7 changes for Ireland against Wales, debut cap for Lowe

Chiefs' secret weapon again on show in regular season sweep of Crusaders

JWH 57 minutes ago

Gotta say that the distribution of the ball took a serious hit when WJ came off. He’s normally the supply line to the wide players and you could feel it when he went off. Sevu Reece was never given any time or space.

All Blacks selectors meet for 'first crack' at 2025 squad

JWH 1 hour ago

When was the last time Sotutu made a dominant tackle?

13 Go to comments

JWH 1 hour ago

Stat chat: Has Hoskins Sotutu answered the All Blacks' questions in 2025?

Compared to Hoskins he makes a much more physical impact on the game. Its all about his mentality. Sititi is huge, idk what you’re talking about tbh.

Lio-Willie brings more physicality, defensively and offensively, than Sotutu has in his whole career. It seems Sotutu has taken to Akira Ioane’s form of “if I’m huge then the AB’s will select me” which is simply not true anymore. Sotutu needs to do work on defense and operate in a lineout. Haven’t really seen a master class in either of those this season, while Christian has been excellent at lineout time as 3rd/4th option and always gets at least 10 tackles, usually bruising ones.

Farrell puts his reputation on the line knowing tougher challenges lie ahead

IkeaBoy 1 hour ago

Yep, they don't have pedigree. Despite what we are force fed, their all-time series win is in the 30% range.

It’s a corporate conn. It's just a second honeymoon for baby boomers to spunk their kids university funds.

Although the 2001 and 2009 series's were brilliant to be fair.

The second test in 2009 was the only game - for me - to match the 2000 Bledisole cup game.

Marcus Smith backed to beat rivals to Lions Test jersey

IkeaBoy 1 hour ago

Halfpenny had a memorable series in 2013 and was similarly diminutive for a fullback. Also a solid place kicker.

But he was among the absolute best man and ball tacklers around. Marcus is nowhere near that.

For all his attacking play, he would be the last line of defence at full back.

Liability.

Marcus Smith backed to beat rivals to Lions Test jersey

IkeaBoy 1 hour ago

Yep. None of them are athletes in the mould of France or the Boks.

5:3 is the only option for me. Although it looks like Australia will essentially have 15 wingers playing.

Marcus Smith backed to beat rivals to Lions Test jersey

IkeaBoy 1 hour ago

Cheeky, salty but accurate.

I only really get the highlights to be fair. With super rugby it's a dozen games a weekend.

I only really have time to watch Connaght get dumped on at home. That's 80 mins well spent.

Marcus Smith backed to beat rivals to Lions Test jersey

IkeaBoy 1 hour ago

Behind a dominant pack on a warm mid-summer esque afternoon, yep. He looks the business.

Flustered and trying to force the game by running everything from his own 22, not so much.

I'm sure every Aussie worth their salt wants him to start the test series. At 10!

They'd eat and shyte him.

Chiefs' secret weapon again on show in regular season sweep of Crusaders

BH 1 hour ago

According to this website, O’Keefe has refereed the Crusaders with 20 wins out of 28 total games in his career for a 71% Crusaders win percentage.

https://www.rugbydatabase.co.nz/referee/team-games.php?teamId=7&refereeId=13

Chiefs make championship statement in Christchurch heavyweight bout

JD Kiwi 1 hour ago

You must have missed his try assist kick a couple of weeks ago

Chiefs' secret weapon again on show in regular season sweep of Crusaders

YeowNotEven 1 hour ago

Me too. If Ben is the factor the crusaders as an organisation should be ashamed for taking this long to adjust.

All Blacks selectors meet for 'first crack' at 2025 squad

YeowNotEven 1 hour ago

Hey how about it’s an internet comment section and we can all say what we want and if any of these strangers are upset about it they can go have a cry.

Works fantastic.

13 Go to comments

GP 1 hour ago

Crusaders v Chiefs takes: Sititi back with a bang, Chiefs justify favourites tag

Great comment. After all they were world beaters the week before against the Hurricanes. This comp has been like that all the way through.

Crusaders v Chiefs takes: Sititi back with a bang, Chiefs justify favourites tag

GP 1 hour ago

Ethan Blackadder is not a”plodder” at test level. He played outstandingly against South Africa last year. Ask any one , who has played with , against or trained with him if he is a “plodder” ? Answer would be no.

Leo Cullen 'completely, 100 per cent' understands Leinster fan frustration

IkeaBoy 1 hour ago

Bang on.

Conan looks to the sidelines at 79 mins to see what to do. Sticks or tap it?! Advice welcome.

A 3 PT game about to hit 80 mins with a routine penalty on offer. Any decent coach at the start of the season would explain that in those situations TAKE YOUR KICK.

Non-negotiable. It shouldn't even be a decision to make. Remove the decision making from the process.

It's at the stage where these ‘learning opportunities’ are now becoming mental scars for talented players.

I actually feel bad for big Jordie. He's been treated like dirt.

5 Go to comments

Mainlander 2 hours ago

Chiefs' secret weapon again on show in regular season sweep of Crusaders

I would like someone to publish how many games the Crusaders have won and lost when Ben OKeeffe has been referee in the last 4 years

Crusaders v Chiefs takes: Sititi back with a bang, Chiefs justify favourites tag

GP 2 hours ago

Todd Blackadder should have played way more tests for the All Blacks. He was dropped by media favourite John Hart in 1998 , the AB’s went on to lose 5 tests in a row. People seem to think great AB’s have to be flashy. The great Colin Meads was never that. He publicly backed Todd Blackadder. Todd Blackadder captained great Crusaders and Canterbury teams and was tough as teak. His son Ethan Blackadder is someone like his father , you would rather go to war with than against. You stick to your Mark Carters, Akira Ioane’s and who ever else you support/or supported.