new midfield for the magpies with Le Roux Malan out with a similar injury
Looks a very disappointing crowd

T20 at Hagley Oval that’s been in the calendar for months

He’s going to Yokohama/Canon

Finlay Christie will run rings around the Stormers

@Bovidae said in ALL BLACKS TOUR TO SOUTH AFRICA 2026:

Two of the three confirmed tests are in Johannesburg. Durban or Pretoria for the 4th test?

likely London.

To an extent - but if you’re being presented one pathway to the Warriors that looks pretty straight forward then another which is more complicated, you can see the differences.

In rugby, you could have one set of coaches at NPC telling you one thing about your development. Another set at Super (in a different city) telling you another

I think the pathways system here does need an overhaul.

In league, if you’re a talent - there’s the Warriors (or another NRL side) and if they want you, everything is funneled through their system and age grade sides.

In NZ, it’s NPC teams who think they have devine right to bringing through the talent, the Super sides who think likewise, NZR comes in with a few thoughts and rep teams at age group, there’s the club system as well.