The Rugby Thread

[PeteC]

North-South All Blacks match coming up tomorrow.

TEAMS NAMED FOR STEINLAGER NORTH V SOUTH MATCH

https://www.allblacks.com/teams-named-f ... outh-match

[pharvey]

^ Can't find a working stream....

Good match last night saw a second string Exeter narrowly beat a strong Northampton side 22 - 19, proving once again what huge strength in depth Exeter have. I can't see anyone beating them in the Play-off's.

Looking forward to a few decent games today

[PeteC]

The North/South is at halftime with a 3 point difference at present. It's a thing of beauty to watch so far.

It's great to watch 1 All Black team, and this game you get to watch 2!

They're not holding back, actually a bit of a punch up right before the half.

[arcadianagain]

^ Can't find a working stream....

Good match last night saw a second string Exeter narrowly beat a strong Northampton side 22 - 19, proving once again what huge strength in depth Exeter have. I can't see anyone beating them in the Play-off's.

Looking forward to a few decent games today

Swede bashers rule, ok

[pharvey]

The North/South is at halftime with a 3 point difference at present. It's a thing of beauty to watch so far.

It's great to watch 1 All Black team, and this game you get to watch 2!

They're not holding back, actually a bit of a punch up right before the half.

I can imagine it being an absolute cracker of a game - at the end of the day it's a trial match for the AB's, nobody's going to hold back!

Gutted I can't find a stream (not even live scores on Planet Rugby), but sure I'll get to see the highlights.

[PeteC]

I have no idea how they pick an international squad between these 46 guys. They're all good! I hope you can see a replay or long highlights. It's really back and forth rugby with a try about every 4-5 minutes so far! My eyes are rolling!!

[PeteC]

Wait until you see the finish Pharvey, you're not going to believe it. Sam Whitelock is a genius. Beyond that, the passing was such that I've never seen before, it was like a choreographed ballet at times. The ball changing hands 4-5 times within as many seconds.

This is not the All Black team that played in the World Cup by any stretch of the imagination.

[pharvey]

Glad you enjoyed it and I look forward to catching it myself Pete - sure I'll be able to find some YouTube or similar links in the next few days.

[PeteC]

Without a doubt Sam Whitelock should be the captain of the AB's, not Sam Cane. I've watched both extensively in this Covid shortened season and there really is no comparison.

However, the only reason Whitelock is back in NZ is because of some Covid interrupted foreign contract he was in (I think). No idea if that will limit his AB play down the road.

[pharvey]

However, the only reason Whitelock is back in NZ is because of some Covid interrupted foreign contract he was in (I think). No idea if that will limit his AB play down the road.

From memory he was going to do a stint in Japan - topping up the coffers. With Japan's competition cancelled due to the Coronavirus, that was a no-no and he was able to stay with the NZ team (Crusaders?).

I think captaincy-wise, perhaps the AB's are looking more towards youth and the long term.

[PeteC]

Perhaps. Cane wasn't even on the bench today from what I saw. He did have some kind of leg injury during Super Rugby, but it wasn't serious. I don't know why he wasn't there.

Edit; Not leg, concussion per the NZ Herald. They didn't want to risk playing him.

[PeteC]

118766346_10157588813271915_1435500482844312904_o.jpg (233.54 KiB) Viewed 342 times

https://www.allblacks.com/news/all-blac ... ampionship. (Full story)

[PeteC]

There's a new career field available in Rugby, and in Football as well. The position of "Director of Crowd Noise". I've seen some that do a very good job and if you have a brief lapse of focus, you would swear fans were in the seats.

I'd like to see the control boards they have in front of them as it's not easy getting it right and in sync with the action!

[PeteC]

^ Unless the broadcasting companies are doing the sound effects? I've never considered that the chore may be farmed out to them.

[dtaai-maai]

North-South All Blacks match coming up tomorrow.

TEAMS NAMED FOR STEINLAGER NORTH V SOUTH MATCH

https://www.allblacks.com/teams-named-f ... outh-match

A busy sports day today, but I managed to catch the 2nd half. Some great rugby slightly spoilt by some poor refereeing.