Rugbology August 4 2023

Quick taps .......... can't think of any except the Argies looking more and more like RWC bolters - look out England !!

NPC !!!

Today, in rugby terms, is my favourite as the NPC starts tonight. One of my firmly held beliefs is that the real foundation strength of NZ rugby is this provincial competition. Its talent production conveyor belt, the traditional local rivalries, some North v South feeling and chuck in the Ranfurly Shield just to add a bit more spice.

The merging of super rugby players and local rookies stepping up is a masterstroke. I mean have a butchers at the lineups for the 2 games this evening, Tasman is littered with the likes of Levi Aumua, David Havili, Nankivell, Hotham, Renton, Segner, Parkinson and Strange who all get a chance to get together to play for their home province. Otago has a few including Waisake Naholo, Perofeta and Riccatelli are turning out for Taranaki and Hoskins Sotutu for Counties. Bloody marvellous.

Yes, the crowds may be small but they are vocal, local and dedicated. I have noted more provincial unions are moving the odd home game to smaller grounds rather than switch the lights on at their main stadium. A good idea although can’t see Otago being allowed to move as everyone wants to play indoors! Mind you BOP and the Mako both have 2 provincial cities to service and I have it on very good authority that the good rugby folk of Blenheim and Nelson do not cross-over !

I always look forward to a run down the southern motorway to Pukekohe for a couple of Counties home games. A nice step back in time via a cosy wee ground with real banks, a single stand that juts out like a large open sided hay shed. Can be a bit chilly but a couple of hotdogs, a couple cans of pre-mixed rum or bourbon and coke and ya good to go !!

All Blacks.

A little about the first Bledisloe last weekend - it unfolded as expected with the Wallys having some good periods but unable to post points due to unfamiliar combinations and very staunch AB defence. Meanwhile the ABs were fairly clinical with their chances, flicked the switch seamlessly at about the 60 minute mark and simply roared away.

Bledisloe 2 comes to Dunedin this Saturday, both teams have made lineup changes especially Fozzie as he takes the chance to give the extended squad a run. 12 changes to the run on side and we get to see what 2 of the mighty Chiefs 2023 stars, Stevenson and Finau can do. Jordan gets a go at fullback but to be fair he roams around the back generally anyway, Ennor and ALB get a run as does DMac at 10 and Finlay at 9. I would’ve expected Brodie to get a rest and Josh Lord get another go too.

Does it matter how this works out tomorrow ? Always want to win but it will be fascinating to see who steps up - the vibe of a partial AB trial where sometimes players play themselves out and a bit of a bolter emerges although in todays carefully created squad world this is unlikely.

Eddie will be plotting hard to end a 4 match losing streak and has picked a better balanced side but they will need to be more clinical on attack and post points. I’d also suggest to Eddie he keeps his trap shut and focuses on coaching because he’s not getting the results and is sounding like a bit of a dick. He will be praying for a surprise victory but traditionally extended squad ABs coupled with a few very talented rookies tend to stand up. Am looking forward to the clash with its very rare old fashioned 2:30 kick off.

RWC Squad announced Monday.

Its a fair bet that all of the players involved in the 2 Bled games will make the RWC squad. The exception to this may be McLeod, one of the wingers (Clarke?) and unless he has a blinder probably Stevenson and time’s run out for Havili. Assuming Fuzzy takes 14 backs, they’re probably;

Smith, Christie, Roigard, Mo’unga, DMac, Jordie, ALB, Ennor, Reiko, Jordan, Leicester, Narawa, Telea, Beaudy.

Whilst a fairly rookie look to the wingers, its one position where ability counts for more than test experience in my view.

As for the pack, that leaves 19 spots, so having a go;

Colesy, Samisoni, Codie T, de Groot, Lomax, Laulala, Ofa T, Newell, Brodie, Sammy W, S Barrett, Vaai, Lord, Cane, Ardie, Frizz, Luke J, Finau & Dalton P.

I’m assuming time has also run out for Moody, Patrick Tuipolotu and big Tamaiti Williams can look forward to 2024 and beyond.

A nod to Tane Norton who passed away yesterday after a long rugby career both on and off the paddock. A late bloomer who finally cracked the ABs in the 1971 Lions series and I can recall wondering who the hell he was at the time as it was assumed the well regarded Ron Urlich was expected to take over from the retiring Bruce Mcleod after the 1970 Boks tour. However, Tane went on to retain the hooking spot culminating in captaining the ABs against the 1977 Lions before retiring at 35. Tane then went on to a distinguished rugby committee run topped off with the NZRU Presidency. RIP a fine rugby man.

Thats it …………. remember to pass it on to your mates.