A 17-year-old South African teenage sensation has been snapped up by Edinburgh

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GS 12 minutes ago

James O'Connor, the Lions and the great club v country conundrum

I said the Southern Hemisphere, so you need to include Hansen. That is four from seven who played the ABs in the QF. None developed in Ireland and all captured via residency/grandparent rule.

And let’s face it—Ireland’s “Project” Player plan was so on the nose that WR moved from a 3- to 5-year residency just to address what Ireland was doing.

Whilst you highlight how the players improved because of the coaching they received in Ireland, I think that, to a large part, you can ask how they would have developed in NZ if they had remained?

Aki was on the AB radar and JGP and Lowe were Super Level and Maori ABs, I think all of those players if they had remained in NZ, would have pushed for National Honours, but it’s one of those woulda, coulda moments.

However, they are an example of what has and is occurring in NZ.

And that is Mid-tier players can’t afford to wait around and hope they develop into ABs. They give it a go for a number of years, but there comes a time when they need to bank some money to build some financial security.

A prime example is Folau Fakatava. If he can’t crack the ABs (think his contract ends this year), I would expect him to head offshore, and then, like JGP, as he ages and gains further experience, I would bet that he turns into the WC player he has the potential to be.

Market forces etc - not great for NZ or Oz, but a simple reality of life.

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BM 28 minutes ago

Aussie Super Rugby takes: Worrying trend, why Wilson is a cut above

Interesting piece John.

For me I think 10 goes to Tom Lynagh and then toss up between BD & NL . No 8 is slightly more difficult. I think 2 of the players mentioned need to be either in the starting line up & the other 2 on the bench. Plus we still have Tom Hooper.

One thing I have noticed is that Fraser McR hasn’t been as dominant since his injury will Harry W bounce back with limited game time.

If you look back at the England series here in 2022 English forwards seem to bully the WBs both in the forwards and inside backs (9&10) and the pressure told. Throw in a few mad Irishmen & Scots it will only go up a gear. Our tight 5 and outside backs will withstand the pressure as they have matured its our back 3 (Bobby V can’t do it on his own) and 9 & 10. Jake Gordon at 9 is tough enough but Nick White will get distracted by the BS from the BIL forwards not sure about Tate

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NB 38 minutes ago

James O'Connor, the Lions and the great club v country conundrum

Interesting that both he and Quade arguably produced their best rugby in the second half of their careers despite being rugby child prodigies!

Both found a way to enjoy their rugby careers in ways other than just via pure God-given talent!

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NB 40 minutes ago

James O'Connor, the Lions and the great club v country conundrum

Now that would be interesting.

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NB 41 minutes ago

James O'Connor, the Lions and the great club v country conundrum

I mean, Ireland had more South Hemisphere players in the backline than Irish-born players.

Steady on! They had Bundee, JGP and Lowey, all of whom improved extensively while in Ireland - and partly because of the coaching they received in Ireland. And Robbie Henshaw has been pretty much interchangeable with Aki in the course of their careers.

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Connor Nicolas 41 minutes ago

What Newcastle 'can’t legislate for' as they face fellow basement dwellers

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Connor Nicolas 41 minutes ago

What Newcastle 'can’t legislate for' as they face fellow basement dwellers

Several weeks ago, my life was irrevocably altered by a crypto romance scam a cruel amalgamation of emotional manipulation and financial exploitation. A person I believed to be my partner, whom I had met on a niche trading forum, gradually ensnared me into investing in a purportedly “groundbreaking” decentralized finance (DeFi) project. Over several months, they meticulously cultivated trust, shared fabricated returns, and even orchestrated video calls with supposed “developers” to lend credence to the scheme. By the time I discerned the truth, a staggering $215,000 of my life savings had evaporated into a labyrinth of blockchain addresses, and the individual I thought I knew had vanished without a trace. The betrayal was paralyzing; I felt not only financially devastated but emotionally shattered.As a small business owner, I am no stranger to risk, but this was a domain far beyond my comprehension. I promptly filed reports with the FTC, collaborated with cybersecurity experts, and spent countless sleepless nights poring over Etherscan, desperately attempting to trace the transactions. However, the scammers’ adept use of privacy coins and offshore exchanges rendered the trail elusive, dissipating like smoke. Each dead end deepened my despair and sense of helplessness.In the midst of this turmoil, I confided in a family friend about my harrowing ordeal. After hearing my story, he referred me to GRAYWARE TECH SERVICES . Initially skeptical but driven by desperation, I visited their website and was struck by their no-nonsense commitment to transparency. Unlike other firms that promised miraculous recoveries, GRAYWARE TECH SERVICES provided a clear,breakdown of their process: forensics, collaboration with international legal networks, and direct engagement with exchanges to freeze illicit funds.From the moment I reached out to GRAYWARE TECH SERVICES , their team approached my case faster . They meticulously analyzed my situation, keeping me informed at every stage of the recovery process. Ultimately, they succeeded in recovering my entire investment, restoring my financial stability and also rekindling my faith in the possibility of justice in the digital age. This experience has imparted invaluable lessons about vigilance and the importance of seeking help when navigating the dangerous currents of cryptocurrency. GRAYWARE TECH SERVICES has proven to be a beacon of hope for those ensnared in the web of crypto fraud, demonstrating that recovery is indeed possible with the right support and expertise.You can reach them on whatsapp +18582759508, web at ( https://graywaretechservices.com/ ) also on Mail: (contact@graywaretechservices.com)

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NB 44 minutes ago

James O'Connor, the Lions and the great club v country conundrum

The endgame in the Top 14 is prob to achieve a situation where club footy contracts all the best players and some kind of ‘Champions League’ supersedes the RWC as the most lucrative money-spinner. It’s not model which fits the needs of most rugby nations.

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NB 45 minutes ago

James O'Connor, the Lions and the great club v country conundrum

As I understand it both Ireland and Scotland have stopped looking for project players since the residency rule was increased from 3 to 5 years.

France have sidestepped that by hunting for teenagers who will become eligible with the bulk of their careers still ahead of them. And I don’t think RA is in a financial position to offer them a deal - it’s relying on the Lions an two WCs to dig itself out of big financial hole over the next few years.

I agree that players have to look after themselves and their families first. It’s short career and it doesn’t prepare you for anything that follows in life, unless it’s coaching or punditry!

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Connor Nicolas 50 minutes ago

Waratahs turn to 'tough bugger' for captaincy with more history on the line

Several weeks ago, my life was irrevocably altered by a crypto romance scam a cruel amalgamation of emotional manipulation and financial exploitation. A person I believed to be my partner, whom I had met on a niche trading forum, gradually ensnared me into investing in a purportedly “groundbreaking” decentralized finance (DeFi) project. Over several months, they meticulously cultivated trust, shared fabricated returns, and even orchestrated video calls with supposed “developers” to lend credence to the scheme. By the time I discerned the truth, a staggering $215,000 of my life savings had evaporated into a labyrinth of blockchain addresses, and the individual I thought I knew had vanished without a trace. The betrayal was paralyzing; I felt not only financially devastated but emotionally shattered.As a small business owner, I am no stranger to risk, but this was a domain far beyond my comprehension. I promptly filed reports with the FTC, collaborated with cybersecurity experts, and spent countless sleepless nights poring over Etherscan, desperately attempting to trace the transactions. However, the scammers’ adept use of privacy coins and offshore exchanges rendered the trail elusive, dissipating like smoke. Each dead end deepened my despair and sense of helplessness.In the midst of this turmoil, I confided in a family friend about my harrowing ordeal. After hearing my story, he referred me to GRAYWARE TECH SERVICES . Initially skeptical but driven by desperation, I visited their website and was struck by their no-nonsense commitment to transparency. Unlike other firms that promised miraculous recoveries, GRAYWARE TECH SERVICES provided a clear,breakdown of their process: forensics, collaboration with international legal networks, and direct engagement with exchanges to freeze illicit funds.From the moment I reached out to GRAYWARE TECH SERVICES , their team approached my case faster . They meticulously analyzed my situation, keeping me informed at every stage of the recovery process. Ultimately, they succeeded in recovering my entire investment, restoring my financial stability and also rekindling my faith in the possibility of justice in the digital age. This experience has imparted invaluable lessons about vigilance and the importance of seeking help when navigating the dangerous currents of cryptocurrency. GRAYWARE TECH SERVICES has proven to be a beacon of hope for those ensnared in the web of crypto fraud, demonstrating that recovery is indeed possible with the right support and expertise.You can reach them on whatsapp +18582759508, web at ( https://graywaretechservices.com/ ) also on Mail: (contact@graywaretechservices.com)

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NB 51 minutes ago

James O'Connor, the Lions and the great club v country conundrum

Good question - do the players agents really look out for their best interests, or just go hunting the best deal?

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NB 51 minutes ago

James O'Connor, the Lions and the great club v country conundrum

Yep it’s called ‘warehousing’ Ardy. You buy and put em in a warehouse with one cap [at international level], so they cannot be used, or developed against you if they don’t work out.

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NB 53 minutes ago

James O'Connor, the Lions and the great club v country conundrum

The Waratahs lock Amatasero is a prime example, although he doesn’t look like international quality yet.

This is an interesting point CM. MA came back from Clermont with big wraps but it hasn’t materialized as yet.

He has size and French clubs love that, but he’s still very very raw and he’s 22 now.

If clubs from NZ and Aussie do start striking such deals, I think they need to be careful about where their players are seeded. Even Exeter are in big trouble atm, they lost by almost 80 points to Gloucester at the weekend.

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NB 56 minutes ago

James O'Connor, the Lions and the great club v country conundrum

Is that you Geoff?

JOC looks very comfortable in what he’s doing over in Christchurch GP. He has a role and he’s accepted it and made the most of it. Not all players are mature enough to do that.

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NB 58 minutes ago

How 'misunderstood' Rassie Erasmus is rolling back the clock

Absolutely not. You’ve chosen to run with Doyle’s comments but I cannot find any support for what he says. Believe me I’ve asked.

In the absence of proof positive you need to go with the law as it is - open to interpretation by coaches, and generally good for the game’s development.

You should ask yourself why you think 5-3 is so sacrosanct, and players have to be labelled simply because you wish it so?

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Dorita Scala 1 hour ago

Conor Murray: French giants weigh up shock move for Ireland star

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Dorita Scala 1 hour ago