February 22nd 2024 !!
Quick taps ....... Razor is here ! - there will be AB bolters - a new band formed 'Joe Schmidt & the Wallabys" - Ireland possibly even better than before - Rebels launch a Give a little or a lot page.
Why is 2024 interesting ….?
A new AB coach, AB starting positions up for grabs and as much as I dislike the phrase, a new World cup cycle begins. Razor will have to continue to find ways to sit still and cool his eager coaching heels for a few more months but he will be flat out assessing NZs super rugby talent ahead of his first AB squad naming sometime in early June. He starts with 2 home England tests for which there are spots up for grabs, new talent is required and expect some bolters too.
Super Rugby
Based on the needs of the above, the 2024 Super Rugby season contains heightened interest plus the added intrigue of how the Razor less Crusaders will go ? In my view they still have a hell of a squad but Rob Penney may be a step back into the Todd Blackadder mould ……….. stalwart player but same as a coach which hasn’t proven enough for titles.
Blues also have a new head coach in the very experienced and wily Vern Cotter who’s been successful all around the world over a long period. He’s a mixture of old school basics laced with a good dollop of innovation and a bit of cunning thrown in. It will be fascinating to see how the Blues respond especially after some very good pre-season form.
Chiefs look very good on paper with a star studded attacking backline in which DMac again should ignite plus looking forward to Quinn Tupaeas return but I wonder if their tight forwards have the goods?? It will be hard to backup last years table topping run and in fact I’m picking a fairly even comp.
The Highlanders look to be rebuilding nicely given their pre-season form which suggests they will have a much improved record but I’m not sure how or from where as a scan of their squad reveals one current AB (de Groot), 1 who should be (Harmon) but the remainder are an earnest bunch hoping to make it …………but team unity will be a strength for them and look out for Fabian Holland as an AB bolter !
As for the Hurricanes, smacked by the Highlanders pre-season which I’m giving them a mulligan for because their squadsheet is full of very talented players which I predict maybe let down by a lightweight looking coaching group. They’ll take some beating on their day but expect a bit of a roller-coaster results wise. Will this be Reuben Loves year??
No idea how the Aussie sides are progressing or will go but just hope they’re more competitive and after the brief disruption that was a messy cyclone Eddie, the players can look forward to genuine Wallaby opportunities via clever Joe. Player wise, am tipping Harry Wilson to have a big season and anyone know where Nick Whites gone ?
As for the Drua - they will be tough at home and will claim some victims in the Fijian heat but Moana Pasifika with no home ground will probably entertain but struggle results wise - why can’t they have home games in the islands? Hardly seems a fair and equitable situation.
Vacancy - 2 AB locks wanted. Must be tall, skilled in the air, hard-working and be fitted with big engines. Genuine reason for advert, the last 2 were absolute legends but wandered off at the same time. Possible candidates : Lord, Vaa’i, Darry, Parkinson, Strange and Holland.
For me, the other key position of interest is who will start at 10 for the ABs? Plenty of DMac fans around with Perofeta a possibility and perhaps Burke, Cameron and Ioane as bolters ………. but again like the vacancy at lock, Super rugby will chuck up somebody !!
Anyway, am off down the Waikato Expressway tomorrow arvo via the Auckland motorway carpark for the 2023 final rematch hoping for a Chiefs victory.
6 Nations.
The Paddys have roared out of the blocks without any world cup hangover unlike the Frogs who look unfocused and nowhere near the purring rugby machine of 2023. The Scots are still very plucky but remain without sufficient winning strike power whilst the Poms and the Leekeaters are both patchy but capable on their day, if it arrives. The Pizza brothers remain the whipping boys but did miss a golden opportunity to take an England scalp.
It’s the Irish’s title to lose plus they are playing the best footie.
Enjoy the rugby weekend - see you next week and as always pass it on !!!!!