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Former All Black Lauaki dies aged 35

Former All Black Sione Lauaki

Tributes flowed for Sione Lauaki after the former New Zealand forward died at the age of 35.

Lauaki won 17 caps for the All Blacks between 2005 and 2008, while he also played for Chiefs and with Bayonne and Clermont in France.

In a statement, Chiefs paid tribute to Lauaki, sending their well wishes to his family and friends.

“We are shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Sione Lauaki this morning,” the Super Rugby team said on Sunday.

“The formidable forward first debuted for the Chiefs in 2004, playing 70 games for us before departing New Zealand in 2010.

“In addition to his on-field heroics, Sione was a much loved and respected team-mate.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Sione’s family and friends … we have lost a brother.

“Rest in peace Sione, always a Chief.”

The All Blacks and Rugby World Cup winner Sonny Bill Williams were among others to pay tribute to Lauaki.

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Nickers 27 minutes ago
Scott Robertson responds to criticism over All Blacks' handling errors

I thought we made a lot of progress against that type of defence by the WC last year. Lots of direct running and punching holes rather than using width. Against that type of defence I think you have to be looking to kick on first phase when you have front foot ball which we did relatively successfully. We are playing a lot of rugby behind the gain line at the moment. They are looking for those little interchanges for soft shoulders and fast ball or off loads but it regularly turns into them battering away with slow ball and going backwards, then putting in a very rushed kick under huge pressure.


JB brought that dimension when he first moved into 12 a couple of years ago but he's definitely not been at his best this year. I don't know if it is because he is being asked to play a narrow role, or carrying a niggle or two, but he does not look confident to me. He had that clean break on the weekend and stood there like he was a prop who found himself in open space and didn't know what to do with the ball. He is still a good first phase ball carrier though, they use him a lot off the line out to set up fast clean ball, but I don't think anyone is particularly clear on what they are supposed to do at that point. He was used really successfully as a second playmaker last year but I don't think he's been at that role once this year. He is a triple threat player but playing a very 1 dimensional role at the moment. He and Reiko have been absolutely rock solid on defence which is why I don't think there will be too much experimentation or changes there.

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