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Super Rugby Pacific

Ex-All Black returns from France to break record after 12-year hiatus

John Afoa of the Crusaders looks on during the round 14 Super Rugby Pacific match between Crusaders and NSW Waratahs at Orangetheory Stadium, on May 27, 2023, in Christchurch, New Zealand. (Photo by Joe Allison/Getty Images)

Former All Black prop John Afoa broke Super Rugby records after returning to New Zealand and turning out for the Crusaders in the 42-17 against the Waratahs.

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The 38 Test veteran hadn’t played Super Rugby for 4,347 days since his last stint in 2011 with the Blues.

He officially set a new record as Super Rugby Pacific’s oldest player, 39 years and 233 days, by starting at tighthead prop for the Crusaders.

The former Blues prop debuted in 2004 before becoming a centurion with the club. After leaving New Zealand following the 2011 Rugby World Cup, Afoa has played over 250 first class games in Europe.

He just finished his season in the D2 in France with Vannes, returning to New Zealand from France two days ago.

The 39-year-old prop answered an SOS call after injuries to the Crusaders’ front row stocks depleted their squad.

Afoa managed 48 minutes in his first outing with the Crusaders, logging nine tackles and one carry.

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All Blacks George Bower, Fletcher Newell, Joe Moody and youngster Finlay Brewis are all sidelined with injuries leading to the SOS call.

Potential All Black bolter Tamaiti Williams has taken on a heavier load as a consequence which left the Crusaders searching for an answer.

 

 

 

 

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Comments on RugbyPass

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NB 5 minutes ago
Why the ‘State of Origin’ will have a big say in Schmidt’s Wallabies selection

🤣 VG Ardy👋

74 Go to comments
N
NB 7 minutes ago
Why the ‘State of Origin’ will have a big say in Schmidt’s Wallabies selection

Does that apply to the Boks and France too John??

74 Go to comments
N
NB 8 minutes ago
Why the ‘State of Origin’ will have a big say in Schmidt’s Wallabies selection

They are obv still not happy with Amatosero’s progress are they? It’s 10 cms and 15 kilos diff between him and Sinclair.


Also would like to see more of Angelo Smith who was pretty impressive in a Rebs jersey.

74 Go to comments
N
NB 10 minutes ago
Why the ‘State of Origin’ will have a big say in Schmidt’s Wallabies selection

Still good to see the Landers competitive v all comers though eh?

74 Go to comments
N
NB 11 minutes ago
Why the ‘State of Origin’ will have a big say in Schmidt’s Wallabies selection

I xan’t see DMK putting up with that sorta attitude too long!😉

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NB 12 minutes ago
Why the ‘State of Origin’ will have a big say in Schmidt’s Wallabies selection

Yes it was a good comeback from their loss to the Saders. But it was still a good contest throughout and Aussie has been missing those in recent times.

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NB 14 minutes ago
Why the ‘State of Origin’ will have a big say in Schmidt’s Wallabies selection

Put on some bulk this season by the look.

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Amelia Jonathan 3 hours ago
Don't get out over your skis on the Highlanders

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SC 3 hours ago
Super Rugby Pacific has turned the ship around in the right direction

I’d take the Sharks, Stormers, Bulls, and Lions back in a second. Super Rugby Pacific is improving and the conference system sucked ass and never should have been implemented but if you think the quality of rugby is better without the South African franchises, you are kidding yourself.


And there is nothing authentic about Moana Pacifika, it is a sixth NZ franchise. Almost all of the players are NZ citizens, born and raised in NZ, were developed by NZ secondary schools and play in the NPC. The players just happen to be of Pacific heritage (just as there are a very large number of Pacific heritage players on the original five NZ franchises). Moana Pacifika is a marketing ploy for Auckland’s second SRP franchise.


Fiji Drua are legitimately a Pacific island team. Most players are born in Fiji, the players live and train in Fiji, and they play their home matches in Fiji.

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BA 3 hours ago
Crusaders vs Force takes: Let's talk about Sevu Reece, forgotten All Black returns

Maybe not def not as fast as Caleb …Clarke is far far faster when striding out as fast as anything going around give or take ..Sevu fantastic player tho

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GP 4 hours ago
Kiwis dominate the performers of the week for Super Rugby Pacific round five

Good choices by the writer. Obviously very pleased for Macca Springer. First outing for the Crusaders this season, 5 tries.Has to hold his slot. James O; Connor with his goalkicking comes in to consideration to start. Kirifi must be an AB.

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JW 5 hours ago
Crusaders vs Force takes: Let's talk about Sevu Reece, forgotten All Black returns

NZ rugby needs to allow the All blacks coaching staff to select whoever they like, that will only strengthen the Allblacks and perhaps disincentive the clubs from signing up NZ rugby players, not that it will matter.

Yeah it would be interesting what sort of difference that would make. Don’t forget that International teams are also allowed/required to have players avaliable for their second sides. So even if he was eligible for the ABs, they could have an ‘offshore’ seconds side they use which would have the same effect you suggest above, while also providing a better idea of where those players are at, if NZ whished them return or be selectable.


I don’t think SA have done that to any great or useful extent. It is mainly local players that went overseas that they have just continued to select.

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YeowNotEven 5 hours ago
Mixed Wales update on availability of Josh Adams, Gareth Anscombe

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JWH 5 hours ago
Crusaders vs Force takes: Let's talk about Sevu Reece, forgotten All Black returns

Was agreeing with you until you mentioned WJ on the wing and BB at 15. Just blatantly wrong. This isn’t 2022. Move on.

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JWH 5 hours ago
Crusaders vs Force takes: Let's talk about Sevu Reece, forgotten All Black returns

Ragebait, Sevu still scoring running try’s. He’s probably quicker than Telea as well atp, maybe Clarke too. He is a track runner after all

11 Go to comments
J
JW 5 hours ago
Crusaders vs Force takes: Let's talk about Sevu Reece, forgotten All Black returns

I think Reece has bulked up too much and now doesn’t have the pace to perform to his previously high standards. He’s making himself less of a winger but I’m not really sure he’s filling another role succinctly either. I think criticism at the AB level has seen him try to redevelop his game, I’m really not sure he can be continued to be used at the highest level. Definitely becoming the wing version Richie Mo’unga is possible (if not already attained) at Super Rugby level however. I loved watching him play when he first broke through.

The Force are undeniably much improved this season, but it’s going to take some reps to prove to themselves that they really can hang with the big dogs.

Yeah they’re still well off in the quality personal front.

It was the 21-year-old’s first appearance of the season, and he certainly made the most of it, with 13 carries accounting for 50 running metres – each of them passing by in a blur as Springer made his may to the try line time and time again.

Will Jordan was playmaking superbly to assist the youngster’s points tally, but it was all individual brilliance in the 53rd minute when Springer tiptoed down the sideline before collecting his own chip kick and outpacing the final two defenders to score under the posts.

After pre-season I said that I wanted Springer to cement the starting jersey, and that (well I’ve not no idea exactly which sides they play) another new wing recruit, Kunawave, would replace Reece as the Fijian Flyer in the team by season end. Reece might be making that tough, but unfortunately it looks like there wasn’t a full squad spot for the young fella and he has since made his AB7s debut instead. Watch this space though as he and Saifoloi look to have the X factor👍


That Jordan pass to Springer aside it was otherwise a very lackluster game for him as he looks to be struggling with processing his option taking in this new style he’s trying. Still have to think a man of that talent and ingenuity is going to make it click sooner or later though!

t’s a congested position, and after Ennor shot down talk of him being swept up by a Top 14 outfit this week, it looks as if the Crusaders have some selection headaches to solve in the coming weeks.

That’s great news. I can’t remember if it was because he actually made his return in pre-season or not but for some reason I was liking how Ennor looked like he might be providing the right options for Saders and even ABs when back. Very pleased to see him fit straight in though there was plenty of space on offer but he almost looked as if he was more dangerous with no space. Could be the long looked for option at 13?

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JWH 5 hours ago
Super Rugby Pacific has turned the ship around in the right direction

What are you talking about? Why change it? Why a 5v5 comp? Everything you’re saying doesn’t make sense. The comp is finally performing well and you want to chop and axe teams because … what?

5 Go to comments
LONG READ
LONG READ 'Wales v England has a special resonance and can make a mockery of what has gone before’ 'Wales v England has a special resonance and can make a mockery of what has gone before’
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